Lawson is pleased to announce the promotion of Will Sexauer to Senior Development Manager. In this new role, Sexauer will lead the development team in sourcing development opportunities, feasibility and due diligence, conceptual design, and business development.

Sexauer joined Lawson in 2021 and most recently served as Acquisitions Manager, where he was instrumental in expanding the company’s footprint into key markets. His work has contributed significantly to Lawson’s pipeline of affordable housing developments throughout Virginia.

“Will’s strategic insight and deep understanding of the affordable housing landscape make him an invaluable asset to our team,” said Austin Pittman, Director of Development. “He consistently identifies opportunities that align with our mission to create opportunities through real estate with sustainable, inclusive, affordable communities that positively impact people.”

As Senior Development Manager, Sexauer will continue to work closely with Lawson’s acquisitions, finance, design, and construction teams to help create quality affordable housing developments for Virginia families. His promotion reflects Lawson’s commitment to fostering talent and advancing professionals who are dedicated to the company’s values and mission to positively impacting people.

Sexauer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce with concentrations in Finance, Business Management, and Real Estate with a Minor in Social Entrepreneurship from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia. He was previously selected for the National Apartment Association 20 in their Twenties Class of 2023 and earned the 2023 CoVa Biz NextGen award.

Lawson, a long-standing leader in the development, construction, and management of multifamily housing, has been ranked #34 on Affordable Housing Finance Magazine’s Top 50 Affordable Housing Developers of 2024 list. This national recognition underscores Lawson’s continued commitment to addressing a critical need for quality affordable housing.

With more than 50 years of experience, Lawson specializes in delivering communities that positively impact people through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. In 2024, Lawson put 270 new affordable apartment homes in service and started construction on four additional affordable housing communities totaling 476 units. The company expects to put 187 affordable apartment homes in service in 2025 and break ground on three more communities totaling 293 units, expanding access to safe, modern, affordable housing for low-income individuals and families across Virginia.

“We're thrilled to be recognized among the top affordable housing developers in the nation.”, said Aaron Phipps, President and CEO of Lawson. “This achievement is a direct reflection of the dedication and talent of our team, our trusted partners, and the communities we serve. We’re deeply committed to creating housing that is not only affordable, but sustainable, and built to strengthen communities.”

Lawson has expanded to multiple new markets, with Smith Ridge Commons - a new 216-unit affordable housing community under construction in Roanoke, The Landing at Mason’s Bridge – 342 affordable apartments recently completed in Prince William County, and Miller’s Rest – a three-phase affordable community in progress in Lynchburg. Lawson’s development and construction pipeline continues to grow with additional projects in development or under construction throughout the state.

The Lawson Family Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 annual scholarships—awards funded to support the educational goals of children of Lawson employees and residents of Lawson communities. Now in its third year, the foundation continues to invest in the future by supporting young people exhibiting exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and service.

Rehn Killian, the recipient of the Lawson employee scholarship, is a graduating senior at Hickory High School in Chesapeake, VA. Rehn has earned state-level academic recognition and maintained honor roll status throughout all four years of high school. A dedicated member of the DECA Club and Soccer Club, Rehn will attend Mary Baldwin University this fall, where he will study Business with a focus on Economics and Finance. He plans to continue playing soccer at the collegiate level and aspires to become a financial advisor and entrepreneur.

Shaniya Leigh Gray-Jackson, recipient of the Lawson resident scholarship, is a graduating senior at Huguenot High School in Richmond, VA. A leader in her school and community, Shaniya was named homecoming queen, is active in the Upward Bound program, a member of the Huguenot High Running Club, and serves as president of the Order of the Eastern Stars Youth Department. She also volunteers with the SPCA, Liberation Church, and Mission for Tomorrow. Shaniya will attend the University of Virginia where she plans to study cognitive science.

“Congratulations Rehn and Shaniya!”, said Lawson Family Foundation Chairman, Steve Lawson. “Your hard work, dedication, and leadership are truly inspiring. We are proud to support your educational journey and look forward to watching your continued success.”

The Lawson family is also thrilled to congratulate Denis Mwangi on his graduation from Old Dominion University! Denis is a prior recipient of the Lawson Family Foundation resident scholarship and is the first recipient to graduate. Denis majored in civil engineering technology and minored in civil engineering management and was an ODU student ambassador and Summit member.

The Lawson Family Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 annual scholarships—awards funded to support the educational goals of children of Lawson employees and residents of Lawson communities. Now in its third year, the foundation continues to invest in the future by supporting young people exhibiting exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and service.

Rehn Killian, the recipient of the Lawson employee scholarship, is a graduating senior at Hickory High School in Chesapeake, VA. Rehn has earned state-level academic recognition and maintained honor roll status throughout all four years of high school. A dedicated member of the DECA Club and Soccer Club, Rehn will attend Mary Baldwin University this fall, where he will study Business with a focus on Economics and Finance. He plans to continue playing soccer at the collegiate level and aspires to become a financial advisor and entrepreneur.

Shaniya Leigh Gray-Jackson, recipient of the Lawson resident scholarship, is a graduating senior at Huguenot High School in Richmond, VA. A leader in her school and community, Shaniya was named homecoming queen, is active in the Upward Bound program, a member of the Huguenot High Running Club, and serves as president of the Order of the Eastern Stars Youth Department. She also volunteers with the SPCA, Liberation Church, and Mission for Tomorrow. Shaniya will attend the University of Virginia where she plans to study cognitive science.

“Congratulations Rehn and Shaniya!”, said Lawson Family Foundation Chairman, Steve Lawson. “Your hard work, dedication, and leadership are truly inspiring. We are proud to support your educational journey and look forward to watching your continued success.”

The Lawson family is also thrilled to congratulate Denis Mwangi on his graduation from Old Dominion University! Denis is a prior recipient of the Lawson Family Foundation resident scholarship and is the first recipient to graduate. Denis majored in civil engineering technology and minored in civil engineering management and was an ODU student ambassador and Summit member.

In celebration of Earth Day, 11 members of the Lawson team, including Chairman Steve Lawson and President/CEO Carl Hardee, participated in the company’s 4th annual river cleanup at The Retreat at Harbor Pointe on the Elizabeth River. This environmental effort was in conjunction with the Elizabeth River Project and Keep Norfolk Beautiful. 

Lawson is proud to announce that Chairman, Steve Lawson, has been recognized as one of the 150 most influential people in Coastal Virginia by CoVaBIZ magazine. This recognition highlights leaders who have made significant contributions to the region’s business, economic, and community development.

A third-generation builder and developer, Steve has played an integral role in shaping Lawson’s strategic direction, mission, and long-term growth. During his 17-year tenure as President, the multi-family division acquired or developed more than 20 apartment communities representing 2,250 units valued at over $160 million, contributing to the company’s current portfolio of more than 5,000 stabilized units. The company also has over 700 additional units in development or under construction in Richmond, Roanoke, Woodbridge, and Lynchburg, Virginia.

“Steve’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in Lawson’s growth and success,” said Carl Hardee, President and CEO of The Lawson Companies. “His dedication to creating high-quality affordable housing opportunities while maintaining a strong commitment to our team, partners, and the communities we serve is truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud to see him recognized for his impact in Coastal Virginia and throughout the commonwealth.”

Lawson earned his undergraduate degree in engineering from Duke University and worked in that field for several years before returning to Duke for a master's degree in business. He joined Lawson in 1993 and has since overseen the company’s expansion and continued commitment to providing high-quality housing across Virginia.