Braintree, MA (January 9, 2026) – The Peabody Companies, a group of award-winning property management and real estate firms, today celebrates its 50th anniversary, a milestone that will continue to be commemorated throughout the year with “50 Acts of Kindness.”
The Peabody Companies and its subsidiaries (Peabody Properties, Peabody Resident Services, Peabody Supportive Housing, Peabody Real Estate and Peabody Miami) was incorporated in 1976 by the late Edward A. Fish, widely regarded as a “founding father” of the affordable housing industry. His vision and commitment to affordable housing have been carried on by his daughters. Karen Fish-Will served as CEO from 2013 to 2022 and now chairs the company’s board, while Melissa Fish-Crane has led the firm as CEO since 2022.
Today, The Peabody Companies is a full-service, award-winning real estate firm and Accredited Management Organization (AMO) that oversees more than 16,300 housing units across New England, with additional properties in New Jersey and Florida.
Over the course of 2026, the company will commemorate its five decades of excellence in property management, affordable housing, workplace culture, and community impact with a “50 Acts of Kindness” campaign. Throughout the year, staff members will engage in community service projects, charitable giving, and resident-focused initiatives to celebrate the company’s half-century of putting the home in housing. Many of these acts will support veterans, women, children, and families, because when families are supported, entire communities are stronger.
“As we celebrate 50 years, we are not only honoring our history, but also the communities and residents who have been at the heart of our mission from the very beginning,” said Melissa Fish-Crane, principal and CEO of The Peabody Companies. “With ‘50 Acts of Kindness,’ we are shining a light on the principles that have guided us since 1976 – compassion, service, and community.”
The Peabody Companies has been named to the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) Affordable 100 List every year for more than a decade, underscoring its long-standing leadership in affordable housing. In addition, the company has been recognized by the National Apartment Association for its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and also honored by the Massachusetts Apartment Association (MAA) and nationally by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) for its DEI initiatives.
