Karl Hanson Named Chief Real Estate Officer at Duke University

Hanson will lead strategy, development, acquisition and management of Duke’s real estate portfolios

Karl Hanson on Duke's campus.
Karl Hanson joined Duke University as Chief Real Estate Officer in May 2026. Photo by Travis Stanley.

Karl Hanson has joined Duke University as Chief Real Estate Officer, effective May 4, 2026.

In this role, Hanson will lead the strategy, development, acquisition and management of Duke’s real estate portfolios, ensuring that real estate assets support academic, research, clinical and operational priorities. He will jointly report to Rachel Satterfield, Duke’s Vice President of Finance and Treasurer, and Lisa Goodlett, Health System’s Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

Hanson brings more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate, development, asset management and real estate law, including the past several years in senior leadership roles within the not-for-profit healthcare sector. Throughout his career, he has delivered strategic real estate solutions that drive organizational growth, operational efficiency and long-term value across complex, multi-site portfolios.

Most recently, Hanson served as Executive Director of Real Estate for Baptist Health System in Jacksonville, Florida, where he reported to the Chief Financial Officer and oversaw the organization’s full real estate portfolio. In that role, he led aggressive growth strategies, site selection, property acquisitions and development initiatives, including ambulatory campuses, ambulatory surgery centers and a large-scale hotel development on a main hospital campus. He also provided oversight of property management operations encompassing more than 2.5 million square feet of medical office and administrative space.

Prior to his healthcare leadership experience, Hanson held senior roles in real estate development, asset management and legal leadership. His background uniquely blends executive-level real estate expertise with deep legal experience, enabling him to navigate complex transactions, regulatory requirements and partnership structures while advancing strategic objectives.

Duke’s real estate portfolio plays a critical role in supporting its mission of education, research, patient care and community engagement. Hanson’s strategic vision, collaborative leadership style and extensive experience in large-scale real estate development and portfolio management will be instrumental in advancing Duke’s real estate strategy for the future.

Hanson lives in Durham with his wife, Melissa, who is a professor at Duke University School of Law. Please join us in welcoming Hanson to Duke University.

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