James H. Simmons III

== James H. Simmons III ==
James H. Simmons III (born c. 1966) is an American businessman living in New York City. He is CEO and Founding Partner of Asland Capital Partners, a real estate owner and operator of multifamily, mixed-use and retail assets revitalizing sub-markets throughout the United States.. 
==Early Life==
Simmons was born in 1966 in Philadelphia, PA, the son of Glenda D. Simmons (née Bennett) and James H. Simmons Jr. Simmons attended St. Peter's High School in New Brunswick, NJ where he graduated with high honors and was president of his class. He graduated from Princeton University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; holds a Master’s degree in Systems Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and a Master’s of Management degree in Finance and Marketing from Northwestern UniversityKellogg Graduate School of Management.
== Career ==
Simmons began his career as an Edison Engineer at General Electric. He then became an Analyst at Bankers Trust Company before serving as a trader for Salomon Smith Barney.
From 1999 to 2003, Simmons was employed by the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation as its Chief Investment Officer, ascending to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer where he served until 2003. Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation was the largest economic development fund in the United States, where he managed an investment fund of $250 million. He was instrumental in the revitalization of 125thStreet as well as the arrival of former President Bill Clinton as he located his office there post his presidency. In that capacity he worked closely with New York State and New York City officials including US Representative Charles Rangel, Deputy Mayor Daniel Doctoroff, Governor George Pataki and Board Chairs Dick Parsons and Johnnie Cochran to spur investment in the communities of Northern Manhattan including Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood.
Simmons moved on to Ares Management Corporation (formerly [Apollo Real Estate Advisors and AREA Property Partners) where he ultimately served as Partner from 2003 to 2018. His responsibilities included fund management and transaction sourcing focused on major metropolitan areas and domestic emerging markets of the United States. During his time at the company, Simmons managed institutional separate accounts and a top-performing $485 million private equity fund. Simmons achieved many successes during his tenure at Ares, one of which was crafting the first affordable cooperative in New York State where offering prices were based on the purchaser’s income.
Simmons currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Regency Centers and ScoinHealth. He formerly served on the Board of Directors of LifePoint Health and as well as Chair of the Audit Committee for Apollo Strategic Growth Capital Board of Directors. Professional and non-profit board memberships include the Real Estate Executive Council (Vice Chair) and The Dalton School; The Kellogg Finance Network and the 125th Street Business Improvement District. Simmons formerly served on the boards of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, Helen Keller International, the Kellogg Alumni Council, and as Vice Chairman of the Princeton University National Annual Giving Committee. 
Simmons is also a founding Board Member of the Council of Urban Professionals, is a former Scholar at the Robert Toigo Foundation and was named a Young Leader at the French American Foundation. Simmons was also named one of Crain’s 2022 Notable Black Leaders.
Simmons has garnered attention from a wide array of media outlets, and has been sought after to participate in numerous round tables, conferences, and podcasts. His expertise has been featured on platforms such as CUNY TV, The Princeton ABPA Podcast, Intelligent Developers, TBG Real Estate, Princeton Thrive Conference, Bisnow, AAREPNY, PERE America, and Greenpearl
In 2022, Simmons took on a pivotal role as a key investor in the American Cornhole League. Simmons has also invested in early-stage companies across proptech, fintech, health care and sports and entertainment.
===Asland Capital Partners===
Simmons founded Asland Capital Partners in early 2019 and currently serves as CEO & Managing Partner and head of the investment committee with the responsibility for the strategic direction and investment strategy of the firm. Asland’s mission is to acquire, reposition, and operate multifamily, mixed-use and retail assets in revitalizing sub-markets throughout the United States.
Simmons currently focuses on the day-to-day management of the firm and manages a $250 million private equity fund focused on multifamily value-add and core-plus opportunities.
===Notable Transactions===
Simmons most notable transactions include:
* Lafayette Estates
* Heritage at Old Town
* Park Lane
* Two Bridges
Category:1966 births
Category:American businesspeople
Category:Chief executive officers
Category:People from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania