Commissioner Gray was elected to the Orlando City Commission on June 1, 2012. He has been a resident of Orlando since 1988.

In addition to his role as Commissioner, Jim is the Managing Director of Leasing for Parkway Properties, a publicly traded REIT specializing in the ownership and operation of high quality office buildings in thirteen cities throughout nine Sunbelt states.

Jim joined the Parkway Properties team through the acquisition of Eola Capital. While at Eola, Jim coordinated activities with private investors, including raising equity for specific real estate acquisitions. He was also responsible for Orlando leasing.

Prior to joining Eola Capital in 2004, Jim spent 17 years with First Union/Wachovia Bank managing their real estate, wealth management and commercial lending efforts in Central Florida.

Jim earned his B.A. in finance from the University of Houston in 1982.

Away from the office, Jim enjoys golf, fishing and traveling.

His affiliations with numerous organizations and groups include:

• Vice President/ Managing Director of Leasing in Orlando for Parkway Realty Services.
• B.A. in Finance, University of Houston.
• Veteran, U.S. Air Force
• 17 years in banking with First Union/Wachovia Bank.
• Licensed Real Estate Salesman in State of Florida
• Over 25 years of commercial real estate experience.
• Married to wife Kathy for 34 years and proud parents of two grown children - Jeff and Christie.
• 24 year resident of Central Florida; 7 within the City of Orlando.
• Member of Willow Creek Presbyterian Church
• Member, NAIOP - Central Florida Chapter
• Past Community Involvement includes: Florida Citrus Sports, Leadership Orlando, Jim Heistand Endowment for UCF Real Estate School, City Arts Factory, Habitat for Humanity.