Colby Swartz portrait

Colby Swartz, MS

Adjunct Instructor
Academic AreaReal Estate
Academic AreaFinance

Colby Swartz is a real estate executive and investor with extensive experience in capital markets, large-scale development, and operational leadership across multifamily, hospitality, and mixed-use assets. He has originated and executed more than $3 billion in combined debt, equity, and development transactions over his career. 

He currently serves as Family Office Vice President and Head of Capital Markets & Investment Strategy at Burkentine Real Estate Group, where he leads strategy, growth, and investment relations for a six-year, 11,000-unit development pipeline valued at over $1.9 billion. His work includes $1.12 billion in debt originations, $40 million in preferred equity, a $200+ million permanent finance credit facility, and the creation of a $100 million mezzanine lending platform. He oversees $775 million in AUM, $250+ million in annual equity allocation, and a team of more than 20 across key business units. 

Previously, he served as Principal at Lafayette Street Capital, raising $50 million through international family office partnerships and expanding the firm’s portfolio by more than 850 units. He also held leadership roles at Howard Real Estate, where he partnered with institutions such as Fortress Investment Group, Goldman Sachs, MetLife, and Trammell Crow, adding more than 2,100 keys to the operating platform. 

Earlier in his career, he was Senior Managing Director at Suzuki Capital, advising on more than 25 hospitality projects with brands including Virgin Hotels, Dream Hotel Group, and The Mandarin Oriental. He originated and financed multiple developments totaling more than $500 million and executed $580 million in advisory transactions. 

Mr. Swartz holds a Master of Science in Global Real Estate Development from NYU and a Bachelor of Arts from Arizona State University. He is a New York State Licensed Real Estate Instructor and Associate Broker, a Central Penn Business Journal Power 100 honoree, and a member of the Hanover YMCA Board of Directors

Education

  • Master of Science, Global Real Estate Development, New York University
  • Bachelor of Arts, Education, Arizona State University 

Courses

Current

  • Real Estate Capital Market Analysis
  • Real Estate Investment and Development

Impact and engagement

Business

  • I am actively involved in real estate finance and development on a yearly average of $400-$500 million in market value

Community

  • YMCA Board of Directors - Hanover Charter 

In the media

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