Committees

Awards of Excellence

Erin Ryan
Erin Ryan
David Thal
David Thal
Amy Whitacre
Amy Whitacre

Co-Chair: Erin Ryan, Rycon Construction
Co-Chair: David Thal, Weber Murphy Fox
Co-Chair: Amy Whitacre, First American National Commercial Services

One (1) Program: The Awards of Excellence is a springtime event (May) awarding outstanding achievements in our industry for the previous calendar year. Responsibilities include site selection, preparation and distribution of the invitation, organization of the event, encouragement of coverage by the print media and attendance by members and non-members, as well as other actions required in putting on the program.

Charities

Nathan Wynveen
Nathan Wynveen

Chair: Nathan Wynveen, Caledonia Commercial

Plans events, including the Annual Charity Golf Outing and the Annual Clay Shoot, dedicated to fundraising for NAIOP Charities. Works closely with the Board of Trustees to determine how proceeds from charitable events will be distributed. This committee has developed a set of guidelines, which has been approved by the Board that they use to formulate a plan for distribution of Charities monies. NAIOP Charities Inc. provides funds for charitable causes such as student scholarships in the real estate industry, summer camp for children battling the challenges of cancer, housing for special needs, etc.

Communications

Melissa Stone
Melissa Stone
Hayley Fatzinger
Hayley Fatzinger

Chair: Melissa Stone, Karpinski Engineering 
Vice Chair: Hayley Fatzinger, The Krill Co., Inc.

Strategic committee serving as liaison between NAIOP Northern Ohio and the Editorial Boards of various publications and media outlets. Actively promotes local NAIOP events and activities through social networks.

Corporate Underwriting

Kara Falkowski
Kara Falkowski
Andrew Coleman
Andrew Coleman

Chair: Kara Falkowski, PNC Real Estate
Vice-Chair: Andrew Coleman, CBRE

Determines those entities to be approached as potential Gavel Sponsors. The Gavel Program is a program in which organizations supportive of our industry provide annual financial contributions. In exchange, their involvement is well publicized by NAIOP, exposure is provided through a local real estate publication, and “comp” tickets to events are available. Identification of candidates for corporate underwriting, as well as the request for involvement and subsequent follow-up, are this group’s responsibility.

Developing Leaders

Chris McManis
Chris McManis
Gabe Kessler
Gabe Kessler

Chair: Chris McManis, Croghan Colonial Bank
Vice-Chair: Gabe Kessler, APG Office Furnishings

Identifies and executes collaborative opportunities with other Young Professional organizations to promote networking and the coordinates with Membership Committee on recruiting the same. Identifies other opportunities for DL members to meet, collaborate and network together as a group. Chapter which may include a tie in with existing Mixer Events. Identifies prospective Developing Leader (DL) candidates.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Amber Koriath
Amber Koriath
William Willis
William Willis

Co-Chair: Amber Koriath, Desmone
Co-Chair: William Willis, Cleveland Development Advisors

The DEI Committee works to ensure that chapter programming, events and other activities proportionally reflect our diverse market, with a focus on acting as a resource and leveraging partnerships to attract and develop diverse talent industry-wide. 

Education/Programs

Angel Rice
Justin Eddy
Justin Eddy
Ryan Schmitt
Ryan Schmitt

Chair: Angel Rice, Cohen & Company
Vice Chair: Justin Eddy, Tucker Ellis LLP
Vice Chair: Ryan Schmitt, First National Bank

Helps to determine yearly events and coordinates the programs and aids in processing the continuing education credits. Programs include the quarterly developer’s roundtable, speaker series, yearly real estate continuing education program, and several other events. A typical calendar year has approximately 10 events.

Government Affairs, Public Relations, NAIOP of Ohio

Mike Sikora
Mike Sikora
Ben Chojnacki
Ben Chojnacki
Rob Weeks
Rob Weeks

Chair: Michael J. Sikora III, Sikora Law LLC/OMNI Title LLC
Vice Chair: Ben Chojnacki, Roetzel and Andress, LPA
State Historic Tax Credits Task Force Chair: Rob Weeks, R-Weeks Consulting

Determines legislative priorities of interest to the local chapter and any activities to be undertaken. Has input into NAIOP of Ohio and NAIOP National organizations regarding legislative and regulatory issues at federal and state level.

Membership

Charlie Filisko
Charlie Filisko
Rob Weeks
Rob Weeks

Chair: Charlie Filisko, Marsh & McLennan Agency
Vice Chair: Rob Weeks, R-Weeks Consulting

Identifies prospective candidates for membership and facilitates recruitment efforts. Prepares and carries out membership campaign. Communicate with National NAIOP Membership representatives and Chapter management firm to assure roster accuracy. Promotes membership retention through member communications and regular mixer events to promote networking and the value of being a member.

Strategic Initiatives

Amy Whitacre
Amy Whitacre
Erin Ryan
Erin Ryan

Chair: Amy Whitacre, First American National Commercial Services
Vice Chair: Erin Ryan, Rycon Construction

Responsible for identification of other program, event and participation opportunities for the chapter. Coordinates with the President and other committee Chairs as appropriate to develop and execute new opportunities approved by the Board.

Student Engagement

Craig Miller
Craig Miller
Dave Robar
Dave Robar
Don Obermeier
Don Obermeier

Co-Chair: Craig Miller, Duffy + Duffy Cost Segregation
Co-Chair: Dave Robar, Vocon
Vice-Chair: Don Obermeier, CESO

Liaison with Local colleges and universities, and ACE Mentor Cleveland, an organization helping mentor high-school students and inspires them to pursue careers in design and construction.

Women’s Leadership Network

Marisa Melchior
Marisa Melchior
Claire Coyne
Claire Coyne

Chair: Marisa Melchior, Hengst Streff Bajko
Vice-Chair: Claire Coyne, Newmark

The WLN was formed to help facilitate career growth, personal development, and professional networking with female peers across the Northern Ohio region.  WLN events will focus on meaningful discussions with influential women in CRE and female owned businesses in Northern Ohio.