Article

COPT Defense Properties (NYSE: CDP) has announced the death of Roger A. Waesche, Jr., who served as CEO from 2011 to 2016 after a 30-year tenure in various roles including CFO and COO. Waesche was the architect of the 2011 Strategic Reallocation Program, which refocused the company's investments on defense and information technology properties, divesting suburban office assets.

This strategy improved the company's financial position by reducing leverage and achieving an investment grade credit rating. As of September 30, 2025, COPT Defense operates 198 properties totaling 22.6 million square feet with a 97% occupancy rate.