Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. founder, chairman/CEO Daniel L. Goodwin dies

Oak Brook-based Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc.’s Founder, Chairman and CEO Daniel L. Goodwin died Friday at age 80.

A native Chicagoan, Goodwin worked as a science teacher on Chicago’s West Side for five years before embarking on a real estate career with fellow teachers, Robert H. Baum, G. Joseph Cosenza and Robert D. Parks.

“Dan was a pioneer and visionary in the commercial real estate industry, as well as an exceptional human being and friend,” said Baum, Inland interim chairman speaking on behalf of fellow Inland principals and co-founders Cosenza and Parks.

“Dan’s legacy leaves an indelible mark upon the commercial real estate and investment industry and the thousands of lives he impacted through his many civic and philanthropic endeavors, especially in the areas of affordable housing, higher education, and good government,” Baum said. “On behalf of the Inland board and over 1,000 employees across the country, our thoughts and prayers are with the Goodwin family, and we extend our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to them during this difficult time.”

Goodwin once said his “aim has always been to democratize real estate and to help all people gain access to the dignity of calling a place their home.”

Since Inland’s inception in 1968, the company has grown under Goodwin’s leadership into one of the nation’s largest commercial real estate, investment, and finance groups.

Inland entities collectively have raised more than $26 billion in capital, conducted more than $80 billion in commercial real estate transactions, sponsored more than 800 investment programs, and founded six Inland entities either are listed on or merged with a public company on the New York Stock Exchange.

Goodwin received hundreds of local and national business, civic, and philanthropic awards.

Funeral arrangements remain private.

Inland’s board of directors has appointed current Inland Chief Financial Officer Anthony Chereso as chief executive officer, effective immediately.

Chereso has more than 30 years of experience in finance, commercial real estate, capital markets, and the alternative investment industry.

“Succeeding Dan as CEO of Inland is humbling and a great honor,” said Chereso. “Dan was an incredible leader, mentor, and friend to me for many years. I will endeavor to honor his legacy and lead our organization into the bright future he made possible.”