The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT) is the Washington, D.C.-based association representing real estate investment trusts (REITs) and publicly traded real estate companies with an interest in U.S. real estate and capital markets. It is recognized as the leading public resource on the REIT industry and has performance data on REITs extending back to 1972. NAREIT's members are REITs and other businesses throughout the world that own, operate, and finance income-producing real estate, as well as those firms and individuals who advise, study, and service those businesses. It is run by an independent executive board led by President and CEO Steven A. Wechsler.