Christopher ("Chris") Okada '98 Announced As Alumni Speaker for Class of 2023 Commencement on Sunday, June 11, 2023

We are pleased to announce this year’s alumni speaker, Christopher (“Chris”) Okada ’98, for the Class of 2023 Commencement on Sunday, June 11.  To learn more about Chris, please see below.
 
ABOUT CHRISTOPHER (“CHRIS”) OKADA ‘98
Christopher (“Chris”) Okada is a prolific dealmaker, entrepreneur, and CEO of Okada & Company, a multifaceted commercial real estate development, management, and brokerage firm based in New York City. Since 2002, Okada has focused on tenant representation of small and medium-sized companies, as well as the sales and leasing of middle market buildings across Manhattan.
 
He was mentored by his father, Naomi Okada (one of the most sought-after commercial real estate brokers in New York), for years prior to launching Okada & Co. During the financial crisis in 2008-2009, the firm rose to distinction when Chris re-focused on distressed mortgages collateralized by buildings in Midtown Manhattan. Over those two years, Chris achieved close to $700M in distressed debt sales.
 
Once the market recovered, he recognized the large inefficiencies still plaguing the market. He then started to acquire core plus and value-add properties throughout New York City and began developing a diverse commercial real estate portfolio. To date, the firm has transacted nearly $1.5B of commercial real estate sales and leasing.
 
Chris is a passionate speaker, blogger, and thought leader within the commercial real estate landscape. He has been featured in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Real Deal, New York Post, Crain’s New York Business, Commercial Observer, and many others.
 
He currently serves as Chairman of Commercial Real Estate at the Asian American Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) and is a longtime volunteer and youth advocate at Our Lady of Lourdes School.
 
 
#alumni #classof1998 #commencementspeaker #graduation #classof2023 #seniors #congratulations #thekewforestschool #wearekewforest #gojaguars
Back

List of 5 events.

  • Dec
    2

    Middle & Upper School On-Campus Admission Open House


    Organizers: S. Díaz Tamayo / L. Eaton

    Attendees can expect a showcase of academic and extra-curricular programs with representatives from across the school community - teachers, students, parents.

    DOWNLOAD FALL 2023 ADMISSION EVENTS FLYER

    For more information and to REGISTER to attend an event, please visit here.  If you have additional questions, our Director of Admission & Tuition Assistance, Soraya Díaz Tamayo, can be reached at admission@kewforest.org or 718.551.3125.
     
    We look forward to meeting prospective students and their families - your relatives, friends, and colleagues - in the days and weeks ahead!  Thank you for your support.


  • Dec
    3

    WEEK B

  • Dec
    3

    In-Person KFMUN Training Conference


    Location: US Library
    Organizer: G. Gordon
  • Dec
    4

    DAY 6

  • Dec
    4

    Toy for Tots Holiday Toy Drive Begins


    Organizer: Emma Raskin

    Please help support Toys for Tots and put a smile on every child's face this holiday season by donating new and unwrapped toys. All donations should be dropped in the boxes located in the Kew-Forest Main Rotunda. 

    The drive ends Wed 13 Dec.
View All Events

The Kew-Forest School

119-17 Union Turnpike
Forest Hills, NY 11375
(718) 268-4667
The oldest independent school in the borough of Queens, The Kew-Forest School is an independent co-educational, college preparatory school for students in Preschool through Grade 12.