From the Summer Social to Developing Leaders programs, the Capital Stack presentation, and countless community service projects, NAIOP Maryland members know how to mix business, learning, and fun. Over four decades, this vibrant community has shaped careers, sparked friendships, and built lasting connections across the industry. To celebrate 40 years of meaningful moments, we asked ten members to share their favorite Chapter memories — here’s what they had to say.
“NAIOP Maryland has been integral to my success throughout my 25-year real estate career, as the different events and networking opportunities helped me forge professional connections and develop deep personal friendships. My favorite memory was formed when our family was organizing my Dad’s 75th birthday which occurred during the pandemic. Because we were not able to have a big party for him, I asked the NAIOP community to send him a birthday card with a real stamp. The response was overwhelming and he received hundreds of birthday cards via mail. That exemplifies the way NAIOP members show up for each other both personally and professionally.”
~ Karen Cherry, Vice President, Leasing Officer, Prologis
“The annual NAIOP-MD Holiday Luncheon is among the ‘do not miss’ events of the year when it comes to commercial real estate and a hundred adjacent businesses. I start looking forward to it in January.”
~ Andrew Finkelstein, Vice President of Business Development, Bohler
“I am a people person through and through so having the opportunity to meet and engage with others – especially those I may not know yet – is something I always look forward to. NAIOP Maryland regularly provides a platform for networking and the sharing of ideas that provides tremendous value to me and my company.
~ Chung Gobell, Director of Interior Design, HD2
“The year-end holiday party is always the highlight for me. People are in an extremely festive mood, generally have their guard down, and are incredibly relaxed and social. The lunchtime setting is a bit different than other NAIOP-MD events and I think that contributes to the great mood and atmosphere. I typically get to spend time with people I do not regularly see.”
~ Autumn Hill, Vice President, Business Development, MacKenzie Contracting Company
“My involvement with NAIOP Maryland has provided exceptional access to industry professionals and opportunities, particularly in the early stages of my career. As I advanced through my career, new doors opened — opportunities that would have been difficult to achieve without active participation in the Chapter. The ability to connect with peers to exchange ideas and seek guidance has been invaluable. This network remains a vital resource that I continue to rely upon.”
~ James Knott, Jr., President, Knott Realty Group
“It is always extremely valuable to get together with like-minded professionals to share ideas and provide value to one another. I look forward to NAIOP-MD programming — especially the networking events — to have engaging conversations with people I know, as well as to initiate new long-term relationships within the real estate development community.”
~ Bob Northfield, Principal, BCT Design Group
“The Chapter continues to aggressively challenge the Climate Solutions Now Act (Senate Bill 528) which, if fully implemented, would cause significant financial harm to the commercial real estate industry and its tenants. Continually educating members and the general public about the long-term impact of this bill and making their voice heard in Annapolis has been a collaborative effort that hopefully will pay dividends.”
~ Paul Obrecht, III, Senior Vice President, Blue & Obrecht
“This summer’s Community Service program benefitting the USO was artfully executed and demonstrated the significant impact our Chapter can have on important causes. I always feel proud about my involvement with these activities and believe this past effort was particularly meaningful given its scope and beneficiary.”
~ Katie Pinheiro, Director of Business Development, Price Modern
“My fondest commercial real estate memory does not involve a big deal but, rather, is about the people who helped shape my path early on. Even though I have since phased out of the Developing Leaders group, it was a great avenue to meet mentors and peers who were generous with their time and advice when I was still figuring out what a “cap rate” even meant. Those conversations reminded me that our industry thrives on relationships built on trust and not just transactions. NAIOP Maryland drives that sense of community, which continues to resonate through the relationships I have built to this day.”
~ Paul Yoo, Vice President, Birchwood Capital Partners
“My fondest memories revolve around the people. Even with all the differences amongst us, we all manage in the CRE industry to come together in a unified voice to create a solid array of property types all working together to provide a nurturing environment for people and businesses to thrive under roof. I will never forget all the years of greatness in NAIOP’s Awards of Excellence, specifically the NAIOP Lifetime Achievement Award, which celebrates our industry veterans who have led the path with greatness and mentorship and lay the groundwork for our future leaders to follow.”
~ Barbara L. Simmons, EVP; Regional CRE Group Manager, M&T Bank
