Keenan Hughes
By Joshua Burd
SJP Properties has bolstered its leadership team with the addition of Keenan Hughes, a veteran land use consultant, as vice president for planning and development.
In his new role, Hughes will work directly with CEO and Founder Steve Pozycki to spearhead strategic planning initiatives and source and evaluate new development opportunities, according to the firm. He’ll also oversee the development of new projects to meet the evolving needs of SJP’s growing client roster.
Hughes joins the developer and third-party construction manager after 13 years with a planning consulting firm, where he was a principal and advised both government entities and private clients throughout the tristate area on planning and zoning matters.
“Keenan will play a pivotal role in contributing to SJP’s continued success in identifying opportunities for revitalization,” Pozycki said. “I am eager for Keenan to collaborate with our talented team of professionals to further drive innovation, deliver unrivaled projects and create lasting value for our clients and communities. He demonstrates an exceptional commitment to delivering quality results, which fully aligns with our mission here at SJP. Keenan will be instrumental in advancing our strategic initiatives and further solidifying our position at the forefront of innovative property solutions.”
In announcing the hire, SJP said Hughes will collaborate with its executive team to identify new opportunities for growth, streamline development processes and lead redevelopment plans while ensuring zoning compliance. He’ll do so with a focus on sustainability, innovation and community engagement as part of the team that shapes the firm’s future.
In some respects, that will include building on the success of recent SJP projects such as M Station in Morristown, a new ground-up office and retail property that’s home to Deloitte LLP and will soon welcome Sanofi’s U.S. team.
“SJP consistently demonstrates an ability to identify transformative opportunities and create innovation ecosystems in downtown environments,” Hughes said. “I am especially pleased to join the SJP team in creating the workplaces of tomorrow in key transit-oriented town centers. I look forward to helping SJP identify additional opportunities to partner with forward-thinking clients, investors and partners as well as communities committed to developing walkable downtowns where people want to work and live.
“SJP finds development opportunities at the intersection of urban planning policy, community priorities and corporate location criteria,” he added. “The future of the innovation economy is in these downtown environments and I’m thrilled to be joining an organization spearheading this work across multiple cities and towns.”
Hughes currently serves as chair of the Counselors of Real Estate Consulting Corps Committee and vice chair of the New Jersey chapter, according to a news release. He holds a master’s in historic preservation from Pratt Institute and a bachelor’s in history from Kenyon College, while he is a licensed professional planner in the state of New Jersey and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.
