ADISA Names Industry Leader John Grady as Executive Director

As Grady steps into new position, Matthew Iak of U.S. Energy Development Corporation assumes presidency for 2025 and 2026

INDIANAPOLIS, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ADISA, the nation's largest trade association for the alternative investments industry, announced today that industry veteran John Grady has been appointed executive director, succeeding John Harrison upon his retirement. In conjunction with this transition, Grady has resigned as board president, and President-Elect Matthew (Matt) Iak will assume the role of president for the remainder of 2025 and continue through his originally scheduled 2026 term.

"I'm honored to step into this new position and continue serving an organization that plays such a vital role in the alternative investments industry," said Grady. "I want to extend my sincere thanks to John Harrison for his years of dedicated leadership and the strong foundation that he has built. I look forward to working alongside Matt, the board and ADISA team members to advance ADISA's mission of education,  advocacy and best-in-class networking events."

Grady brings more than three decades of investment management experience and has been a prominent leader within ADISA for many years. A board member since 2016, he was first elected president in 2017 and became the first individual to be re-elected to a second term in 2025. Grady has been on the association's Legislative & Regulatory Committee for more than a decade, and is also a recipient of several ADISA awards, including ADISA's highest ACE Award, recognizing his outstanding service and commitment to the association. He has authored numerous articles on behalf of ADISA, campaigned on Capitol Hill and in video meetings with Congressional staff, provided imperative public policy insight, and more.

Grady currently serves as general counsel at ABR Dynamic Funds, a registered investment adviser that manages private funds, mutual funds, and UCITS sub-funds. Prior to joining ABR, Grady was a partner at Practus LLP and DLA Piper LLP, and, throughout his career, he has held various positions with industry-leading firms focused on managed futures, real estate, and other alternative assets and strategies.  

"My time at ADISA has been a privilege, and I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside so many talented and committed professionals," said Harrison. "Together, we've built an association that is now a recognized leader in the alternative investments industry, respected for its advocacy, education, and ability to bring the community together. I'm proud of what we've accomplished, and I have full confidence in John Grady, who has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the association's growth and advocacy for many years. I have no doubt that John and Matt Iak, together with ADISA's board, will continue advancing ADISA's mission and expanding its impact in the years ahead."

Harrison, a seasoned industry executive, has served as ADISA's executive director since 2012. Under his leadership, ADISA experienced significant growth, including an expanded membership base, enhanced educational programs, and strengthened advocacy efforts. In 2023, Harrison was honored with ADISA's ACE Award, the association's highest honor recognizing those who have not only reached the pinnacle of their personal career, but have also brought credit to ADISA through additional distinguished works.  

With Grady assuming the role of executive director, Iak has taken over as board president for the remainder of 2025 and will continue through his originally elected term of 2026.  

"I am honored to take on the role of president and appreciate the thoughtful transition that sets us up for a strong year ahead," said Iak. "ADISA plays a critical role in this industry, and I'm looking forward to working with John and the board to keep driving meaningful progress."

Iak is executive vice president and a board member of U.S. Energy Development Corporation, where he has served in a leadership role for more than 20 years. Since joining the firm in 2005, he has led capital-raising efforts totaling more than $1.6 billion. Iak is also chief executive officer of U.S. Property Development, an affiliated real estate company, and president of U.S. Energy's managing broker-dealer, Westmoreland Capital Corporation. A key figure in the firm's second-generation leadership team, he has been a member of the ADISA board of directors since 2021.

ABOUT ADISA
The Alternative & Direct Investment Securities Association is the nation's largest trade association representing the non–traded alternative investment space. ADISA's members are typically involved in non-traded real estate investment trusts, business development companies, master limited partnerships and private and public funds (LPs/LLCs), 1031 exchange programs (DSTs/TICs), energy and oil and gas interests, equipment leasing programs, or other alternative and direct investment offerings. The association was founded in 2003 and has approximately 5,000 members who are key decision makers, representing more than 220,000 professionals throughout the nation – including sponsor members who have raised in excess of $200 billion in equity and serve more than 1 million investors.

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SOURCE ADISA