NAIOP honored six chapters and nine individuals as part of the annual Chapter Merit Awards during the Chapter Leadership & Legislative Retreat, held last week in Washington, D.C. The awards recognize the achievements and efforts of our chapters and individual chapter leaders, including success in legislative affairs. Recipients are selected by a committee of their peers comprised of volunteer judges.

Congratulations to this year’s award winners!

Chapter of the Year

This year’s Chapter of the Year award winners are remarkable for their outstanding achievements in a wide variety of areas. These chapters have excelled at providing highly attended events; engaging in effective advocacy on legislative issues impacting commercial real estate; recruiting and retaining members; enhancing their educational offerings; and more. Their leadership is active and collaborative, setting and achieving short- and long-term goals to ensure the chapters continue to prosper.

Small chapter: NAIOP Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky

Medium chapter: NAIOP Wisconsin

Large chapter: NAIOP Southern Nevada

Capitol Dome Award

NAIOP is pleased to recognize NAIOP Washington State with the Capitol Dome Award.

NAIOP Washington State is active at every stage of the lawmaking process at the state and local levels. The chapter was part of a coalition that successfully defeated legislation that would have established rent control statewide during the 2024 session. Locally, NAIOP Washington State had several “meet-and-greet” events with local policymakers in several cities and successfully advocated for major design review reforms benefitting commercial real estate development in the City of Seattle.

Outstanding Leadership by a Chapter President

This year’s recipients have demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to advancing the mission of NAIOP and securing a strong future for the industry.

Small chapter: Ben Harris, NAIOP Northern Nevada

Medium chapter: Derek Taylor, NAIOP Wisconsin

Large chapter: Danny Jackson, NAIOP Washington State

Chapter Volunteer of the Year

The recipients of the chapter volunteer of the year award stand out for their leadership, engagement and efforts that go above and beyond in serving their chapters. They are known to be the first to raise their hands to volunteer for an event or initiative; for welcoming new members and mentoring CRE students; and for providing fresh ideas and innovative solutions that have an immeasurable impact on their chapters.

Small chapter: Cameron Cauley, NAIOP Northwest Florida

Medium chapter: Jay Tanjuan, NAIOP Inland Empire

Large chapter: Bryce Taylor, NAIOP Washington State

Outstanding Contribution by a Chapter Executive

The award recipients for chapter executive of the year have played a critical role in the success of their chapters. They are tireless in their efforts to plan and execute successful events; drive membership growth; coordinate volunteers; create a diverse pipeline of talent for the industry; and work to advance public policy that advances the interest of commercial real estate at all levels of government.

Small chapter: Karen Thrower, NAIOP Northwest Florida

Medium chapter: Sarah Maginnis, NAIOP Greater Philadelphia

Large chapter: Kathie Barstnar, NAIOP Colorado

Outstanding Achievement in Membership Growth

NAIOP honored NAIOP Idaho for the largest percentage of member growth (57.1%) based on year-end membership data.

Highest Number of New Members

NAIOP recognized NAIOP Austin for achieving the highest number of new members last year (70 members) based on year-end membership data.