James R. Lentine

Mr. Lentine graduated from the University of Alaska with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He was awarded the Joel Wiegert Award as the Outstanding senior male student in 1972.

Mr. Lentine began his real estate career in 1977 with the Realty Company of Alaska, serving as an associate broker for 15 years. In 1992 he joined Denali as its Vice President and was responsible for acquisition, leasing, disposition and development through 2003. In 2004 Mr. Lentine joined Avion Holdings, LLC, a Scottsdale based restructuring company until 2014 when he returned to Denali to serve as President and CEO of its parent company, Wise Enterprise Group, LLC.

Mr. Lentine was awarded the George Nehrbas Award from the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce in 1992 for his volunteer work in support of the military communities at Ft. Wainwright and Eielson AFB.

Mr. Lentine served as President of the Phoenix FBI Citizen’s Academy board of directors in 2003 and President of the Arizona Chapter of NAIOP in 2004.

Jim Lentine passed away suddenly in October of 2021. Jim was a pioneer, often credited with the creation of the “insta-suite” office leasing program. His innovation transformed office investment in Phoenix by substantially lowering turnover costs and rapidly increasing lease-up velocities thereby providing greater returns for investors. He was fearless but diligent in every venture that he pursued. Jim was a man who operated by strict moral code, defined by his desire to help others. His impact on our community was profound and will live on in the minds and hearts of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. Jim’s principals and ethics will guide Denali’s ethos and investment strategies into the future.