More Regions
2025 Connect Money Next Gen Alternative Investment Awards
National
- Leanne Fontaine: Transforming the Future of Real Assets
- Jiazi Guo: Pushing the Boundaries of Alternative Investing
- Carlee Liederman: Redefining Investor Communications in Alternative Real Estate
- Zachary Davis: Shaping the Future of CRE Strategy
- Chris Stauber: Empowering the Next Era of CRE Advisory
- Hunter Lee: Guiding the Future of Tax-Advantaged Real Estate
- Tom Noble: Leading Operational Growth at Artes Capital
- Alexis Sofyanos: A Rising Leader Advancing Capital, ESG, and Innovation in Multifamily Investing
- Adam Rosenkranz: Driving Value and Stewardship at Christina Real Estate Investors
- Megan Pautler-Gutnikov: Driving L-T Value and Operational Excellence at KCB Partners
- Tyler Chesser: From Multifamily Broker to Impact-Driven Investor and Mentor
- Joe Austin: Bridging Capital and Opportunity — A Next-Gen Leader in Real Estate Investment
- Dane Chodos: Advancing Digital-Infrastructure Investing Through a Next-Gen Vision
- Sabrina Unger: Shaping Institutional Real Estate Strategy with Data, Insight and Vision
- Melissa Pietroforte: Elevating Global Capital Solutions at KKR
- Jennifer Marques: A Leader in Structured Credit Innovation
- Jessica Shill: Bringing CLO ETFs Mainstream and Redefining Credit Investing
- Natalie Lamberton: Rising PE Leader Driving Tech Deals and Institutional Growth
- Knut Kirchhoff: Rising Private Credit Leader Driving Institutional-Grade Innovation
- Farid Guindo: Emerging Energy-Market Strategist Driving Sustainable Credit Opportunities
- Kevin Berrigan: Contributing to Blackstone’s Treasury Capital Markets with Steady Ascent and Institutional Impact
- Dinon Hughes: Trusted Next-Gen Planner Building Wealth Through Education and Client-First Advice
- Patrick Marcinko: Championing Next-Gen Advice and Financial Education
- Clark Tang: Tech-Driven Credit, Equity Visionary
Leanne Fontaine: Transforming the Future of Real Assets
As a recipient of Connect Money’s Next Gen Alternative Investment Award, Shindico Realty, Inc. CFO Leanne Fontaine represents the kind of visionary leadership reshaping the alternative investment landscape. Her path into alternatives began with a deep curiosity about the built environment—how agriculture, nature, and real estate intersect to shape communities. Early exposure to the operational side of restaurants revealed the powerful link between tenants, operations, and real estate, setting the foundation for her future in property-focused alternatives.
Just over 20 years ago, Leanne joined Shindico Realty in Canada and immediately found alignment with the firm’s farming heritage, sustainability focus, and long-term, family-office investment philosophy. Since then, she has played a central role in the firm’s growth, guiding assets under management from C$378 million to C$1.698 billion—an increase of C$1.311 billion, with over C$380 million added since 2019 through disciplined investing and operational improvements.
Leanne’s next-generation mindset is evident in projects like Taylor Residences, a multifamily development. The project addresses a key market gap by creating large, high-quality suites for downsizing boomers, freeing up single-family housing for younger families. She was also pivotal in Shindico’s largest acquisition ever, the 2025 purchase of the TransX IOS portfolio—adding 211 acres of yard space and 372,700 square feet of industrial buildings, strengthening the firm’s position in the Industrial Outdoor Storage sector.
Today, Leanne continues to shape Shindico’s strategy through technology modernization, ESG integration, and the expansion of its multifamily pipeline. Her leadership, impact, and forward-thinking approach exemplify why she is among this year’s most deserving Next Gen honorees.
