PHOENIX, ARIZ. (April 12, 2024) – NAI Horizon Executive Managing Director Isy Sonabend announced that commercial real estate industry professional and longtime executive Kelle Rice has been named the firm’s Director of Operations.
Rice will drive the NAI Horizon strategic plan, highlighted by operational and recruiting growth, building its property management division, and enhancing client and property marketing services.
In addition, Rice will be the firm’s Designated Broker, responsible for all oversight of brokerage activity in Arizona. NAI Horizon has offices in Phoenix and Tucson.
Rice provides operational leadership in all key business areas, including finance, transaction management, marketing, and human resources. She must work closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Committee to develop, implement, and direct the organization's operational and fiscal function and performance.
“With her institutional background and deep experience in asset management, Kelle is a great addition to our team,” said Lane Neville, NAI Horizon Executive Vice President. “Our expectation is that Kelle will elevate our service offerings and client experiences through her leadership, managerial skills and community outreach.”
Rice will participate in outside organizations to increase the awareness, vision, and positive image of NAI Horizon for recruiting and business development locally, within the NAI Global network nationally and internationally. In the U.S. alone, NAI Global has more primary, secondary, and tertiary market coverage (over 135 offices) than each of the publicly traded real estate companies. NAI Global completes in excess of $20 billion in commercial property transactions annually (worldwide).
Rice is involved with the Urban Land Institute (ULI), AZCREW (Commercial Real Estate Women), and Valley Partnership.
Rice possesses 25 years of experience in leasing and managing operations of commercial real estate portfolios consisting of millions of square feet for prominent national REITs. She has been actively engaged in asset management, landlord lease representation, development, investment acquisitions/dispositions, and financial analysis underwriting.
Former employers include the largest dedicated owner and operator of medical office buildings in the U.S., Healthcare Trust of America (HTA, before it merged with Healthcare Realty Trust); Healthpeak Properties Inc. (when it was known as HCP); Ventas Inc.; and Whitestone REIT, which acquires, owns, operates and develops open-air, retail centers located in some of the fastest growing markets in the country, including Phoenix, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.
“The demands of commercial real estate in 2024 require constant course corrections. Kelle will be instrumental in navigating our growth particularly in operational roles that are so integral to driving revenue and delivering exceptional client services,” Sonabend said.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Rice enjoys hiking and traveling. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Arizona State University.