Ken Basch, executive director of Wake Forest Properties, to retire

Ken Basch, executive director of Wake Forest Properties, has announced his retirement from Wake Forest University as of December 31.

Basch joined the University in February 2008, and since then, he has provided knowledgeable and adept oversight to the University’s significant real estate portfolio. During his tenure, Basch was responsible for overseeing, managing and leasing approximately one million square feet of University-owned property. This portfolio consisted of a diverse array of space, including office, retail and residential properties such as the University Corporate Center, Reynolda Road offices and graduate student housing. Basch was also charged with the strategic acquisition and disposition of real property, leasing of off-campus property for University departments and partnering in real estate development opportunities.

Part of Basch’s responsibilities included managing the many properties within Reynolda Village. A major collaborative project was the reimagining of the Barn at Reynolda Village, which has become a unique and sought-after venue for meetings, weddings and special events in Winston-Salem.

Throughout his 15 years at Wake Forest, Basch was a kind and level-headed colleague who brought creative solutions to the challenges of real estate management. During the economic recession in 2008 and the COVID pandemic, Basch applied his vast experience in his work with tenants, creating solutions in the midst of financial challenges. He also reorganized the real estate management office, which resulted in cost savings for the University. Most recently, Basch was a member of the University Space Planning Group, charged with analyzing and coordinating the University’s current and future space demands to support the academic mission.

“Ken has been a faithful steward of Wake Forest for the last 15 years,” said Jacqueline A. Travisano, Ed.D, executive vice president and chief financial officer. “I am grateful for his expertise in managing Wake Forest’s properties efficiently and effectively for so long. Wake Forest is better because of Ken’s service to the institution and greater community.”

Moving forward, oversight of Wake Forest Properties will be the responsibility of Christopher Kiwus, the new vice president of facilities, real estate and planning.