ICSC has launched a new member recognition program. Member Moments is your chance to celebrate members who have innovated, achieved and worked together. Has a fellow ICSC member done good? Click here to tell us about it and read on to see who others are celebrating.
Part 1 appears below. Click here to see more recent entries.
Posted September 30, 2021
The Providence Group’s Darrell Palasciano and Matt Henry
Darrell Palasciano and Matt Henry have joined The Providence Group’s landlord division, serving the Carolinas and based out of a new office in Charlotte, North Carolina’s South End. “The partnerships that these guys have built among some of the most notable names in retail real estate made it an easy decision to open our doors and bring them into the fold of our highly focused brokerage group,” said principal Melissa McDonald. They previously worked for TSCG. Palasciano is ICSC State Chair for North Carolina and South Carolina and previously served as ICSC Government Relations Chair for North and South Carolina and as Carolinas Conference Program Planning Committee Chair.
Posted September 28, 2021
Lockehouse’s Mike Hieshima, Natalie Wagner and Justin Romain
Lockehouse has hired Mike Hieshima, Natalie Wagner, Justin Romain and others to represent the company in Southern California. They formerly worked for TSCG. “Mike is an outstanding leader, a critical thinker and has a long history of building deep and lasting client relationships,” said president Steve Cutter.
Cullinan Properties’ Kathleen Cullinan Brill
Cullinan Properties has promoted Kathleen Cullinan Brill from vice president and director of leasing to executive vice president of business development and investor relations. Among other responsibilities, she will expand the company’s medical portfolio, and she will remain in Cullinan’s Chicago office.
Posted September 22, 2021
WHLR’s Denbeigh Marchant
WHLR promoted Denbeigh Marchant to vice president of leasing. He joined the REIT in 2008 as a leasing associate.
CBL’s Heidi Cardall, Lisa Harper, Lewis Hilton, Matt Holligan and Stacey Keating
CBL promoted five from senior director to vice president: Heidi Cardall and Lisa Harper for specialty leasing, Lewis Hilton for redevelopment, Matt Holligan for management and Stacey Keating for corporate communications.
CBL’s Howard Grody, Maggie Carrington, Jeff Gregerson, Eric Griffith and David Neuhoff
CBL promoted leasing pro Howard Grody from senior vice president to executive vice president and four others from vice president to senior vice president: Maggie Carrington for people and culture, Jeff Gregerson for specialty leasing, Eric Griffith for leasing and David Neuhoff for redevelopment.
Sembler’s Eve Sembler
Eve Sembler joined Sembler as vice president of leasing. She began her career on Brixmor’s national accounts team, focusing on direct-to-franchisee leasing and later on peripheral land development. She most recently was vice president of national accounts there.
Posted September 14, 2021
TSCG’s Bryan Chandler, Heidi Austin and Ada Askew
TSCG has promoted Bryan Chandler to vice president of innovation and technology, Heidi Austin to director of brand management and digital strategy and Ada Askew to director of marketing. “Bryan is a consummate teacher and motivator of people, who leads by example,” said co-CEO David Birnbrey, adding, “Through her 13 years with the company, Heidi has been the consummate protector of our brand and director of our digital strategy.” Co-CEO Sam Latone said: “Ada combines style with substance in the leadership of our company’s marketing platform.”
Posted September 10, 2021
Ares Management Corp.’s Ben Fox and Joel Tomlinson
Ares Management Corp. has hired ICSC members Ben Fox and Joel Tomlinson as managing directors, as well as John Case and Taejoon Chun, to work on net lease investments in the U.S. and Europe. Ares’ net lease team is a joint initiative between Ares’ Alternative Credit Strategy and Real Estate groups. The four will be based in San Diego and will work with the Credit and Private Equity groups. Fox joins from Realty Income and Tomlinson from Apollo, having also worked for Realty Income.
Posted September 8, 2021
Continental Realty Corp.’s David Donato
Continental Realty Corp. has promoted David Donato from senior vice president of multifamily and commercial to COO. He started with the company in 2000. He will oversee accounting, IT, investor relations, HR and marketing functions and continue to manage commercial and multifamily operations. He also will remain on the executive committee. CEO JM Schapiro said, “David is highly respected throughout the industry, and CRC team members often rely on his sound advice and guidance. Within the past several years, he has assumed increased responsibilities with our fundraising and investor relations activities, which will continue to be a major point of emphasis in the future.”
Weitzman’s Rob Darnell
Rob Darnell has joined Weitzman as vice president of research. As part of his duties, he will direct a location intelligence team and help integrate tools like ESRI and Placer.ai. President and CEO Marshall Mills said, “Research and data innovation are critical to the success of our business and the growth of our market share, which requires a professional with Rob’s expertise in commercial real estate research and customer analytics.”
Kidder Mathews’ Shawn Smith and Sean Retzloff
Shawn Smith and Sean Retzloff have joined Kidder Mathews’ Reno, Nevada, office from CBRE. Smith, an ICSC Certified Retail Real Estate Professional, is executive vice president, and Retzloff is associate vice president.
Posted September 2, 2021
ShopOne’s Chris Reed
ShopOne has promoted Chris Reed, who has been executive vice president of acquisitions since 2020, to chief investment officer. Having led investment and financing transactions with an aggregate value of more than $1 billion over the course of his career, Reed has worked in acquisitions and capital markets leadership positions at Brixmor and WP Realty.
Mack Development’s Mark D’Addabbo
Former New England Retail Properties president and CEO Mark D’Addabbo has opened a development firm called Mack Development to focus nearly exclusively on ground-up retail development for retailer Tractor Supply Co.
Posted August 30, 2021
SRS Real Estate Partners’ Will Crowden
Will Crowden has relocated from Chicago, where he worked for Baum Realty Group, and is now senior vice president in SRS Real Estate Partners’ South Florida office, specializing in retail site selection and the sale and leasing of retail properties.
Vestar’s Miles Sanchez
Miles Sanchez has joined Vestar as executive vice president of operations. He previously worked for Weingarten Realty. Vestar president David Larcher said, “He has proven throughout his career that he is a dynamic leader with the innate ability to respond to changing trends and new opportunities.”
City of Columbia, South Carolina’s Ryan Coleman
Columbia Regional Business Report named Ryan Coleman among its 2021 Phenoms, which the publication defines as “motivated go-getters who are getting things done in new and exciting ways.” He is director of the office of economic development for Columbia, South Carolina, as well as chair of ICSC’s P3 Program, which refers to public-private partnership professionals.
Agree Realty’s David Darling and Nicole Witteveen
David Darling has joined Agree Realty as vice president of real estate, responsible for leasing and key retailer relationships. He previously worked for Bedrock and earlier for RPT. Agree also has promoted Nicole Witteveen to executive vice president of people and culture and chief of staff. Agree Realty president and CEO Joey Agree said: "Nicole is a best-in-class leader who has made a dynamic impact on our organization. This is the next step in a long and successful career, and we are fortunate to have such a talented individual at our company."
Posted August 9, 2021
Katz & Associates’ Daniel Gardner
Daniel Gardner has joined Katz & Associates’ Boca Raton, Florida, office as a tenant and landlord representation associate. He joins from Weingarten Realty, where he represented landlords.
Posted August 4, 2021
Masonre CEO David Abrams
David Abrams recently launched his own brokerage firm that will focus on retail leasing and investment sales in Miami and New York City. He began as an intern at RKF and became managing director there six years later, and he continued in that role from 2018, when Newmark acquired RKF, to this year.
Posted August 2, 2021
Rumphius Marketing’s Diana Perry
Diana Perry has launched a new company, Rumphius Marketing, to serve the commercial real estate industry with branding, sales leadership, content creation, digital strategy, social media, communications, PR, project management, public speaking, team presentations, media kits and event planning.
Posted July 26, 2021
Four Pillars Capital Markets’ Farhan Kabani
Farhan Kabani is leaving Marcus & Millichap affiliate Mark One Capital to lead Four Pillars Capital Markets, a new company formed as an affiliate of Stan Johnson Co. Four Pillars represents’ Stan Johnson Co.’s entrance into debt and equity finance brokerage. Kabani will be partner in Four Pillars, which he will lead with support from Stan Johnson Co. leadership.
Toro Development Co.’s Mark Toro, John Kelley and Vicky Boyce
North American Properties chairman Mark Toro has left the company to launch Toro Development Co., which will focus on distressed properties. He is principal and chief vision officer. ICSC member John Kelley has joined as partner handling commercial, and ICSC member Vicky Boyce is partner and CFO. Richard Munger is partner handling residential. The company — based in Alpharetta, Georgia — has capital partnerships with Four Stones Real Estate and Lubert-Adler Real Estate Funds.
Posted July 22, 2021
Newmark Merrill Cos.’ Greg Giacopuzzi
Newmark Merrill Cos. promoted Greg Giacopuzzi to director of leasing and development. In addition to leasing of existing centers, he’ll identify development and acquisition opportunities in California’s Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange counties, as well as the Inland Empire. Giacopuzzi started with the company more than 10 years ago. President and CEO Sandy Sigal said: “I have had the pleasure to watch Greg learn and grow and thrive over the years and I am thrilled to see the person he has become, a true asset to our company as evidenced by the work he does for every property and merchant he assists.”
Posted July 21, 2021
Kidder Mathews’ Robert Coron
Robert Coron has joined Kidder Mathews’ Bellevue, Washington, office as a senior vice president to represent retail tenants. He has worked in retail real estate for 30 years, including as a national corporate real estate director responsible for acquisitions, dispositions and repositioning of large stores and centers. He has represented large national retailers like CarMax, Hobby Lobby, Grocery Outlet, Savers, Ethan Allen and Qdoba.
Posted July 20, 2021
Urban Edge Properties’ Sandi Danick
Sandi Danick joined Urban Edge Properties as senior vice president of leasing, focusing on New Jersey’s Bergen Town Center. Danick most recently worked for Triple Five, focusing on American Dream and Mall of America. She has overseen leasing, development and merchandising for Tysons Corner Center, The Shops at North Bridge, Queens Center, Cross County Shopping Center, FlatIron Crossing, Jersey Gardens, Westfield Garden State Plaza and Westfield World Trade Center for owners like Macerich, Westfield and Glimcher Group.
Posted June 25, 2021
Sterling Organization’s Bob Dake
Bob Dake has left ShopOne and will become retail COO of Sterling Organization, starting July 19. He will lead leasing, lease administration, property management, property marketing and construction and will sit on all the firm’s retail fund investment committees. Before working for ShopOne, Dake held senior positions at Brixmor and Equity One. In 2020, ICSC honored Dake as one of its 4 Under 40.
Posted June 24, 2021
ShopOne’s Michael Makinen
Michael Makinen, formerly COO for Site Centers, will join ShopOne as COO on July 1. “His strong understanding of [the] retail real estate landscape will be an asset to our organization as we continue to build an institutional-quality platform,” said ShopOne CEO John Roche. Makinen, who co-chairs ICSC’s Open-Air Centers Committee, also has served as COO for Equity One and for Olshan Properties.
Marcus & Millichap’s J.D. Parker
Marcus & Millichap promoted J.D. Parker to COO of the Eastern Division. He had moved up to executive vice president of brokerage operations for the Eastern division, as had Richard Matricaria for the Western Division, in April 2019. Matricaria also has been promoted to COO of his division.
Posted June 21, 2021
DRB Group LLC’s Joanne Luconti
DRB Group LLC CEO David Brudy wrote in to praise chief marketing officer and chief information officer Joanne Luconti for “consistent and outstanding service before, during and after COVID-19” and “proactive and outstanding communication skills to clients and company.”
Posted June 17, 2021
JRW Realty’s Joel Staffilino
Joel Staffilino has joined brokerage firm JRW Realty as president of multitenant retail. He will help the company’s large, all-cash buyer clients acquire essential retail and grocery-anchored shopping centers. “Joel will help us to extend our reach in the net lease market, as well as launch an additional offering platform focused on value-added, grocery-anchored shopping centers,” said CEO Joshua Ungerecht. Staffilino previously served as vice president of acquisitions and dispositions at Brixmor and led acquisitions and transaction teams at Glimcher Group and Phillips Edison & Co.
Posted June 15, 2021
RCG Ventures’ Randy Garfinkle
RCG Ventures has promoted Randy Garfinkle from senior vice president and director of investments to COO and director of investments.
Posted June 14, 2021
SRS Real Estate Partners’ Jim Farrell
Jim Farrell has joined SRS Real Estate Partners to head its new Carolinas office. He’s relocating from the Washington, D.C., area to Charleston, South Carolina. Farrell most recently served as Rappaport executive vice president of leasing and brokerage.
Posted June 10, 2021
Vestar’s Gabrielle Lardiere
Gabrielle Lardiere has joined Vestar as vice president of client services. Previously, she served as business development director for The William Warren Group/StorQuest Self Storage, and she has worked for CBRE Advisory and Transaction Services, specializing in retail.
Posted June 4, 2021
The Joint Corp.’s Mark Miller
Mark Miller has joined The Joint Corp. chiropractic provider as vice president of real estate and construction, reporting to president and CEO Peter Holt. Miller has held similar roles at Veggie Grill, Panda Express and CVS. Holt said of Miller: “He will be leading the charge to reach our goal of 1,000 clinics open by 2023.”
Posted May 26, 2021
Tanger Outlets’ Steve Dworkin and Steven Silverstein
Steve Dworkin has joined Tanger Outlets as senior vice president of real estate, coming from Simon, and Steven Silverstein joins as assistant vice president of leasing, coming from Brookfield.
Posted May 24, 2021
Wood Investments Cos.’ Greg Vujnov
Greg Vujnov joined Wood Investments Cos. in April as COO. He previously was vice president of leasing for Lewis Retail Centers and also has worked for Irvine Co. and Chipotle.
SRS Real Estate Partners’ Cathy Nabours, Walter Saad and Kyle Shaffer
Cathy Nabours, Walter Saad and Kyle Shaffer have joined SRS Real Estate Partners’ Austin office as part of the Investment Properties Group from JLL. The team will work closely with the Investment Properties Group in Dallas and with SRS's San Antonio office. "They are strategic hires that help fulfill one of our top initiatives of expanding our coverage and service offering to multi-tenant asset investors," said chair and CEO Chris Maguire.
Posted May 21, 2021
Greenberg Gibbons’ Tom Falatko and Emory Camper
After creating a $100 million private equity fund to buy shopping centers, Greenberg Gibbons has hired Tom Falatko as senior vice president of acquisitions. He has worked for CIM, Somera Capital Management, Madison Marquette and Federal. Greenberg Gibbons also hired Emory Camper as a leasing associate. She joins from MCB Real Estate. She previously worked for Cushman & Wakefield.
Posted May 14, 2021
Eastern Real Estate’s Dan Sullivan
Eastern Real Estate promoted Dan Sullivan to managing director of development. He oversees site selection, feasibility analysis, entitlements, leasing and construction management.
Pine Tree’s Michael Slusky
Pine Tree hired Michael Slusky as senior vice president and director of leasing. Previously, he worked for 23 years as Kimco Realty senior director of real estate.
TSCG’s Nichole Popovics
TSCG has hired Nichole Popovics as executive vice president and managing director of tenant representation for Florida. She’ll also work on business development in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. The former vice president of leasing for Sembler also has worked for Equity One, Brixmor and Woolbright Development. “This is one of the most important additions to our company in many years,” said TSCG co-CEO David Birnbrey.
Posted May 3, 2021
CenterCal Properties’ Chris Byers
During a tumultuous time for retail centers all over the country, senior vice president of leasing for CenterCal Properties Chris Byers maintained a robust period of leasing activity of a growing portfolio of mixed-use developments. Under Byers' leadership, nearly 40 new stores opened across three regional centers, even in the midst of a pandemic. … Chris’ dedication, hard work, relationships and stellar reputation as the best in the industry has enabled her to do things during one of the most difficult periods in our country’s history. Chris genuinely loves the people she works with and structures deals that enable everyone to succeed.
—Submitted by CenterCal Properties Intermountain region president Craig Trottier
TSCG’s Justin Schad
TSCG has hired Nashville broker Justin Schad to represent national and regional box, freestanding and shop tenants for site selection, market strategy and dispositions. He also will partner with investors, developers and owners on acquisitions, investment sales and land assemblage. Previously, he was Trio Commercial Property Group principal broker for Tennessee.
M & J Wilkow’s Darcy Rutzen
M & J Wilkow promoted Darcy Rutzen to senior vice president of retail and marketing. Since joining the company in 2015, she has driven growth of the marketing and retail property management platforms.
Turnberry’s Daniel Poulin
Turnberry has hired Daniel Poulin as general manager of lifestyle center Destin Commons, which hosts more than 90 stores and restaurants, 160,000 square feet of office and many events. Turnberry CEO Jackie Soffer said, “We are excited to bring in a seasoned leader with a depth of experience in the real estate sector. Daniel brings the right skill set we need for the next chapter and will be an integral part of our leadership team.” Poulin spent the past 19 years at Sealy & Co.
Madison Marquette’s Meghann Martindale
Madison Marquette has hired CBRE’s Meghann Martindale to head retail research. She will build the retail research and thought leadership platform to support the leasing, property management, marketing and investment teams. Martindale joins from CBRE, where she served as global head of retail research.
Posted April 27, 2021
InvenTrust Properties’ Matt Hagan
Matt Hagan has joined Inventrust Properties as vice president of leasing for its 20 grocery-anchored shopping centers in Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa and South Florida and renovation projects in the region. "Matt's familiarity with the Georgia and Florida markets, his well-honed leasing skills and retail relationships are the perfect complement to our Southeast team," said senior vice president of operations Matt Hendy. Hagan joins InvenTrust after 13 years at Regency Centers.
Posted April 23, 2021
Seritage Growth Properties’ Mary Rottler, Andrew Galvin, Eric Dinenberg and Matthew Fernand
Seritage Growth Properties has promoted Mary Rottler from executive vice president of leasing and operations to COO, Andrew Galvin from executive vice president of investments to chief investment officer and Eric Dinenberg from senior vice president of development to executive vice president of development. General counsel and executive vice president Matthew Fernand also will become chief legal officer.
Posted April 22, 2021
Westwood Financial’s Lauren Ball
Lauren Ball has joined Westwood Financial as head of leasing, replacing David Malayil, who is starting his own firm. “She is a strong leader who brings with her over 15 years of industry experience and a broad network of national retail relationships,” said CEO Mark Bratt. Ball previously worked for Site Centers and DLC Management Corp. When inducted into Atlanta’s invitation-only, 100-member Buckhead Coalition in 2019, she was the youngest woman in the group.
Posted April 9, 2021
Vision Commercial Real Estate’s Bill Syblon
Former Bedford, Texas, development director Bill Syblon has joined Vision Commercial Real Estate. The 18-year member of ICSC has facilitated public-private partnerships that yielded more than $30 million in new construction and redevelopment. He now will focus on properties in the Dallas-Fort Worth Mid-Cities market and the Hurst-Euless-Bedford area.
Posted April 7, 2021
Field Paoli principal Rob Anderson
“Rob Anderson has been elevated to the prestigious College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. His work and leadership at Field Paoli Architects have led the renaissance of redefinition of the American shopping experience across the country. … Throughout his over-35-year career, Rob has been an advocate for infusing essential baselines into his designs of shopping centers and districts. He recognizes the transformative power of a well-crafted commercial core on the immediate community around the project and often in the region.”
—Submitted by Field Paoli vice president and principal Trish Beckman
Posted March 31, 2021
NAI Miami’s Joe Gallaher and Jackie Larkin
NAI Miami senior vice president Joe Gallaher and director of marketing and operations Jackie Larkin are among those recently named shareholders in NAI Miami. Gallaher joined in 2007 and Larkin in 2012.
Posted March 25, 2021
Bayer Properties vice president of anchor leasing Lindsay Vetzner
Bayer Properties hired Lindsay Vetzner as vice president of anchor leasing, overseeing big-box leasing and development for Bayer’s over 10 million-square-foot portfolio. He will join Bayer’s Mid-Atlantic office in Philadelphia. Previously, Vetzner led big-box and outparcel leasing for PREIT.
Posted March 23, 2021
Taubman senior vice president and general counsel Michele Walton
Taubman promoted Michele Walton from vice president and assistant general counsel to senior vice president and general counsel, responsible for legal affairs and functions. With the promotion, she joins the company’s operating committee. “Michele has had an impressive career trajectory during her 10 years at Taubman,” said chairman and CEO Robert Taubman. “She is a well-respected leader with exceptional legal acumen.”
Posted March 19, 2021
VEREIT senior vice president of leasing Brett Sheets
2020 was an especially busy year for VEREIT senior vice president of leasing Brett Sheets and his team. They leased 7.1 million square feet, 2.8 million of which was for early renewals, helping the company maintain 98 percent occupancy for the year. “He always has a smile on his face and a kind word to share,” says VEREIT corporate communications manager Andrea Smith. He also led VEREIT’s Brokers for Kids initiative in 2020, which raised more than $100,000 for nonprofits supporting local underserved communities.
Stark & Stark shareholder Tom Onder
Tom Onder, chair of Stark & Stark’s Shopping Center and Retail Development group, has joined the board of the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, a nonprofit that provides an educational enclave and safe space for LGBTQIA kids, intersectional families and all marginalized people. When Onder and his family attended the first-ever Princeton Pride Parade in 2019, organized by BRCSJ, he wanted to get involved. “This organization helps people understand and be respectful towards others, no matter who they are as individuals,” he said. “It’s about showing respect and humanity to everyone, and I’m very proud to be a part of that.” BRCSJ chief activist Robt Seda-Schreiber said Tom’s “desire to be of service to the community and to create a better, more inclusive world for his daughter is an inspiration for us all to move forward together.” Onder is ICSC State Director for the New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware region and serves on ICSC Global Public Policy’s Economic Subcommittee.
Posted March 10, 2021
Zapolski Real Estate East Coast property management and leasing director Bruce Lynch
Bruce Lynch joined Zapolski Real Estate in October in the new position of property management and leasing director for the East Coast, based in the Raleigh office. “I have known Bruce for many years now and jumped at the chance to have him join our company in a leadership role,” said founder and managing member Todd Zapolski. Prior, Lynch worked in investment sales at Marcus & Millichap. He also previously founded Rosamund Property Consultants and led it for 25 years.
Posted Mar. 9, 2021
AO partner Richard Clarke
Richard Clarke, alongside Johnny Hembree, will spearhead architecture firm AO’s new office in Midtown Atlanta, establishing a Southeast presence for the Orange, California, firm.
Posted Mar. 8, 2021
InventTrust Properties senior leasing representative Dorian Beaney
InvenTrust Properties hired Dorian Beaney as senior leasing representative to oversee its 10 centers in Southern California and Colorado. Based in the Los Angeles area, he joins from Brookfield Properties, where he served as senior retail leasing representative, and he also has worked for GNC, Tillys and CenterCal Properties.
Posted Mar. 2, 2021
The Woodmont Co. specialty leasing and marketing manager Mark Seaman
Mark Seaman offered suburban Baltimore’s TownMall of Westminster to the Carroll County Arts Council for events during COVID-19. First came August’s Mall-sterpiece, in which more than 100 families drew chalk art on the sidewalk to create a mosaic. Up next: Peep Show, a display of marshmallow masterpieces March 26 to April 5. The largest Peep-related event in the country, it expects to draw over 10,000 people. “Both events could not have occurred without Mark’s industry experience, creative mind, community relationships and persistence,” said Woodmont general manager and facilities manager Robyn Clark. “He has worked tirelessly on every aspect of the events from planning to execution while adhering to all CDC requirements. From chalk to Peep art, Mark has brought a few smiles to TownMall of Westminster.”
Taubman president and COO William Taubman
Taubman has promoted COO William Taubman, past chair of ICSC, to president and COO to lead development, center operations, leasing and strategic communications. “Billy grew up in our business and is a creative, extremely well-respected thought leader within the retail real estate industry,” said chairman and CEO Robert Taubman. “He has deep and productive relationships throughout retailing, and particularly with our luxury tenants.”
Posted Feb. 25, 2021
Federal’s Jeff Berkes, Jan Sweetnam, Barry Carty, Lance Billingsley and Michael Papillon
Federal promoted Jeff Berkes to the new role of president and COO. He served as chief investment officer from 2000 through 2010 and as western region president from 2011 until now. Federal also has promoted ICSC members Jan Sweetnam to western region president, Barry Carty to senior vice president of East Coast acquisitions, Lance Billingsley to senior vice president of anchor leasing and Michael Papillon to vice president of asset management for Maryland.
Mercury Development vice president and broker Timothy Dougherty
“Tim leads an ICSC Next Gen meeting regularly. He shares his knowledge with others freely and is such a positive example of teamwork. Tim is an exceptional professional!”
—Submitted by Mercury Development property manager Lori Eldridge
InvenTrust Properties’ DJ Busch and Christy David
DJ Busch became president of InvenTrust Properties Feb. 22, when Tom McGuinness resigned from the role. Busch will continue to serve as CFO until Aug. 6, when McGuinness will retire from the CEO role and Busch will take on that title, as well. McGuinness said: “DJ is an enthusiastic and engaging leader with a unique perspective on our industry.” Chair Paula Saban said of Busch: “The board is impressed with his leadership skills and is confident that as CEO, he will continue to drive innovation across the organization.” She added: “We want to express our deepest appreciation to Tom, who has been an extraordinary leader since the company’s inception. Tom has guided the company through multiple strategic transactions to ultimately focus our platform into a premier grocery-anchored portfolio in Sun Belt markets. Tom has built an impressive team of professionals at InvenTrust and cultivated a culture grounded in transparency and accountability.” The company also appointed ICSC member Christy David from chief investment officer and general counsel to COO.
Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors principal and COO Jackson Ratliff
“Jackson's natural leadership was extremely helpful as we navigated our team through COVID-19 office protocol. His thought and process were extremely important during the year, which made for a natural transition into his new role as COO. The entire team looks towards Jackson for guidance and advice.”
—Submitted by Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors vice president of marketing Suzanna Wasserman
Agree Realty’s Simon Leopold and Craig Erlich
Former Taubman CFO Simon Leopold has joined Agree Realty as executive vice president and CFO, replacing ICSC member Clay Thelen, who has resigned to pursue other opportunities. Agree president and CEO Joey Agree said of Leopold: “His many years of REIT experience, industrywide relationships and leadership prowess will serve to further strengthen our growing company’s executive ranks. I would also like to thank Clay for his three years of service.” Agree also has promoted Craig Erlich from chief investment officer to COO.
Edwards Realty Co. president Ramzi Hassan
“Ramzi had a vision to connect with the community, and this past year, he and his team launched a program called Pop Local. The program is a contest for one business in the community to win one storefront for three rent-free months with marketing support from Edwards Realty Company. Ramzi and his team have successfully run this program in the Chicagoland area and now St. Louis. [He] has been able to be nimble, ambitious and see the benefit of creativity during a time of great adversity.”
—Submitted by Edwards Realty Co. chief of staff and marketing director Taylor Blagrave
Posted Feb. 19, 2021
Papa John’s International director of real estate for the Midwest and Canada LaShelle London
LaShelle London of Papa John’s International spoke this month with fellow ICSC member Lauren Lowery, CEO of FP Commercial, for a two-part arc on Lowery’s Transforming Urban podcast. “LaShelle London has been a member of ICSC for 40 years,” Lowery said. “She has quietly led real estate development for firms like Dunkin, Dominick’s and Papa John's in the U.S. and led many international deals. She raised a family and volunteered with ICSC while doing it. Her career inspires many African American women, and her life and career are exemplary!”
Posted Feb. 16, 2021
Los Angeles County Development Authority community and economic development division assistant director Carolina Romo
“I have had the opportunity of working alongside Carolina for more than a year. Since the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, Carolina worked around the clock to nimbly launch several grant and loan programs for small businesses throughout Los Angeles County. Her efforts resulted in the deployment of $18.1 million to assist 836 small businesses. However, she hasn’t stopped. [In late January], she launched yet another program, the Small Business Stabilization Loan Program. Kudos to Carolina. She is a rock star in our community!”
—Submitted by The Hollywood Partnership vice president of advocacy and economic development Davon Barbour
Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce senior manager of retail development and recruitment Tammy Fate
“I've worked with Tammy as a ICSC volunteer leader for 10 years. I know her to be active in her community and in the industry outside of ICSC. She is a proven leader, stepping up in all manner of efforts in ICSC, most recently as co-chair of the Red River States Idea Exchange. The COVID-19 pandemic quashed her delivery of the 2021 event. To recognize Tammy now would be some small salve on the cancellation of RRS. I've been around many retail real estate professionals. The industry would benefit from more people like Tammy Fate.”
—Submitted by ARK Commercial & Investment Real Estate managing partner Jeff Yates
Converse Economic Development Corp. executive director Jimsi Kuborn
Kuborn created a small business grant that the Converse Economic Development Corp. board and the Converse, Texas, City Council have approved. The grant application was launched and funds were awarded to 48 local retail and service businesses. Kuborn’s staff also called the 300 businesses in the community several times to keep them up to date about local and state regulations and about other resources available. Simultaneously working to grow new opportunities and promoting the #ChooseConverseTX marketing efforts, she also worked with her team to sell three lots owned by the organization for six new retail buildings and a new office park.
CBRE Net Lease Property Group Phoenix associate Ben Farthing
Ben was recently recognized by AZ Big Media among Up-and-Comers in Phoenix Commercial Real Estate and 20 Young Commercial Real Estate Leaders to Watch in 2021. He “is responsible for business development and prospecting, managing the team’s deal pipeline, market research and assisting his team in all aspects of the sale of single- and multi-tenant investment properties in Phoenix and the U.S.,” says CBRE senior capital markets operations coordinator Kristina Konen. “He is passionate about the needs and goals of his clients and enjoys providing thorough economic analysis to support them through the acquisition and disposition process.”
Posted Feb. 12, 2021
VEREIT CEO and ICSC vice chair Glenn Rufrano
Glenn Rufrano has made a generous donation to support the ICSC Foundation’s newest initiative, Launch Academy, a program designed to recruit and prepare racially diverse students for careers in retail real estate. Each student receives a paid summer internship, a mentor, real estate and professional development training and access to industry leaders. Rufrano’s contribution will support housing stipends for students who need to relocate temporarily for their internships. He previously has established ICSC Foundation scholarships at his alma maters, Rutgers University and Florida International University, as well as Baruch College. “Ever the philanthropist, Glenn knows the value of removing barriers for students so they can focus on receiving a formal education, plus hands-on experience, to ultimately reach and fulfill their highest potential,” according to the ICSC Foundation.
Centennial president and COO Whitney Livingston
“Centennial recently promoted Whitney Livingston to the position of president and COO. In her expanded role as company president, Livingston will be responsible for managing business operations, near- and long-term planning and working closely with company executives and their teams to achieve Centennial’s vision. She will also continue to work closely with both executive and property teams to develop and execute operating, repositioning and redevelopment plans that create value for Centennial and its partners and clients. Whitney has made a significant impact on this firm since she joined in 2018. Her superior ability to connect with people and to build and maintain meaningful relationships at every level makes her a leader people want to follow and do business with; these qualities, combined with her strong business acumen and innovative foresight for Centennial’s future, uniquely qualify her for her new role as president and COO.”
—Submitted by Centennial founder and CEO Steven Levin
Forged Real Estate founders Marc Mandel and Steve Schrenk
Marc Mandel and Steve Schrenk have launched Forged Real Estate, a Philadelphia-based boutique investment sales brokerage firm focusing on dispositions, acquisitions, 1031 exchanges and sale-leasebacks. They have worked together for more than seven years, most recently at JLL.
Verdad Real Estate development partner Beau Barkerding
“Beau is an absolute professional in the business and has been a fixture at ICSC events throughout his career. It will be a hard month of May without running into Beau at RECon as in year's past.”
—Submitted by DBA Commercial Real Estate principal Austin Schenkel
Coreland Cos. retail brokerage senior associate Chris Premac
Southern California shopping center management and leasing firm Coreland Cos. has promoted Chris Premac to senior associate. “Chris has proven to be a valuable asset to each of our clients, offering valuable industry insight and a commitment to successfully navigating lease negotiations,” said senior vice president and partner Matt Hammond. Since joining Coreland in 2017, Premac has expanded his listings with neighborhood centers, mixed-use developments and power centers throughout Los Angeles and Orange County.
Posted Jan. 26, 2021
NewMark Merrill Cos. regional property manager Brent Sherman
NewMark Merrill Cos. promoted Brent Sherman from portfolio manager to regional property manager. He oversees 2 million square feet of shopping centers in Los Angeles County, including Crenshaw Imperial Plaza, The Shops at SouthBay Pavilion, Devonshire Reseda Shopping Center and Norwalk Town Square. Sherman has been involved with many of the company’s large redevelopments, including centers in Thousand Oaks, Baldwin Park and Inglewood. “For over 12 years, Brent has been an exceptional team player, interested in all aspects of our business, implementing our technology and marketing initiatives and most importantly supporting our merchants and the communities that depend on our centers,” said NewMark president and CEO Sandy Sigal.
InvenTrust senior leasing representative Jenn Pollock
Jenn Pollock has joined InvenTrust Properties as senior leasing representative for the company’s Houston portfolio, which includes Cyfair Town Center, Eldridge Town Center, Windermere Village and Stables Town Center. She joins from Simon, where she most recently worked as senior specialty leasing representative for The Galleria in Houston. "Throughout her career, Jenn has demonstrated a track record of achieving superior occupancy and revenue goals at her centers," said Mark Vondrak, InvenTrust vice president of leasing.
Posted Jan. 14, 2021
CenterCal Properties Pacific Northwest and Bay Area president Craig Ramey
Craig Ramey has joined CenterCal Properties as president for the Pacific Northwest and Bay Area. He will oversee 11 properties across three states, representing 3.5 million square feet of retail and mixed-use. He joins from Regency Centers. “Craig is an incredible talent, and we feel fortunate to welcome him to the CenterCal team,” said chairman and founder Fred Bruning. “He has a knack for community-building and will help continue in our tradition of creating spaces that complement the communities we serve by providing welcoming outdoor spaces where people can shop, live, work and play.”
Posted Dec. 16, 2020
Cushman & Wakefield/Pacific Commercial Realty Advisors sales associate Kari Sturgeon
“We are a small city that has a growing business and retail footprint, but we are mostly served by retail brokers out of larger cities,” said city of Tehachapi, California, economic development coordinator Corey Costelloe. Kari Sturgeon’s team has helped fill two long-vacant properties there, including one that has been empty since Blockbuster left. One of the new tenants originally had reached out to Costelloe, who passed the contact along to Sturgeon. “The relationship works both ways now,” Costelloe said. “Recently Kari gave me a heads up about a bank vacating their space due to branch consolidation. Through my contacts locally, I was able to get a branch manager from a credit union in touch to potentially start negotiations to take over that space. The information exchange for a small city to a large corporate partner is unprecedented but has produced amazing results. Kari Sturgeon has been a champion for our small community.”
Whiting-Turner senior vice president Bob Minutoli
“Bob has chaired the CenterBuild program this year in the middle of the pandemic. He was determined to hold an event, and in February we held our first Advisory Committee to set the agenda, which takes almost 12 months of planning to execute well. But then COVID-19 struck the world, which suspended our efforts. In late summer, when ICSC decided that programs would pivot to virtual conferences, Bob championed the effort to create a new type of conference for ICSC members that would equal past in-person events. … The program is chock full of educational and networking opportunities for attendees. Bob is cool-headed, even-keeled and shows his wisdom as he leads.”
—Submitted by KPR Centers LLC vice president of development and construction Stan Glantz
Megaworld vice president and head of marketing and business development Teresa Felicidad Pesigan – Valentino
Megaworld Lifestyle Malls’ Teresa Felicidad Pesigan – Valentino is helping everyone she can navigate COVID-19. She launched the Safer and Happier campaign with daily updates, online events, safety videos, Viber communities, a mobile app, a hotline, delivery options and a microsite, bringing in needed foot traffic and additional sales channels, said Megaworld assistant manager for marketing and business development Aurora Pastolero. Pesigan – Valentino and her team also launched the Eat Out and Help Out promo to help local delivery partners and the restaurant industry, and she provides a venue for both local businesses and tenants to use for free as they recover.
Retail Strategies COO Scott vonCannon
“Scott served as the 2018-2020 ICSC P3 Chair for the state of Alabama. He works with community leaders on a daily basis to help them understand the commercial real estate industry, guiding their retail recruitment strategies [and] instilling the importance of public-private partnerships.”
—Submitted by Retail Strategies chief marketing officer Courtney Hall
Azor Advisory Services founder and principal Beth Azor
“Beth is the most generous person in the industry when it comes to mentorship and helping the next generation of talent learn and improve on their skill set. You would be challenged to find anyone in the industry who has given more to future talent than Beth.”
—Submitted by ZIG principal Aaron Zucker
Beta Agency co-founder and partner Mitchell Hernandez
“Mitchell inspires creativity in our industry. He is a thought leader and gives his time to aspiring retail real estate professionals. Through his company, Beta Agency, his creativity is brought to life in the way that he and his colleagues manage and execute their duty to clients and to the betterment of our industry.”
—Submitted by Carbon Health vice president of real estate development Grant Guidinger
JLL executive vice president and Hawaii broker lead Wendell Brooks III
JLL has promoted Wendell Brooks from senior vice president to executive vice president. Brooks will oversee brokerage activity and client relations for nearly 9 million square feet of leased and managed properties and 100 employees in six offices.