Mason Ailstock is a recognized leader in innovation districts and anchor-driven developments. With nearly 20 years’ experience working with non-profit institutions, governments and industry, Mason has a track record of converging real estate, academia, and business to advance communities of innovation. Through the Knowledge Economy Practice at HR&A Advisors, Mason has the privilege of engaging with global partners to advance their mission. Prior to joining HR&A as Partner, Mason served as a private foundation real estate executive with $1.5 billion in investments. As a practitioner, Mason served as the Chief Operating Officer of Research Triangle Park the largest research park in North America with 7,000 acres and 23 million sqft of development.

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