ORLANDO, Fla., April 9, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CNL Financial Group has named Tracy Schmidt its enterprise chief financial officer and chief operating officer. Schmidt, who joined CNL in 2004, previously served as the company's chief financial officer.

In his new role, Schmidt will oversee the company's financial affairs and provide strategic and tactical leadership across CNL's operating platforms. He will also help to ensure that the company is meeting its business goals while remaining true to its core values.

Schmidt has extensive experience in finance, accounting, IT business systems, administration, and company operations. Before joining CNL, he served as senior vice president and chief financial officer for FedEx Express.

"I've had the pleasure of working with closely with Tracy for the last several years. During that time, I have come to find his counsel and insight into this organization and industry to be invaluable," said Thomas K. Sittema, CEO of CNL Financial Group. "Under his leadership, CNL will continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead."

Additionally, the company has promoted Holly Greer to chief legal officer.

In her new role Greer, who joined CNL's legal team in 2006, oversees all of the legal, regulatory and compliance functions for the company. She previously served as general counsel to CNL's four non-traded REITs. Prior to joining CNL, she spent seven years in private legal practice, primarily at the law firm of Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A., in Orlando, Fla.

"One of the things CNL has learned in its more than 40-year history is the importance of having the right people in the right place. Investment funds offer varying challenges at all points of their life cycles, and Holly has a great deal of experience and knowledge about all aspects of our business," Sittema said. "Holly has been an integral part of the team for many years, and her insight into the key regulatory and legal matters facing alternative investments will prove vitally important to our future success."

About CNL Financial Group

CNL Financial Group (CNL) is a leading private investment management firm providing global real estate and alternative investments. Since inception in 1973, CNL and/or its affiliates have formed or acquired companies with more than $28 billion in assets. CNL is headquartered in Orlando, Florida. For more information, visit www.cnl.com.

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