Homebuilder names new area executive

M/I Homes Inc. named former regional KB Home executive Michael Stephens director of land acquisitions for its new Sarasota-Manatee division, based in Lakewood Ranch.

Stephens' last post with KB Home, director of land acquisition, included overseeing land purchases, forward planning, project budgeting, site development and new community actives for the Tampa and Fort Myers divisions, according to a statement. Stephens had been with KB Home for four years.

Stephens is actively searching for vacant land and other property in Sarasota and Manatee counties for building and development as part of M/I Homes' long-term growth strategy, the release adds. M/I Homes launched its Sarasota-Manatee division earlier this year.