James Ray

Bio

Mr. James Ray is a director in MetLife's Dallas Regional Office.  Mr. Ray oversees regional commercial real estate acquisitions and development on behalf of MetLife's $56 billion real estate investment portfolio.  He has closed approximately $400 million of acquisitions and $360 million in developments, and was previously an asset manager responsible for managing a 1.2 million square feet office portfolio.  Prior to joining MetLife's Dallas team, he worked in MetLife Investments headquarters and focused on portfolio management, loan sales, and portfolio acquisitions.  During the financial crisis, Ray helped MetLife achieve an industry-­leading commercial mortgage performance record by creating and enhancing portfolio management practices (e.g., risk ratings and loan sales).  He also evaluated potential acquisitions of some of the nation's largest investment and regional banks.  Ray received an MS in real estate with a finance concentration from New York University and a BS in economics from Arizona State University.  He is a member of ICSC and The Real Estate Council of Dallas, and has been a member of TRECs board, PAC board, education committee, and ALC steering committee.  Mr. James Ray has also served as an adjunct faculty member at New York University and the University of North Texas.

Teaching