Mathias J. DeVito

Mathias J. DeVito (August 23, 1930 – July 24, 2019) was an American businessperson and lawyer. He served as the president and chief executive officer of The Rouse Company. DeVito was previously a Maryland assistant attorney general and partner at Piper and Marbury law firm.

Early life and education DeVito was born on August 23, 1930, in Trenton, New Jersey, to Margaret and Charles DeVito. His father was a paperhanger. DeVito graduated from Trenton Central High School in 1948. He attended Rider College and completed a B.A. in English at University of Maryland, College Park in 1954. DeVito was an editor of the Maryland Law Review and a member of the Order of the Coif. He became a member of the Maryland bar in 1956.

Career After law school, DeVito was a clerk for Judge Morris Ames Soper. In 1957, he was joined the Piper and Marbury law firm where he became partner. He became executive vice president and chief operating officer in January 1970. As the executive vice president, DeVito oversaw the operations of the Rouse Company. He became president of Rouse Company in 1973. From 1972 to 1975, DeVito decreased the Rouse Company’s number of employees from 1,700 to 500. From 1975 to 1976, DeVito assisted with restructuring the Company. In 1984, DeVito became chairman of the Rouse Company. His calming style of management was noted by others in the Company. In 1987, DeVito halted the development of new projects. In December 1994, DeVito announced he would step down as CEO in February 1995.

Community involvement From 1970 to 1972, DeVito was the chairman of the board of Trustees of the Maryland State College Board of Trustees. In 1973, he was a member of the board of directors of Howard Research and Development, Development Corp., and Rouse-Wates, Inc. where he co-chaired the initiative to bring a National Football League franchise to Baltimore. On April 17, 1996, DeVito received a distinguished graduate award from University of Maryland School of Law.