Leadership: Profiles in Leadership

NAR'S 2015 Commercial Leadership

With over 1 million members, the role of governance at NAR is incredibly important to ensure we stay on course and in alignment with the needs of our membership. Learn about this year's leadership, why they choose to dedicate time as a volunteer in the organization, and how commercial real estate became their career path.

NAR LIAISON TO COMMERCIAL

Dan Sight, CCIM, SIOR

I left a family business in the mid-80s and commercial real estate looked like the place to be. I believe strongly in giving back to the industry that helps me make my living in a couple of ways. First, by lobbying all levels of government for issues that support and enhance commercial real estate. Second, by raising the education and training standards of fellow agents to make them better. One of the great benefits of being a leader is meeting other professionals from around the country, learning from them and building new friendships.

COMMERCIAL COMMITTEE CHAIR

Steve Moreira, CCIM, CIPS, GREEN

Volunteer leadership at NAR provides dedicated members the opportunity to network with peers while making a difference in the industry. My career began in the 70s right out of college, buying and selling commercial properties in New Jersey, and I became a residential developer in Florida in the 80s. In 1997, I received my CCIM designation, which changed my life and directed my career for the past 39 years towards working with institutional quality real estate investment.

COMMERCIAL COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR

Lori Burger, CPM

My career in real estate started in 1979 with a family owned and operated, full-service real estate company, where I still work today. Being a commercial leader gives me the ability to network with like-minded individuals; to monitor legislation and take a proactive stance when necessary; to further my leadership skills; and to be able to give back to the industry that has served me well.

COMMERCIAL LEGISLATIVE & REGULATORY ADVISORY BOARD CHAIR

Dan Wagner

It's an honor to be part of NAR at the commercial level. NAR provides us the most incredible staff and resources on behalf of the industry. From my experience, the more you get involved, the more you experience how impactful NAR is to issues within the commercial industry. Inland is one of the largest real estate companies in the U.S., and I was fortunate to start my career working for the Chairman and CEO, Mr. Dan Goodwin, ten years ago. He's been a REALTOR® for over 40 years. Through his guidance and involvement, I was inspired to become active on the governance side and with RPAC.

COMMERCIAL LEGISLATIVE & REGULATORY BOARD VICE CHAIR

Lou Nimkoff, CCIM, CPM

I got my start in real estate by working with my father, who was a real estate investor. Being a commercial leader means being fortunate enough to have the time and resources to give back. It means helping those just starting out, along with more established members who have other commitments, to help move the needle for all REALTORS® to become more successful. This positively impacts the small businesses that so many of us serve, who can then grow their offices, retail stores, manufacturing and residential income businesses.

COMMERCIAL RESEARCH ADVISORY BOARD CHAIR

Jared Booth, CCIM

My father suggested I get my real estate license to keep me busy during the spring between the end of high school and start at university- I've been a proud fourth-generation REALTOR® since. It is a privilege and a responsibility, as NAR is the voice for ALL real estate, both commercial (including leasing/sales & property management) and residential. Each NAR member is best served by having a comprehensive, cohesive voice for real estate, so it is crucial for us all to enhance the commercial brand of NAR and coordinate together for the benefit of our clients, property owners and each practitioner. NAR has the ability to positively influence policies on the commercial industry for clients and our members.

COMMERCIAL RESEARCH ADVISORY BOARD VICE CHAIR

Kay Michael Alexander, GRI

As a commercial practitioner in a small market, I always felt that we were being neglected as members. When the Commercial Alliance (now NAR Commercial) was formed, I quickly discovered that we were being given the voice and support we wanted. Serving has been a worthwhile effort because real action results from our efforts to the benefit of all of our members and our industry. It has also allowed me to expand my business network and make valuable relationships with other commercial brokers around the U.S. I started in real estate by doing marketing for a company, which lead to an appraisal position. As the company expanded into the brokerage business, I transitioned into commercial real estate.

COMMERCIAL LEADERSHIP FORUM BOARD CHAIR

Jared Martin, CCIM, GRI

I'm a third generation REALTOR®. My grandfather and mother encouraged me to join the family business in 2001. Being involved with NAR's Commercial Leadership enables me to advocate on behalf of my fellow REALTORS® and property owners. I'm grateful for that opportunity.

COMMERCIAL LEADERSHIP FORUM VICE CHAIR

Leil Koch, CCIM, CIPS, CPM, CRB

I was looking for a lasting career path that would enable me to remain on Maui. Previous to my real estate career, I was a DJ on the radio and in nightclubs. It is truly an honor to participate in the governance process at NAR. The goal for me is always to improve the ability of our members to be professional REALTOR® practitioners, improving our ability as an organization to effectuate change– which ensures we remain relevant, well-educated and at the forefront of technology.

COMMERCIAL ECONOMIC ISSUES & TRENDS FORUM CHAIR

Nancy Lane, CCIM

Being a leader, not just a commercial leader, gives me the opportunity to interact with others in our profession and to give back to the organization that has given so much to me. My goal is to help commercial and residential members realize the value and friendships NAR has to offer. My initial introduction to real estate was in a title insurance law office. From there, I transitioned to sales of building products to homebuilders. The title and sales experience combined opened an opportunity for me to enter the corporate side of real estate for a retail investment company. During that time, I earned my CCIM designation. After the retail company sold, I resigned, assisted them in selling the investment assets and became an independent commercial broker.

COMMERCIAL ECONOMIC ISSUES & TRENDS FORUM VICE CHAIR

Melvin Wilson, SRES

My aim is to help REALTORS® use all the research, resources and tools NAR has for our members, and I'm honored to be part of the Commercial Leadership team. Each year, world events impact our domestic and international commercial markets. NAR makes it easier to stay informed on market trends and industry perspectives. In my senior year at California State, Northridge, I wrote a term paper on local real estate companies where I interviewed Gribin Von Dyl REALTORS®, a firm lead by NAR Past President Ira Gribin. I received my business degree, was drafted in the 5th round by the NY Giants, and after a brief career in the NFL and the CFL, I joined Gribin Von Dyl REALTORS®.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FORUM CHAIR

Keith Kelley, ABR

Being involved in commercial leadership at NAR has been a growth experience. No matter what your commercial specialty, meeting the needs of commercial members across the country makes you get out of your comfort zone, and provides the opportunity to be proactive in influencing industry issues. I started in commercial leasing over twenty years ago, and continue to grow and learn.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FORUM VICE CHAIR

Dawn Carpenter, CPM

I started my career in real estate as a commercial bank employee, hired by a local real estate broker/property manager to keep his books. The value I receive as a commercial leader at NAR comes from helping our industry & my REALTOR® colleagues strive for success.

LARGE COMMERCIAL FIRM ADVISORY GROUP CHAIR

Bob Mathews, SIOR

NAR is the preeminent professional trade organization and is a pivotal part of making sure the real estate business in America is strong and vibrant. It is an honor to serve such a noble organization that is making a valuable difference for all Americans. A friend of mine encouraged me to look at the commercial real estate brokerage business in my early 30's. Through his guidance and support I was able to secure a start as an office tenant rep at a young firm in Atlanta (that was 31 years ago). I am thankful every day for my introduction to the commercial business.

LARGE COMMERCIAL FIRM ADVISORY GROUP VICE CHAIR

Karl Landreneau, CCIM, SIOR

Being a commercial leader at NAR gives me the opportunity to stay on the cutting edge of industry issues and trends, which I apply in my commercial practice. After selling my commercial printing business, I chose commercial real estate as my second career.