Fred Klein

Honorary Alumnus Award

Fred Klein is senior managing partner at Childress Klein, one of the largest full‑service commercial real estate firms in the Southeast. He has been responsible for new business activities and investor relationships, as well as leveraging his 45+ years of experience developing commercial real estate across the southeast region to help the firm achieve its long-term strategic goals. In addition to serving on the UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees, Fred served on the UNC Charlotte Foundation Board, the Belk College of Business Center for Real Estate Board and was a key advisor in bringing the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center to campus. An active member of the Charlotte community, Fred serves on the Board of Trustees for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte and served on the North Carolina Railroad Company Board of Directors.

Fred was recognized with a Belk College Alumni Award and received the Charlotte Business Journal’s 2022 Pillar Award.

Fred served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1972. He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Lehigh University and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Dean and Professor of Economics of the Belk College of Business, Jennifer Troyer said it best, “With an extraordinary career, a longstanding commitment to UNC Charlotte and the Belk College of Business and the passion to bring those who love this institution together, I cannot think of anyone more deserving to be named an honorary alumnus.”