As Head of Sustainability, Americas for Nuveen Real Estate, Brittany Ryan MPP ’15 spearheads the execution of strategic initiatives aimed at achieving program objectives, notably climate risk integration, market leadership and net zero carbon in its real estate portfolio by 2040. With a comprehensive oversight of environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration, Ryan ensures their strategy is sufficiently embedded in all facets of the company including product development, portfolio management, investment management, client reporting and governance. As one of the world’s largest real estate investment managers, Nuveen Real Estate boasts assets under management exceeding $150 billion.
Sustainability has been ingrained in Ryan’s identity since her earliest memories, shaping her values and guiding her actions throughout her life. A defining moment for Ryan came while taking an environmental science elective in high school where her purpose became clear: to become a force in the field.
Ryan attributes much of her success to the MPP program, emphasizing its impact beyond just her environmental policy expertise. She highlights how the program developed her critical thinking and communications skills while exposing her to a diverse range of topics and perspectives. Throughout her time at the School, Ryan regularly met with her career advisor, built relationships with professors, and built a strong network. These efforts combined with her engagement in industry activities and collaborative endeavors became a crucial component of her career development.
I think about the program as a gym workout – the movement in that workout isn't precisely what you do in daily life, but it does translate to strength, balance, circulation and a clear mind needed to have a better quality of life.Brittany Ryan MPP '15
The curriculum, which included courses such as microeconomics, ecological economics and public budgeting, provided Ryan with a solid economic foundation applicable to her daily work. Additional courses such as moral dimensions, environmental ethics and public management and leadership played vital roles in her career journey. “I think about the program as a gym workout – the movement in that workout isn't precisely what you do in daily life, but it does translate to strength, balance, circulation and a clear mind needed to have a better quality of life,” shared Ryan.
Ryan expressed feelings of uncertainty regarding where her degree would take her prior to graduating. When her original plans fell through, she described feeling “deflated.” She landed a job shortly thereafter with a local consulting firm specializing in sustainability within commercial real estate. Unbeknownst to her at the time, that opportunity was about to change her life. She shared that her master’s degree has been a valuable asset in her career journey, and she firmly believes it has unlocked doors that might have otherwise remained closed to her. “My experience delivered an entire toolbox that enabled me to become the leader I am today.”
Given the dynamic nature of sustainability, Ryan must stay current with industry and regulatory trends involving disclosure and transparency laws, as well as building-level energy and carbon laws. Her work often involves working with affiliate groups, vocalizing feedback in industry working groups that inform policy and issuing commentary on local and state building laws. She currently sits on the Real Estate Roundtable Sustainability Policy Action Committee to stay informed and voice the owners’ perspectives on proposed policies.
Ryan urges current policy students to “put yourself out there” and advises them not to be discouraged if their original paths don’t pan out. She encourages students to set weekly goals for their applications and to actively cultivate new connections. Emphasizing the importance of commitment, she shared, “You get out what you put into it.” She encourages students to maximize the school’s resources, workshops and networks. She also recommends that students focus on developing transferable skills and core competencies, highlighting traits such as organization, communication, work ethic, self-sufficiency and a drive for continuous learning as key indicators of success.
Ryan wants students to understand that nothing is permanent. She asserted, “Seize new opportunities and find comfort in knowing you can almost always change your situation.” Ryan looks forward to continuing her leadership role in sustainability and encourages others to enjoy SPP to the fullest.
