Jim Hennessy

Jim Hennessy brings over 32 years of experience to Harrison Street Asset Management. As a Senior Managing Director, Head of PPP Business Development and Co-Portfolio Manager in the Portfolio Management group, Jim is responsible for the execution of the investment strategy for the firm’s infrastructure platform, while monitoring its risk and return objectives. He also sources and evaluates new opportunities with universities and health systems while creating new operating partner relationships for non-real estate related investments.

Prior to joining Harrison Street Asset Management, Jim served as the Associate Vice President and Head of Real Estate with the University of Chicago. During his nine-year tenure, he was responsible for one of the most ambitious University-led revitalization efforts in the country to transform an urban neighborhood in Hyde Park into a vibrant, mixed-use commercial district. He spearheaded efforts to attract new businesses and amenities to the community including the first hotel in Hyde Park in fifty years, more than forty-five new national and local retail tenants, and upscale new multifamily housing for students. In addition, he led the execution of four public-private partnerships (PPPs) during his last five years at the university, enabling the institution to preserve its balance sheet while advancing the strategic objectives outlined in its master plan.

Jim brings more than a decade of private-sector real estate experience. He spent three years at Broadway Partners leading the Chicago office and overseeing office acquisitions across the Midwest, following nearly ten years at Equitable Real Estate, Lend Lease, and Morgan Stanley in asset management and acquisitions across office, retail, and industrial properties.

Jim holds a BS from Indiana University.