Norrhpark Mall owners add former Target official to board of directors

(From CBL & Associates)

CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. (NYSE: CBL) today announced the appointment of John Griffith to its Board of Directors. Mr. Griffith fills the unexpired term of Tom DeRosa, resulting from his retirement from CBL’s Board of Directors effective January 7, 2015. Mr. DeRosa has served as a valued member of the CBL Board since May 2010.

Mr. Griffith served as executive vice president of property development for Target Corporation until his retirement in May 2014. He joined Target in 1999, and played an instrumental role in its expansion and the development of new store prototypes and formats. From 1996 to 1999, Mr. Griffith served as vice president for Ryan Companies US, a commercial real estate firm, providing design-build construction, real estate development, and real estate management services. Prior to 1996, he was a director of development for Opus Corporation and a partner in Trammell Crow Company.

“CBL has always enjoyed a strong seasoned Board comprised of established experts in finance, real estate, lending, law and other relevant disciplines and we are pleased to further enhance our Board with the addition of such a well-respected professional as John,” said Charles B. Lebovitz, chairman of CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. “John brings a deep industry knowledge and breadth of experience that will complement the Board and add tremendous value.”

Lebovitz added, “The Board and management of CBL would also like to express our appreciation to Tom DeRosa for his service and many contributions to the Company.”

Mr. Griffith serves on the board of trustees and executive committee for Minneapolis Downtown Council as well as a member of the Minnesota Sports Facility Authority. He is also an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, serving two terms as a Trustee.

Mr. Griffith received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business, Economics and Bible from Bethel University, and also previously served on their Board of Trustees and Executive Committee. He received a Master of Business Administration degree in Leadership from University of Minnesota.

(CBL owns Northpark Mall in Joplin.)