National Real Estate Advisors has appointed veteran institutional real estate executive J.D. Sitton as managing director and head of investor relations, strengthening the firm’s capital formation and investor engagement capabilities as it continues to expand its real estate and infrastructure investment platform.
Based in Washington, D.C., National Real Estate Advisors develops, operates, and manages commercial real estate and infrastructure projects across the United States. In his new role, Sitton will oversee the firm’s investor relations strategy, including institutional client engagement, consultant relationships, capital raising initiatives, investor communications, and reporting across the company’s investment strategies.
The appointment comes as institutional investors continue to seek specialized real estate managers capable of navigating evolving market conditions while delivering long-term, risk-adjusted returns. Effective investor communication and capital formation have become increasingly important as real estate firms compete for allocations from pension funds, endowments, foundations, and other institutional investors.
Sitton brings more than three decades of experience working with institutional real estate investors and capital markets participants. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions at several prominent real estate investment and development organizations, including JPMorgan Asset Management, Barings, Hines, and KETTLER. In those roles, he was responsible for investor relations, capital markets strategy, and fundraising efforts across multiple market cycles.
“J.D. brings a deep understanding of institutional investor priorities and a track record of building relationships across market cycles,” said Jeffrey Kanne, president and chief executive officer of National Real Estate Advisors. “His experience strengthens our ability to engage with investors and support disciplined execution across our platform.”
Sitton’s appointment reflects a broader trend among investment managers seeking experienced leaders who can help align investor expectations with portfolio strategy during a period of economic uncertainty and changing capital market dynamics. Firms with established institutional relationships are increasingly focused on transparency, performance communication, and long-term partnership development as investors reassess portfolio allocations across asset classes.
A graduate of George Mason University, Sitton holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder, a credential widely recognized within the investment management industry.
National Real Estate Advisors manages diversified investment portfolios focused primarily on multifamily housing, data centers, healthcare-related properties, and mixed-use developments. The firm employs a development-led investment strategy aimed at creating value through the transformation of underutilized real estate assets into modern commercial and residential projects.
The company currently oversees an operating portfolio spanning more than 18 million square feet and manages approximately $4.5 billion in assets under management. In addition, National has a construction pipeline valued at roughly $4.9 billion, reflecting its continued emphasis on large-scale development opportunities across key property sectors.
Founded in 2000, National manages separate accounts and commingled investment vehicles on behalf of institutional investors. The firm is an independently operated subsidiary of the National Electrical Benefit Fund (NEBF), a pension trust whose assets are managed by National on a discretionary basis.
With Sitton now leading investor relations efforts, National Real Estate Advisors is positioning itself to deepen relationships with existing institutional partners while supporting future capital formation initiatives across its growing real estate and infrastructure investment platform.