Scott F. Schaeffer is the CEO and President of Independence Realty Trust, Inc. (IRT), a role he has held since February 2013 after being appointed to replace former CEO Jack E. Salmon. With a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from...

Scott F. Schaeffer is the CEO and President of Independence Realty Trust, Inc. (IRT), a role he has held since February 2013 after being appointed to replace former CEO Jack E. Salmon. With a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from Rider University, Scott has a strong background in finance, which he has utilized to drive the company’s growth and operations. Before stepping into his current position, he served in various leadership roles at RAIT Financial Trust, enhancing his expertise in real estate investment. He became chairman of IRT's board in January 2011, showing a commitment to the company's strategic direction long before he took on the CEO role. Under his leadership, IRT focuses on providing quality multifamily apartment communities across secondary U.S. markets, with a portfolio that includes over 34,000 units as of December 2023. Scott has a hands-on approach to management and is deeply involved in value-add initiatives aimed at improving properties, enhancing resident experiences, and maximizing shareholder value. In 2023, his total compensation reached nearly $4.8 million, reflecting the company's strong performance metrics which include same-store net operating income growth and significant capital market activities. He is committed to sustainability and social responsibility in real estate management, showcasing a balanced strategy that combines profitability with community impact.