Jordan Director Schnitzer is a prominent West Coast businessman, philanthropist, and one of North America's leading contemporary art collectors. Born on May 10, 1951, in Portland, Oregon, he serves as the president and chief executive officer of Schnitzer Properties, a massive private real estate enterprise managing properties across several Western states. Beyond his commercial success, Schnitzer is widely recognized for assembling one of the largest private fine art print collections in the United States, which he actively shares with museums and academic institutions worldwide through the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation.
Understanding his life requires looking at how early family influences shaped his dual paths in real estate and arts patronage. His parents, Harold Schnitzer and Arlene Director, instilled a deep commitment to community building and cultural philanthropy in Portland. Today, his commercial holdings place him among the top private property owners on the West Coast, while his philanthropic efforts focus heavily on making museum-quality artwork accessible to the public.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in Southwest Portland, Schnitzer attended the Catlin Gabel School, graduating in 1969. Art appreciation entered his life at an unusually young age. When he was in the third grade, his mother gave him his first art print, sparking a lifelong passion for collecting.
He pursued higher education in his home state, earning a Bachelor of Arts in literature from the University of Oregon in 1973. He then earned his Juris Doctor from the Lewis & Clark College Law School in 1976. Although trained in the legal field, Schnitzer focused his career on expanding his family's real estate business and managing extensive investments rather than practicing law.
Business Career and Real Estate
As the president and CEO of Schnitzer Properties (formerly Harsch Investment Properties), Schnitzer oversees a vast portfolio of industrial, office, and retail properties. The company operates across multiple Western states, including Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. Under his leadership, the firm has maintained a reputation as one of the top private real estate owners in the region.
His business acumen allowed him to amass the financial resources necessary to pursue his true personal devotion: acquiring, preserving, and sharing contemporary art.
The Art Collection and Philanthropy
Schnitzer is frequently cited by industry publications, including ARTnews among their Top 200 Collectors. His holdings include thousands of works, encompassing sculptures, paintings, glass, mixed media, and an extensive inventory of prints and multiples by iconic figures like Andy Warhol, David Hockney, and Mickalene Thomas.
Rather than keeping these pieces in private storage, Schnitzer established a unique lending model. Through the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation, he partners with regional and university art museums across North America, funding exhibition catalogs, educational outreach, and public installations. His goal is to ensure that students and local communities have direct access to world-class art without financial barriers.
His dedication to education is also visible through major institutional naming gifts, including support for the Portland State University art programs and regional museums that bear his family's name.
Personal Life and Civic Involvement
Schnitzer has two daughters from his marriage to real estate developer Mina Morvai, whom he married in 1996 and later divorced in 2005. He later welcomed a son through a surrogate in 2017.
An active member of the Portland community, Schnitzer is Jewish and has maintained deep ties with Congregation Beth Israel, where he previously served on the board of trustees. Politically active as a registered Democrat, he has historically supported candidates across the political spectrum based on local economic development and urban revitalization initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jordan Schnitzer best known for?
He is best known as a prominent West Coast real estate executive and the owner of one of the largest private fine art print collections in North America.
How many artworks does his collection contain?
His private collection and foundation holdings include thousands of post-war and contemporary artworks, featuring prints, paintings, and sculptures by roughly 1,500 distinct artists.
Where is the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation located?
The foundation is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, where it operates a dedicated exhibition space and partners with museums nationwide to coordinate public art loans.
Did he attend college in Oregon?
Yes. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon and his law degree from Lewis & Clark College Law School.
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