Francis Najafi

F. Francis Najafi "is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pivotal Group, a real estate based investment and development company with presence in all major product types including luxury hotels, office buildings, urban mixed-use projects and residential communities.

"Having finished his undergraduate study in engineering, Francis obtained two masters degrees from the American Graduate School of International Management and the University of Southern California . At USC, Francis started his real estate entrepreneurial activities while a Ph.D candidate in International Political Economy.

"In over twenty-five years in the real estate business, Francis has attained the highest levels of professional achievement while devoting significant time and resources to public causes, charitable activities and professional organizations. By way of example, he is a member of the Arizona State University Dean’s Council and the President’s Club, and is active in the World President’s Organization. He is a member of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations, is a Trustee of the Arizona Science Center , a Trustee of Thunderbird – The Garvin School of International Management, a Member of Translational Genomics Research Institute Foundation Board, as well as a major supporter of numerous civic and cultural organizations including the Heard Museum , Desert Botanical Garden and Arizona Opera.

"A career-long member of Urban Land Institute, Francis is a Governor of the Urban Land Foundation, member of the Recreational Development Council, and member of the Steering Committee for the Arizona District Council. Francis lives in Paradise."

• Director, PARSA Community Foundation
• Director, Quincy Institute