JLL has significantly strengthened its regional Nonprofit, Education & Government Practice with the appointment of two key professionals, signaling a deepening commitment to mission-driven organizations across the New York tri-state area, including New Jersey’s robust institutional sector.
Allison Buck rejoins the firm as Managing Director, while Ella Berckmans joins as Senior Associate. Both professionals transition to JLL from Savills, where they spent the last several years specializing in tenant-focused strategy and transaction advisory.
The move comes as nonprofits and educational institutions across the region—from New Jersey’s sprawling university campuses to urban government agencies—face a complex real estate landscape marked by fluctuating space needs and portfolio optimization.
“Allison’s return to JLL and Ella’s addition to the team will meaningfully strengthen our ability to serve nonprofits, educational institutions and government partners across the region,” David Carlos, Head of the Nonprofit, Education & Government Practice for the Tri-State said.
Buck, who holds a master’s in real estate from NYU, previously spent three years at JLL earlier in her career. Her return is viewed as a strategic play to deepen JLL’s advisory capabilities in lease negotiations and campus planning.
JLL’s specialized practice has recently navigated high-profile transactions for major institutions, such as Weill Cornell Medicine, The New School, and Hebrew Union College. For New Jersey’s institutional market, the expansion of this team provides enhanced resources for:
- Campus Planning & Optimization: Helping schools and hospitals maximize their physical footprint.
- Capital Markets Advisory: Navigating the sale and acquisition of institutional assets.
- Tenant Representation: Securing specialized spaces that align with long-term organizational goals.
“JLL’s deep sector expertise and client-first approach align with my passion for serving mission-driven organizations,” Buck stated. She noted that while her primary focus remains on nonprofits and government partners, she will continue to serve a variety of clients across multiple industries.
Joining Buck is Ella Berckmans, who will utilize her background in business development to grow the platform. Berckmans, a product of the Junior Broker Development Program, has worked alongside Buck for the past three years, ensuring a seamless integration of their combined expertise into the JLL framework.
With over 2,600 experts in the tri-state area, JLL continues to dominate the regional brokerage and consulting market. The addition of Buck and Berckmans reinforces the firm’s “360-degree” approach to real estate, specifically tailored for the unique financial and operational requirements of the public and nonprofit sectors.
