Board Member Focus - James Nearon
James Nearon is a real estate professional who loves seeing communities benefit from thoughtful and creative development. Just last fall, after 15 years at PCCP, he joined New York Life Real Estate Investors. In his new role as Director, Nearon heads up originations in the Western Region for the company’s structured lending platform which includes bridge, construction and high yield debt. His group focuses on office, industrial, retail and multi-family for transitional and value-add real estate. His primary markets include California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. “I love what I do,” said Nearon. “I have the privilege of working with some of the smartest and most creative people as they find ways to improve real estate and the environments where people live, work and play.”
As Co-Chairman of the NAIOP SFBA Programs Committee, Nearon has additional exposure to the brightest minds in the industry. The Committee plans and implements a wide variety of programs which bring thought leaders together to explore hot topics and industry trends. After attending the chapter’s annual Cal vs. Stanford Real Estate Challenge, he decided to join NAIOP and get actively involved. Today, in addition to his Co-Chair responsibilities, Nearon sits on the Chapter Board.
What I value most about NAIOP is its members,” he said. “We have an exceptionally active, successful and diverse membership. Consequently, I have built a great network and developed many close friendships.
In terms of advice for emerging professionals, Nearon encourages finding mentors that can help guide their careers. Naturally, he recommends participation in NAIOP as a way to get connected and to begin growing a network. “Real estate is a profession that is learned through experience,” he said. “Seek out opportunities to work for employers with strong judgement and high integrity.”
On the personal front, Nearon grew up in Alamo. After stints in Provo, Utah where he was an undergrad at Brigham Young and New Haven, Connecticut where he earned his MBA at Yale, he returned to the Bay Area. He now lives in Danville with his wife, Brinly and his four children. He loves to play tennis, ski, wakesurf and travel. “I am passionate about spending time with my family in the outdoors,” he said. “Whether it’s mountain biking in Utah, scuba diving in Hawaii or boating on the lake, I am grateful for those moments when I can get away, recharge and share these experiences with my family.”
