Getting to Know 2024 Chair Brian Walker

Brian Walker

I’m excited to serve this wonderful organization that has been so instrumental in my professional and career development.

To help you get to know me, Development magazine asked me to share my thoughts on NAIOP and our industry.

How will the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan guide the association?

It’s the road map to the future and sets the priorities for the association, allowing us to focus our energy and resources to ensure we are working toward common goals that advance our industry and association. This plan was based on member input through surveys, focus groups and lots of conversations that helped identify core values, member needs and goals. This plan is truly forward-looking and will inspire the organization to operate with inclusivity, transparency, integrity, innovation and collaboration.

What challenges are on the horizon?

Commercial real estate is experiencing some headwinds, particularly in office space demand, with an estimated $1 trillion of debt maturing this year. Our government affairs team is at the forefront, helping to develop related legislation that could propel the repositioning of offices to multifamily, and many of our chapters are involved in similar initiatives on the state, provincial and local levels.

How are Developing Leaders shaping our association and our industry?

I joined NAIOP at age 32 and am honored to be the first Developing Leader (DL) to rise to the role of chair. I can recall what it felt like to be a young CPA just starting my career. NAIOP and the Pittsburgh chapter were essential in connecting me with the knowledge, research, education and people I needed to launch my career. Our DLs constitute nearly 28% of our total membership, and they’re the future of our industry and association. I’m thrilled to have the 
opportunity to meet so many of our rising leaders this year and support their growth.

Why should our members be engaged legislatively?

Legislative issues vary by market, and there may be topics that are more important to some markets than others. Our legislative team is ready to help bridge those gaps and represent the needs of all our members. Regardless of how one feels about politics, laws and regulations are major factors in our industry. The more united we stand as an association, the more effective we will be across the country and even into Canada, where our legislative activity is increasing.

Your career has been largely in western Pennsylvania. How has that area grown and changed?

Pittsburgh has transformed from its roots as the “Steel City” into a vibrant hub for health care, education, technology, robotics and financial services. Western Pennsylvania has been a strong annuity market for investment. Our real estate has always been built and priced right, with growth slow and steady. The offset is that the market is not growing rapidly, and we see lateral movement from old buildings to new. 

Brian Walker, President, Burns Scalo Real Estate 
2024 NAIOP Chair

• Developing Leader
• Perspectives
• PA Pittsburgh