A Smooth Transition: CORT Announces Leadership Changes in the Finance Division
CORT Business Services, the nation’s leading provider of furniture rental and transition services, recently announced a significant leadership transition that marks the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Debbie Lansford, Chief Financial Officer, will retire on February 28, 2025, after more than two decades of dedicated service to the company. The announcement also brings news of Sean Reddan’s promotion to CFO, effective February 1, 2025.
The leadership change was shared by Mike Davis, President and CEO of CORT, who reflected on Lansford’s remarkable contributions: “It is with mixed emotions that we announce Debbie Lansford’s retirement. Over the past two decades, Debbie has played a pivotal role in shaping CORT into the strong and resilient company it is today. Her unwavering commitment to our employees, customers, and mission has been a cornerstone of our success, through both prosperous and challenging times. Debbie leaves behind a legacy of trust, integrity, and leadership that will continue to guide us into the future.”
Lansford’s tenure at CORT is a testament to her dedication and leadership. Joining the company over 20 years ago, she brought a blend of financial acumen and a unique ability to connect with people, a combination that has made a lasting impact on the organization. Under her stewardship, CORT navigated numerous economic cycles, expanded its market reach, and fortified its position as an industry leader.
Throughout her career, Lansford has been much more than a financial executive; she has been a mentor, a motivator, and a driving force behind CORT’s commitment to excellence. Colleagues and peers alike commend her for her integrity, strategic foresight, and the personal touch she brought to her role. Her influence extended beyond financial statements and balance sheets, fostering a company culture grounded in collaboration and mutual respect.
Reflecting on her journey, Lansford expressed gratitude and optimism for the future of CORT. “It has been an incredible journey to witness and contribute to CORT’s growth and transformation. I am deeply thankful for the relationships I’ve built and the opportunities to lead such a talented team. While it’s bittersweet to step away, I’m confident that the company is in great hands with Sean taking the reins,” she said.
As CORT prepares for this transition, the company is equally excited to welcome Sean Reddan as the new CFO. Reddan, who joined CORT in October 2023 as Senior Vice President of Finance, brings over 20 years of experience in finance leadership roles across the media, financial services, and telecommunications industries. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to build on Lansford’s legacy while steering CORT into a new era of growth and innovation.
Lansford herself expressed confidence in Reddan’s abilities: “Sean’s extensive financial expertise and passion for building high-performing teams make him the ideal candidate to step into this role. I am confident that Sean’s leadership will drive CORT to new levels of success.”
Reddan’s approach to leadership is rooted in collaboration and strategic insight, focusing on financial excellence and operational efficiency. In his new role, he will oversee key functions, including corporate accounting, financial planning and analysis, enterprise risk management, and IT. His strategic vision aligns with CORT’s mission to deliver exceptional value and service to its customers, while fostering a culture of innovation and teamwork.
Outside of his professional life, Reddan is deeply engaged in his community. Residing in Arlington, Virginia, with his wife Michele and their two children, he is an active participant in local events and youth sports, often seen coaching or cheering from the sidelines. This blend of professional commitment and personal engagement has earned him respect both within and beyond the corporate world.
“I am honored to take on this new role and build on the strong foundation that Debbie has established,” said Reddan. “CORT is the market leader with such a strong culture. I look forward to working with the talented team as we continue to drive financial excellence, operational efficiency, and innovation while delivering exceptional value to our customers.”
The transition comes at a pivotal time for CORT as the company continues to expand its offerings and adapt to changing market dynamics. With Lansford’s strategic groundwork and Reddan’s fresh perspective, CORT is well-positioned to navigate future challenges and seize new opportunities. The company remains committed to upholding its values of trust, integrity, and customer focus as it looks to the future.
CORT expresses its deepest gratitude to Debbie Lansford for her decades of service and leadership. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence the company’s direction and success for years to come. As CORT moves forward under Sean Reddan’s financial leadership, the company is poised for continued growth and innovation, driven by a commitment to excellence and a passion for service.
This leadership transition not only marks a change in title but also symbolizes CORT’s dedication to nurturing talent from within, ensuring continuity while embracing new ideas and perspectives. The company’s ability to adapt and thrive amid industry changes speaks to the strength of its leadership and the dedication of its team.
As CORT celebrates Lansford’s career and looks ahead to the future with Reddan at the financial helm, the company reaffirms its commitment to its employees, customers, and stakeholders. The next chapter in CORT’s journey is set to build upon a solid foundation of financial stability, strategic growth, and an unwavering focus on providing outstanding customer experiences.
In conclusion, the retirement of Debbie Lansford and the promotion of Sean Reddan represent more than just a shift in leadership; they embody CORT’s continued evolution and resilience in an ever-changing industry landscape. CORT stands ready to embrace the future, guided by strong leadership and a clear vision for success.
