Avison Young under new market leadership in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Experienced commercial real estate expert, Michael Downey, assumes role as Market Leader with strategic growth objectives for business lines and top talent

Pittsburgh, PA – Global commercial real estate advisor, Avison Young, today announces the appointment of Michael Downey as Market Leader for its Pittsburgh office. In his expanded leadership role, Downey will continue to serve as an active brokerage producer, providing agency leasing, tenant representation and corporate advisory services for owners and occupiers. He will focus on driving strategic growth and attracting top talent for the firm.

“Michael’s appointment to Market Leader represents both continuity and growth. His leadership and client-first mindset will ensure we continue delivering exceptional results and building lasting relationships in the Pittsburgh market,” said Damla Gerhart, Principal & Regional Managing Director, Central Region. “He has earned the trust of his clients and colleagues alike through his steady leadership, deep market knowledge, and commitment to collaboration. I’m confident he will continue to build on our strong foundation in Pittsburgh and lead the team to new heights.”

With more than two decades of experience in the commercial real estate industry, Downey has been a valued member of Avison Young since 2012. He specializes in both central business district (CBD) and suburban office markets, offering expertise in corporate advisory services, opportunity identification, and comprehensive client representation across all facets of commercial real estate. He has provided tenant evaluation services to notable organizations including Northwestern Mutual, PPG Industries, RoadRunner, Carnegie Mellon University, and United Steelworkers. He currently serves as Admissions Chair for SIOR Western Pennsylvania and is also a member of SIOR Global.

“I’m honored and excited to lead Avison Young’s Pittsburgh office, building on the strong foundation laid by Brad Totten,” said Downey. “My focus will be on growing our core brokerage business, expanding service lines, and continuing to strengthen our non-brokerage offerings like REMS, Project Management, Lease Administration, and Valuation. Pittsburgh is a resilient, forward-thinking city with tremendous opportunity—and Avison Young is well-positioned to deliver meaningful impact.”

Brad Totten will transition from his role as Market Leader and continue with Avison Young as Principal, where he will focus on production across agency leasing, tenant representation, and corporate advisory services for both owners and occupiers. Brad served as Market Leader for 10 years, providing strategic leadership and driving growth across the Pittsburgh market.

Pittsburgh offers a resilient and opportunity-rich CRE landscape with strong fundamentals across key sectors. The office market is stabilizing as companies embrace hybrid work models and seek modern, collaborative spaces, while the industrial sector remains robust thanks to sustained demand from logistics and e-commerce. The city’s strategic location continues to attract both occupiers and investors.