Real estate executive Rick Dishnica and his wife, Tamie, have donated $250,000 to support ULI Advisory Services, UrbanPlan, and ULI San Francisco. Dishnica’s gift strengthens the potential to shape both the future of the built environment and the next generation of diverse leaders.

“When I became a member of ULI in 1990, I was introduced to the best of the best in our industry,” Rick says. “I wanted to learn from them, and through their generosity—by spending time with me either individually or through my experience as a member of a product council—I gained knowledge about all aspects of real estate. I’ve learned about leadership from watching them and becoming a leader within ULI at both the national and local level.

“Over the years, by actively participating in the Advisory Services programs and UrbanPlan, as well as other areas within ULI, I’ve observed the impact ULI has had in many communities around the United States and have no doubt that we have made a difference. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to pay it forward. After consulting with my family, we’ve decided to make a gift to the ULI Foundation in three areas: Advisory Services, UrbanPlan, and the San Francisco district council.”

Advisory Services offers expertise and technical assistance for communities and organizations facing complex land use challenges.

“Rick has always been a strong supporter of the program, serving on more than 20 panels and volunteering his time at the local and headquarters level,” says Mary Beth Corrigan, ULI executive vice president, global leadership. “To hear that he is donating not only his time and talent but financial resources as well speaks volumes to the power of the program, as well as the commitment of Rick in believing in the mission and wanting to make positive changes in communities.”

UrbanPlan harnesses the power of experiential learning to drive students to engage more deeply into the complex nature of land use decisions and inspire them to take an active role in creating better communities.

The Dishnica gift comes as no surprise to Natalie Sandoval, executive director of ULI San Francisco.

“I have had the pleasure, and privilege, of working with Rick over the last six years at ULI San Francisco and am consistently impressed—and thankful for his unwavering commitment to the organization and to the built environment,” she says.

“Rick is constantly giving back to the community. He provides insight and wisdom to our senior leadership at the board level, our public sector agencies through TAPs [technical assistance panels] and trainings, high school students through UrbanPlan, and even our Young Leaders through our mentorship program, where Rick is one of our most popular mentors! I feel lucky to have Rick as one of my own trusted guides and am so thankful for his continued support of ULI, and ULI SF in particular.”

Rick’s support ensures that ULI has the resources to acknowledge opportunities within the designated programs and that his local district council continues to be a place of collaboration, leadership, and learning.

Rick is a ULI trustee and a member of the Julia Morgan Society. He is a member of the Multifamily Council (Blue Flight) and was its past chair. He is a current board member and past chair of ULI San Francisco and serves on its Governance Committee. He was also a member of the ULI Governance and Nominating Committee, vice chair for Councils, a member of the ULI Operating Committee, and spent time on the Advisory Board.