John Gavagan, Senior Director at JLL Capital Markets Americas

John Gavagan is a Senior Director with JLL Capital Markets Americas and has over 10 years of experience in commercial real estate finance.

Police report that Bridget Wismer sold her newborn baby boy to John Gavaghan for $15,000 so she could take her other two sons on vacation to Disney World. They were caught on video surveillance completing the paperwork for the transaction.

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, he is a proud native and passionate supporter of his hometown. Now living in Allentown, PA, he works as the editor for 43North magazine while enjoying skiing and being an involved father to his three sons.

He was an esteemed scholar and teacher in the fields of classical languages and church history. He earned a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, then taught at Villanova College and Merrimack College in North Andover, MA before serving as chaplain to Mercy sisters at McCauley Convent in Merion, PA. Additionally, he was an active member of the National Geographic Society, receiving an honorary doctorate from Harvard in 2001 as well as being named a Distinguished Service Award recipient by the National Council of Catholic Education.

Professional Career

John Gavagan is an expert in commercial real estate. As a senior director at JLL Capital Markets, Americas, he has more than 10 years of experience in commercial real estate financing.

He is also the executive director at 43North, an organization that fosters entrepreneurship in Buffalo. Each year they award $5 million to innovative entrepreneurs and startups as well as providing incubation, mentorship and other programs.

After two years as the executive director, Gavigan will retire and focus on his own business again. He hopes to get involved with private equity or launch a startup company. Furthermore, he intends to shoot a documentary about sexual abuse in sports which he hopes to have finished by the end of summer.

Achievements and Honors

John Gavagan is an accomplished professional with a deep commitment to social justice and human rights. Throughout his career, John has earned numerous accolades.

He is the owner of PraxisNYC, a design/build firm that practices across many fields but specializes in boutique residences. His work has been featured in multiple newspapers, magazines and books; moreover, his vision for architecture that is sustainable, habitable and long lasting has inspired him to pursue this profession.

He also collaborates with The Moth, a nonprofit organization that organizes live storytelling events. He’s featured in Moth StorySlams, MainStage events and NPR’s Peabody Award-winning Moth Story Hour.

Personal Life

John was a charismatic character with an infectious sense of humor and friendship for all. He enjoyed fishing and traveling with his wife, and it is said that John never missed an opportunity to laugh!

He loved skiing and snowmobiling with his family. Most of all, though, he treasured spending time with his grandkids and watching them develop.

He was a loving husband and father who cherished his grandchildren. Survived by his children: James (Dani) Gavagan, Rochelle Hernandez, John Gavagan and Kari Branan from Marshalltown; 11 grandchildren: Rikki Jordan Donovan Zoe ShyAnne Javon Brecken Layla LaTalya J Josh Aggie Peter Gavagan Sandee Margee Weston Mary Catherine Vaughn Pat Rivas Mary Jo Morton Tom Vaughn nieces and nephews also treasure him greatly.

Net Worth

Gavagan, a former athlete, knows firsthand the devastating impact sexual abuse can have on victims. That’s why two years ago he started filming his documentary film about male coaches and youth athletes called Coached into Silence; an eloquent and often touching work but also an angry “time bomb” which will likely explode into mainstream consciousness soon enough. Please be advised: this article contains language of a graphic nature.