Name: Georgia Petropoulos

Company/Organization: Oakland Business Improvement District

Current position (and what do you do) and for how long: Chief Executive Officer- working alongside engaged passionate community partners I lead a place-based economic development agency focused on ensuring the Oakland downtown community of Pittsburgh remains a vibrant and competitive global center.

Place of birth/hometown: Pittsburgh

School attended: Washington University in St Louis, MO and the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA

The most satisfying part of my job: The people, the people, the people

Your strongest leadership quality: Bridge Builder: I enjoy bringing people together, crossing boundaries. All boundaries – industry, professional, social, cultural, etc. – are people made. Tear them down!

Career/Leadership advice: People first…..always. That is why we are here. Surround yourself with a small but mighty group that practices mutual compassion, love, and respect. Speak up, you have unique life experiences and wisdom to share. There are infinite life path options, do not fear, have courage, the universe has your back.

Who do you most admire and why: My Aunt Olga taught me patience and kindness. My family, friends, and colleagues taught me confidence and courage. My brother John and his wife Tracy for raising my two amazing nieces. Oprah Winfrey and Krista Tippett for expanding my spiritual world.

Goal yet to be achieved: A world tour of gardens. I am perfectly happy to start with the Italian countryside!

What is the coolest real estate project/land use challenge you have participated in? Transforming the streets and parking lanes of Oakland into pedestrian-friendly outdoor dining spaces. The pandemic forced this urban design transformation which proved to be wildly popular and successful.

Favorite quote: “The beauty of being a feminist is that you get to be whatever you want. And that’s the point.” – Shonda Rhimes

Last book read or movie watched: Book: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert; Movies: House of Gucci and The Power of the Dog- loved them both!

Favorite vacation spot: Lake George in the Adirondacks, New York.

Favorite cause: Public Television and Public Radio.

Favorite restaurant: Pittsburgh has a fantastic food scene and it’s nearly impossible to narrow down. I am also blessed to have so many talented foodie friends who spoil me with their fantastic cooking.

Family: My Greek family! My brother John, sister-in-law Tracy and my nieces Alexis and Gina Petropoulos; My Aunt Olga Beckas, and my many cousins.

Hobbies/Interests: When I am not socializing, I enjoy meditation, reading, podcasts, bird watching, and exploring Frick Park. Interests are plenty: film, music, fashion, art, design, languages, travel…….life is good!

Why I belong to ULI: I wholeheartedly believe in ULI’s humanitarian mission to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide. And ULI is diverse. There are so many industries and industry sectors represented. Whether you are in government, academia, law, real estate, design, construction, finance, human services, and more, ULI has room for everyone and for every approach.

Why ULI is important to me and my career/company: My career path has always involved helping people and empowering communities through the places we inhabit – I actually began in Architecture. And through ULI, I have met so many amazing people, who share a similar career path and who want to apply their talent, creativity, passion, and intelligence to just do good in the world. Here in Pittsburgh, together we are transforming our city, our region, and our communities. This benefits my organization tremendously as we seek to build a global community in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh.