Kenneth Gilkes Jr.
Associate Director, Acquisitions, Cook County Land Bank Authority
Kenneth Gilkes Jr. is the associate director for acquisitions at the Cook County Land Bank Authority where he spearheads strategic planning and policy execution to enhance operational efficiency in asset management. With a diverse background spanning government, private sector, and nonprofit realms, Gilkes holds a wealth of valuable experience.
His government service included managing economic development funds for the City of Chicago and overseeing a $1.8 million budget for the U.S. House of Representatives 2nd Congressional District of Illinois. Gilkes negotiated over $500 million in incentives in the private sector as a senior analyst at Jones Lang Lasalle. His nonprofit work as director of real estate and economic development at Community Education Network culminated in the acquisition of a historic eight-acre campus in Bronzeville.
Gilkes holds a Master of Science in real estate from Roosevelt University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Illinois Chicago. As a board member of Lambda Alpha International Land Economics Society and an adjunct professor teaching public-private partnerships at Roosevelt University, he continues to shape the future of real estate and economic development. His global perspective and ability to navigate complex challenges make him an asset in driving sustainable urban growth and community revitalization.