A fourth generation alumna navigates into artificial intelligence territory

Artificial intelligence is on the rise. And Katherine Pinkard’s real estate firm, Pinkard Properties, is embracing the new technology and integrating the tool into their business model.

Pinkard Properties is a commercial real estate firm that provides property management, project management, consulting and advisory, and blockchain services throughout Baltimore and the state of Maryland. 

Although the real estate industry revolves mostly around physical assets, there are opportunities to incorporate AI into tools that contribute to the success of running a physical space. And Pinkard (MBA ’14) says they have started to roll out AI in multiple ways across their portfolio. 

“We’re beginning to use AI in things like building automation systems, such as running our heating and air conditioning systems,” she said. 

Pinkard explained that the intersection of technology and humanity has helped free up time for her building engineers to focus on other responsibilities. 

“Instead of having a building engineer sitting in front of a computer for long hours toggling the HVAC systems, we’re actively incorporating AI-based platforms that can make those adjustments as needed,” she said. “And of course, if something needs attention that an AI platform can’t handle, we still have that human element to go and help in real-time.“

Generations of success

Pinkard isn’t the first in her family to own a real estate firm. Her great-grandfather founded a real estate company called W.C. Pinkard and Company in the 1920s, which was passed down through generations of Pinkards until 2010. 

Pinkard says she made the switch from finance to the real estate industry because she knew she had an entrepreneurial side to her, and she felt there was room in the real estate market to bring back the family name. She founded her company while she was a Carey MBA student.

“The MBA program gave me a great foundation to be an entrepreneur while starting my business. I was able to tailor my electives to real estate, so I was not only getting the business classes like operations and accounting, but also the foundation for real estate as well,” she said. “And the Carey network has been instrumental in helping me grow my business. Whether that’s reaching out to someone for advice or just general networking, having that is wonderful.”

Like her family legacy in real estate, Pinkard is a fourth-generation Johns Hopkins alumna. Her family members have been on the Hopkins alumni list for more than a century.

Her great-grandfather, Robert G. Merrick, graduated from Johns Hopkins in 1917, and again in 1922 with a PhD in economics. He also served as a Johns Hopkins trustee. Following in his footsteps, her grandmother, Anne M. Pinkard, graduated in 1973 and became the second woman elected to the university’s board. Continuing the family legacy, her uncle, Walter D. Pinkard Jr., served as a trustee and chaired the School of Nursing’s Advisory Board.

Dedicated to serving the Baltimore community

All three of her family members have received the Johns Hopkins University Alumni Association Heritage Award. Now Pinkard has, too.  

“I was absolutely over the moon to find out I was the recipient of the Heritage Award,” she said. “It’s a great blend of family tradition but also what it means to me personally. I’ve very much walked my own path volunteering at Johns Hopkins. It’s special that I’ve been able to put my own meaning to the award.,” 

As a lifelong Baltimorean and dedicated philanthropist and volunteer, for Johns Hopkins and in other Baltimore-focused efforts, Pinkard is a strong advocate for the university’s role within the Baltimore community. Her support has helped both the university and the city thrive. 

“The university has done so much for my family,” she said. “Hopkins means a lot to me, so it’s important to give back and support the institution that taught me so much. Outside of Hopkins, I’m very dedicated to the Baltimore community. To be able to do what I do, means a lot.”

Her volunteer work within the university began over 15 years ago when she volunteered at the Homewood Museum, ultimately ending up as chair of the Homewood Museum Advisory Board. Pinkard then went through the Hopkins Leadership Fellows program, which is designed to provide Johns Hopkins alumni and friends with deeper knowledge and engagement with the university. 

From that role, Pinkard became a member of the Johns Hopkins Rising to the Challenge Campaign Cabinet. Her latest work has been with Johns Hopkins Carey Business School as chair of the Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board. 

“The Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board is very geographically diverse. I love the lens and input from my board members in other areas of the country. Being local, it’s a great way to bring new ideas together and figure out how we can incorporate those ideas to Baltimore,” she said. 

She says the support from Johns Hopkins extends well past the few years studying in a program; it’s a lifelong commitment. And there are endless opportunities for alumni to get connected and stay involved–whether it’s by providing your contact information, joining LinkedIn groups for Johns Hopkins, or keeping in touch with your classmates and professors.

“Carey is really on the front end of innovations and technology. It’s made me realize how valuable it is to be part of the Carey network,” she said. “You can go anywhere in the world and say that you went to Johns Hopkins and people will know what that means. That really says something. The programs are fabulous, but you’re also getting more than just when you’re studying while at school. From the networks to the resources, it’s second to none.”