Mason Ailstock

Senior Principal, HR&A Advisors

Biography

Mason Ailstock is a nationally recognized leader in innovation districts, research parks and anchor-driven developments. With nearly 20 years’ experience working with higher-education institutions, governments and industry, Mason has a proven track record of converging real estate, academia and business to advance communities of innovation. Through his leadership at HR&A Advisors, an international real estate and innovation management firm, Mason has the privilege of engaging with partners around the world to advance their mission. As a Senior Principal, Mason brings a dynamic perspective blending placemaking as a public service and complex financing capital structures resulting in sustainable real estate developments that inspire. 

Prior to joining HR&A, Mason served as an executive with The University Financing Foundation, a private foundation serving educational organizations. As a university practitioner, Mason served as the Chief Operating Officer of Research Triangle Park the largest research park in North America. 

Mason is the Past President of the Association of University Research Parks, Co-Chair of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) University Development & Innovation Council, a member of the ULI Center for Leadership, and the Global Eisenhower Fellowships.