NAIOP N.Y.C. chapter forms Developing Leaders

The N.Y.C. chapter of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, has formed Developing Leaders, a division of the chapter dedicated to providing emerging industry professionals aged 35 and under with programs and educational services that further their growth and business development within real estate. The Developing Leaders division of the chapter has scheduled a series of fall programs for members, including networking cocktail events and an Executive Lunch Series featuring industry veterans. On Oct. 8, the Executive Lunch Series kicked-off with 20 Developing Leaders division members treated to a tour of One Bryant Park, a 2.1 million s/f, 52-story skyscraper. The tour was led by Helena Durst, VP, and Thomas Bow, senior VP of leasing for The Durst Org. The Executive Lunch Series will continue on Thursday, Nov. 19, featuring Andrew Mathias, president and CIO of SL Green who will discuss his role in the development of the city. "As the real estate industry navigates through a period of immense changes, we see a need to provide the leaders of tomorrow with the resources and information necessary to further establish their roles in contributing to the future of the commercial real estate landscape," said Rick Lechtman, president of NAIOP's N.Y.C. chapter and managing director with Ackman-Ziff Real Estate. "Developing Leaders is unique in that its programs are specifically tailored to professionals who are seeking to solidify their leadership positions in what is one of the most dynamic commercial real estate markets in the entire country." "By providing an environment where members are able to interact with their peers and learn from professionals operating at the forefront of today's commercial real estate industry, we are helping to create tomorrow's industry leaders," stated Sagar Dalal, chairman of the Developing Leaders program for NAIOP's N.Y.C. chapter. "What all Developing Leaders have in common is being at a stage in their careers where there is a strong desire to learn from others and continually develop their skills to get to the next level." In addition to Lechtman and Dalal, the officers and committee members heading-up NAIOP's N.Y.C. chapter represent some of the region's foremost commercial real estate firms, including president-elect Joseph Tufariello, Ackman-Ziff Real Estate; secretary DonaldHodson, Langan Engineering, PC; treasurer Paul Formichelli, Jones Lang LaSalle; and government affairs co-chairs Philip Hochstein of CAPS Interactive Corp. and Timothy Zietara of ING Clarion Capital. Other chapter committees include sponsorship, chaired by Jay Fehskens of Time Equities and Martin Holland of Stratus Realty Group; membership, chaired by Agustin Pena of Berko & Associates; program, chaired by James Wenk of Jones Lang LaSalle; and pubic relations, chaired by Christa Segalini, Beckerman Public Relations.