# Darell Zink

> Darell E. “Gene” Zink Jr. (1946–2026) was an Indianapolis real estate executive and founder of Strategic Capital Partners. A former Duke Realty CFO and vice chairman who helped bring the company public in 1993, he later participated in Avondale Meadows redevelopment and University of Indianapolis housing partnerships. He also co-founded Challenge Foundation Academy and, with Mary Ann Zink, a university poverty institute.

- **Role:** Real estate executive, investor and former attorney
- **Organizations:** Strategic Capital Partners, LLC, Duke Realty, Bose McKinney & Evans, United States Air Force, Challenge Foundation Academy, University of Indianapolis, Indy Chamber, Ivy Tech Foundation, Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana, Park Tudor, United Way of Central Indiana, Kite Realty Group
- **From:** Houston, United States
- **Education:** BA, Political Science, Vanderbilt University, MBA, University of Hawaii, JD, Indiana University Maurer School of Law, Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, University of Indianapolis
- **Known for:** Helped sponsor Duke Realty’s 1993 IPO., Outstanding CFO Award, Realty Stock Review, 1999 and 2001., Founded Strategic Capital Partners.

## Career timeline

- **Before 1976** — Served as a captain in the United States Air Force before his legal career.
- **1976** — Earned JD; subsequently practiced law at Bose McKinney & Evans, becoming a partner.
- **1982** — Joined the Duke predecessor business in finance and legal affairs.
- **1993** — Helped take Duke Realty public; served as CFO and executive vice president.
- **1999 and 2001** — Received Realty Stock Review Outstanding CFO Award for the public real estate industry.
- **2004** — Stepped down from Duke executive responsibilities in January; served as vice chairman during transition.
- **2005** — Strategic Capital Partners launched, founded with Richard Hurd.
- **2011** — Participated in East Village at Avondale Meadows opening with Purpose Built Communities partners.
- **2015** — Gene and Mary Ann Zink Poverty Institute announced at the University of Indianapolis.
- **2016** — Greyhound Village dedicated; received honorary degree from UIndy.
- **2020** — Inducted into Maurer Academy of Law Alumni Fellows.
- **2026** — Died March 4, aged 79; SCP published a memorial.

## Achievements

- Helped sponsor Duke Realty’s 1993 IPO.
- Outstanding CFO Award, Realty Stock Review, 1999 and 2001.
- Founded Strategic Capital Partners.
- Co-founded Challenge Foundation Academy and served as board president.
- Co-founded the Gene and Mary Ann Zink Poverty Institute.
- Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, University of Indianapolis, 2016.
- Academy of Law Alumni Fellow, Indiana University, 2020.

## Latest updates

- **2026-03** — Died March 4, 2026, aged 79; Strategic Capital Partners published a founder memorial.

## Links

- Website: https://strategiccapitalpartners.com/bio-gene-zink
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darell-zink-8aa55624

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/darell-zink
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-10