The following is an excerpt from the acceptance speech I gave for the Edward H. Linde Public Service Award at the recent NAIOP Distinguished Real Estate Awards event. It summarizes the feelings I have about leaving NAIOP after 28 years as its CEO.

A way to judge any organization is to contemplate whether it would be missed.  When I consider what we have accomplished over these past 28 years, I know that all of you in the commercial real estate industry would agree that what we have done on your behalf, and for the Commonwealth, is remarkable.  Please note that I say “we” for very important reasons.

It certainly starts with a top professional staff, with Debbie Osheroff, Rachel Meyer and Taylor Pederson. In addition, there are two exceptional professionals who are now stepping into new leadership roles, Tamara Small & Reesa Fischer. I have tremendous confidence in both of them and I know they will take this organization onto even greater successes. They are all-stars who have earned the respect of their peers, the industry’s leaders, and the greater community.

But our success goes beyond our excellent staff. NAIOP’s unique entrepreneurial DNA has driven its Advocacy, Education, and Networking. And that is a direct result of our engagement with an extensive network of exceptional volunteers, what I call NAIOP’s very “special sauce”. We have been fortunate to have some of the best and brightest professionals in our industry giving their time, knowledge and experience. That includes all of our past Presidents, Board members, executive committee members, and numerous volunteers on our operating committees.

In particular, I would be remiss if I did not call out the Governmental Affairs Committee. Our influence in the legislature, regulatory agencies, policy centers and the courts has been achieved directly through the active commitment of so many members over the past 30 years. They have helped draft bills that became law, offered comments on regulations that were then revised, produced position papers that helped direct policies, and presented amicus briefs that helped guide court decisions.

I am so proud to have worked with these professionals to impact major legislative initiatives, including drafting the District Improvement Financing statute, initiating the effort for the Permit Extension Act, partnering in the passage of the Brownfields Act, and influencing so many areas of regulatory oversight. Currently, and for the foreseeable future, we have also committed to continue focusing on three important issues: Transportation, Housing, & Climate Change.

I also want to thank and recognize the many business association leaders that we have worked with over these many years. To have the kind of successes we have enjoyed only comes with active collaborative partnerships. No one organization can succeed without the give and take of working together with a common agenda – a better Commonwealth.

It has been a true labor of love to lead this organization. I have enjoyed the challenges, the successes, and the many close friendships I have made along the way. I am also very proud of the impacts we have had over the years.

Back in 1991, as I transitioned to the advocacy role from being a developer, I anticipated a relatively short interlude in my career. It clearly was not short. Developers have a vision and an optimism that is critical to producing a successful project. I always tried to maintain both as I led this organization over the years.

As I now turn to my next chapter professionally, I know that I will remain active in advocating for the same big issues that continue to challenge our Commonwealth. However, whatever direction I do go, I will look forward to enjoying all the close relationships I have developed through the years and the knowledge that the future for our industry and NAIOP will be bright.

Once again, thank you so much for the privilege of serving this industry.