Christopher Ellis
Senior Director of Originations
Nuveen Green Capital
Columbus, Ohio
With over 25 years of experience in commercial real estate finance, Christopher Ellis’ primary focus is on building awareness for and leading the expansion of C-PACE to the key Midwestern markets he oversees from his base in Columbus, Ohio.
Since joining Nuveen Green Capital (“NGC”) nearly six years ago, Ellis has made a significant impact, not only upon the firm, but also on the commercial real estate industry in the Midwest.
“I enjoy the relationships,” Ellis said. “Everything I’ve done in commercial real estate has involved making and working on relationships, whether it be with transaction attorneys, brokers, bankers, developers, property owners or students. A close second is the thrill of closing. All the sourcing and diligence leading up to closing creates an adrenaline rush that is unmatched.”
Ellis’ talents and expertise as a team leader, manager, negotiator and skilled public speaker, have led to numerous closed deals in his territory, and he oversaw the closing of $125 million in C-PACE financing in 2024. Since joining NGC, Ellis has originated almost $300 million.
Ellis credits his financial background for much of his success in this field.
“Having a strong accounting and finance background has allowed me to have a solid foundation to understand the financial aspect of commercial real estate,” he said. “This, coupled with having strong relationship skills has significantly contributed to my success. “
This doesn’t mean that Ellis hasn’t faced challenges during his career. He points to the financial crisis of 2008, in which he worked hard to maintain a proactive mindset while managing risk and adapting to market conditions that changed rapidly.
“The crisis created a perfect storm of plummeting property values, frozen credit markets and widespread uncertainty,” Ellis said. “Every transaction required more scrutiny, creative structuring and constant communication with clients and financial institutions.”
The economic crisis, though, taught Ellis important lessons about resilience, liquidity management and the importance of market fundamentals. He says that he learned to prepare for volatility by maintaining diverse portfolios, not overleveraging, and building strong relationships with partners and clients.
The impact of the C-PACE financed projects Ellis has overseen extends beyond the impressive totals. Through C-PACE financing, the projects’ Midwestern owners and developers can finance their projects cost effectively while realizing significant economic returns through long-term energy efficiency savings. In addition, the numerous C-PACE financed projects not only aid in economic development through the creation of jobs, but they also benefit the environment.
In addition to being a Certified Public Accountant, Ellis has served as an adjunct professor at the Max M. Fisher College of Business Center for Real Estate at The Ohio State University since 2018, teaching Real Estate Valuation and Argus Certification. He is also a member of ULI, NAIOP, OSCPA (Ohio Society of CPAs) and the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants).
Previously, Ellis served on the boards of Green Energy Ohio and Community Mediation Services. He also spent six years teaching at the Keller Graduate School of Management.
When not closing financing deals, Ellis spends much of his time as a basketball coach at the high school varsity level, something he’s done for the last six years. He also enjoys golfing, watching Ohio State football and road biking.
