UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Smeal College of Business recently named Charney Companies’ Justin Pelsinger to its Real Estate Advisory Board Executive Committee.
The board includes business, government and education professionals who have an interest in promoting and financially supporting real estate education and scholarship at Penn State. Board members make a financial commitment to the college in support of Smeal’s Borrelli Institute for Real Estate Studies.
Pelsinger holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and political science from Penn State's College of the Liberal Arts and a master’s degree in real estate finance from New York University’s Schack Institute of Real Estate.
“After completing my graduate degree, I found my passion for real estate development. I am looking forward to getting more involved with the real estate program and students at Penn State,” Pelsinger said. “There are so many things to do in real estate and, many times, people aren’t sure where to start. I want to help Smeal students find their path.”
Pelsinger began his professional career at Moin Development in New York in 2011. He was named a senior development associate at GFI Development Company in 2013.
He joined Charney Companies in 2016 as partner and chief operating officer. His expertise spans equity/debt structuring, investment analysis and project management and underwriting, with broad visibility across all operations at Charney Companies.
Pelsinger is a frequent contributor to real estate focused trade publications and industry events. He’s received a number of honors within the real estate industry, including Crain's 2023 Notable Leaders in Real Estate.
Brent Ambrose, professor of real estate, Jason and Julie Borrelli Faculty Chair in Real Estate, director of doctoral programs for the college and director of the Borrelli Institute for Real Estate Studies, called Pelsinger a welcome addition to the board.
“Justin is deeply immersed in both residential and commercial real estate projects in New York City, and I am confident that his experience and insights will contribute positively to Smeal’s real estate program,” Ambrose said.
Pelsinger said that joining the board allows him to combine two things he loves: Penn State and real estate.
“It’s an honor to join other Penn Staters who have such great industry knowledge and connections and work toward a common goal,” Pelsinger said. “When people think about great real estate schools, I want Penn State to be at the top of the list. That’s what gets me excited for this new role.”