Celebrating Five Years of Operational Excellence: Jenn Cassidy’s Journey at Cardinal Group
At Cardinal, our culture embodies many different elements: it’s about improving as a team while having fun growing together both personally and professionally. Our team members are the heart and soul of our culture! We are so grateful for the efforts our team members put in daily to go the extra mile to help change the industry and challenge the status quo.
Today we’re celebrating Jenn Cassidy and her dedicated years of service to the growth of our team over the last five years.
Learn more about Jenn’s journey below!
What is your role?
President of Property Operations & Experience
Describe your Cardinal Journey:
My career in student housing began during my college years as a Leasing Intern. I was fortunate enough to gain hands-on experience by holding nearly every on-site operational role (outside of maintenance) during those foundational years.
My journey continued with 15 years at another student housing company. I started there as a Community Manager and eventually rose to the position of Chief Operating Officer. Every step, from the site level up to the executive suite, provided the perspective and expertise that ultimately led me to where I am today. A firm believer that every step in your journey leads you to where you are meant to be, my path led me to Cardinal in 2020. I was intrigued by the company’s approach to the industry and personally ready for a new challenge. I could never have imagined the experiences, growth, and relationships I would gain over the next five years. In my current role at Cardinal, I am responsible for ensuring the operations of the business support the best experience for our team members, residents, and clients.
Who has been influential in your life, and how have they helped guide you?
I consider myself infinitely blessed to have so many supportive people in my life, both personally and professionally.
My parents instilled a foundational belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to, provided I was willing to work hard and give my best effort. They not only provided that conviction but also demonstrated what true dedication and hard work look like, teaching me early on that nothing in life comes easy. My husband has been an incredible support system throughout my entire career. In the 20 years we’ve been together, he has supported me through tough decisions, countless travel weeks, and major milestones. He always helps me stay grounded, reminding me that not every challenge is worthy of the same amount of attention or worry, which has been vital to my ability to grow without burning out. I wouldn’t have achieved the success I have without his partnership.
Professionally, I draw daily inspiration from the on-site teams that run our communities. I am constantly amazed by their dedication, innovative ideas, and passion for going the extra mile for our residents. They are the true core of our business. On my most challenging days, their work serves as my constant reminder that my role exists entirely to serve and support them, ensuring they have what they need to excel.
What do you find most exciting about your job? Most challenging?
What I find most exciting is also what I find most challenging; we are constantly changing! Our industry is rapidly evolving, and it’s exciting to see how innovation and technology allow us to serve our residents better than ever, enhancing their experience in what is one of their most basic needs: a home. That said, change is hard, and it requires meticulous change management. With a diverse team across various sites and communication methods, the challenge lies in ensuring that new strategies and technologies are delivered with clarity and consistency. It’s my primary focus to ensure our teams feel seen and supported through every transition, because I know their engagement is key to our success.
If you could invite any historical figure to dinner, who would it be and why?
Abraham Lincoln. I loved American History in high school and Lincoln was the president who inspired and intrigued me the most. He balanced integrity and empathy in his leadership even while under immense pressure, particularly during the Civil War and the passage of the 13th Amendment. He seemed to value the perspective of those around him and remained committed to his morals even when the decisions he was making were bold and had high stakes. I would love to ask him how he stayed grounded as a leader through challenging times.
If you could master a new skill outside of work, what would it be?
Yoga. I think it is a great balance of mental and physical discipline and helps you to maintain balance and self-awareness. I typically do a lot of strength and high-intensity cardio and would love to spend more time practicing yoga and leaning into presence and patience.
What’s a memorable project or initiative you’ve been part of at Cardinal?
The College Student Mental Wellness Advocacy Coalition is the project I’m most proud of participating in while at Cardinal. Our industry exists to serve people at critical times in their lives. Being able to be part of something dedicated to supporting positive mental health and taking action to remove the stigma is very fulfilling, especially knowing that my kids will be our residents in the not-so-distant future!
What is a favorite travel experience, and what is another trip you would like to take one day?
My favorite travel experience was going to Washington, DC with my husband, kids, and parents over Spring Break in 2022. My father got sick not long after that trip and passed away last year. I am so thankful for the memories we created and the opportunity to take him to the Naval Museum in Annapolis, MD, as he spent his career in the Navy. Of all the travel experiences I’ve been blessed to have, that one holds a special place in my heart and is a reminder for us all to TAKE THE TRIP! You never know when you won’t be able to.
Hawaii is the trip I would most like to take. It is one of the 10 states I’ve yet to visit and one that has been on my list for a very long time.
