Awards of Excellence


Chair: Hillary Lyon, Art EverySpace, hlyondesign@gmail.com
Vice Chair: David Thal, Weber Murphy Fox, 216-452-1208, dthal@wmf-inc.com
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



Chair: Nathan Wynveen, TurnDev, 440-666-1126, nbw@turndev.com
Vice Chair: Preston Hoge, Bellwether Enterprise Real Estate Capital, 216-870-4516, phoge@bwcap.com
Vice Chair: Chris Westbrook, Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, 216-328-3311, cwestbrook@langan.com
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

Chair: Tom Charek, Welty Development, 330-867-2400, TCharek@thinkwelty.com
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

Chair: Kara Falkowski, PNC Real Estate, 216-222-6027, kara.falkowski@pnc.com
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


Chair: Ryan Schmitt, First National Bank, 216-331-1904, schmittr@fnb-corp.com
Vice Chair: Brian Bruening, Bellwether Enterprise, 216-820-4601, bbruening@bwecap.com
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.
Education/Programs


Chair: Angel Rice, Cohen & Company, 216-774-1140, arice@cohencpa.com
Vice Chair: Justin Eddy, Tucker Ellis LLP, 216-696-5676, justin.eddy@tuckerellis.com
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


Chair: Michael J. Sikora III, Sikora Law LLC/OMNI Title LLC, 440-266-7777, msikora@sikoralaw.com
State Historic Tax Credits Task Force Chair: Rob Weeks, R-Weeks Consulting, 216-407-1062, robert.weeks.ka@gmail.com
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


Chair: Charlie Filisko, Marsh & McLennan Agency, 216-393-1822, charlie.filisko@marshmma.com
Vice Chair: Rob Weeks, R-Weeks Consulting, 216-407-1062, robert.weeks.ka@gmail.com
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


Chair: Amy Whitacre, First American National Commercial Services, 216-802-3528, awhitacre@firstam.com
Vice Chair: Erin Ryan, Rycon Construction, 216-407-7009, eryan@ryconinc.com
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



Co-Chair: Craig Miller, Duffy + Duffy Cost Segregation, 440-892-3339, craig@costsegexperts.com
Co-Chair: Dave Robar, vocon, 216-588-0800, dave.robar@vocon.com
Vice-Chair: Don Obermeier, CESO, 330-396-5150, obermeier@cesoinc.com
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


Chair: Marisa Melchior, Hengst Streff Bajko, 216-325-0446, mmelchior@hsbarch.com
Vice-Chair: Claire Coyne, Newmark, 216-453-3015, Claire.Coyne@nmrk.com
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.