SmartStop Refreshes Board

The transition includes a leadership change and a significant equity award, reinforcing the REIT’s strategic governance plans.

July 08, 2025

Leadership change takes effect as Mathews steps down

SmartStop Self Storage REIT is making a boardroom shift. Paula Mathews retired from the company’s Board of Directors on June 30, closing out her service with an immediate resignation. There were no disagreements behind the decision—just the formal conclusion of her tenure. As part of her retirement, the board’s Compensation Committee approved the accelerated vesting of more than 12,000 long-term incentive plan units previously granted to her. Based on the June 30 closing price, that equity was worth about $450,000.

SmartStop moves quickly to fill the seat

Just a day later, SmartStop began moving forward. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommended, and the Board approved, Lora Gotcheva as Mathews’ replacement. Her appointment takes effect July 10, and she’ll serve until the company’s next annual stockholder meeting or until a successor is named. Gotcheva is also joining the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee—two critical touchpoints for board oversight.

What Gotcheva brings to the table

Gotcheva brings 25+ years of experience in investment and financial management, most recently from CPP Investments, where she specialized in private real estate, joint ventures, and public REIT strategies. While there, she also played a role in infrastructure deal review through the firm’s global investment committee. She holds degrees from Mount Holyoke College and The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Governance continuity and compensation details

The company confirmed there are no prior affiliations or transactions requiring disclosure under SEC rules. There were also no side arrangements connected to her selection.

Compensation overview for Gotcheva includes:

• A prorated annual cash package totaling $82,500 for board and committee service


• A $100,000 initial equity award under the 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan

This equity grant aligns with SmartStop’s standard practice for new or re-elected board members. It will vest in full after one year, contingent on continued service.

With this transition, SmartStop is reinforcing its governance team while maintaining alignment with its compensation policies. The addition of Gotcheva’s investment background signals continuity in the company’s oversight approach—while also bringing fresh expertise to the table.