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.

 

 

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