Proterra Investment Partners LP, an alternative investment manager, has launched Proterra Real Estate Partners to invest in real estate opportunities. Mark O. Decker Jr., the former CEO of Centerspace, has joined the firm to lead the new strategy.

Decker has over 25 years of experience in real estate and capital markets. He was named chief executive officer of Centerspace in 2017 after joining in August 2016 as president and chief investment officer. Decker led the reconstitution of the executive team, board of directors, balance sheet and portfolio, including a renaming of the company. Prior to Centerspace, he spent his career as an investment banker serving real estate owner-operators, real estate services companies, lodging and private equity. In his last role, Decker was group head for U.S. real estate investment banking for BMO Capital Markets.

“His considerable experience, knowledge, and network will be incredibly valuable to our team as we navigate the launch of a real estate investment strategy that leverages the substantial success we have had investing in both private credit and real assets,” said Proterra managing partner Rich Gammill.