Joyce Vonada Joins Edens As Chief Information Officer & Managing Director

COLUMBIA, S.C., Sept. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- EDENS, one of the nation's leading retail real estate owners and developers, announced today that Joyce Vonada has joined the Company as Chief Information Officer and Managing Director.  Vonada will establish a high performing team positioned to deliver innovative technology solutions that empower EDENS' employees, enrich customers' shopping experiences and create a connection between their centers, retailers and communities.

"Today, we know that over 80% of shoppers are using social media and mobile devices to gather information and share reviews and comments before they ever visit our retail centers.  Retailers must be where their shoppers are and participate by delivering personal, relevant, and engaging experiences across the entire path to purchase," said Terry Brown, Chief Executive Officer of EDENS.  "We have found an industry leader and innovator in Joyce Vonada who will enable EDENS to connect shoppers with retailers in a unique and sophisticated way."

EDENS is developing a new approach to today's ever-changing retail landscape by connecting their retail partners to a network of experts, like Vonada, who share best practices on their core disciplines including design, merchandising and community engagement.

Vonada is an industry leader with a proven track record of delivering innovative, customer focused solutions.   She brings to EDENS over 25 years of technology experience in diverse environments ranging from start up to Fortune 50 retailers.

Prior to joining EDENS, Vonada served as Senior Vice President of IT Business Solutions at Lowe's Companies, Inc. overseeing significant investments in technology to empower retail associates with the tools they need to improve customer service and make it simple for customers to engage on their terms whether in store, online or mobile.  Prior to Lowe's, Vonada served as Chief Information Officer at AutoNation and Senior Manager at Andersen Consulting.

Vonada will be based in EDENS' Columbia, South Carolina office.  She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Miami, Summa Cum Laude.

About EDENS:
EDENS develops, owns and operates neighborhood shopping centers in primary markets throughout the East Coast.  Focusing on innovative development and redevelopment together with key acquisitions in urban areas, the Company has built an institutional-quality portfolio of 130 retail centers.  EDENS has Regional Headquarters in Boston, New York, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Miami and Columbia, SC.  For additional information about the Company and its retail real estate portfolio, please visit www.edens.com.

SOURCE EDENS