Hilco Global Welcomes David H. Crawford to Strengthen Real Estate Advisory for Education and Faith-Based Organizations

Hilco Global has made an exciting announcement by hiring David H. Crawford to fortify their real estate advisory practice specifically focusing on higher education and faith-based organizations. This move comes as the firm seeks to expand its offerings in these vital sectors, benefiting from Crawford’s extensive leadership experience that spans more than four decades across various industries, including higher education, corporate environments, and legal frameworks.

Crawford's credentials are impressive. He most recently served as the 11th President of McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. During his tenure, he orchestrated a remarkable transformation of this 196-year-old institution, successfully restructuring operations, negotiating the sale of the campus to the University of Chicago, and overseeing its relocation to a new, shared facility. His initiatives played a crucial role in redeeming the institution's debt and increasing its endowment. Under his leadership, McCormick also saw a significant reduction in tuition and student borrowing, showcasing his commitment to making education more accessible.

His career has included notable positions such as the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Allied Riser Communications Corporation, a data and internet services company he developed with the late Sam Zell. Crawford's contribution to Equity Office Properties Trust is also noteworthy; he held senior leadership roles that helped position the company as the largest publicly traded owner of commercial office buildings in North America. Before his venture into the private sector, Crawford practiced law at Kirkland & Ellis in their Bankruptcy and Restructuring Group, laying a strong legal foundation that further enhances his capabilities in navigating complex institutional challenges.

Michael Sheinkop, Executive Director at Hilco Global Professional Services, spoke highly of Crawford’s induction, describing him as possessing a unique blend of strategic insight and operational excellence. Sheinkop remarked, "David brings a rare combination of strategic insight, operational excellence, and deep relationship capital across sectors that are central to Hilco's mission to grow." His experience in higher education will undoubtedly equip Hilco to provide tailored solutions for institutions grappling with today’s unprecedented financial and organizational challenges.

Crawford himself shared insights about the evolving landscape of higher education and faith-based organizations. He highlighted that these institutions are navigating extraordinary challenges due to rapid financial, demographic, social, and technological changes. His three decades of experience have made him acutely aware of how these challenges affect the mission and services that people rely on from such institutions. He stated, "Hilco Global possesses a seasoned team of professionals that brings both subject matter expertise and capital to help clients move from financial uncertainty to financial sustainability."

Having earned a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Crawford is also an active member of the Illinois State Bar. He engages with the community by serving on the Executive Committee of the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago and is a board member at the Center for Conflict Resolution in Chicago.

Hilco Global, based in Northbrook, Illinois, operates as a subsidiary of ORIX Corporation USA and stands as a diversified financial services company. It specializes in providing integrated professional services and capital solutions that empower clients to maximize their value and enhance performance across several sectors. The company tailors solutions to fit a broad spectrum of business conditions, assisting organizations whether they are financially stable, stressed, or distressed. By strategically aligning its interests with those of its clients, Hilco Global aims to achieve optimal outcomes.

As Crawford settles into his new role, the outlook for Hilco Global's real estate advisory practice appears bright, particularly for those navigating the intricate realms of higher education and faith-based organizations. His vast experience promises to be an invaluable asset as the firm endeavors to offer innovative solutions in an ever-evolving landscape.

In conclusion, the addition of David H. Crawford to Hilco Global's team embodies the firm’s commitment to providing exceptional guidance and support to institutions in the financial sector. His unique background will surely help them navigate the numerous challenges that lie ahead.

For further information, visit Hilco Global.