Centurion Foundation Launches National Higher Education Real Estate Platform

Industry veteran Ailstock joins foundation as it expands efforts to serve academic medical institutions, universities and colleges

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Centurion Foundation today announced that it is launching a national higher education real estate platform, expanding the foundation’s work to support mission-driven nonprofit institutions through strategic real estate, financing, development, ownership and facility solutions. To lead Centurion’s expanded efforts in the higher education sector, Mason Ailstock has joined the foundation as President of Higher Education Services.

In this new role, Ailstock will lead the Foundation’s expanded efforts in higher education, working with colleges, universities, academic healthcare institutions and other mission-driven nonprofits across the country. His focus will include helping institutions evaluate and deliver real estate and facility strategies that support their academic, research, healthcare, workforce and economic development goals.

“Just as we have delivered charitable leasing solutions to healthcare organizations since 2018, we are excited to deliver similar solutions and significant cost savings in higher education,” said Ben Mingle, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Centurion Foundation. “With higher education institutions across the country navigating significant financial and operational pressures, now is the time for us to expand our efforts to serve this sector. We are thrilled to welcome Mason to our team. His experience, relationships and deep understanding of mission-driven development make him an ideal leader for this expansion of Centurion’s work.”

Centurion Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization that helps nonprofit organizations achieve their purpose by developing, arranging financing, leasing, owning, and operating facilities. Since 1996, Centurion has worked alongside nonprofit healthcare providers, higher education institutions, and public-sector partners to deliver customized real estate and financial solutions that lower costs, accelerate delivery and support long-term institutional success.

Ailstock brings two decades of experience advancing complex, mission-driven real estate initiatives at the intersection of higher education, healthcare, industry and government. He most recently served as President and CEO of the Rowen Foundation, where he led the planning, partnerships, and early execution of Rowen, Georgia’s 2,000-acre knowledge community.

During his leadership at Rowen, Ailstock played a central role in building institutional partnerships, advancing public-private collaboration, positioning the project for long-term development, and attracting significant private investment aligned with Rowen’s mission, including the recent $2 billion UCB biomanufacturing announcement. Prior to Rowen, Ailstock served as the Chief Operating Officer of North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park Foundation. His work on both projects brought together diverse public and private higher education institutions and industry through real estate and economic investments.

“I am honored to join Centurion Foundation and build on its strong record of serving nonprofit institutions,” said Ailstock. “Higher education and academic healthcare institutions are central to the future of our nation, our workforce, and our economy. Centurion’s mission, model and collaborative approach create a powerful platform to help these institutions advance their purpose nationally.”

Ailstock’s appointment reflects Centurion’s continued commitment to serving nonprofit partners in healthcare and higher education with creative, mission-aligned solutions that help institutions grow, adapt, and deliver lasting impact.

About Centurion Foundation

Centurion Foundation is a private-sector, charitable 501(c)(3) organization that provides real estate transaction expertise, strategic leadership, financing, development, ownership, and facility solutions to nonprofit health systems, institutions of higher education, and local governments. Centurion helps nonprofit organizations advance their charitable purpose by equipping them with the financial and technical resources needed to fulfill their mission.