Title: Director of Real Estate and Workplace
Company: The Salvation Army USA
Location: Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States
Anthony L. Onagan, director of real estate and workplace at The Salvation Army USA, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in nonprofit, architecture and real estate.
Mr. Onagan has established himself as a distinguished figure in architecture and real estate, with a career spanning over three decades. Currently serving as the director of real estate and workplace at The Salvation Army USA’s central territorial headquarters since 2019, he oversees a vast portfolio valued at approximately $1.5 billion, managing over 3,000 buildings across 10 divisions and more than 10 states during his tenure. Mr. Onagan’s expertise in looking at real estate differently, through architectural and brokerage perspectives, has been instrumental in his success.
Founded in 1965, The Salvation Army is recognized as one of the most substantial social services providers in the United States. The international Christian organization operates in over 130 countries, serving those in need via various charitable and social services.
Beginning his remarkable career in 1991 as a designer with VOA Associates, Mr. Onagan then earned roles at Gary Lee Partners and Gensler, where he honed his skills in interior design. Transitioning to real estate, he joined Grubb & Ellis BRE Commercial LLC as a senior project manager in 2005, later advancing to director of global occupier services at Cushman & Wakefield from 2015 to 2016.
In 2010, Mr. Onagan was recruited by a real estate firm to lead their corporate services division, working with high-profile clients such as Liberty Mutual, Verizon Wireless and Allianz. One of his notable achievements during this time was overseeing a project for Verizon Wireless that resulted in a building being completed within one month. Mr. Onagan’s leadership skills were further recognized when he became the director of real estate at the National Able Network, a nonprofit agency that provides employment counseling, training and placement services to disadvantaged job seekers, between 2015 and 2019.
In addition to his primary career endeavors, Mr. Onagan has participated as a guest speaker and lecturer at various institutions on topics related to sustainable design and workplace strategies.
Mr. Onagan’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Architecture and a master’s degree in advanced interior design from the University of Illinois, Chicago, both obtained in 1992. He holds several certifications, including LEED AP ID+C and Illinois managing real estate broker credentials, making him highly qualified in his industry.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Onagan’s commitment to sustainable design is evident through his involvement with the U.S. Green Building Council and as an associate member of the American Institute of Architects. Civically engaged, he has contributed significantly to nonprofit organizations, including serving on the National Able Network advisory board.
Mr. Onagan’s early work in design earned him accolades such as the Best Corporate Interior Projects Awards in 1992 and 1993 and features in prestigious publications like Interiors Magazine. His desire to pivot from designing sophisticated spaces for Fortune 200 companies to working for a nonprofit organization focused on prioritizing the needs of the communities it serves is a testament to his diverse and inspirational journey. As he considers potential opportunities, Mr. Onagan remains committed to leveraging his extensive experience to make impactful contributions in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors.
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