MCSS Development & Investment LLC, a joint-venture between Rivergate Cos. and SJM Partners Inc., has named Ben Carr as president. He’ll work closely with MCSS Founders Steve Garchik, Jay Massirman and Steve McBride on the execution of the joint venture’s strategic plan, according to a press release.

Carr will be responsible for leading the MCSS team, overseeing the venture’s national investment and development activities, raising capital for acquisitions, and executing existing and new-facility operating strategies. MCSS recently launched an acquisitions platform to invest in facilities in key urban markets nationwide, the release stated.

“We are thrilled to add someone of Ben Carr’s caliber to guide MCSS in our continued growth and expansion,” Massirman said. “Ben’s impressive industry experience, knowledge and contacts will undoubtedly add tremendous value to MCSS and accelerate the strategic vision of the venture’s partners.”

Prior to joining MCSS, Carr launched and operated a self-storage investment fund, providing consulting services for numerous private-equity groups. This followed his tenure as chief-investment officer of LifeStorage in Roseville, Calif. In that role, Carr grew the company’s portfolio approximately 50 percent in just two years, and supported the successful sale of the portfolio for $1.355 billion.

Carr also spent eight years with self-storage real estate trust CubeSmart in various roles including vice president of investments and controller. Carr also spent several years with PricewaterhouseCoopers. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Business Administration from Villanova University.

“This is a premier opportunity within the self-storage industry and I am excited to join the company,” Carr said. “The entrepreneurial spirit of the founders and team at MCSS creates an exciting and inspiring environment. I have been involved in all facets of the self-storage industry and look forward to applying my expertise to fuel the continued growth of MCSS.”

MCSS was formed to acquire and develop urban infill self-storage facilities in high-value locations nationwide. The company has 2 million square feet of self-storage in various stages of development and lease-up. Previously, SJM developed 4 million square feet of self-storage in New York and Washington, D.C. Active markets for MCSS include Boston, Los Angeles and Northern California, New York, South Florida, and Washington, D.C. The partners have developed more than 60 storage facilities over the last 25 years.