Ryan Companies US, Inc., a national commercial real estate solutions provider, today announces that it has tapped Patrick Chesser, a 30-year veteran in commercial real estate, to lead the firm’s Southeast operations as Southeast Regional President. Chesser is stepping into the role following the planned retirement of Doug Dieck, who drove significant success for Ryan over his three-decade career with the firm. 

As Southeast Regional President, Chesser will oversee Ryan’s business development and operational objectives, working to grow its footprint in various sectors, including industrial, healthcare, multifamily, senior living, office, K-12 education and mission-critical in markets such as Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas. Working alongside Julie Ferguson, who serves as President, Southern Division at Ryan, Chesser will also advance the firm’s role as a fully integrated service provider, with expertise in development, construction, capital markets, design and property management. 

“What stands out about Ryan Companies is its breadth of capabilities and diversity of product types that have positioned the firm as a leader in a range of commercial real estate sectors,” said Chesser. “This unique ability to work cross-collaboratively across sectors is Ryan’s strength, and I’m excited to further elevate this strategic quality as we target new opportunities for expansion and deepen our role as a value-add partner for clients in the Southeast.” 

Over the course of his career, Chesser has cultivated an expansive project portfolio, with his experience in the development, acquisition, entitlement and financing of commercial real estate totaling more than $1.5 billion. Previously, Chesser served as the Senior Managing Director of multifamily developer Mill Creek’s Atlanta office, where he led the development of multifamily projects throughout the Atlanta region. He also spent four years at South City Partners as senior vice president, where he developed mixed-use, student living and multifamily projects. Before South City Partners, he served as senior vice president at Ackerman & Co. for 15 years, overseeing the development and acquisition of mixed-use, industrial, office, and medical office assets throughout Atlanta. 

“As Ryan continues its growth story in the Southeast, Patrick, with his extensive experience covering a wide range of sectors, is the right leader to steer our next chapter in the region,” said Julie Ferguson. “He will be the quarterback of our team, guiding our efforts to score new business and harnessing our collective ambition for success to drive operational wins.” 

Notable projects within Chesser’s portfolio include Perimeter Town Center, a medical office complex in Sandy Springs, Georgia; 10 WestEdge, an apartment community in Charleston, South Carolina; and multiple multifamily developments in the Atlanta area, including Modera Parkside, Modera Decatur and Modera Reynoldstown. 

Chesser is a graduate of the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction. He also holds an MBA in Finance from Georgia State University. He is a member of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) and the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC). Chesser has also been actively involved in the community, serving on the City of Sandy Springs Perimeter Community Improvement District board, where he played a key role in acquiring funding for various infrastructure projects, as well as on the boards of the Bank of Sandy Springs and the Holiness of Episcopal Church. He is married to his wife of 27 years, with whom he has two daughters. 

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Ryan’s Tampa office, the firm’s Southeast headquarters, which has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s built environment. Over the past two decades, Ryan has established itself as a leader across numerous sectors, including healthcare, K-12 education, life sciences, industrial, multifamily, aviation and more. Chesser joins a distinguished group of industry leaders who have recently joined the Ryan team, including Domingos Garcia, Southeast Director of Architecture; Kathleen Bonesz, Senior Vice President of speculative industrial real estate development; Joe Fogarty, Vice President of healthcare real estate development; and Brad Hill, Vice President of construction operations.