He is credited with helping the firm survive economic downturns
Lennar Corporation has announced that Steve Gerard, a member of its board of directors, audit committee, and compensation committee, has passed away at 76 years old.
“Steve Gerard was a true warrior. Steve’s energy and passion drove us all at Lennar to reach higher and work harder to achieve excellence with a core focus on integrity,” said Stuart Miller, executive chairman of Lennar. “Steve brought professionalism to execution and determination to performance. Steve helped position our company with a balanced focus on both short-term performance and long-term stability. His continued engagement will be sorely missed.”
“During his time on our board, Mr. Gerard helped us navigate the many challenges we confronted through the economic downturn years ago,” the company said in a statement. “He was a great person who rendered invaluable leadership, service, and counsel to our board. It is with heartfelt admiration and appreciation that the board thanks him for his terrific contributions.”
Read next: Lennar names new chief operating officer
Gerard joined Lennar’s board in 2000 with the company’s acquisition of US Home Corporation, where he had served as a board member since 1993. Gerard was also the chairman and former CEO of financial services and business consulting firm CBIZ, Inc.
“On behalf of our board of directors and the entire CBIZ family, I extend our deepest condolences to Steve’s wife, Jane, and the entire Gerard family,” said Jerry Grisko, president and chief executive officer of CBIZ. “Steve was a tremendous leader who was beloved across the CBIZ organization and well respected by shareholders and business and community leaders alike. Joining the company at a critical juncture, Steve’s vision and tireless dedication to our mission set us on the course to achieve solid growth and helped position CBIZ as one of the most successful professional services companies in the country.”
