2026 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Chris Reilly, Avison Young

“Chris Reilly is a rare blend of old-school tenacious business development skill and new-school technology-focused insight. In just six years, he’s built a reputation for tackling complex deals and delivering creative solutions for his clients and tenants across the Northern Boston market. Known for his work ethic and collaborative style, he mentors emerging talent and stays active in NAIOP, SIOR, and coaching with Laxachusetts Lacrosse. Chris represents the next generation of industry leaders.”

What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry, and what path brought you to your current role? I grew up around commercial real estate, inspired by my dad, Chuck Reilly. Early exposure, from job sites to internships, shaped my interest, which I further developed at Endicott College, where I studied the growth of life science space in Boston. I began my career at Cummings Properties (2019–2021), where I worked on leasing and operations across a large portfolio. In 2021, I joined Avison Young, where I advise landlords and tenants across Greater Boston. The most rewarding part of my work is helping clients achieve their goals.

What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of? So far in my career, I have successfully negotiated 111 leases. I’ve probably seen double that number of deals fall apart. From that experience, I’ve gained a high level of skill in bridging the gap in lease discussions between landlords and tenants. Some of the most significant deals so far in my career include 65,000 s/f in Billerica, 31,000 s/f in Woburn, and 29,000 s/f in North Reading.

Who has been a mentor or influential figure in your career, and what is the most valuable advice they have shared with you? The most consistent, influential figure and mentor for me is my father, Chuck. He leased space for the Flatley Company in Braintree for 15 years and has been with Dacon Corp for 30 years. We regularly “talk shop”, and he has helped shape me into the professional I am today.

What trends or opportunities do you see shaping the future of the industry? The biggest challenge today is that many believe they can do everything themselves. With AI and constant access to data, decision makers often question the need for outside expertise. As a result, earning trust has become more difficult. In commercial real estate, trust is built by delivering best-in-class service and clearly demonstrating our value through strong communication, thoughtful presentations, and deep market insight, to help distinguish ourselves and win business.