WASHINGTON D.C. – (Realty News Report) – Jonathan H. Brinsden, chief executive officer of Midway, a Houston-based real estate investment and development firm, has been appointed chairman of ULI Americas for the Urban Land Institute (ULI), the nonprofit organization focused on land use and sustainable communities.
At Midway, Brinsden oversees several prominent Houston projects. These include the CityCentre mixed-use development at the intersection of the Katy Freeway and Beltway 8; GreenStreet, a mixed-use project in downtown Houston; and the 150-acre East River neighborhood under development along Buffalo Bayou on the eastern edge of downtown.
Brinsden brings extensive ULI leadership experience to his new volunteer role. He has previously served as a Global Board Director, Governing Trustee, ULI Foundation Governor and as chair of ULI Houston.
Active in civic and charitable work in Houston, Brinsden serves as chairman of Central Houston and sits on the boards of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, SEARCH Homeless Services, and the Coalition for the Homeless. He has taught as an adjunct professor in the University of Houston Bauer Graduate Real Estate Program and frequently lectures at Texas A&M University and Rice University.
Brinsden played a key role in the public-private development of the award-winning Levy Park, located near Richmond Avenue and Kirby. He is also involved in creating additional public parks around downtown Houston.
“There is something very important about the public realm, where people from all walks of life, cultures, ages and incomes can peacefully enjoy a beautiful public area together,” Brinsden said in the book Houston 2020 – America’s Boom Town. “These places help break down barriers between people.”
Brinsden holds a master’s degree in land and real estate development and bachelor’s degrees in construction science and environmental design, all from Texas A&M University.
Gwyneth Jones Cote, president of ULI Americas, praised the appointment: “He has a wealth of experience in both the industry as well as within ULI. He is very passionate about real estate working for everyone in society and is a strong advocate of ULI’s mission.”
ULI’s mission is “to provide leadership in the responsible use of land in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide.” Founded in 1936, the institute now comprises over 45,000 members globally who represent the broad range of land use and development disciplines.
“For more than 25 years, ULI has always been an important part of my career and it is an honor to be named as ULI Americas chairman,” Brinsden said. “ULI is my primary place to connect with other industry leaders, share best practices and work to positively impact communities. ULI has always shaped how I think about real estate, the role our company can play in the industry, and the impact we can have in the communities where we work.”
Brinsden assumes the chairmanship at a critical moment for real estate, following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread demonstrations addressing racial inequity. He noted: “Although we are navigating incredibly challenging times, like all successful organizations, ULI will be agile and adapt to change. The fundamental goals of the Strategic Plan for the Americas are still relevant, more so now than ever. I see my role as supporting the ULI staff leadership team to help find opportunities in the midst of change and strengthen the Institute for the long term.”
One of Brinsden’s top priorities will be advancing diversity within ULI and the broader real estate sector. “Over the next two years, I am particularly interested in how ULI can take greater leadership in tackling racial inequity and systemic racism in our industry and communities. ULI is committed to working with our members and communities to accomplish impactful and lasting change.”
Brinsden succeeds Jack Chandler of Majesteka Investment Holdings and will serve a two-year voluntary term as ULI Americas chairman. He will also join the ULI Global Board of Directors.
Along with Brinsden’s appointment, ULI announced additions to its Global Governing Trustees that included 38 leaders from the real estate industry, 18 of whom are from the Americas. New trustees from the region include Michael K. Berry, Kenneth F. Bernstein, Fernando Costa, Michael J. Franco, Derek Goring, Diane Hoskins, Linda J. Isaacson, Bethany Logan Ropa, Susan Meaney, Timothy Naughton, Robert O’Brien, Kristina Raspe, William S. Taubman, Adam Christopher Weers, Greg T. West, Michele Wheeler and Cynthia Wilusz Lovell, among others, each representing major firms and institutions across the United States and Canada.
July 7, 2020 Realty News Report Copyright 2020