Sun Communities Announces CFO Transition: Mark E. Patten Takes the Helm

Mark E. Patten arrives at Sun Communities with over 35 years of extensive experience in the real estate and finance sectors. Prior to joining Sun, Patten served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer at Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: EPRT). His impressive resume includes high-level positions such as CFO at CTO Realty Growth, Inc. (NYSE: CTO) and Alpine Income Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE: PINE), as well as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer at CNL Hotels & Resorts, Inc. Notably, he was also a partner at KPMG, a leading global audit, tax, and advisory services firm, which further solidifies his financial acumen.

Patten holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Florida, equipping him with a robust educational foundation to navigate the complexities of the REIT landscape.

Charles Young, CEO of Sun Communities, expressed enthusiasm about Patten’s appointment, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Mark to our leadership team. His REIT experience, financial and capital markets expertise, and proven track record make him an excellent addition as we advance our strategic and financial priorities and focus on driving sustainable growth.” Young's remarks reflect the company's commitment to enhancing its leadership team as it positions itself for future opportunities.

Fernando Castro-Caratini, the outgoing CFO, acknowledged the pivotal role he played in shaping Sun Communities over nearly a decade. “It has been a privilege to work alongside this tremendous team as Chief Financial Officer of Sun Communities. After almost a decade at the company and having made significant progress on our strategy and balance sheet, this feels like the appropriate time to step aside,” he noted. Castro-Caratini's contributions have been vital in establishing a solid foundation for the company’s ongoing success.

As Sun Communities prepares for this transition, the focus remains on driving value creation while supporting its team members, shareholders, and partners. Patten expressed his excitement about joining the company, stating, “I am excited to join Sun Communities and be a part of the future of this unique and irreplaceable platform. I look forward to working closely with Charles and the management team.”

This leadership change comes at a crucial time for Sun Communities, which, as of September 30, 2025, owned or operated a portfolio of 501 developed properties across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, encompassing approximately 174,680 developed sites. The company’s strategic direction and financial health will likely be closely monitored by investors and analysts alike as Patten steps into his new role.

The appointment of Mark E. Patten as CFO of Sun Communities signifies a proactive move towards ensuring the company’s long-term success and sustainability in the competitive REIT market. With a seasoned financial expert at the helm, Sun Communities is poised to navigate future challenges while capitalizing on growth opportunities, solidifying its position as a leader in the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle community sectors.