The new position will lead the real estate strategy for the University of Rochester’s on- and off-campus spaces.
Andrea Tompkins Wright, an attorney and leader with more than 15 years of experience in real estate, including portfolio management, leasing, acquisitions and dispositions, has been appointed the inaugural associate vice president for real estate, portfolio management, and planning at the University of Rochester. She begins in the new role effective March 25.
Reporting to the executive vice president for administration and finance, CFO, and treasurer (EVP), the position is responsible for leading the stewardship of the University’s real estate assets and aligning future opportunities with the University’s long-term, institution-wide strategic objectives.
This includes the acquisition, sale, leasing, and planning of real estate opportunities and managing real estate and space planning operations for the entire University portfolio, and the property management oversight for University-owned and -managed properties rented or leased to others.
“Real estate strategy has always played a vital role at the University and its Medical Center, but it is particularly important now as Boundless Possibility, the University’s 2030 strategic plan, defines our collective direction and vision for the next six years and beyond,” says Elizabeth Milavec, the EVP for administration and finance, CFO, and treasurer. “In this inaugural role, Andrea will take a portfolio approach to this important University asset, strategically assessing the University’s locations, land, building types, utilization, lease terms, operating costs, and more.”
Prior to joining the University, Wright served as the senior vice president of Property Management at Broadstone Net Lease, Inc. in Rochester, New York, where she was responsible for overseeing the company’s leasing and property management function, due diligence, and tenant relations. She also has worked as a transactional real estate attorney. Wright is a certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Advanced Professional and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and a doctor of law from the University of Richmond School of Law.
The University’s expanding portfolio
The University has a portfolio of 12 million square feet of leased and owned property across the main River Campus, the Medical Center (URMC), the Eastman School of Music, the Memorial Art Gallery, and several other specialized sites spread throughout the greater Rochester region.
“The Medical Center’s real estate footprint has grown significantly over the past 10 years to address the rapidly growing clinical enterprise. I look forward to working with Andrea in this new role to maximize the efficiencies of our overall portfolio of on-campus and off-campus spaces across not just the Medical Center but also the entire University,” says URMC Senior Vice President and CFO Adam Anolik.