The mall's owner, Chicago-based General Growth Properties Inc., recently announced that Katie Essing, 33, will take over the mall's management June 30.

Essing previously served as the senior general manager of a General Growth-owned mall in Columbia, Mo.

She replaces Karen Geary, who resigned in April, company officials said.

General Growth officials denied a reporter's request to interview Essing.

James Graham, senior director of public affairs at General Growth, said the company chose Essing to manage the Columbia mall because of her experience coping with mall renovation projects and her track record of community involvement.

General Growth plans to renovate portions of the Columbia mall by adding an outdoor pavilion and retail stores in coming years.

"I really think her commitment to be involved in the community would help her in Columbia, Maryland, because there is such a strong sense of community in Columbia, Maryland," Graham said of Essing.

Essing holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri and earned management certifications from the International Conference of Shopping Centers. She has worked for General Growth since 2000.

In addition to managing the Columbia mall in Columbia, Mo., she also oversaw operations at Capital Mall in Jefferson City, Mo.

In addition to Essing, General Growth has hired William Butler to serve as the new associate operations manager of the Columbia mall. Butler will control the management of security, maintenance and housekeeping at the mall.

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