A passionate and seasoned leader with 25 years of combined finance, development, architecture, and community-based experience, Kirk Sykes leads the partnership equity placement, identifies investments and developments, and manages the day-to-day business operations of the Urban Strategy America Fund. With a bottom-line sensibility garnered during his experience as a member of FleetBank and BankBoston's First Community Bank Advisory Board, Mr. Sykes is adept at bridging the competing concerns that sometimes hinder the progress of urban projects. He combines his professional training and hands-on experience to create customized responses to the complex issues of urban real estate development. Formerly president of Primary Group, Developers & Architects, Mr. Sykes understands all aspects of real estate transactions. He has reviewed many of the largest development projects in Boston as a mayoral appointee to the Boston Civic Design Commission. Mr. Sykes received his bachelor's degree in architecture from Cornell University. His education also includes Harvard Business School, Owner and Presidents Management Program; MIT Center for Real Estate Development, Commercial Development Executive Program; and École Polytechnique, Paris, France.