Thursday, April 9, 2026

Many have Topeka roots and overlapping networks! *****understatement (444)

MaceRich (now The Macerich Company) was a pioneering shopping center developer and operator whose leasing team in the poster represents a snapshot of the company during its rapid growth phase in the 1980s (likely mid-to-late 1980s, based on the team’s roles, properties like Lakewood Center—which Macerich acquired early—and the era’s hairstyles/phone numbers).

The company originated as MaceRich Real Estate Company, founded in New York in 1964 by Mace Siegel and Richard Cohen (they combined their first names for the company name). It started with strip centers and shifted to regional malls, acquiring its first one in 1972 and entering development with Lakewood Center in 1975. It rebranded/evolved into The Macerich Company, went public via IPO in 1994, and grew aggressively through major acquisitions (e.g., Westcor in 2002 for Phoenix-area dominance and Wilmorite in 2005, adding Tysons Corner Center). It became one of the largest owners/operators of regional malls in the U.S. (third-largest as of recent data).

Today, Macerich (NYSE: MAC) remains a fully integrated, self-administered REIT focused on premium retail destinations in high-barrier coastal and Sun Belt markets. It owns interests in ~43 properties totaling tens of millions of square feet. The company has adapted to retail disruption through redevelopment into mixed-use/experiential centers, strong leasing momentum (e.g., millions of square feet in new deals recently, including Dick’s House of Sport anchors), and selective asset sales/deleveraging. It continues to emphasize high-quality malls with resilient tenants. Some older assets (e.g., certain California properties) have been sold or transitioned, but the core business of leasing, redevelopment, and community-focused retail persists. Dana Anderson (on the poster as Exec. VP) remains a link to the founding era as Vice Chairman Emeritus, major shareholder, and consultant.

The leasing team members were responsible for a national portfolio of regional and community malls (numbered on the map, with many still recognizable Macerich or former Macerich properties like Lakewood, Fresno Fashion Fair, Broadway Plaza, etc.). Many had ties to Topeka, KS (early company connections via Dana Anderson and others). Over 35–40+ years, most pursued long careers in retail real estate leasing, redevelopment, and property management—some staying with Macerich, others founding firms or joining competitors. Public records are limited for a few (common for mid-level executives of that era), but here’s a deep dive on where identifiable individuals are now, based on professional profiles, company records, and public mentions. Many are retired or semi-retired given the time elapsed; several stayed in commercial real estate.

Key Team Members (in roughly poster order):

  • Jeff Probasco (Sr. Leasing Mgr., CA malls like County East, Country Club Plaza, North Valley): Extensive mall redevelopment/leasing experience with Macerich (Asst. VP level). Later handled leasing for malls in Arkansas/Oklahoma (e.g., post-Macerich sale of Fayetteville/Northwest Arkansas Mall). Now Principal at Take 2 Properties, LLC (Oklahoma City area), focusing on repositioning/re-tenanting Class B/C malls and retail properties.
  • Steve Rausch (VP-Western Regional Leasing Mgr.): Limited recent public info; was a senior Western U.S. leasing executive in the MaceRich era. Likely retired or low-profile after the company’s growth.
  • Dana Anderson (Exec. VP): One of the longest-tenured; joined ~1965–1966 (brought a Topeka shopping center to the young company). Rose to Exec. VP/COO-level, then Vice Chairman of the Board (now Emeritus). Remains a major shareholder/consultant. KU alum and prominent Kansas philanthropist (lives in Lawrence, KS; involved in university causes and deals like Country Club Plaza).
  • Dane Smith (VP-Dir. of Leasing): Long-time senior leasing executive; retired as Partner/Senior VP. Based in Dallas, TX; involved in philanthropy (e.g., I Have a Dream Dallas).
  • Carey Webb (VP-Eastern Regional Leasing Mgr.): Later associated with retail leasing services in the Dallas area (e.g., Prime Meridian or similar). Limited other public updates—likely retired after regional leadership role.
  • Rick Britt (Sr. Leasing Mgr., KS/MO malls like White Lakes, Green Tree, Walnut): Limited recent public footprints; typical for specialized leasing roles of the era—likely pursued independent retail RE or retired.
  • Bruce Johnston (Fresno Fashion Fair, Broadway Plaza; later VP Western/NW Leasing): 22+ years at Macerich, rising to VP Leasing (oversaw 15+ properties from Fresno northward, including redevelopment). Left and founded Johnston Real Estate Services (advising on leasing, merchandising, adaptive reuse). Now specializes in leasing/merchandising for malls, lifestyle centers, mixed-use, etc., at Meritage Retail (Danville, CA area).
  • Steve Yeager (Sr. Leasing Mgr., Rocky Mtn. Region): Macerich leasing career ~1979–2005 (started in Topeka ties). Now Broker/Owner of GroupG Real Estate, LLC (Denver/Boulder, CO metro area), active in commercial real estate since 1975.
  • Bob Sherman (Dover Mall): Long career in retail leasing/sales/acquisitions; associated with Ross Realty Investments (Florida) since ~1988 onward.
  • Mark Strain (Northgate): Frequent leasing contact in Macerich SEC filings/leases (1990s–2000s, e.g., Broadway Plaza, Santa Monica Place). Likely retired after senior leasing tenure.
  • Vann Wilson (Bristol, Panorama, Inland): iRetail leasing consultant with Macerich experience (Beverly Hills area). Remains active in retail leasing consulting.
  • Ray Bewley (Inland Center, Lakewood): Long tenure; listed as AVP/Leasing at Macerich (Lakewood, CA area). One of the team members who stayed deep into the modern era.
  • Tom Murrin (Buenaventura, Northridge): Ran Retail Leasing Services in SoCal post-Macerich (limited other public details—likely consulting/retired).
  • Tim Gibbons (Huntington Center, Panorama): VP Leasing at Macerich (Phoenix area); mentioned in property listings into the 2010s. Long-term role in leasing.
  • Henry McClure (Lakewood, Park Lane)—that's you! After MaceRich/Macerich, founded MCRE LLC in Topeka, KS (2000). 44–45+ years in real estate, specializing in shopping mall redevelopment, commercial leasing/sales, mixed-use/TIF projects, and advisory. Active locally (community involvement, real estate videos/YouTube reminiscing about MaceRich days and Crossroads Mall, and even ran for local office like county commissioner/mayor). Still operating MCRE LLC as a broker.
  • Ron Bondy (Greeley): Post-Macerich, leasing roles (e.g., Westfield); now EVP Leasing at Midwood Investment & Development (New York).
  • Wendell Nault (Holiday Village, Crossroads; Community Centers): ~32 years at Macerich (VP Leasing, 1985–2018). Now Director of Leasing–Houston Region at Whitestone REIT (Houston, TX).
  • Mark Klein (Community Centers): Long Macerich tenure; likely the current or recent SVP National Leasing (Dallas area).
  • Lantz Powell (Columbus Square): Limited recent public info—specialized leasing role; likely retired or private practice.
  • Russ Graybeal (Eastgate Mall): Limited recent footprints; typical retail leasing career path post-Macerich.


Overall, the team exemplified the hands-on, relationship-driven leasing culture that helped MaceRich scale into a national powerhouse. Many leveraged their expertise into independent firms, competitor REITs (e.g., Whitestone), or ongoing roles at Macerich itself. The retail real estate world has changed dramatically (e-commerce, experiential retail, mixed-use), but this group’s work laid foundations for enduring properties. If you have more details on any specific person or the exact poster date, I can dig deeper—many have Topeka roots and overlapping networks!