DiversityInCareers | President & CEO at Korn Ferry International in Hartford, Connecticut, United States

President & CEO

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Korn Ferry International

Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Category: President and Chancellor, Executive, Non-profit
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Job Description

Full job description

Position: President / Chief Executive Officer

Company: Pension Real Estate Association (PREA)

Location: Headquartered in Hartford, CT. CEO Location Flexible.

Reporting Relationship: Reports to the Board of Directors

Website: https://prea.org

THE COMPANY

The Pension Real Estate Association (PREA) is a non-profit, national trade association dedicated to serving the institutional real estate investment community. Founded in 1979, PREA's mission is to promote high standards of professional practice, education, and ethics in the field of institutional real estate investment. As a leading association in the institutional real estate investment sector, PREA plays a crucial role in shaping industry standards and practices. Through its educational programs, research, publications and scholarship programs, PREA contributes significantly to the professional development of its members and the overall advancement of the real estate investment industry.

PREA boasts a diverse membership that includes over 750 corporate member firms. These members represent a wide range of participants in the real estate investment community, including public and corporate pension funds, endowments, foundations, insurance companies, investment advisory firms, REITs, developers, real estate operating companies and industry service providers.

Objectives and Mission

PREA's primary objectives are:

Education and Information: Providing educational forums and resources to enhance members' knowledge and understanding of real estate investment strategies and markets.
Networking Opportunities: Facilitating interactions and relationships among its members to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Research and Publications: Offering high-quality research, publications, and surveys to keep members informed about the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in real estate investment.

Key Activities

Conferences and Events: PREA organizes various conferences, seminars, and workshops throughout the year. These events feature prominent speakers and panels discussing current issues and trends in real estate investment.
Publications: PREA produces a range of publications, including the "PREA Quarterly," research reports, and white papers on topics relevant to institutional real estate investment.
Awards and Scholarships: The association offers awards and scholarships to promote academic excellence and professional development within the real estate investment community.
Research Initiatives: PREA conducts and sponsors research projects to advance the understanding of real estate markets and investment strategies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO of PREA holds a pivotal role in leading the organization and ensuring its effective operation in serving its members. The CEO will be tasked with leading the expansion of opportunities for educational exchange through meetings and events, research, publications, and other forums. Key priorities include:

Strategic Leadership and Vision

Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the strategic vision and direction of PREA to meet its goals and objectives.
Representation: Act as the primary spokesperson for PREA, representing the association at industry events, conferences, and in media engagements.

Organizational Management

Operational Oversight: Oversee the daily operations of PREA, ensuring the organization's activities align with its mission and strategic plan.
Financial Stewardship: Manage the financial health of the organization, including budgeting, financial planning, and ensuring sustainable financial practices.

Member Engagement and Services

Member Relations: Foster strong relationships with PREA members, addressing their needs and ensuring high member satisfaction.
Educational Programs: Oversee the development and delivery of educational programs, conferences, and events that provide value to PREA members.

Financial Management

Focus on strategic growth to ensure financial sustainability while expanding PREA’s impact within the institutional investment community. Drive profitability and ensure accountability with financial rigor, leveraging the Board for strategic input. Cultivate a philanthropic culture, focusing on fundraising to amplify mission delivery.

Governance

Board Relations and Collaboration: Partner with the Board of Directors in a collaborative and transparent manner, by cultivating trusting relationships and ensuring consistent communications toward achievement of organizational goals and objectives.
Reporting: Provide regular updates and reports to the Board on the status of the organization, including financial performance, strategic initiatives, and operational challenges.

Foundation

Advance the PREA foundation goals and promote giving at all levels, while ensuring proper oversight of Foundation funds and contracts.

Networking

Networking: Facilitate networking opportunities among members and with other industry stakeholders to promote knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Innovation and Growth

Innovation: Identify and pursue opportunities for innovation within the organization and the industry to maintain PREA's relevance and leadership.
Growth: Lead efforts to grow the membership base and expand PREA's influence and reach within the institutional real estate investment community.

Staff Leadership

Team Management: Recruit, develop, and manage a high-performing team, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Professional Development: Encourage continuous professional development for staff to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to support PREA’s mission effectively.

Industry Representation

Forge strategic collaborations with other leading industry associations (IREM, AFIRE, ULI, ICSC, etc.)
Ensure PREA remains a leading voice and valuable resource for institutional real estate investors, driving strategic initiatives that benefit its members and the industry at large.

YEAR ONE CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

In conjunction with the Board, shape a forward-thinking strategic vision and plan of action that reinforces and strengthens PREA’s impact while ensuring the organization evolves as necessary to better serve its members.
Ensure PREA’s leadership team is aligned with the strategic priorities, recruiting any key roles necessary to successfully execute the plan.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished and inspirational leader who will guide PREA’s future growth, relevancy, and impact. The CEO will have a demonstrated track record of accomplishment for collaborating with various stakeholders to forge a robust vision for an organization in a dynamic environment.

At least ten years of executive-level leadership experience, preferably within real estate investment management or another alternative investment sector. Candidates with relevant trade association experience will also be considered.
A strong visionary leader who proactively anticipates and addresses significant challenges and opportunities facing the organization and real estate investment industry.
Effective at attracting and developing strong diverse talent, and building and managing a high-performing, innovative, and collaborative culture.
Strong executive presence and communication skills, essential for garnering the trust and engagement of PREA’s Board of Directors, membership, staff, and other external constituencies nationally (and globally).
Exceptional strategic planning and execution skills.
Outstanding interpersonal and relationship building skills.
A persuasive and influential communicator. An active listener.
Technology savvy to ensure the organization is equipped to best serve the membership and staff.
A passion for and commitment to serving and educating members of the institutional real estate investment community, thereby exemplifying PREA’s strategic principles and mission.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree required. An advanced degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent business experience is desirable, but not required.

ANTHONY J. LOPINTO

Managing Partner & Global Sector Leader, Real Estate

Email: anthony.lopinto@kornferry.com

Mobile: (917) 494-8093

LORRAINE LAVET

Senior Client Partner, Association Practice Leader

Email: Lorraine.lavet@kornferry.com

Mobile: (703) 919-6540

DANIELLE BAKALAR

Senior Associate, Real Estate