Richard Kessler

Biography: Richard A. Kessler, Chief Operating Officer With broad experience in all areas of real estate acquisition, disposition, development, leasing and management - as well as extensive finance and capital markets expertise – Mr. Kessler is an integral member of the Benenson Capital Partners (BCP) management team. He has worked for the Benenson family since 1977 and during his three decades with the company, has worked in a variety of areas including development, finance, and acquisition. He was named Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director in 1989 and was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 1998. During his tenure with the Benenson family, he has been responsible for completing over $2 billion of real estate transactions. As Chief Operating Officer and a member of Benenson Capital Partners, LLC’s investment committee, Mr. Kessler serves as the senior officer responsible for developing the company’s strategic direction and is in over all charge of its day to day operations. In addition to his executive management responsibilities, he is a key leader in developing, evaluating and pursuing the company’s investment, development, joint venture and financing opportunities. EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS o Harvard University – Completed the Advanced Management Development Program (AMDP) and several real estate programs including “Running a Real Estate Company.” o New York University – Degree in real estate finance and investment analysis; received the Mortgage Banker’s Scholarship Award. o Boston University – Undergraduate degree in finance and accounting. MEMBERSHIPS o Chairman of the Urban Land Institute New York District Council. Member of the Executive Committee since 2004, Assistant Chairman (2009) and Co-Chairman of the Membership Committee of the Urban Land Institute, New York District Council (2008 – 2009). o Urban Land Institute Former Program Vice Chairman, Product Council UDMUC Green. o Member of Board of Direct