John O’Donnell

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

​John O’Donnell founded Riverside (originally O’Donnell Investment Company) in 2010 following a 28-year tenure at The John Buck Company, where he advanced from an early executive role to become President and Chairman of the Investment Committee.

Over the course of his career, John has overseen the development or redevelopment of more than 40 million square feet, with capital transactions totaling more than $10 billion. Beyond Chicago, the firm has expanded nationally by delivering 1900 Lawrence in Denver, the ongoing QueensBridge Collective in Charlotte, and a mixed-use project in Estero, Florida.

John serves on Riverside’s Board of Directors and recently spearheaded the creation of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting Chicago’s historic LaSalle Street revitalization initiative. His industry tenure reflects a consistent commitment to urban impact, tenant experience, and civic partnership.

John holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Loyola University Chicago, a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and is CPA certified.