James E. Matanky
Chief Executive Officer
James E. Matanky is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Matanky Realty Group, Inc., a commercial real estate firm founded in 1955. Matanky’s focus is on the investment, development, and redevelopment of shopping centers and the communities they serve, drawing on over 70 years of the company’s industry experience. James became principal of the firm in 2005 alongside his brother, Robert W. Matanky.
In addition to his role as CEO, Matanky serves as Chairman of the Chicago Stockyards Commission (SSA #13) and is a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago advisory panel. He serves as Vice Chair of the Chicago Housing Authority, where he chairs the Real Estate Committee, further demonstrating his commitment to urban development and community improvement.
As a volunteer, Matanky serves as the North American Chair of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Ambassador Program. He also serves on the ICSC Open Air Committee, emphasizing his dedication to advancing retail development. He regularly serves as a panelist for both ICSC and the Urban Land Institute and has worked with the City of Chicago as a mentor on retail redevelopment.
Matanky has been actively involved in the community through various roles, including positions with the West Humboldt Park Development Council, the Chicago Association of Neighborhood Development Organizations, and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Chicago Circle Council. He is a past board member of World Business Chicago, the City of Chicago’s public-private economic development agency, and has been honored with the Chicago Neighborhood Developer of the Year Award multiple times for his work in underserved communities.
Matanky graduated with honors from the University of Illinois with degrees in finance, accounting, and law, and earned an honors law degree from Cambridge University in England. He is certified by ICSC in Executive Leadership (CRX), Leasing (CLS), Development (CDP), Shopping Center Management (CSM), and Marketing (CMD), and is also a Certified Retail Real Estate Professional (CRRP).
