About the Institute
Real estate development is a sprawling, complex endeavor where the potential for success and the risk of failure are equally great.
To address this complexity and promote the industry, The Winchester Institute builds on the core skills of the Harbert College of Business and the College of Architecture, Design and Construction, and leverages the multi-faceted resources of a leading land grant institution. With offerings tailored to a variety of audiences from seasoned professionals to undergraduate students, the Institute impacts real estate development through an active connection with industry, relevant and practical educational offerings, and both academic and applied research.
Greg Winchester
Founder
With a career that has spanned more than 35 years, Greg Winchester is experienced in banking, finance and real estate and has been involved in the portfolio management of over $225 billion of loans and real estate investments. Currently, he is the CEO of Summit Investors, which invests in North America and Europe and provides advisory services to development companies. Previously, he was Co-CEO of Trimont Real Estate Advisors, a company that provides customized financial services for commercial real estate lenders and investors.
We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”
-Winston Churchill
Greg’s Remarks at The Winchester Institute Naming Event
Greg on The Harbert Podcast
Greg Winchester
Founder
With a career that has spanned more than 35 years, Greg Winchester is experienced in banking, finance and real estate and has been involved in the portfolio management of over $225 billion of loans and real estate investments. Currently, he is the CEO of Summit Investors, which invests in North America and Europe and provides advisory services to development companies. Previously, he was Co-CEO of Trimont Real Estate Advisors, a company that provides customized financial services for commercial real estate lenders and investors.
We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”
-Winston Churchill
Greg’s Remarks at The Winchester Institute Naming Event
Greg on The Harbert Podcast
Institute Leadership
Justin Benefield
Academic Director
Justin Benefield teaches finance and real estate development and is the director of Auburn’s top ranked Master of Real Estate Development. An accomplished researcher in real estate and finance he’s published in the nation’s leading journals. This experience makes him uniquely suited to identify the education and research needs of the real estate community and create the offerings to meet those needs.
John Benner
Executive Director
John Benner is the owner/president of Gen Rev Properties where he oversees strategic planning and new commercial development. During his three decade commercial real estate career, he has managed, leased, brokered, developed, and owned income-producing commercial investment property. As the primary liaison between The Winchester Institute and the real estate industry, he leads strategic planning efforts, recruits new member organizations, and manages relations with the Institute’s members.
Kim Kuerten
Administrative Director
Kim Kuerten helped launch Auburn’s Executive MBA, Physicians Executive MBA, the Master of Real Estate Development and served as the Executive Director of the Harbert College’s Graduate Executive Programs. To date, these programs have generated more than $80 million in tuition revenues. She will manage The Winchester Institute’s budgets, marketing and daily operations and administer the industry membership and mentoring programs.