During his time as CEO, Paul T. McDermott did not appear to hold significant equity in Elme Communities, with his wealth primarily tied to his salary and bonuses. The lack of stock grants indicated that his financial success was closely...

During his time as CEO, Paul T. McDermott did not appear to hold significant equity in Elme Communities, with his wealth primarily tied to his salary and bonuses. The lack of stock grants indicated that his financial success was closely tied to immediate company performance rather than long-term stock appreciation. This strategy allowed him to focus strictly on operational efficiencies and profitability metrics without the distractions of fluctuating stock prices. All this suggests that McDermott was highly engaged in the day-to-day management of Elme while aligning his rewards with specific financial goals during his tenure. By 2014, his total compensation of $2.4 million included a substantial bonus that underscored his commitment to achieving the company's performance metrics. A unique aspect of McDermott’s leadership was his prioritization of cash over stocks, showing a distinct operational focus.”