Keith Benson serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at UDR, Inc., a leading multifamily real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on owning, operating, acquiring, renovating, and managing high-quality apartment homes across the United States. With over 25 years of experience in real estate law, Benson oversees all legal aspects of UDR's operations, including corporate governance, securities compliance, mergers and acquisitions, leasing, and litigation. His strategic guidance has been instrumental in navigating complex regulatory environments and supporting the company's growth through disciplined capital allocation and portfolio expansion. Benson began his career at a premier national law firm, where he specialized in real estate transactions and securities offerings, representing major REITs and institutional investors. He later transitioned to in-house roles, serving as General Counsel for a prominent multifamily developer before joining UDR in 2015 as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel. Under his leadership, UDR successfully completed several transformative acquisitions totaling over $2 billion, enhanced its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks, and achieved notable resolutions in high-stakes litigation, bolstering the company's market position and shareholder value. A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law and holder of a bachelor's degree in finance from Georgetown University, Benson is recognized for his proactive approach to risk management and innovation in legal operations. He actively engages with industry groups such as the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT) and serves on the board of a local legal aid organization, demonstrating a commitment to both professional excellence and community impact.