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Meet the Visionaries: NAIOP Research Foundation Names the 2024-2026 Class
Eight young CRE professionals join the prestigious mentoring program that began in 2017.
The NAIOP Research Foundation recently announced the 2024-2026 class of Visionaries, a group of eight rising commercial real estate professionals who are selected based on their career accomplishments, history of involvement with NAIOP and demonstrated interest in the Foundation’s mission.
Visionaries have an unparalleled opportunity to learn from and network with senior professionals through the exclusive mentorship program, which pairs a Visionary with up to three different Research Foundation Governors each year who can share their advice and valuable industry insights. Visionaries also play an important role in the Foundation’s research-development process by sharing their perspectives and expertise.
The Research Foundation established the Visionaries program in 2017 to connect outstanding rising industry professionals with Research Foundation Governors, who are experienced, well-respected industry leaders. The 2024 cohort of Visionaries will attend all Foundation events at NAIOP’s National Forums Symposium in Minneapolis and CRE.Converge in Las Vegas.
“I’m pleased to welcome this group of extraordinary professionals to the Visionaries program this year,” said Jennifer LeFurgy, Ph.D., executive director of the NAIOP Research Foundation. “They bring new perspectives, catalyze important discussions and ensure that a variety of viewpoints are reflected in the Foundation’s research.”
Ian Carpe
Alere Property Group, Senior Vice President of Portfolio Management and Asset Management
Chapter: NAIOP Inland Empire
Ian Carpe joined the Alere Property Group team in 2019. Alere has developed or acquired more than 30 million square feet of industrial product with a market value of over $10 billion. As senior vice president of portfolio management and asset management, he is responsible for maximizing the value of Alere’s portfolio and minimizing risk. His portfolio consists of more than 160 best-in-class industrial assets and over 270 tenants throughout Southern California. Carpe leverages over 20 years of experience within the real estate development and investment industry. He was instrumental in helping Alere secure 100% occupancy of its 30-million-square-foot portfolio and negotiating its largest leases by revenue since inception. Carpe previously worked at top real estate investment firms Invesco and BlackRock. He has managed portfolios of private equity office, industrial, retail, multifamily and self-storage real estate, in addition to mezzanine debt and preferred equity investments. He also worked at the White House, where he co-wrote emergency legislation authorizing $1.5 billion for levee repair, pump station replacement and wetlands restoration during the response to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Carpe serves on the Board of Directors for NAIOP’s Inland Empire chapter.
Andrew Chun
Langan, Senior Project Manager
Chapter: NAIOP New Jersey
Andrew Chun focuses on the acquisition, development and remediation of environmentally contaminated sites. Through these 10 years of experience, he has gained essential project management experience that has afforded him the ability to integrate cost- and time-effective solutions into all stages of the site acquisition and development process. He excels in program management, providing a streamlined project process that integrates all disciplines, keeps projects on budget and schedule, and satisfies the needs of his clients. He has successfully managed various developments ranging from residential, health care, higher education, commercial and industrial projects throughout New Jersey. Chun is a recipient of NAIOP’s 2023 Developing Leaders Award, NAIOP New Jersey’s 2023 Rising Star Award and NJBIZ’s 2023 Leaders in Real Estate, Construction and Design Award. He is involved in the NAIOP New Jersey chapter as co-chair of the Developing Leaders Committee and leads Langan’s Young Professionals@Langan Employee Resource Group.
Felix Diaz
Dekker Perich Sabatini, Director of Advanced Technology
Chapter: NAIOP New Mexico
Felix Diaz is the director of advanced technology at Dekker Perich Sabatini. He has built his career around merging novel technologies with traditional architectural processes to push the limits of building performance, sustainability and the creative process. His approach champions data-driven design and simulations of Digital Twins to transform client visions into realities, making them active collaborators in creating spaces that exceed expectations and drive revenue. Diaz’s work in commercial real estate through NAIOP involves bridging the divide between architects and developers, thereby emphasizing the need for dynamic, adaptive environments that respond to evolving market demands. His methodology reflects a future where technology and tradition coalesce to enhance the functionality and character of every project.
Zachary Hodges
Link Logistics Real Estate, Analyst
Chapter: NAIOP Georgia
Zachary Hodges, an experienced operations professional with a robust background in finance project management and operations, brings a comprehensive skill set aimed at enhancing business operations. Hodges holds a Bachelor of Arts in government from Harvard University, where he engaged in leadership and community service activities. At Blackstone/Link Logistics, he led the development of international business plans, managed a portfolio of 5 million square feet and executed deals totaling $60 million. During his tenure at CSBio as chief of staff/director of development, he drove revenue growth from $31 million to $85 million, alongside managing the redevelopment of a state-of-the-art lab facility. With additional roles at Cabot Properties and Schernecker Property Solutions, Hodges has demonstrated exceptional project management capabilities, including overseeing award-winning major renovation projects. Co-founder of the Jentry Search Fund Accelerator, his achievements are further recognized through numerous awards for company culture and community service.
Sean McMullan
Crescent Communities, Vice President of Capital Markets
Chapter: NAIOP Charlotte
Sean McMullan is vice president of capital markets for Crescent Communities. He is responsible for leading the capital raising and investment activities of Crescent Communities’ portfolio in all asset classes within the company’s geographic footprint. McMullan was previously director of finance and investor relations with Crescent Communities, where he was integral to the company’s financial forecasting and planning efforts. Prior to joining Crescent Communities, McMullan was an associate within the leveraged finance group at JP Morgan. He earned a Master of Business Administration from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Kyle Rea
Tolles, Chief Operating Officer
Chapter: NAIOP Northern Nevada
Kyle Rea is a real estate leader and developer in Reno, Nevada. As the chief operating officer of Tolles, he is broadly responsible for overseeing the execution of the company’s mission, including leading lease negotiations, managing legal counsel and implementing business development initiatives. He is also the managing broker of record for the firm’s property management division and manages day-to-day activities across all functions. Rea is a past president of NAIOP Northern Nevada and has worked with top real estate firms such as Dermody Properties and Commercial Partners of Nevada. A Reno native, he holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada, where he studied music and business. Rea was recently recognized with an award for Outstanding Leadership by a Chapter President by NAIOP and is a member of Industrial Development 9 Forum.
Erin Shepherd
Ambrose Property Group, Vice President, Asset Management
Chapter: NAIOP Indiana
Erin Shepherd is vice president of asset management for Ambrose Property Group, headquartered in Indianapolis. The company focuses on industrial, logistics and e-commerce real estate development, with a presence in Indiana, Ohio, Florida and Colorado markets. Her duties focus on managing tenant relationships and lease management, along with oversight of third-party management teams. Shepherd serves on the senior leadership committee with other colleagues within Ambrose. Prior to her current role, Shepherd served in a variety of capacities at Strategic Capital Partners from 2019, with the most recent role being vice president of asset management. She is a graduate of the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, receiving a degree in accounting and business management. She serves as the president-elect and events chair for the NAIOP Indiana chapter, as well as participating in the Developing Leaders Forum. In addition to her NAIOP contributions, Shepherd holds a board of director position with the Indiana Building Owners and Managers Association and participates in Indy’s Junior Achievement Job Spark.
Sam Sidoine
Yellow Iron Real Estate, Regional Manager, Investment and Development
Chapter: NAIOP Washington State
Sam Sidoine oversees investment and development in the Pacific Northwest for Yellow Iron Real Estate. In addition to sourcing, underwriting and executing deals in the Northwest, he oversees construction for Yellow Iron across multiple markets. Prior to his current role, Sidoine held a variety of operational roles in the construction industry, delivering more than 2.5 million square feet in the Pacific Northwest and more than 2,000 apartment units. His experience includes industrial, oil and gas, office and multifamily. Sidoine holds an undergraduate degree from Whitman College, along with a commercial real estate certificate from the University of Washington. He is an active member of the Washington state chapters of NAIOP, ULI and the Housing Development Consortium.
About the FoundationThe NAIOP Research Foundation was established in 2000 as a 501(c)(3) organization that accepts tax-deductible contributions. Its mission is to provide practical research and education that allows commercial real estate owners and developers to successfully capitalize on new trends and address challenges in the industry. Visit www.naiop.org/research for details on the Research Foundation and to view and download the latest research reports. |
