Phil Dawit — Leader  Advisor Advocate

Phil Dawit brings over a decade of experience in the alternative investments sector, with a specialized focus in real estate. Throughout his career, he has been directly involved in the acquisition, leasing, management, financing, and disposition of more than $2 billion in assets, working across a range of investment vehicles and geographies. His expertise spans the full lifecycle of real estate transactions, from deal structuring and investment strategy to operational execution.

Dawit has provided both formal and informal advisory work to institutional investors, including pension funds and sovereign wealth funds, as well as to family offices and high-net-worth individuals. 

Currently, Phil Dawit serves as Managing Director of QUASAR, a global real estate investment and management firm. QUASAR is the alternative investment arm of The Family Office of Kenneth Brown, a nationally recognized veteran of JP Morgan Chase’s Mortgage Group. Prior to his role at QUASAR, Phil held positions at Freddie Mac, LCOR, and CoStar.

Dawit was appointed by the City of Alexandria, VA, to serve on its Sister Cities Committee, where he holds the position of Treasurer. Additionally, he is a board member for The Family Office of Kenneth Brown, representing its alternative investment chair, and has previously served as a member of the Management Committee for Urban Land Institute (ULI) Washington.

A committed member of the Ethiopian diaspora, Phil Dawit is deeply engaged in efforts that uplift his community. He has led initiatives to recover illicitly traded Ethiopian antiquities and partnered with the DC Mayor’s Office to recognize members of the Little Ethiopian community for their contributions to the city. Dawit has provided pro bono business and financial consulting to Ethiopian organizations, supported individuals in securing job placements and asylum, and actively advocated on behalf of community members through public interest lobbying.