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Boston Real Estate Leaders Recognized as Influential Bostonians 2025

Fifteen Boston real estate leaders recognized among 150 Most Influential Bostonians of 2025 by Boston Magazine.

B
oston — Fifteen influential real estate leaders have been recognized among the 150 Most Influential Bostonians of 2025, an annual honor curated by Boston Magazine. These individuals are shaping the city's future across business, politics, culture, and beyond.

    The honorees have not only transformed Boston's skyline but also its economic landscape and community development initiatives. Their inclusion reflects the growing impact of the real estate sector in driving the city's transformation.

    Here are the profiles of these distinguished real estate executives:

    # 11. John F. Fish

    Chair and CEO, Suffolk Construction Company

    Fish has led the construction of over 41 million square feet of healthcare and K-12 academic facilities across the country. He was recently named a Distinguished Bostonian by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

    # 12. Jonathan Kraft

    President, the Kraft Group and New England Patriots

    Kraft has overseen $550 million in improvements to Gillette Stadium and employs over 9,500 people. As a member of the famous Kraft family, he is emerging as a local powerhouse.

    # 19. Jeremy Sclar

    Chair and CEO, WS Development

    Sclar's company has developed over 7.6 million square feet in the Seaport district. He has also made significant investments in low-carbon cement and has earned praise from Mayor Michelle Wu and Governor Maura Healey.

    # 22. Thomas O'Brien

    Managing partner and CEO, HYM Investment Group

    O'Brien has led the development of over 20 million square feet in Greater Boston and has invested $12 billion in various projects. As a former director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority, he has received appointments from several governors and mayors.

    # 42. Peter Palandjian

    Chair and CEO, Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation

    Palandjian's company manages over $11.5 billion in properties and has made significant donations to local organizations, including Brigham and Women's Hospital.

    # 43. Jonathan and Stephen Davis

    Founders of the Davis Companies

    The father-and-son duo have developed over 14,000 residential units across Boston and Cambridge. They are one of the city's most important landlords and have expanded into scientific lab space.

    # 76. Darryl Settles

    President and managing partner, Catalyst Ventures Development

    Settles has developed over 1,000 residential units and has been a driving force behind diversity and equity initiatives in Boston real estate.

    # 78. Kevin Phelan

    Boston office cochair, Colliers International

    Phelan has led the rescue of several iconic buildings, including the S.S. Pierce Building, and has arranged significant refinancing deals for local organizations.

    # 85. Maggie Gold Seelig

    Founder, MGS Group Real Estate

    Seelig specializes in luxury property sales and has sold over $4.5 billion worth of properties since founding her firm. She is a top home seller in Boston and has been recognized as one of the industry's most influential agents.

    # 89. Steven Samuels

    Founder, chair, and principal, Samuels & Associates

    Samuels has developed over 8 million square feet of total development, including the Lyrik Back Bay project, which was hailed as "the most significant project of its kind in Boston in over 40 years."

    # 90. Elizabeth Lowrey

    Principal, Elkus Manfredi Architects

    Lowrey has designed over 980,000 square feet at 401 Park and has built over 1.4 million square feet of LEED Gold-certified buildings. She was recognized by the Fenway Alliance for her work in the Fenway Cultural District.

    # 91. Tracy Campion

    Principal and owner, Campion and Company

    Campion is a top home seller with over $9.3 billion in residential sales since founding her firm. She has secured several high-profile listings, including the Four Seasons penthouse overlooking the Public Garden.

    # 121. David Nagahiro

    Principal and president, CBT Architects

    Nagahiro has led the design of many prominent Boston buildings, including the 121 Seaport tower, which has set a new standard for climate-resiliency in the city.

    # 137. Reetika Vijay

    Managing principal, IA Interior Architects

    Vijay specializes in hybrid workspaces and has designed several high-profile projects, including CarGurus' headquarters in the Back Bay. Her firm is a top-10 Interior Design "Giant" of the industry.

    # 148. Ricardo Rodriguez

    Realtor, Ricardo Rodriguez & Associates

    Rodriguez is one of the top luxury property-selling teams in Boston and has sold over $4 billion worth of properties throughout his career. He maintains an active presence in the city's social scene and has cochaired several high-profile events.

    To read the full list of the 150 Most Influential Bostonians, please click here.

Boston real estate leaders honored as influential Bostonians at 2025 ceremony.