Media Coverage

Daniel Island News
March 1, 2007
James Doran Company makes key hires and promotions

The James Doran Company, a real estate development and investment company based in Charleston, S.C., has grown its senior management team with one new hire and three promotions.

Eric R. Smithers recently joined the company as executive vice president of operations and marketing. In this role, he will oversee operations of the company, including home office and field operations. He will also manage marketing for the company and its projects and assist with the management of leasing, sales and development.

Originally from Syracuse, N.Y., Smithers previously served as general counsel and President of Prime Retail, L.P. in Baltimore, and prior to that, he served as real estate counsel for Pyramid Management Group, Inc. in Syracuse. Smithers obtained his juris doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and finance from the State University of New York.

Shane J. Doran, who has been with James Doran Company since 1991, has been promoted from President to president. He is the great, great grandson of William Doran, who, with his son James, founded the company in 1882. As president, Doran will be responsible for overall growth and management of the company, including operations, marketing, finance, development, leasing and sales. Born in Columbia, S.C., Doran received his bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Florida.

Peter J. Harper has been promoted from chief operating officer to Senior Vice Presidentand will coordinate all financial matters of the company, including budget preparation, bank financing and accounting. Harper’s experience includes previous positions at Trammell Crow Company and Buckley Shuler Properties. Born in St. Louis, Mont., Harper earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Vermont and a master’s degree in business administration from Vanderbilt University.

John A. Henry, Jr.’s role has expanded and he will now serve as executive vice president of development, leasing and sales, and legal affairs. Previously, Henry was a founder and principal of Washco Retail Group, LLC, a real estate investment and development company that focused on the development of retail shopping centers in the Mid-Atlantic region.

In addition to his duties with James Doran Company, Henry serves as executive director for the Humanities Foundation and oversees all aspects of the Humanities Foundation. He graduated from Bucknell University with a bachelor’s degree in history and political science and earned his juris doctor degree from the Washington and Lee University School of Law.

In conjunction with the expansion of the senior management team, Robert J. Doran, Jr., president of James Doran Company, will now serve as chief executive officer and will continue to oversee the strategic vision of the company. During his nearly 20 years with the company, Doran has overseen development of retail space, office space and multi-family residential units throughout the Southeast representing more than $1 billion dollars worth of real estate transactions.

Doran also serves as board chairman of the Humanities Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing, which he founded with his wife, Tracy, in 1992. Doran attended the University of South Carolina and majored in banking, finance, insurance and real estate.

Founded in 1882, the James Doran Company is one of the area’s oldest high-end real estate development and investment companies. Today, the company focuses on the development of upscale mixed-use properties throughout the Southeast. By replicating the quality of life in Charleston, the company creates thriving communities that incorporate retail, residential, office, leisure and entertainment venues in the "new urban village" style.