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    Our People

    Led with vision.
    Driven by grit.

    One bold team.

    Our team is 185 strong and growing. Everyone plays a critical role in helping us be us. Fueled by big thinking, foresight and a never-say-die attitude, our leadership team has brought us to the forefront of innovation and imagination.

    Dr. Suzet McKinney

    Principal, Director of Life Sciences

    Dr. Suzet McKinney, a nationally recognized public health expert, serves as Principal and Director of Life Sciences. In her role, Dr. McKinney leads the strategy to expand Sterling Bay’s footprint in life sciences nationwide, pursue grant programs for laboratory incubation and graduation space and advance the work of various Sterling Bay life sciences initiatives. Prior to joining Sterling Bay, Dr. McKinney was CEO and Executive Director of the Illinois Medical District (IMD) where she managed medical research facilities, labs, a biotech business incubator, universities, four hospitals, and more than 40 healthcare-related facilities. Before IMD, Dr. McKinney served as Deputy Commissioner for the Bureau of Public Health Preparedness and Emergency Response at Chicago Department of Health.

    Patrick Biesty

    Managing Director, Engineering

    Patrick Biesty serves as the Managing Director of Engineering at Sterling Bay. With over 20 years of extensive experience in building engineering and management, Patrick oversees all aspects of the firm’s engineering efforts across its entire portfolio, including the management of over 80 field engineering professionals. Patrick also oversees MEP due diligence during acquisition and dispositions, building performance and sustainability, and OSHA compliance and safety. Prior to joining Sterling Bay in 2015, Patrick worked as a Building Consultant with JLL, as well as a Chief Engineer in the Chicago market. Patrick earned a Bachelor of Science from the Illinois Institute of Technology and an Associate Degree from Triton College.

    Dr. James Gillespie

    Executive Director

    James Gillespie is Executive Director at Sterling Bay. James is an experienced entrepreneur, executive, and scholar. His research has appeared in numerous academic journals and industry periodicals, including Academy of Management Review, Harvard Business Review, and Strategic Management Journal. James is also a Senior Advisor at the Stanford University School of Medicine and a Research Affiliate at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven CT. His civic and community roles include Co-Founder and Board Member at Women In Healthcare & Life Sciences, Co-Founder and Board Member at the Black Healthcare & Medical Association, and Advisory Board Member at Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association. His education includes Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, M.A., Ph.D.; Harvard University School of Law, J.D.; Princeton University School of Public Policy, M.P.A.; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, B.S.; Carnegie Mellon University Heinz School; and Rand Graduate School.