Our Member of the Month is:

WALTER D’ALESSIO

A native of the Pittsburg area, Walter received his Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture from Pennsylvania State University and Master of Science degree in City Planning from the University of Illinois. Following his graduation and prior to moving back to Pennsylvania, he worked as a planner for the Wichita Metropolitan Area Planning Commission, the Allegheny County Planning Commission and the Akron City Planning Commission.

In 1961, Walter joined the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia as Project Director for the Center City Development projects, including Society Hill and Independence Mall. He ultimately became the Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority, with responsibility for all of its programs and activities. Eleven years later, Walter took on a new challenge as Executive Vice President of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC). Under his leadership, PIDC became the nation’s leading economic development agency, gaining an international reputation.

While serving at the Redevelopment Authority and PIDC, Walter was associated with several city administrations, including Mayors Richardson Dilworth, James Tate, Frank Rizzo and William Green.  He has been involved in many large scale development projects in Philadelphia including The Gallery, Franklin Town, Society Hill, Eastwick, Market Street East, Penn’s Landing, The Navy Yard, East Poplar, Southwest Temple and the development and expansion of the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University and Drexel University.

In 1982, Walter became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Legg Mason Real Estate Services (formerly Latimer & Buck, Inc.). He was responsible for the management and overall direction of the company, which joined with NorthMarq Capital in 2003. Currently, he serves as a Principal of NorthMarq Advisors, LLC.

Walter’s achievements throughout his career are numerous. He has served on various corporate and non-profit boards and committees, and has remained active with PIDC as a Board Member and Chairman. Education has always been important in his life, and he has contributed as an Adjunct Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an Adjunct at the School of Fine Arts at the University of Pennsylvania. He has also served as an advisor to the Business School of Temple University and the Department of City and Regional Planning of the University of Illinois. Walter received his Honorary Doctor of Science degree from Drexel University in 2007, and he continues to be recognized both locally and nationally for his various achievements in economic development, business leadership and citizenship.