Aubrey Hartranft, Property Manager with Cousins Properties in Atlanta, Georgia, has been selected by CRE Insight Journal as one of the 10 to Watch in commercial real estate. The CRE Insight Journal 10 to Watch program recognizes the commercial real estate industry’s top early career professionals and showcases how emerging professionals are shaping the real estate industry through a variety of career pathways. 

At Cousins Properties, Aubrey has demonstrated exceptional initiative and passion. She entered the industry in 2016 without prior commercial real estate experience, starting as a Customer Service Coordinator and quickly mastered implementing company policies, transitioning operations, and building relationships across three Class A properties in Cousins Properties’ portfolio. Within her first six months, she helped onboard new employees, ensuring a smooth transition that positively impacted both operations and customers. In 2024, she was promoted to Property Manager of Sovereign, a 484,000 square feet, Class A, mixed-use property in the Buckhead submarket of Atlanta. Aubrey cites this new assignment as the highlight of her career and feels that her greatest contribution is her passion and dedication to her company and team.  

Reflecting on her work, Aubrey said, “My passion and dedication allow me to contribute meaningfully each day, whether it’s for a large project or helping with the smallest tasks. I am committed to helping the greater good.” 

Aubrey has also made a lasting impact through community service. Before becoming Property Manager, Aubrey was integral in leading Cousins Properties’ giving campaigns, surpassing donation goals while organizing volunteer activities for her colleagues. Through Cousins Properties, she has supported organizations like Chris180, which provides trauma-informed behavioral health services and wraparound support to children, adults, families, and communities. She has also worked with City of Refuge, a faith-based environment that helps individuals and families transition out of crisis.  

Aubrey is most involved, however, with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, an organization dedicated to saving lives, continued research and education, as well as support for those who are survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide. She volunteers in a variety of ways with this organization from setting up for the annual walk, to providing information and resources to the community at various events.  

Additionally, she volunteers with Focused Community Strategies, which focuses on strengthening South Atlanta through community development.  At Focused Community Strategies, she participates in programs like Pride for Parents, which provides affordable toys to families during the holidays. Aubrey’s community contributions highlight her dedication to supporting organizations that serve individuals and families who are in need. 

On the positive impact of real estate, Aubrey said, “The real estate industry constantly prioritizes opportunities for improvement, focusing on energy-efficient designs and retrofitting systems to reduce carbon footprints. Green spaces are also becoming more common, enhancing air and water quality and providing walkable, health-promoting environments that connect and enrich our communities.” 

CRE Insight Journal 10 to Watch is sponsored by

Read about all of the 10 to Watch class of 2024 award recipients and the positive impact they are making through their company, community service, real estate associations, and more. Interested in learning more about next year’s 10 to Watch program or applying for recognition? Complete this short form.

Earn recognition through CRE Insight Journal’s other awards programs:

The CRE Insight Journal Excellence Awards celebrate excellence in commercial real estate companies and buildings. Insight from award winning entrants will be shared with the CRE Insight Journal community to inspire positive change within the real estate industry.

Buildings may apply to be recognized for Excellence in Tenant Care; Excellence in Environmental Sustainability; and/or Excellence in Collaborative Service.

Learn more and apply now with this link.  There is no fee to enter, and the application deadline is June 27, 2025.

To stay up to date on news and resources such as this and other topics of importance to the real estate industry, subscribe to the free CRE Insight Journal Newsletter using this link. Learn more about CRE Insight Journal’s awards programs with this link.