Burlington-based commercial real estate services firm KeyPoint Partners LLC has hired Stephanie French as a marketing assistant in the firm’s Burlington office.

French, of Londonderry, N.H., will support KeyPoint Partners’ overall marketing activities, and will take key responsibility for the firm’s new shopping center marketing service. She was hired after an interview process in which she had to create and submit a marketing plan for an actual shopping center, according to a statement.

"Stephanie definitely rose to the challenge," said Chris Cardoni, marketing manager at KeyPoint Partners. "She has a wide variety of skills and exceptional energy."

KeyPoint Partners introduced its in-house shopping center marketing program last year as an additional service for properties which the firm manages and leases.

"It’s a bit of an innovation in the industry, and so far our clients have been enthusiastic," said Cardoni. "Even smaller strip centers, which generally aren’t marketed like malls and lifestyle centers, can benefit from a marketing program. We focus on small-scale events that create life in vacant spaces, connect the tenants in the center, and contribute to the community. It creates energy for the property, and absolutely enhances the leasing effort."

KeyPoint Partners provides marketing services for Wayside Commons in Burlington; Derry Meadows Shoppes in Derry, N.H.; Super Stop & Shop Plaza in Stoughton; and has begun work on centers in Revere and Waterville, Maine.