Global CEO
Leo Gonzalez
Chief Financial Officer,
Co-Interim Managing Director
Leo Gonzalez is a distinguished executive who joined the Urban Land Institute (ULI) in 2021 as the Chief Financial Officer. With a career spanning over 25 years across the nonprofit and private sectors, Leo brings a wealth of finance, investment banking, investment management, and strategic leadership expertise to this pivotal role.
Leo’s professional journey commenced in investment banking, where he honed his skills in leveraged finance and M&A transactions at JP Morgan. His tenure at Lehman Brothers saw him managing complex municipal bankruptcy and pension restructurings, and at Stanford University, he led the management of endowment and charitable trust assets. He extended his influence on global pension fund investments at PNM Resources and Ford Motor Company, assuming additional responsibilities as Treasurer for Japan and Southeast Asia at the latter.
Leo’s portfolio of achievements extends beyond traditional realms. He has ventured into leadership roles with impactful global nonprofits, taking on the part of Acting CFO for an organization active in 80 countries. Leo’s strategic financial guidance was a key driver in advancing its mission on a global scale. His impact also extends to the startup landscape, where he has served as CFO for thriving ventures within the logistics and investment management sectors.
In his most recent endeavors at ULI, Leo’s vision and insights have helped guide the organization’s return to a full slate of activities following the global pandemic; modernization of its accounting systems; and professionalization of ULI and ULI Foundation’s investment management through an outsourced CIO model as their assets have grown to all-time highs. His strategic prowess and financial acumen have played an instrumental role in driving ULI’s mission forward.
Beyond his corporate engagements, Leo is an esteemed board member of Social Venture Partners Chicago, a transformative organization focused on mentoring and funding innovative nonprofits dedicated to eradicating systemic poverty.
Leo holds a Bachelor of Science in International Economics from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, solidifying his foundation for strategic leadership and financial acumen.
Mary Beth Corrigan
Chief of Staff – Office of the CEO,
Co-Interim Managing Director
Mary Beth Corrigan is an accomplished executive with a 25- year tenure at the Urban Land Institute (ULI). As the Chief of Staff in the Office of the CEO, she stands as a pivotal link between ULI’s membership and its operational fabric. Throughout her career, Mary Beth has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration and driving impactful outcomes across all facets of the organization.
In her current role, Mary Beth supports and advises ULI’s Chief Executive Officer. She advises on critical initiatives that cross cut the organization and deliver impact both short and long term. Her adeptness at connecting members with the organization’s program of work has been a cornerstone of fostering member engagement and participation.
Mary Beth’s journey at ULI commenced as the Director of Advisory Services, where she set the stage for growth and transformation. Under her guidance, the program expanded its impact becoming a driving force in shaping the real estate landscape.
One of Mary Beth’s hallmark achievements lies in her stewardship of the Key Leaders Network, a program tailored for ULI’s foremost leadership echelons. Her astute leadership has enriched this initiative, fostering engagement and stewardship at the highest level within ULI’s leadership cadre.
Notably, Mary Beth Corrigan spent a decade at the helm of ULI’s most prominent events – the Spring and Fall meetings. Her adept management of these flagship convenings increased year over year attendance. This role brought with it the responsibility of overseeing product councils, an area where Mary Beth’s influence was transformative. She deftly orchestrated the integration of council meeting content into the broader ULI spectrum, enhancing the value delivered to ULI’s diverse membership.
Mary Beth holds a masters of science degree in oceanography/coastal resource management from the Florida Institute of Technology and a bachelor of arts degree in marine science from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.