David Nettina is a seasoned real estate and financial executive with extensive experience leading public companies, corporate growth initiatives, and board governance. He played a pivotal role in taking SL Green Realty public, leading the company’s initial public offering with Lehman Brothers as the lead investment banker. Serving simultaneously as Chief Financial Officer and President/Chief Operating Officer, he transformed a small private-company team into a public-company organization capable of meeting the rigorous standards of the capital markets. Under his leadership, the company experienced significant growth, expanding from approximately $200 million to $1.5 billion in owned and managed real estate assets and establishing the foundation for what is now one of New York City’s leading office real estate companies. Later, at RPT Realty, David served as a Board Director, Audit Committee Chair, and, during his final four years with the company, Chairman of the Board, a role to which he was elected by his fellow directors. He remained in that position until RPT Realty merged with KIMCO Realty in 2024. In addition to earning both a Bachelor of Science and an MBA, David completed advanced military-sponsored review programs to earn a Management Accounting certification (MA), a credential comparable in rigor to the CPA designation for corporate finance professionals, further strengthening his expertise in financial leadership, governance, and strategic growth.
Beginning his professional journey in his mid-twenties, David quickly established himself as a disciplined and analytical thinker with a strong foundation in accounting and finance. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and an MBA in Finance from Canisius University, he developed a deep understanding of financial systems, governance, and organizational dynamics. This early expertise laid the groundwork for a career defined by both entrepreneurial ventures and executive leadership roles within complex corporate structures.
Throughout his career, David has been instrumental in the creation and expansion of financial institutions, including the founding and development of multiple retail banking operations. His experience in banking is not merely administrative—it is foundational, rooted in an understanding of capital flows, regulatory frameworks, and the importance of disciplined growth. His ability to build banks from inception and guide them through expansion has positioned him as a trusted authority in financial services and capital markets.
David’s transition into real estate marked a pivotal chapter in his career, where he applied his financial acumen to large-scale investment and operational strategy. He successfully led and managed a private real estate enterprise valued at approximately $5 billion, demonstrating his capacity to scale organizations while maintaining financial integrity and operational efficiency. His work in real estate extends beyond ownership and management, encompassing brokerage strategies, permitting and licensing, and the integration of capital markets into real estate growth initiatives.
In his role as President and Chief Financial Officer of American Financial Realty Trust, a publicly traded REIT, David played a critical leadership role during a transformative period. He was directly involved in the strategic merger with Gramercy Capital Corp., navigating the complexities of public markets, investor relations, and corporate restructuring. This experience further solidified his reputation as a leader capable of guiding organizations through high-stakes transactions and significant organizational change.
Currently serving as Managing Principal of Briarwood Capital Group, David continues to advise and invest in businesses with strong growth potential. His work extends across multiple sectors, including real estate, retail banking, and emerging opportunities in capital markets and behavioral health services. As a board director for Ramco-Gershenson, Inc., where he serves on the audit committee, he brings a disciplined governance approach, ensuring financial transparency and strategic alignment.
David is widely recognized for his hands-on approach to board leadership. He is not a passive participant; instead, he immerses himself in the organizations he serves, engaging with management teams, understanding operational realities, and proactively addressing challenges. His willingness to make difficult decisions—such as restructuring leadership teams or implementing turnaround strategies—has been a defining characteristic of his career. He believes that effective governance requires both insight and action.
Beyond his corporate achievements, David is a seasoned communicator and public speaker. A former national-level debater, he has carried his communication skills into the boardroom, investor meetings, and public forums. He has spoken with investors both domestically and internationally, including in Europe and the United Kingdom, bringing clarity and confidence to complex financial and strategic discussions. His ability to articulate vision and strategy has made him a respected voice among peers and stakeholders.
David’s influence extends into advisory roles, where he serves as a trusted consultant to more than a dozen privately held companies. In these roles, he provides guidance on strategic planning, financial restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, and leadership development. His experience allows him to identify risks and opportunities early, helping organizations navigate uncertainty and capitalize on growth potential.
At the core of David’s professional philosophy is a belief in accountability, preparation, and forward-thinking leadership. He has observed firsthand the consequences of disengaged governance and is committed to being an active, informed, and impactful board member. He approaches each opportunity with a mindset rooted in discipline and strategic anticipation, always considering not just where a company is, but where it needs to be.
Outside of his professional endeavors, David maintains a range of personal interests that reflect his disciplined and thoughtful nature. He enjoys shooting clays, cooking, golfing, and studying history—particularly military history, which informs his strategic thinking and leadership style. These interests underscore a lifelong commitment to learning, precision, and continuous improvement.
David Nettina’s career is defined by his ability to build, transform, and lead organizations through complexity and change. His blend of financial expertise, operational insight, and strategic leadership makes him an invaluable asset to boards and executive teams seeking growth, stability, and long-term value creation.
Character:
David demonstrates unwavering integrity and accountability in every role he undertakes, consistently prioritizing the long-term success of the organizations he serves. He approaches leadership with discipline and a strong sense of responsibility, ensuring that decisions are both thoughtful and decisive. His willingness to confront difficult challenges, including leadership restructuring, reflects a commitment to doing what is necessary rather than what is easy.
Knowledge:
He possesses deep expertise across financial services, real estate, and capital markets, supported by decades of hands-on experience. His understanding of complex financial structures, governance frameworks, and operational strategy enables him to navigate and solve multifaceted business challenges. He continuously applies his knowledge to evolving industries, ensuring his insights remain relevant and impactful.
Strategic:
David is a forward-thinking leader who excels at identifying opportunities and anticipating risks in dynamic business environments. He has a proven ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and high-stakes transactions, including mergers and public market activities. His strategic mindset is rooted in both experience and analysis, allowing him to create actionable plans that drive measurable results.
Communication:
A confident and articulate communicator who effectively conveys complex ideas to diverse audiences. His background as a national-level debater enhances his ability to engage in meaningful dialogue, whether in boardrooms, investor meetings, or public forums. He fosters transparency and alignment through clear communication, ensuring that stakeholders are informed and empowered to act.
