NAIOP Arizona Closes Out a Successful 2014 Making Education, Volunteerism and Advocacy High Priorities

PHOENIX, AZ– From philanthropy to tackling key issues affecting the industry to education and networking, NAIOP Arizona and its more than 700 members closed out a successful 2014.

Events such as Night at the Fights, the new Signature Speaker Series, Thursday Night Live, the quarterly Market Leaders Series and the golf tournament attracted more than 3,500 attendees combined.

The 2014 Dream Team program fed more than 5,600 homeless people in Downtown Phoenix as teams from 13 NAIOP Arizona member firms volunteered on Friday afternoons during the year.

Tom Johnston was named 2015 chairman, succeeding Megan Creecy-Herman, the first female chairman of NAIOP Arizona and the youngest person in the country to hold that title.

“It (2104) was another successful year for NAIOP Arizona as we held more than 40 events focused on everything from education to volunteerism,” said Creecy-Herman. “We had 90 corporate sponsors in 2014, the most in our chapter’s history. This demonstrates the value that our industry sees in NAIOP Arizona.”

When it came to issues affecting NAIOP Arizona, the organization was just as vocal and proactive.

As the chapter made education a priority, NAIOP Arizona continued its partnership with Arizona State University’s Masters of Real Estate Development (MRED) program. A number of NAIOP members taught a practicum class throughout each semester via a case study or with a panel of experts.

The chapter also revamped its mentorship program, which selected 12 new, young professionals this past fall for its fourth annual class. That program helps educate Developing Leaders (members 35 and under) by pairing them with industry veterans to learn about the commercial real estate development industry.

“The chapter is in great shape and we look forward to another fantastic year with our signature events, an enhanced mentorship program and creating a philanthropic foundation,” Johnston said.