Sherif Abouzied
Founder & Managing Principal
The Newark & Jersey City Summits
The architect of two of New Jersey’s most influential real estate gatherings continues to expand the Summits’ reach, drawing bigger crowds, deeper programming and an evergrowing roster of national-level speakers. His events have become essential convenings for anyone shaping the future of the state’s urban markets.
Reid Brockmeier; Becky Button
Co-Managing Directors & Co-Principals (Morristown office)
Gensler
Their Morristown studio keeps delivering standout work across the region, from high-performance workplaces to major sports and entertainment facilities. The recent Red Bulls training complex is just one example of how the pair continues to elevate design standards for top-tier clients.
Dave Brogan
CEO & Executive Director
New Jersey Apartment Association
A steady, respected voice for the multifamily sector, he continues to guide NJAA through a period of rapid growth and regulatory complexity. His advocacy — both in Trenton and nationally — remains instrumental as the industry adapts to shifting housing policy and evolving market pressures.
Josh Burd
Editor
Real Estate New Jersey
Still the most widely read and trusted journalist in New Jersey commercial real estate, he continues to break news, elevate emerging leaders and chronicle the state’s biggest projects with unmatched depth and clarity. His reporting remains essential reading for the industry.
Charles Burton
Head of Government & Community Relations
LeFrak
A key strategist behind LeFrak’s long-term vision for Newport, he helps ensure the Gold Coast’s signature neighborhood continues to evolve thoughtfully — balancing growth, infrastructure and community priorities while maintaining one of the state’s most successful master-planned environments.
Monica Casiello
Director of Marketing & Development
U.S. Title Solutions
Her presence at major industry events is matched only by her ability to build relationships and deliver results. She continues to be a standout connector across real estate, banking and development circles — proving that preparation, personality and persistence remain the winning formula.
Mike DeMarco
President, Board of Directors
Exchange Place Alliance
Under his leadership, the Alliance continues to set the bar for special improvement districts statewide. Its work in Jersey City — from placemaking to public programming — has strengthened the city’s reputation as one of the region’s premier live-work-play destinations.
Alberto Garofalo
N.J. Market President
Bank of America
His influence spans both community investment and major commercial real estate financing. Bank of America’s statewide footprint continues to grow under his leadership, supporting transformative projects while deepening partnerships with nonprofits and civic organizations.
Matthew Harding; Melissa Sievwright
CEO; VP, Marketing
Levin Management
Levin Management continues to shape the regional retail landscape under the steady leadership of CEO Matthew Harding and the brand‑driven marketing strategy led by VP Melissa Sievwright.
Joe Jingoli
Founder & CEO
Jingoli
His construction and energy companies remain central players in New Jersey’s development landscape, but his community-building efforts — including workforce development and The F.A.R.M. Team — continue to distinguish him as one of the state’s most impactful civic leaders.
Dan Kennedy
CEO
CREDA NJ
The organization’s rebrand has sharpened its mission, and Kennedy continues to position CREDA as the leading voice for New Jersey’s development community. His work ensures the industry remains engaged, informed and aligned as policy and market conditions evolve.
Katie Kennedy
Senior Vice President
Truist
A key leader for Truist’s New Jersey commercial banking presence, she plays a central role in financing middle-market and real estate clients, helping the bank deepen relationships and expand its footprint across the state’s most active growth corridors.
Jeff Kolakowski
CEO
New Jersey Builders Association
He leads the state’s largest residential construction trade group at a time when housing policy, affordability and supply constraints dominate the agenda. A respected voice in Trenton and across the industry, he has strengthened NJBA’s role as a key advocate for builders, developers and the broader housing ecosystem.
Dean Marchetto
Founding Principal
MHS Architecture
A fixture on the Gold Coast and beyond, he remains the go-to architect for urban mixed-use and multi-family projects. His influence is visible in skylines across Hudson County, where his designs continue to shape some of the region’s most important developments.
David Minno
President
Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners
Known for adaptive reuse and community revitalization, the firm continues to deliver thoughtful, context-driven designs across multi-family, mixed-use and transit-oriented projects. Their work remains central to redevelopment efforts throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Christopher Otteau; Jeffrey Otteau
President; Managing Director
Otteau Group
The father-son team continues to be one of the state’s most trusted sources for market intelligence, valuation and economic insight. Their analyses shape decisions for developers, lenders and policymakers, offering clarity in a market that grows more complex each year.
Wendy Paul
Executive Director
Jersey City Apartment Owners Association
She leads the organization representing Jersey City’s multi-family owners at a time when policy, regulation and housing affordability are evolving rapidly – and the city’s multi-family stock continues to explode.
Kevin Poppe
Senior Vice President
Wells Fargo
A trusted advisor to developers and investors, he helps drive Wells Fargo’s commercial real estate strategy in New Jersey, providing capital solutions for multi-family, mixed-use and institutional clients in one of the region’s most competitive lending markets.
Paul Profeta
Publisher
Real Estate New Jersey
Beyond his extensive real estate holdings, he remains a driving force behind the state’s leading industry publication and a champion for real estate education. His support for Rutgers and NJIT’s programs continues to strengthen the next generation of New Jersey developers and leaders.
Kosi Remy
Head of New Jersey Social Impact Initiatives
Fidelity National Title Insurance Co.
He continues to align title services with broader community goals, helping advance projects focused on equity, affordability and urban revitalization. His work bridges the gap between transactional real estate and long-term community impact.
David Sanzari; Ryan Sanzari
CEO; President
Alfred Sanzari Enterprises
Their leadership reflects the company’s 80-year legacy of quality and community engagement. The firm continues to expand its footprint across Bergen County and beyond, delivering projects that balance long-term stewardship with strategic growth.
Lara Schwager
Founding Principal
LJS Consulting and Development
Founder of a fast-growing, 3-year-old advisory and development firm — and of the New Jersey Chapter of the Women’s Affordable Housing Network — she has quickly become a prominent voice in the specialized world of affordable housing strategy, execution and multi-family development.
Jeff Sica
Founder, President & Chief Investment Officer
Circle Squared Alternative Investments
A key player in aligning private equity with urban revitalization, he continues to back transformative projects across New Jersey — from Montclair to Jersey City to Orange. His ability to structure complex deals remains a hallmark of his impact.
Walter Sierotko
EVP/Head of Commercial Real Estate Lending
Provident Bank
He oversees the strategy, growth and performance of Provident’s CRE platform, leading origination, underwriting and portfolio teams while helping shape the bank’s statewide presence. He also serves on the board of the Urban Land Institute, reinforcing his influence across the industry.
Rich Spengler
Senior Vice President
Liberty Bank
A veteran New Jersey banker with deep expertise in commercial real estate, he supports the bank’s expansion into the state by structuring financing for multi-family, industrial and community-focused development projects.
Jackie Urgo
President
The Marketing Directors
Her expertise across planning, positioning, marketing and leasing continues to make her the first call for developers launching luxury residential projects. She remains one of the most influential voices in shaping how new communities come to market.
Gretchen Wilcox; Bridget Wilcox; Wesley Wilcox
CEO; Partner; Partner
G.S. Wilcox & Co.
The firm remains a go-to capital advisor for developers, institutional investors and private equity groups. With the second generation stepping into greater leadership, the company is positioning itself for continued growth in a rapidly evolving financing landscape.
