Team

Arnold B. Chace Jr.

Arnold B. Chace, Jr. is the founder and managing partner of Cornish Associates, the developer and manager of the ten buildings that make up the Westminster Street Lofts in downtown Providence. In addition, he is the managing general partner of Mashpee Commons, L.P. Originally given the responsibility of managing the disposition of New Seabury Shopping Center in Mashpee, MA on Cape Cod, Buff led the repositioning of this property into Mashpee Commons, a thriving mixed-use town center based on the traditional development patterns of historic New England towns. With more than 30 years’ experience as a real estate developer, investor, financial advisor, and urban planner, Buff brings a wide-range and diverse amount of knowledge and understanding to the art of place-making.

Buff’s vision for a thriving downtown Providence and belief in the power of collaboration has transformed an area of blighted buildings into businesses and residences and created a true downtown neighborhood. Passionate about downtown Providence as not just an investor and neighborhood builder, but as a community resident, Buff sees the infinite potential in Providence as a thriving and competitive 21st century city.

Buff is currently the chairperson of the Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy and a member of the Executive Committee of the Providence Foundation, as well as an inaugural member and Fellow of the Congress for New Urbanism. In addition, he is a director emeritus for GrowSmart RI and a trustee emeritus of Trinity Repertory Theatre.

Kimberly Haskins

Kimberly, a CPA from Chicago, joined Cornish in 2005 as the controller. She oversees the accounting, financial reporting and cash management of Cornish and all of its Downcity Providence properties. Often behind the scenes, Kimberly has been a constant cheerleader for the revitalization of Downcity.

Joanna Levitt

Joanna joined Cornish Associates in 2007 as the director of commercial leasing and marketing. Working with retailers and restaurateurs, Joanna is responsible for tenanting Cornish’s commercial properties in Downcity Providence, as well as managing the co-operative neighborhood marketing group InDowncity. As part of promoting the Downcity neighborhood, Joanna organizes large-scale festivals and events.

Jason Bouchard-Nawrocki

Jason joined Cornish in 2014 in the accounting division. Jason handles the payroll, payables, and billing for Cornish and its Downcity Providence properties.

A native of central Connecticut, Jason received a Bachelor of Science degree in Historic Preservation from Roger Williams University in 2004. Since then, he has developed a diverse career in retail, tourism, and hospitality management for several well-known businesses and institutions in Rhode Island. Outside of the office, Jason resides in Fall River, Massachusetts with his husband Greg, and stepson Simon. He currently chairs the Fall River Historical Commission and serves on the board of directors for the New England Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians.

Tammy Reese

Tammy, a CPA, joined Cornish in 2014 as the assistant controller. She has over fifteen years of accounting experience, which has primarily been in public accounting as an auditor. Tammy prepares the monthly financial statements and assists with the daily accounting, financial reporting and cash management of Cornish and all of its Downcity Providence properties.

A native Oregonian, Tammy has lived in all four corners of the U.S. and has lived in Rhode Island now for over 10 years. She enjoys watching Providence continue to grow and become a greater city year after year. Tammy is an advocate for several local non-profit organizations and is passionate about health and wellness.

Abigail Clarkin

Abigail joined Cornish in 2021 as the community affairs and social media manager for InDowncity. She previously worked in communications and marketing for The Prout School and the Louttit Library, including building and cultivating the social media presences for both. In 2018, Abigail graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Inside and outside of work, she can be found searching for delicious food and taking photos.

Noël Lefebvre

Noël joined Cornish in the winter of 2022 as the executive assistant. She manages schedules, coordinates events, and provides general office administration. Previously, she worked for Hall Construction Co., Inc. where she managed payroll and human resources. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from New York University and Master of Arts in Art Education from the Rhode Island School of Design. A swimmer and kayaker, Noël enjoys exploring Rhode Island’s waterways and is passionate about the health of the watersheds. She resides in Downcity Providence with her Bernedoodle Luna.