President of JQH subsidiary Plaza Realty exits after 24 years

The 24-year president of John Q. Hammons Industries Inc. subsidiary Plaza Realty & Management Services LLC is leaving the company today.

Mark Harrell, 58, said he voluntarily resigned to semiretire. He has immediate plans to spend time on his personal and family life, and expects to re-enter the workforce in the future.

“I was ready for a change in my life and career,” he said. “It’s been a great working relationship with Hammons and the Hammons organization — tremendous company, tremendous people.”

Harrell leases and oversees one of the largest office buildings in the city, Hammons Tower, as well as the nearby John Q. Hammons Building and the U.S. Federal Courthouse. The company’s portfolio spans some 800,000 square feet.

He’s succeeded by Kelsi Hall, Plaza Realty’s property manager since 2015. Harrell said he has worked to groom her for the role.

“We publicly thank Mark for his valued leadership over many years and recognize his instrumental contribution in building a leading real estate brokerage company,” JQH CEO Jacquie Dowdy said in a news release. “We also appreciate his collaboration with a smooth transition while he pursues his personal interests.”

Hall came to Plaza Realty from Buffalo-based Kenney-Hall Construction Co., where she oversaw construction projects and sustainability plans. She’s also a past dean of academic affairs at ITT Technical Institute’s now shuttered Springfield campus.

“Kelsi’s in-depth knowledge of our expansive portfolio, her hands-on technical background and her keen ability to guide teams make her an ideal fit for this key leadership role,” Dowdy said in the release.

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