We've Come a Long Way Together

It’s been quite a year for our industry and association.

While we’ve faced the prolonged impacts of the pandemic and worried about our tenants and our own employees, we’ve also experienced times of optimism about the strength of our industry and found creative ways of doing business. 

Molly Ryan Carson

Even though my time as chair was different than a typical year, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to work with our chapters, the Board of Directors and the NAIOP staff in new ways. Whether through virtual visits with chapters or online meetings with our association leadership, I’m proud of how this team has worked together.

Through our research and education, we’ve kept our members ahead of the curve with insights on how the pandemic continues to reshape our industry. We’ve helped our industrial members capture new opportunities and knowledge as their sector soars, and we’re guiding our office and retail-focused members as they make their way forward in a new economic landscape. 

This type of knowledge sharing is one of NAIOP’s hallmarks, and one that is critically important as we grow and adapt. I cannot count the number of times I’ve learned from a fellow NAIOP member, whether at a chapter meeting, during a NAIOP conference or in a casual conversation.

Expanding our discussions on the importance of diversity and inclusion in commercial real estate was a priority for me this year, and I’m pleased that we’ve made progress. Our member companies and chapters have shared ideas and strategies on how they’re integrating these initiatives into their programs and businesses, and we’re all learning together how intentional DEI efforts can make a difference.

This issue isn’t one that will be quickly solved, and we have much more to do in making our industry and association one where all voices feel appreciated and heard. I am pleased to say that our Executive Committee and NAIOP staff will continue this important work, and I thank them for their ongoing commitment.

By the end of the year, we will have successfully hosted four in-person NAIOP conferences, and I can assure you that the energy at these events is unmatched. Simply having the opportunity to network one-on-one with colleagues from across the industry has sparked excitement. If you haven’t been to a corporate NAIOP event or within your chapter, I’d encourage you to attend one and make those valuable reconnections.

We accomplished so much even as we navigated the challenges brought on by the pandemic. I am confident that the year ahead will be one filled with even greater successes. Our organization is in good hands next year with 2022 Chair Jeff Milanaik at the helm. I’ve gotten to know Jeff over the years and look forward to all that he’ll do in this role. I wish him all the best. 

Thank you for the opportunity to lead this organization. I’m excited to see what our association and members accomplish in the coming year. 




Molly Ryan Carson, Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development, 
Market Leader, Ryan Companies US, Inc.
2021 NAIOP Chair