Brian Leary

Biography: Brian Leary joined Highwoods Properties (HIW) as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer in 2019. Prior to joining Highwoods, Brian held senior management positions with Crescent Communities, Jacoby Development, Inc., Atlanta Beltline, Inc., AIG Global Real Estate, Atlantic Station, LLC and Central Atlanta Progress. Brian is a graduate of Georgia Tech’s College of Architecture with an undergraduate degree in architecture with minor concentrations in land development and real estate, and in addition, holds a master’s degree in City Planning from Georgia Tech. While focusing on transportation and land development in graduate school, he finished a redevelopment plan for the Atlantic Steel property that would provide the basis for Atlantic Station. Over the years, Brian has spoken to groups across the United States on Smart Growth, real estate development and leadership. He has presented on Capitol Hill, the National Partners for Smart Growth, the Real Estate Roundtable, and previously served on AIG’s & ICSC’s Sustainability Committees. He has been published nationally and has taught at Georgia Tech.