NAIOP New Jersey on Monday said it is charting its future course with the launch of a new Four-Year Strategic Plan. Marking 55 years since its founding, the plan provides a comprehensive blueprint to enhance the organization’s impact on the state’s dynamic commercial real estate (CRE) marketplace, focusing on advocacy, education, and fostering next-generation leadership.
With over 850 members, the chapter’s new plan is designed to reinforce its core objective: supporting the development of vibrant spaces that create an enduring, positive impact on New Jersey communities.
The blueprint was developed after CEO Dan Kennedy initiated a study to inform the organization’s master plan, ensuring transparency and relevance for its membership.
“Advocacy is the foundation of NAIOP NJ, but the membership, networking, education and hospitality all matter as well, and we will continue to emphasize these pillars over the next four years,” Kennedy said.
The plan centers on six main goals:
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Advocacy: Strengthen NAIOP NJ’s leadership in advocating for the CRE industry at both state and local levels, ensuring all asset classes are represented.
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Member Value: Increase understanding of its members and competition, including the diversification of membership.
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External Branding & Positioning: Position NAIOP NJ as the definitive leading association for commercial real estate professionals in the state.
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Industry Perception: Improve knowledge among New Jersey lawmakers, local government officials, and media regarding land use laws and economic development incentive programs.
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Higher Education & Research: Enhance strategic partnerships with leading higher education institutions and NAIOP Corporate Research.
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Community Action: Revitalize the chapter’s community action efforts.
A key component of the plan is an overarching commitment to investing in and fostering the development of the chapter’s future leaders. This commitment is personified by current NAIOP NJ President Matt Schlindwein, PE, of Greek Real Estate Partners, who is the first former member of the organization’s Developing Leaders program (for professionals age 35 and younger) to be elected chapter president.
“Matt’s journey from a developing leader to chapter president is a testament to his dedication and drive, and to one of NAIOP’s core commitments: supporting rising talent,” noted Kennedy.
Schlindwein emphasized the necessity of empowering younger members. “As someone who came up through the Developing Leaders program, I know firsthand how critical it is to create meaningful pathways for young professionals,” he said. “We’re evolving our programming to meet younger professionals where they are – offering more flexible networking formats, targeted leadership development, and stronger connections to universities and emerging talent pipelines.”
President Schlindwein traces the chapter’s lasting spirit of integrity, innovation, and collaboration back to the regional, family-owned businesses that originally founded the organization.
“These now multi-generational legacy companies can be credited for establishing the close-knit community that remains, decades later, the lifeblood of NAIOP NJ,” Schlindwein said, noting that this sentiment continues even as the membership expands to include national firms, REITs, and institutions.
The Four-Year Strategic Plan coincides with NAIOP’s national rebrand, slated for mid-2026, as the organization officially becomes The Commercial Real Estate Development Association. Progress on the plan will be shared with members, with a comprehensive assessment anticipated in early 2028.
