Hall of Fame

Bergstrom Center Hall of Fame

Featuring individuals whose body of work has shaped Florida real estate for the better

The Bergstrom Center Hall of Fame was established in 2008 to honor leaders whose lifetime of service has shaped the real estate industry for the better. Deserving nominees are considered each year by the Executive Committee of the Center’s Real Estate Advisory Board. The inductees are honored at the Bergstrom Center Real Estate Trends & Strategies Conference, held each spring in Orlando.

Please take a moment to learn about each of the individuals who’ve helped transform our industry, their communities, and our students in a positive way and thereby established their legacy as true leaders of the industry.

Wayne Archer

Ph.D., William D. Hussey professor

Wayne Archer, Ph.D., William D. Hussey professor and former executive director of the Kelley A. Bergstrom Real Estate Center, retired after a 50-plus year career with the Warrington College of Business. Archer, who started with Warrington as an assistant professor of real estate in 1971, retired in 2022. He has spent his entire academic career preparing students for careers in real estate and beyond.

“The driving factor for me over the years has been our impressive UF students, and I will miss the privilege of teaching them,” Archer said.

Wayne Archer, Ph.D., William D. Hussey professor and former executive director of the Kelley A. Bergstrom Real Estate Center, retired after a 50-plus year career with the Warrington College of Busines... Read More

Wayne Archer, Ph.D., William D. Hussey professor and former executive director of the Kelley A. Bergstrom Real Estate Center, retired after a 50-plus year career with the Warrington College of Business. Archer, who started with Warrington as an assistant professor of real estate in 1971, retired in 2022. He has spent his entire academic career preparing students for careers in real estate and beyond.

“The driving factor for me over the years has been our impressive UF students, and I will miss the privilege of teaching them,” Archer said.
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Kelley Bergstrom

Chairman of Bergstrom Investment Management, LLC

After graduating from Iowa State University with his undergraduate degree in accounting and finance, Kelley A. Bergstrom was all set for a career as an accountant. But his time in the military would set his career on a different path. Having gone through the ROTC program at Iowa State, Bergstrom was in the Army reserves and was soon called to active duty for two years, where he rose to the rank of captain while serving initially at the Army Aviation Material Command and then with the 7th Infantry Division in Korea.

Some of Bergstrom’s Army colleagues were in the real estate business back home, and their conversation piqued his interest. When he returned to the reserves after two years of active duty, Bergstrom used his GI Bill^® to attend the University of Florida to earn his MBA with a concentration in real estate. Bergstrom said he chose UF based on the strength of its real estate offerings.

That real estate concentration has served both Bergstrom and UF well. Upon graduating, Bergstrom worked as a real estate manager for IBM then joined Chicago-based JMB Properties Company from 1972-1994, where he served as President and CEO. He then struck out on his own, founding Bergstrom Investment Management, where he continues today.

In 2006, UF’s real estate center was named the Kelley A. Bergstrom Real Estate Center after Bergstrom established a major endowment that would support the center for years, and he has served on the center’s advisory board since 1998, including as its chairman. Bergstrom also recently spearheaded a major renovation project for the center. Bergstrom served as chairman of the UF Foundation Board of Directors and continues to serve on Warrington’s Business Advisory Council, on which he has been a member since 2001. He received the Academy of Golden Gators Lifetime Volunteer Award in 2015 and the UF Distinguished Alumnus award earlier this year.

After graduating from Iowa State University with his undergraduate degree in accounting and finance, Kelley A. Bergstrom was all set for a career as an accountant. But his time in the military would s... Read More

After graduating from Iowa State University with his undergraduate degree in accounting and finance, Kelley A. Bergstrom was all set for a career as an accountant. But his time in the military would set his career on a different path. Having gone through the ROTC program at Iowa State, Bergstrom was in the Army reserves and was soon called to active duty for two years, where he rose to the rank of captain while serving initially at the Army Aviation Material Command and then with the 7th Infantry Division in Korea.

Some of Bergstrom’s Army colleagues were in the real estate business back home, and their conversation piqued his interest. When he returned to the reserves after two years of active duty, Bergstrom used his GI Bill^® to attend the University of Florida to earn his MBA with a concentration in real estate. Bergstrom said he chose UF based on the strength of its real estate offerings.

That real estate concentration has served both Bergstrom and UF well. Upon graduating, Bergstrom worked as a real estate manager for IBM then joined Chicago-based JMB Properties Company from 1972-1994, where he served as President and CEO. He then struck out on his own, founding Bergstrom Investment Management, where he continues today.

In 2006, UF’s real estate center was named the Kelley A. Bergstrom Real Estate Center after Bergstrom established a major endowment that would support the center for years, and he has served on the center’s advisory board since 1998, including as its chairman. Bergstrom also recently spearheaded a major renovation project for the center. Bergstrom served as chairman of the UF Foundation Board of Directors and continues to serve on Warrington’s Business Advisory Council, on which he has been a member since 2001. He received the Academy of Golden Gators Lifetime Volunteer Award in 2015 and the UF Distinguished Alumnus award earlier this year.
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Maury Carter

Founder of Maury L. Carter & Associates, Inc.

Maury L. Carter, the youngest of eight children, was born on April 16, 1933 and grew up on a farm in south- central Virginia. His parents were hard-working. His father was a farmer and carpenter and his mother was a homemaker. He grew up poor, in a rural agrarian community, but had a strong family that modeled integrity and hard work.

Maury Carter has known hard times. In May of 1953, Maury worked bridge construction in West Virginia and lived in a boarding house. When necessity forced him to replace the dead battery in his car, he was left with one nickel and one penny in cash, until his next paycheck.

After completing military service in 1955, Maury Carter returned home looking for a temporary job until he could enroll at the University of Virginia. During this time, an event occurred that helped shape Maury’s life. The local Pepsi truck driver wrecked the delivery truck and Maury knew the driver would lose his job. The next day, Maury was going to seek the job and discovered that many people were lined up for the driver’s job. This experience told Maury that the economic opportunities would not be there for him in his home town. Although this impacted him personally and financially at the time, it also helped shape his thinking about the importance of economic development and job creation in communities.

Maury Carter’s job search landed him a job in Baltimore, Maryland with Glen L. Martin Company, later Martin Marietta and now known as Lockheed Martin. The Martin Company treated him well; he achieved numerous promotions and advanced within the company. His success at Martin supplanted his dream to attend the University of Virginia. Instead, Maury decided to pursue his college degree at night while working full-time for Martin.

The Martin Company had plans to open a plant in Orlando, Florida. Maury positioned himself to be transferred to the new plant. He packed everything he owned into his car and moved to Orlando in March, 1957 and the Orlando plant opened in 1958. On September 6, 1959, he married Elaine Smith.

Maury began to think about investing in real estate. He spent years studying the market (while working full-time and going to college at night to earn his degree, which he received in 1967 from Rollins College-17 years after graduating from high school). He made his first real estate investment in 1963 with his brother- in-law . . . a 40 acre orange grove for $40,000. The young investors put down about $10,000 and borrowed the rest. The mortgage payments were $150 per month. Maury and his brother-in-law would alternate months paying the mortgage payments. His wife Elaine said there were many months she wondered whether they would have the money to make the payment. About five The Foundation for The Gator Nation An Equal Opportunity Institution years later, they sold the land for $264,000 and realized gross profit of over $100,000 for each of them. This was a watershed moment for Maury . . . making approximately eight years worth of income on one land investment.

Maury Carter continued to invest in land. He was working full-time, going to school at night, was married with two young children and scraping the money together to do deals. He drove used cars, changed his own oil, did his own tune ups, saved and invested in land. This continued from his first land investment in 1963 until he left Martin in 1972 to pursue real estate full time. First, as an associate at J. Rolfe Davis & Associates . . . later opening Maury L. Carter & Associates, Inc. in 1974.

Over the years, Maury L. Carter & Associates, Inc. and their investors have bought and sold tens of thousands of acres. Notable deals include . . . Lake Nona, Hunter’s Creek, MetroWest, Keene’s Pointe, Eagle Creek, Summit Greens, Harmony, Independence, Orlando Corporate Center, and La Vina, as well as conservation deals such as Split Oak, Triple N Ranch, Wekiva/Sulphur Springs, Hanover Shoe Farms, and Candler Ranch.

Maury Carter’s track record in Central Florida land investment and brokerage is unequalled. His statistics are staggering, having handled sales of more than 200,000 acres of land. The firm he started has closed over one billion dollars in transactions and is active in income property investments all over Florida and in Georgia, Texas, and Virginia.

In keeping with his philosophy of promoting job creation and economic development, Maury served eight years on the Board of Trustees for Ferrum College in Virginia and has facilitated gifts of land in Lake County, Florida to South Lake Hospital, Lake Sumter Community College and the University of Central Florida. These gifts resulted in creation of a 250 acre educational and medical campus in Clermont. As a result, kids who grow up in South Lake County can obtain a four-year college degree and thereafter find fulfilling careers in their hometown . . . opportunities that Maury Carter did not have. A believer in the value of education, scholarships at Ferrum College and at the University of Florida in Gainesville are named for Maury and the Carter family.

He has been married for over 48 years to Elaine, has two grown children and five young grandchildren.

Despite his impressive achievements, Maury Carter truly has not changed from his humble beginnings. He is genuinely flattered that people want to invest with him. He is a man of character, integrity and humility. A man of vision, a pioneer. A lifetime achiever in the real estate industry.

Maury L. Carter, the youngest of eight children, was born on April 16, 1933 and grew up on a farm in south- central Virginia. His parents were hard-working. His father was a farmer and carpenter and h... Read More

Maury L. Carter, the youngest of eight children, was born on April 16, 1933 and grew up on a farm in south- central Virginia. His parents were hard-working. His father was a farmer and carpenter and his mother was a homemaker. He grew up poor, in a rural agrarian community, but had a strong family that modeled integrity and hard work.

Maury Carter has known hard times. In May of 1953, Maury worked bridge construction in West Virginia and lived in a boarding house. When necessity forced him to replace the dead battery in his car, he was left with one nickel and one penny in cash, until his next paycheck.

After completing military service in 1955, Maury Carter returned home looking for a temporary job until he could enroll at the University of Virginia. During this time, an event occurred that helped shape Maury’s life. The local Pepsi truck driver wrecked the delivery truck and Maury knew the driver would lose his job. The next day, Maury was going to seek the job and discovered that many people were lined up for the driver’s job. This experience told Maury that the economic opportunities would not be there for him in his home town. Although this impacted him personally and financially at the time, it also helped shape his thinking about the importance of economic development and job creation in communities.

Maury Carter’s job search landed him a job in Baltimore, Maryland with Glen L. Martin Company, later Martin Marietta and now known as Lockheed Martin. The Martin Company treated him well; he achieved numerous promotions and advanced within the company. His success at Martin supplanted his dream to attend the University of Virginia. Instead, Maury decided to pursue his college degree at night while working full-time for Martin.

The Martin Company had plans to open a plant in Orlando, Florida. Maury positioned himself to be transferred to the new plant. He packed everything he owned into his car and moved to Orlando in March, 1957 and the Orlando plant opened in 1958. On September 6, 1959, he married Elaine Smith.

Maury began to think about investing in real estate. He spent years studying the market (while working full-time and going to college at night to earn his degree, which he received in 1967 from Rollins College-17 years after graduating from high school). He made his first real estate investment in 1963 with his brother- in-law . . . a 40 acre orange grove for $40,000. The young investors put down about $10,000 and borrowed the rest. The mortgage payments were $150 per month. Maury and his brother-in-law would alternate months paying the mortgage payments. His wife Elaine said there were many months she wondered whether they would have the money to make the payment. About five The Foundation for The Gator Nation An Equal Opportunity Institution years later, they sold the land for $264,000 and realized gross profit of over $100,000 for each of them. This was a watershed moment for Maury . . . making approximately eight years worth of income on one land investment.

Maury Carter continued to invest in land. He was working full-time, going to school at night, was married with two young children and scraping the money together to do deals. He drove used cars, changed his own oil, did his own tune ups, saved and invested in land. This continued from his first land investment in 1963 until he left Martin in 1972 to pursue real estate full time. First, as an associate at J. Rolfe Davis & Associates . . . later opening Maury L. Carter & Associates, Inc. in 1974.

Over the years, Maury L. Carter & Associates, Inc. and their investors have bought and sold tens of thousands of acres. Notable deals include . . . Lake Nona, Hunter’s Creek, MetroWest, Keene’s Pointe, Eagle Creek, Summit Greens, Harmony, Independence, Orlando Corporate Center, and La Vina, as well as conservation deals such as Split Oak, Triple N Ranch, Wekiva/Sulphur Springs, Hanover Shoe Farms, and Candler Ranch.

Maury Carter’s track record in Central Florida land investment and brokerage is unequalled. His statistics are staggering, having handled sales of more than 200,000 acres of land. The firm he started has closed over one billion dollars in transactions and is active in income property investments all over Florida and in Georgia, Texas, and Virginia.

In keeping with his philosophy of promoting job creation and economic development, Maury served eight years on the Board of Trustees for Ferrum College in Virginia and has facilitated gifts of land in Lake County, Florida to South Lake Hospital, Lake Sumter Community College and the University of Central Florida. These gifts resulted in creation of a 250 acre educational and medical campus in Clermont. As a result, kids who grow up in South Lake County can obtain a four-year college degree and thereafter find fulfilling careers in their hometown . . . opportunities that Maury Carter did not have. A believer in the value of education, scholarships at Ferrum College and at the University of Florida in Gainesville are named for Maury and the Carter family.

He has been married for over 48 years to Elaine, has two grown children and five young grandchildren.

Despite his impressive achievements, Maury Carter truly has not changed from his humble beginnings. He is genuinely flattered that people want to invest with him. He is a man of character, integrity and humility. A man of vision, a pioneer. A lifetime achiever in the real estate industry.
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Armando Codina

Executive Chairman for Codina Partners

Armando Codina is Executive Chairman of Codina Partners, LLC, a real estate investment and development firm based in Coral Gables, Florida. Mr. Codina formed Codina Partners in 2009 and through this entity and its affiliates is engaged in multiple real estate development and investment activities. The firm’s portfolio is comprised of residential, commercial and mixed-use projects. Including the over one billion dollar investment in Downtown Doral. The 120 acre Downtown Doral is composed of 2,840 residential units, over one million square feet of office space, 200,000 square feet of retail space, Doral City Hall and Downtown Doral Charter Elementary School.

Previously Mr. Codina served as Chairman of Flagler, a full-service commercial real estate firm headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida. The company’s portfolio spanned more than 12 million square feet of Class-A office and industrial space throughout Florida. He continued to serve as the non-executive chairman of Flagler until December 31, 2010.

Prior to that Mr. Codina served as chairman and CEO of Codina Group, a South Florida-based commercial real estate firm, which he founded in 1979. Under his leadership the firm grew to be Florida’s largest privately-held commercial real estate company. In 2006, Mr. Codina merged his firm with Flagler Development Group, part of Florida East Coast Industries, Inc. (NYSE: FLA). In July 2007, FECI was sold to Fortress Investment Group.

In addition to serving as CEO and Chairman of his core real estate holdings, Mr. Codina is an active investor and owner of MBB Auto Group, a premium luxury retail automotive group consisting of 12 dealerships in the Northeast that include Mercedes- Benz, BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi and Toyota.

Before establishing Codina Group, Mr. Codina served as president of Professional Automated Services, Inc. (P.A.S.), a firm created in 1970 to provide data processing services to physicians. As a result of the firm’s success, Mr. Codina is recognized as a pioneer in the development of comprehensive medical management systems, including processing, accounts receivable, management reporting and multiple financial services.

Mr. Codina served on the board of directors of American Airline’s parent, AMR Corporation where he served in the capacity of Lead Director until December 2013. He currently serves on the board of The Home Depot and on the Board of Trustees of Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

In addition, Mr. Codina serves on a number of professional, civic, and educational organizations, including Vice Chairman of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts/YOUNG ARTS, Chair of the Town Square Neighborhood Development Corp, Chairman Emeritus of Florida International University; Co- Founder of Community Partnership for the Homeless; and a member of the Florida Council of 100, among others.

In March of 2016, Mr. Codina received the United Way prestigious Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy. In May of 2015, Mr. Codina was honored with the Vanguard Award by BOMA Miami. In March of 2014, Mr. Codina was received the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s Real Estate Achievers & Leaders Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Codina received the Urban Land Institute’s Lifetime Achievement award in September of 2011. Other awards he has received over the past 15 years are: the University of Florida Bergstrom Center Hall of Fame Award; ‘Free Enterpriser of the Year’ by the Florida Council on Economic Education; ‘Developer of the Year’ by the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP); ‘Office Developer of the Year,’ ‘Shopping Center Developer of the Year,’ and ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ by the Wharton School; the Building Association of South Florida’s Hall of Fame; the Charles Whited ‘Spirit of Excellence Award’ from Knight Ridder Newspapers; ‘Humanitarian of the Year’ award from the American Red Cross; ‘Sand In My Shoes’ lifetime achievement award from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce; and the Merage Foundation’s ‘National Leadership’ award, which recognizes leaders whose journeys to the United States as immigrants have made a positive impact on the quality of life for all Americans.

Armando Codina is Executive Chairman of Codina Partners, LLC, a real estate investment and development firm based in Coral Gables, Florida. Mr. Codina formed Codina Partners in 2009 and through this e... Read More

Armando Codina is Executive Chairman of Codina Partners, LLC, a real estate investment and development firm based in Coral Gables, Florida. Mr. Codina formed Codina Partners in 2009 and through this entity and its affiliates is engaged in multiple real estate development and investment activities. The firm’s portfolio is comprised of residential, commercial and mixed-use projects. Including the over one billion dollar investment in Downtown Doral. The 120 acre Downtown Doral is composed of 2,840 residential units, over one million square feet of office space, 200,000 square feet of retail space, Doral City Hall and Downtown Doral Charter Elementary School.

Previously Mr. Codina served as Chairman of Flagler, a full-service commercial real estate firm headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida. The company’s portfolio spanned more than 12 million square feet of Class-A office and industrial space throughout Florida. He continued to serve as the non-executive chairman of Flagler until December 31, 2010.

Prior to that Mr. Codina served as chairman and CEO of Codina Group, a South Florida-based commercial real estate firm, which he founded in 1979. Under his leadership the firm grew to be Florida’s largest privately-held commercial real estate company. In 2006, Mr. Codina merged his firm with Flagler Development Group, part of Florida East Coast Industries, Inc. (NYSE: FLA). In July 2007, FECI was sold to Fortress Investment Group.

In addition to serving as CEO and Chairman of his core real estate holdings, Mr. Codina is an active investor and owner of MBB Auto Group, a premium luxury retail automotive group consisting of 12 dealerships in the Northeast that include Mercedes- Benz, BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi and Toyota.

Before establishing Codina Group, Mr. Codina served as president of Professional Automated Services, Inc. (P.A.S.), a firm created in 1970 to provide data processing services to physicians. As a result of the firm’s success, Mr. Codina is recognized as a pioneer in the development of comprehensive medical management systems, including processing, accounts receivable, management reporting and multiple financial services.

Mr. Codina served on the board of directors of American Airline’s parent, AMR Corporation where he served in the capacity of Lead Director until December 2013. He currently serves on the board of The Home Depot and on the Board of Trustees of Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

In addition, Mr. Codina serves on a number of professional, civic, and educational organizations, including Vice Chairman of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts/YOUNG ARTS, Chair of the Town Square Neighborhood Development Corp, Chairman Emeritus of Florida International University; Co- Founder of Community Partnership for the Homeless; and a member of the Florida Council of 100, among others.

In March of 2016, Mr. Codina received the United Way prestigious Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy. In May of 2015, Mr. Codina was honored with the Vanguard Award by BOMA Miami. In March of 2014, Mr. Codina was received the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s Real Estate Achievers & Leaders Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Codina received the Urban Land Institute’s Lifetime Achievement award in September of 2011. Other awards he has received over the past 15 years are: the University of Florida Bergstrom Center Hall of Fame Award; ‘Free Enterpriser of the Year’ by the Florida Council on Economic Education; ‘Developer of the Year’ by the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP); ‘Office Developer of the Year,’ ‘Shopping Center Developer of the Year,’ and ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ by the Wharton School; the Building Association of South Florida’s Hall of Fame; the Charles Whited ‘Spirit of Excellence Award’ from Knight Ridder Newspapers; ‘Humanitarian of the Year’ award from the American Red Cross; ‘Sand In My Shoes’ lifetime achievement award from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce; and the Merage Foundation’s ‘National Leadership’ award, which recognizes leaders whose journeys to the United States as immigrants have made a positive impact on the quality of life for all Americans.
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James Heistand

President and CEO for Parkway Properties

James R. Heistand was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of Parkway in December 2011 and served as Executive Chairman of the Company just prior to his current role. Jim joined Parkway through a combination with Eola Capital and founded Eola Capital in 2000 and served as chairman since its inception. Eola acquired $1.3 billion of office assets backed by PSP, GE Capital, Lehman Brothers and others that included 13.3 million square feet in Florida, Atlanta and Virginia.

Previously, Jim served as chairman of the executive committee of DASCO, an owner and operator of medical office buildings throughout the United States, from 1999 until its sale to CNL Retirement in 2004 for $241 million. He teamed with Lehman Brothers to acquire and develop 28 properties totaling over 1.4 million square feet with an aggregate cost of $148 million.

In 1989, Jim founded and served as chairman of Associated Capital Properties, Inc., an office and investment company focusing in Florida, where he directed all areas of the company’s operations, including its strategic planning, acquisitions, development and financings, until its sale in 1997 to Highwoods Properties for $622 million. Jim subsequently served as a senior vice president for Highwoods from 1997 to 1999 and as a member of its board of directors from 1998 until 2000.

Prior to founding ACP, Jim served as the president of Major Development Corporation, a subsidiary of Major Realty Corporation, formerly a publicly held, full-service commercial, residential and industrial development company. Jim currently serves on the board of directors of United Legacy Bank in Orlando, Florida and is a member of the chairman’s circle of the real estate advisory board.

James R. Heistand was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of Parkway in December 2011 and served as Executive Chairman of the Company just prior to his current role. Jim joined Parkway ... Read More

James R. Heistand was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of Parkway in December 2011 and served as Executive Chairman of the Company just prior to his current role. Jim joined Parkway through a combination with Eola Capital and founded Eola Capital in 2000 and served as chairman since its inception. Eola acquired $1.3 billion of office assets backed by PSP, GE Capital, Lehman Brothers and others that included 13.3 million square feet in Florida, Atlanta and Virginia.

Previously, Jim served as chairman of the executive committee of DASCO, an owner and operator of medical office buildings throughout the United States, from 1999 until its sale to CNL Retirement in 2004 for $241 million. He teamed with Lehman Brothers to acquire and develop 28 properties totaling over 1.4 million square feet with an aggregate cost of $148 million.

In 1989, Jim founded and served as chairman of Associated Capital Properties, Inc., an office and investment company focusing in Florida, where he directed all areas of the company’s operations, including its strategic planning, acquisitions, development and financings, until its sale in 1997 to Highwoods Properties for $622 million. Jim subsequently served as a senior vice president for Highwoods from 1997 to 1999 and as a member of its board of directors from 1998 until 2000.

Prior to founding ACP, Jim served as the president of Major Development Corporation, a subsidiary of Major Realty Corporation, formerly a publicly held, full-service commercial, residential and industrial development company. Jim currently serves on the board of directors of United Legacy Bank in Orlando, Florida and is a member of the chairman’s circle of the real estate advisory board.
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Jorge Perez

Chairman and CEO for the Related Group of Florida

Jorge M. Pérez is the founder, Chairman and CEO of The Related Group, America’s leading developer of sophisticated metropolitan living and the largest multi-family real estate development firm. In August of 2005, TIME Magazine named Mr. Pérez, one of top 25 most influential Hispanics in the United States.

Under his direction, The Related Group has redefined the South Florida landscape. Since its inception, more than a quarter of a century ago, the firm has built and/or managed more than 60,000 apartments and condominium residences. The Related Group is Florida’s top multi-family developer and the largest Hispanic-owned business in the United States. In 2007, the company reported sales of more than $1.5 billion; its current portfolio represents assets under development of more than $10.7 billion.

While The Related Group is best known for its luxury high-rise developments and visionary mixed-use urban centers, Pérez made his first impact on South Florida’s affordable housing market. He started out in the late 1970s, building in neighborhoods like Miami’s Little Havana and Homestead. Even then, his attention to detail and commitment to creating quality living environments distinguished him within the marketplace.

Pérez has been at the forefront of South Florida urban evolution, often being the first developer to enter emerging or undiscovered neighborhoods. Among the Related Group’s most recognized properties in South Florida are Portofino Tower, Murano at Portofino and Murano Grande, a trio of luxury high-rises that helped define a hot, new emerging neighborhood on South Beach. In West Palm Beach, The Courtyards in CityPlace and The Tower Condominium at CityPlace have added a dynamic residential element to the
shopping and entertainment center in the heart of this city. And in Miami, Pérez helped lead the new downtown urbanism movement, developing One Miami on one of the last pieces of waterfront land at the intersection of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay. He is also part of the transformation of Sunny Isles from a sleepy seaside town into a chic waterfront address, with the luxurious condominiums of Ocean I, II, III and IV and the three Trump Towers as well as the newest, luxury oceanfront condominium, Trump Hollywood.

In June of 2007, Pérez ventured into the international real estate market by launching the first Related International project, Icon Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta. Icon Vallarta’s incredible sell-out success has paved the way for other projects inside and outside of Mexico. Related International will invest more than $1 billion in real estate in Mexico alone, with plans to erect upscale condominiums and hotels in other tourist locations such as Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Playa del Carmen and Zihuatanejo. Beyond Mexico, Pérez is researching other great Latin American destinations such as Panama, Argentina, Uruguay, and the Caribbean.

His passion for vibrant urban centers is reflected in his community involvement in the arts and cultural affairs. An avid collector of Latin American art, he serves on the Board of Directors of Miami Art Museum, and is spearheading the capital campaign for its new Museum Park location in Miami’s Bicentennial Park. Pérez also serves a vice-chair on the Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs Council and is a director of the Miami Film Festival. He also serves on the Board of the Miami Downtown Development Authority. Pérez is a member of the University of Miami’s Board of Trustees. The University’s new architecture center, Jorge M. Perez, Architecture Center, designed by Leon Krier made its debut in the fall of 2005. Similarly, the Miami Wellness Center has been named after Pérez and his wife Darlene.

He has received numerous awards for his professional and philanthropic achievements, including Builder of the Year, from Multifamily Executive; Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year; the Hispanic Achievement & Business Entrepreneurship Award from Hispanic Magazine; Champion of the Community Spirit Award from The Wellness Community; Citizen of the Year from The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce; Sand In My Shoes Award from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce for his commitment to the South Florida community, and Developer of the Year from several other associations and publications. Most recently, Mr. Perez was awarded the Icon in Real Estate Award of Excellence at MIPIM in Cannes, France; the only American developer ever to have been honored with such a prestigious award. In June of 2007, Mr. Perez received the National Building Museum Award in Washington D.C. for his contribution to design and architecture and was recently feted in London receiving the International Property Award for Icon Brickell. In 2008, Perez published his first business bestseller, Powerhouse Principles: The Billionaire Blueprint for Real Estate Success.

Pérez was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina to Cuban parents. He graduated from C.W. Post College, summa cum laude, received a Masters in Urban Planning, with highest honors, from the University of Michigan. In 2008, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from C.W. Post, Long Island University and received the 2008 Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Michigan. Perez is married and has four children.

Jorge M. Pérez is the founder, Chairman and CEO of The Related Group, America’s leading developer of sophisticated metropolitan living and the largest multi-family real estate development firm. In... Read More

Jorge M. Pérez is the founder, Chairman and CEO of The Related Group, America’s leading developer of sophisticated metropolitan living and the largest multi-family real estate development firm. In August of 2005, TIME Magazine named Mr. Pérez, one of top 25 most influential Hispanics in the United States.

Under his direction, The Related Group has redefined the South Florida landscape. Since its inception, more than a quarter of a century ago, the firm has built and/or managed more than 60,000 apartments and condominium residences. The Related Group is Florida’s top multi-family developer and the largest Hispanic-owned business in the United States. In 2007, the company reported sales of more than $1.5 billion; its current portfolio represents assets under development of more than $10.7 billion.

While The Related Group is best known for its luxury high-rise developments and visionary mixed-use urban centers, Pérez made his first impact on South Florida’s affordable housing market. He started out in the late 1970s, building in neighborhoods like Miami’s Little Havana and Homestead. Even then, his attention to detail and commitment to creating quality living environments distinguished him within the marketplace.

Pérez has been at the forefront of South Florida urban evolution, often being the first developer to enter emerging or undiscovered neighborhoods. Among the Related Group’s most recognized properties in South Florida are Portofino Tower, Murano at Portofino and Murano Grande, a trio of luxury high-rises that helped define a hot, new emerging neighborhood on South Beach. In West Palm Beach, The Courtyards in CityPlace and The Tower Condominium at CityPlace have added a dynamic residential element to the
shopping and entertainment center in the heart of this city. And in Miami, Pérez helped lead the new downtown urbanism movement, developing One Miami on one of the last pieces of waterfront land at the intersection of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay. He is also part of the transformation of Sunny Isles from a sleepy seaside town into a chic waterfront address, with the luxurious condominiums of Ocean I, II, III and IV and the three Trump Towers as well as the newest, luxury oceanfront condominium, Trump Hollywood.

In June of 2007, Pérez ventured into the international real estate market by launching the first Related International project, Icon Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta. Icon Vallarta’s incredible sell-out success has paved the way for other projects inside and outside of Mexico. Related International will invest more than $1 billion in real estate in Mexico alone, with plans to erect upscale condominiums and hotels in other tourist locations such as Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Playa del Carmen and Zihuatanejo. Beyond Mexico, Pérez is researching other great Latin American destinations such as Panama, Argentina, Uruguay, and the Caribbean.

His passion for vibrant urban centers is reflected in his community involvement in the arts and cultural affairs. An avid collector of Latin American art, he serves on the Board of Directors of Miami Art Museum, and is spearheading the capital campaign for its new Museum Park location in Miami’s Bicentennial Park. Pérez also serves a vice-chair on the Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs Council and is a director of the Miami Film Festival. He also serves on the Board of the Miami Downtown Development Authority. Pérez is a member of the University of Miami’s Board of Trustees. The University’s new architecture center, Jorge M. Perez, Architecture Center, designed by Leon Krier made its debut in the fall of 2005. Similarly, the Miami Wellness Center has been named after Pérez and his wife Darlene.

He has received numerous awards for his professional and philanthropic achievements, including Builder of the Year, from Multifamily Executive; Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year; the Hispanic Achievement & Business Entrepreneurship Award from Hispanic Magazine; Champion of the Community Spirit Award from The Wellness Community; Citizen of the Year from The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce; Sand In My Shoes Award from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce for his commitment to the South Florida community, and Developer of the Year from several other associations and publications. Most recently, Mr. Perez was awarded the Icon in Real Estate Award of Excellence at MIPIM in Cannes, France; the only American developer ever to have been honored with such a prestigious award. In June of 2007, Mr. Perez received the National Building Museum Award in Washington D.C. for his contribution to design and architecture and was recently feted in London receiving the International Property Award for Icon Brickell. In 2008, Perez published his first business bestseller, Powerhouse Principles: The Billionaire Blueprint for Real Estate Success.

Pérez was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina to Cuban parents. He graduated from C.W. Post College, summa cum laude, received a Masters in Urban Planning, with highest honors, from the University of Michigan. In 2008, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from C.W. Post, Long Island University and received the 2008 Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Michigan. Perez is married and has four children.
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James H. Pugh, Jr.

Chairman and CEO for Epoch Residential
James H. Pugh is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Epoch Residential. Born in Winter Haven, Florida, Mr. Pugh has served as a United States Army Ranger and Special Forces Commander. He is a distinguished ROTC graduate of the University of Florida where he earned a B.S. in Building Construction, and is a member of Florida Blue Key Honorary and Scabbard & Blade Honorary societies. He is presently serving in leadership roles on numerous civic and charitable boards, including:
- Chairman, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
- Member of the Board of Directors, Holocaust Memorial Center
- Member of the Board of Directors, University of Florida Foundation
- Board of Trustees, Bob Graham Center for Public Service, University of Florida
- Member of the Board of Directors, The Lou Frey Institute of Politics and Government
James H. Pugh is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Epoch Residential. Born in Winter Haven, Florida, Mr. Pugh has served as a United States Army Ranger and Special Forces Commander. He is a ... Read More
James H. Pugh is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Epoch Residential. Born in Winter Haven, Florida, Mr. Pugh has served as a United States Army Ranger and Special Forces Commander. He is a distinguished ROTC graduate of the University of Florida where he earned a B.S. in Building Construction, and is a member of Florida Blue Key Honorary and Scabbard & Blade Honorary societies. He is presently serving in leadership roles on numerous civic and charitable boards, including:
- Chairman, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
- Member of the Board of Directors, Holocaust Memorial Center
- Member of the Board of Directors, University of Florida Foundation
- Board of Trustees, Bob Graham Center for Public Service, University of Florida
- Member of the Board of Directors, The Lou Frey Institute of Politics and Government
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Peter S. Rummell

Chairman of RummellMunz Partners

Peter Rummell has been active in the real estate development industry for over 40 years creating some of the most recognized and interesting projects in the world. In a recent presentation, Rummell was quoted as saying, “In this new world economy, management’s purpose has to be to bring together the three components of the creative process – resources, talent and ideas – in order to build new and better realities. This is the challenge of any process.”

His career began in real estate in 1971 with the Sea Pines Company, developers of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and Amelia Island, Florida. In 1977, he became general manager of Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida for the Arvida Corporation. He joined the Rockefeller Center Management Corporation in New York as vice chairman in 1983, leaving in 1985 to become president of Disney Development Company.

Rummell is currently active and is past chairman of the Florida Council of 100, a nonpartisan organization of Florida’s leading CEO’s. He is also past chairman and on the board of The Alliance for World Class Education, an advocate for public education in Northeast Florida. He is the past chairman of the Jacksonville Civic Council, a CEO-based civic group dedicated to long-term growth and community betterment and serves on the board of the Foundation for Florida’s Future, an organization created by former Governor Jeb Bush to establish Florida’s education system as a model for the nation. Rummell was co-chairman of the Jacksonville Super Bowl Host Committee, which hosted Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005.

Peter Rummell has been active in the real estate development industry for over 40 years creating some of the most recognized and interesting projects in the world. In a recent presentation, Rummell wa... Read More

Peter Rummell has been active in the real estate development industry for over 40 years creating some of the most recognized and interesting projects in the world. In a recent presentation, Rummell was quoted as saying, “In this new world economy, management’s purpose has to be to bring together the three components of the creative process – resources, talent and ideas – in order to build new and better realities. This is the challenge of any process.”

His career began in real estate in 1971 with the Sea Pines Company, developers of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and Amelia Island, Florida. In 1977, he became general manager of Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida for the Arvida Corporation. He joined the Rockefeller Center Management Corporation in New York as vice chairman in 1983, leaving in 1985 to become president of Disney Development Company.

Rummell is currently active and is past chairman of the Florida Council of 100, a nonpartisan organization of Florida’s leading CEO’s. He is also past chairman and on the board of The Alliance for World Class Education, an advocate for public education in Northeast Florida. He is the past chairman of the Jacksonville Civic Council, a CEO-based civic group dedicated to long-term growth and community betterment and serves on the board of the Foundation for Florida’s Future, an organization created by former Governor Jeb Bush to establish Florida’s education system as a model for the nation. Rummell was co-chairman of the Jacksonville Super Bowl Host Committee, which hosted Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005.
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Mel Sembler

Chairman of The Sembler Company

Mel Sembler is the Chairman Emeritus of The Sembler Company, served as United States Ambassador to Italy from 2001 to 2005 and as U.S. Ambassador to Australia and Nauru from 1989 to 1993.

As the President’s personal representative, he actively promoted United States’ interests abroad during his two terms of service. At the recommendation of the Governor-General of Australia and with the approval of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Sembler was named an Honorary Officer in the Order of Australia at an investiture ceremony in October 2000. The Order of Australia is an Australian society of honor for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and is rarely given to foreigners.

As a developer, Sembler is responsible for building The Sembler Company into one of the nation’s most highly recognized shopping center developers. The Sembler Company is identified as an innovative leader in the industry and Sembler-built centers are known for their creative design and environmental integrity. In 1986-1987, Sembler served as the international leader and spokesman for the shopping center industry as President of the 40,000-member International Council of Shopping Centers, a position that capped 25 years of active service to this worldwide trade association.

Although best known as a leading shopping center developer, Sembler is also renowned for his activism in the anti-drug movement. In 1976, Sembler and his wife Betty founded STRAIGHT, an adolescent drug treatment program. During its 17 years of existence, STRAIGHT successfully graduated more than 12,000 young people nationwide from its remarkable program. He is nationally recognized as an activist in the anti-drug campaign and as a staunch, long-time supporter of the Republican Party and its candidates.
Sembler’s work as a civic and political activist is equally noteworthy. A supporter of George H.W. Bush since 1979, Sembler played a leadership role in raising funds for the Bush for President campaign. He was Finance Co-Chairman of The American Bicentennial Presidential Inaugural, raising the dollars needed for the nation’s 41st inauguration of the President of the United States.

Sembler served as Finance Chairman for the Republican National Committee from 1997 to 2000. He also served as Florida’s National Committeeman to the Republican National Committee after his election in 1994 until 2000. He is presently on the boards of the International Council of Shopping Centers, American Momentum Bank, American Enterprise Institute, American-Australian Education Leadership Foundation, George Bush Presidential Library Foundation, Republican Jewish Coalition, Freedom’s Watch, Moffitt Cancer Center, and the International Council of the Tampa Bay Region. Sembler is a resident member of the Florida Council of 100, a business advisory council to the Governor of Florida.

Born in 1930 in St. Joseph, Missouri, Sembler is a 1952 graduate of Northwestern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He and his wife Betty have three sons, Steve, Brent, and Greg, and are the proud grandparents of eleven grandchildren.

Mel Sembler is the Chairman Emeritus of The Sembler Company, served as United States Ambassador to Italy from 2001 to 2005 and as U.S. Ambassador to Australia and Nauru from 1989 to 1993. As the Presi... Read More

Mel Sembler is the Chairman Emeritus of The Sembler Company, served as United States Ambassador to Italy from 2001 to 2005 and as U.S. Ambassador to Australia and Nauru from 1989 to 1993.

As the President’s personal representative, he actively promoted United States’ interests abroad during his two terms of service. At the recommendation of the Governor-General of Australia and with the approval of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Sembler was named an Honorary Officer in the Order of Australia at an investiture ceremony in October 2000. The Order of Australia is an Australian society of honor for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and is rarely given to foreigners.

As a developer, Sembler is responsible for building The Sembler Company into one of the nation’s most highly recognized shopping center developers. The Sembler Company is identified as an innovative leader in the industry and Sembler-built centers are known for their creative design and environmental integrity. In 1986-1987, Sembler served as the international leader and spokesman for the shopping center industry as President of the 40,000-member International Council of Shopping Centers, a position that capped 25 years of active service to this worldwide trade association.

Although best known as a leading shopping center developer, Sembler is also renowned for his activism in the anti-drug movement. In 1976, Sembler and his wife Betty founded STRAIGHT, an adolescent drug treatment program. During its 17 years of existence, STRAIGHT successfully graduated more than 12,000 young people nationwide from its remarkable program. He is nationally recognized as an activist in the anti-drug campaign and as a staunch, long-time supporter of the Republican Party and its candidates.
Sembler’s work as a civic and political activist is equally noteworthy. A supporter of George H.W. Bush since 1979, Sembler played a leadership role in raising funds for the Bush for President campaign. He was Finance Co-Chairman of The American Bicentennial Presidential Inaugural, raising the dollars needed for the nation’s 41st inauguration of the President of the United States.

Sembler served as Finance Chairman for the Republican National Committee from 1997 to 2000. He also served as Florida’s National Committeeman to the Republican National Committee after his election in 1994 until 2000. He is presently on the boards of the International Council of Shopping Centers, American Momentum Bank, American Enterprise Institute, American-Australian Education Leadership Foundation, George Bush Presidential Library Foundation, Republican Jewish Coalition, Freedom’s Watch, Moffitt Cancer Center, and the International Council of the Tampa Bay Region. Sembler is a resident member of the Florida Council of 100, a business advisory council to the Governor of Florida.

Born in 1930 in St. Joseph, Missouri, Sembler is a 1952 graduate of Northwestern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He and his wife Betty have three sons, Steve, Brent, and Greg, and are the proud grandparents of eleven grandchildren.
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James Seneff

Executive Chairman of CNL Financial Group

James M. Seneff, Jr. is chairman of the board and chief executive officer of CNL Financial Group, Inc. Mr. Seneff founded CNL Financial Group, Inc. in 1973 and has guided the company over the past 35 years. Since then, CNL has formed or acquired companies with more than $24 billion in assets focused in retail, restaurant, hospitality, lifestyle, and retirement sectors, making CNL one of the nation’s largest, privately held investment, real estate services and development companies. Mr. Seneff is also chairman of the board of CNLBancshares, Inc.

Mr. Seneff served on the Florida State Commission on Ethics and is a former member and past chairman of the State of Florida Investment Advisory Council, which advises the state of Florida retirement system. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of Orlando Regional Healthcare, and the Florida State University Foundation’s Board of Directors. Previously, he served as vice chairman of the Board of Directors for the Orlando Performing Arts Center, now known as the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center. Currently, Mr. Seneff serves as chairman of the Governor’s Council of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, is a member of the Board of Overseers of the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College and is a resident member of The Florida Council of 100. He also serves on a number of boards involved in Christian ministries.

Mr. Seneff was recently inducted into the FSU School of Business Hall of Fame, and the BSA Scouting Heritage Society. He has received numerous honors and awards including the Spirit of Achievement Award presented by Junior Achievement, Outstanding Philanthropist presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the Tree of Life Award presented by the Jewish National Fund.

He was the recipient of the 2006 Business Leader of the Year by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Educators. He is a graduate of Florida State University with a B.S. in Business Administration. He lives in Winter Park, Florida, with his wife, Dayle, and has five children and seven grandchildren.

James M. Seneff, Jr. is chairman of the board and chief executive officer of CNL Financial Group, Inc. Mr. Seneff founded CNL Financial Group, Inc. in 1973 and has guided the company over the past 35 ... Read More

James M. Seneff, Jr. is chairman of the board and chief executive officer of CNL Financial Group, Inc. Mr. Seneff founded CNL Financial Group, Inc. in 1973 and has guided the company over the past 35 years. Since then, CNL has formed or acquired companies with more than $24 billion in assets focused in retail, restaurant, hospitality, lifestyle, and retirement sectors, making CNL one of the nation’s largest, privately held investment, real estate services and development companies. Mr. Seneff is also chairman of the board of CNLBancshares, Inc.

Mr. Seneff served on the Florida State Commission on Ethics and is a former member and past chairman of the State of Florida Investment Advisory Council, which advises the state of Florida retirement system. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of Orlando Regional Healthcare, and the Florida State University Foundation’s Board of Directors. Previously, he served as vice chairman of the Board of Directors for the Orlando Performing Arts Center, now known as the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center. Currently, Mr. Seneff serves as chairman of the Governor’s Council of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, is a member of the Board of Overseers of the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College and is a resident member of The Florida Council of 100. He also serves on a number of boards involved in Christian ministries.

Mr. Seneff was recently inducted into the FSU School of Business Hall of Fame, and the BSA Scouting Heritage Society. He has received numerous honors and awards including the Spirit of Achievement Award presented by Junior Achievement, Outstanding Philanthropist presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the Tree of Life Award presented by the Jewish National Fund.

He was the recipient of the 2006 Business Leader of the Year by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Educators. He is a graduate of Florida State University with a B.S. in Business Administration. He lives in Winter Park, Florida, with his wife, Dayle, and has five children and seven grandchildren.
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Halbert Smith

Professor Emeritus, University of Florida Department of Finance and Real Estate

Halbert C. Smith is a professor emeritus in the Department of Finance and Real Estate at the University of Florida, where he served on the faculty from 1972 to 1999. At UF he was Director of the Real Estate Research Center and for several years served as Chairman of the Department of Finance and Real Estate. He was a founding member of the American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association (AREUEA) and served as President in 1970. He was also a founding member of the Weimer School of Advanced Studies in Land Economics of the Homer Hoyt Institute. He serves on the Board of the Homer Hoyt Institute and founded the Hoyt Fellows, a group of high-level real estate executives.

Prior to joining the faculty at Florida, he was professor of real estate at the Ohio State University and was also Director of Economic Research for the Federal Home Loan Bank Board in Washington, DC. He is an emeritus MAI (Member Appraisal Institute) and CRE (Counselor of Real Estate), as well as an honorary member of the Italian Association of Real Estate Counselors. He speaks fluent Italian and has served as a visiting professor at several Italian universities, as well as US universities.

Dr. Smith has written some 10 books and numerous articles on real estate topics and has served on the editorial boards of several academic and professional journals.

He has received a number of awards including the George Bloom Award of AREUEA, the Lum Award of the Counselors of Real Estate, the Pioneer Award of the American Real Estate Society, the Alfred E. Reinman Award of the Society of Real Estate Appraisers, and the Wylie Best Article Award of the Journal of Real Estate Research. In 1995 he was named a Fellow of the Center for International Economic Research in Turin, Italy.

Halbert C. Smith is a professor emeritus in the Department of Finance and Real Estate at the University of Florida, where he served on the faculty from 1972 to 1999. At UF he was Director of the Real ... Read More

Halbert C. Smith is a professor emeritus in the Department of Finance and Real Estate at the University of Florida, where he served on the faculty from 1972 to 1999. At UF he was Director of the Real Estate Research Center and for several years served as Chairman of the Department of Finance and Real Estate. He was a founding member of the American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association (AREUEA) and served as President in 1970. He was also a founding member of the Weimer School of Advanced Studies in Land Economics of the Homer Hoyt Institute. He serves on the Board of the Homer Hoyt Institute and founded the Hoyt Fellows, a group of high-level real estate executives.

Prior to joining the faculty at Florida, he was professor of real estate at the Ohio State University and was also Director of Economic Research for the Federal Home Loan Bank Board in Washington, DC. He is an emeritus MAI (Member Appraisal Institute) and CRE (Counselor of Real Estate), as well as an honorary member of the Italian Association of Real Estate Counselors. He speaks fluent Italian and has served as a visiting professor at several Italian universities, as well as US universities.

Dr. Smith has written some 10 books and numerous articles on real estate topics and has served on the editorial boards of several academic and professional journals.

He has received a number of awards including the George Bloom Award of AREUEA, the Lum Award of the Counselors of Real Estate, the Pioneer Award of the American Real Estate Society, the Alfred E. Reinman Award of the Society of Real Estate Appraisers, and the Wylie Best Article Award of the Journal of Real Estate Research. In 1995 he was named a Fellow of the Center for International Economic Research in Turin, Italy.
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Martin E. “Hap” Stein

Chairman and CEO of Regency Centers

Hap has served as CEO since the company’s initial public offering in 1993, and as Chairman since 1999. He served as President of Regency’s predecessor real estate division beginning in 1981, and as a Vice President from 1976 to 1981. Under Hap’s leadership Regency Centers has become a preeminent shopping center company known for owning, operating and developing high-quality grocery-anchored shopping centers located in most major U.S. markets.

A recognized authority in the commercial real estate industry, Hap served as 2008 Chairman of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT). He holds, or has held, leadership positions with NAREIT, the Urban Land Institute and the Real Estate Roundtable, in addition to board positions with FRP Holdings, Stein Mart, and his alma mater, Washington and Lee University.

Hap volunteers and financially supports numerous charitable organizations, including Teach for America. He serves on the Jacksonville Civic Council and has co-chaired United Way fundraising.

Hap earned a bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University and a Master of Business Administration from Dartmouth College.

Hap and his wife of 41 years, Brooke, enjoy spending time with their three daughters, three sons-in-law and four grandchildren; contemporary art; and hiking together in the Colorado mountains.

Hap has served as CEO since the company’s initial public offering in 1993, and as Chairman since 1999. He served as President of Regency’s predecessor real estate division beginning in 1981, a... Read More

Hap has served as CEO since the company’s initial public offering in 1993, and as Chairman since 1999. He served as President of Regency’s predecessor real estate division beginning in 1981, and as a Vice President from 1976 to 1981. Under Hap’s leadership Regency Centers has become a preeminent shopping center company known for owning, operating and developing high-quality grocery-anchored shopping centers located in most major U.S. markets.

A recognized authority in the commercial real estate industry, Hap served as 2008 Chairman of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT). He holds, or has held, leadership positions with NAREIT, the Urban Land Institute and the Real Estate Roundtable, in addition to board positions with FRP Holdings, Stein Mart, and his alma mater, Washington and Lee University.

Hap volunteers and financially supports numerous charitable organizations, including Teach for America. He serves on the Jacksonville Civic Council and has co-chaired United Way fundraising.

Hap earned a bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University and a Master of Business Administration from Dartmouth College.

Hap and his wife of 41 years, Brooke, enjoy spending time with their three daughters, three sons-in-law and four grandchildren; contemporary art; and hiking together in the Colorado mountains.
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Terry Stiles

Chairman and CEO of Stiles Corporation

Mr. Stiles is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Stiles. At the helm since 1971, he grew Stiles to be one of the largest full-service real estate companies in the Southeast. Under his leadership, Stiles has developed more than 43 million square feet of award-winning commercial and residential projects, including urban and suburban office buildings, master-planned and mixed-use corporate parks, luxury residential communities and retail shopping centers. Responsible for more than four million square feet of office, residential and retail projects within the Las Olas corridor, Mr. Stiles is credited for helping to shape the iconic Fort Lauderdale skyline.

Years after establishing Sawgrass Corporate Park, the first master-planned corporate park development in Broward County, Mr. Stiles maintains his position at the forefront of real estate trends. He continues to execute on innovative, engaging and environmentally responsible commercial and residential projects that transform neighborhoods. A recent residential project, One Plantation, is Broward County’s first LEED- certified luxury apartment community.

In 2012, Stiles expanded into North Carolina and Tennessee and recently completed a Pillar award-winning residential project in Nashville as well as three retail shopping centers in Charlotte. The company has several other retail and luxury residential projects planned or underway throughout the region.

In addition to beautifying and revitalizing his hometown, Mr. Stiles has been a firm believer in giving back and has led by example as a community leader. He is personally involved with organizations supporting children, education and family. He is a former president of the non-profit organization, Jack and Jill Children’s Center and supports more than 30 organizations across Florida, including the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Junior Achievement, Boys & Girls Club, Broward College, Humane Society, Kids in Distress and Habitat for Humanity.

In recognition of his achievements, Mr. Stiles has been honored with several prestigious awards including NAIOP National Developer of the Year and South Florida Developer of the Year (2000). Other awards include the ULI Lifetime Achievement Award (2009) for his impact on the real estate industry, the Business Hall of Fame Laureate Award by Junior Achievement of South Florida (2007), Sun-Sentinel’s 2003 Philanthropist of the Year Award, and United Way’s 1996 Community Hero Award, in which he was commissioned to carry the torch at the 1996 Olympic cross-country relay.

Mr. Stiles is also the proud recipient of the 1985 Sun Sentinel Excalibur Award, which recognized his success within the Fort Lauderdale business community as well as his commitment to the values of innovation, company growth and community contribution. Notwithstanding, his biggest reward comes from the many thanks he has received from children throughout the years. Mr. Stiles resides in Fort Lauderdale with his wife, Jamie. He has three children and four grandchildren.

Mr. Stiles is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Stiles. At the helm since 1971, he grew Stiles to be one of the largest full-service real estate companies in the Southeast. Under hi... Read More

Mr. Stiles is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Stiles. At the helm since 1971, he grew Stiles to be one of the largest full-service real estate companies in the Southeast. Under his leadership, Stiles has developed more than 43 million square feet of award-winning commercial and residential projects, including urban and suburban office buildings, master-planned and mixed-use corporate parks, luxury residential communities and retail shopping centers. Responsible for more than four million square feet of office, residential and retail projects within the Las Olas corridor, Mr. Stiles is credited for helping to shape the iconic Fort Lauderdale skyline.

Years after establishing Sawgrass Corporate Park, the first master-planned corporate park development in Broward County, Mr. Stiles maintains his position at the forefront of real estate trends. He continues to execute on innovative, engaging and environmentally responsible commercial and residential projects that transform neighborhoods. A recent residential project, One Plantation, is Broward County’s first LEED- certified luxury apartment community.

In 2012, Stiles expanded into North Carolina and Tennessee and recently completed a Pillar award-winning residential project in Nashville as well as three retail shopping centers in Charlotte. The company has several other retail and luxury residential projects planned or underway throughout the region.

In addition to beautifying and revitalizing his hometown, Mr. Stiles has been a firm believer in giving back and has led by example as a community leader. He is personally involved with organizations supporting children, education and family. He is a former president of the non-profit organization, Jack and Jill Children’s Center and supports more than 30 organizations across Florida, including the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Junior Achievement, Boys & Girls Club, Broward College, Humane Society, Kids in Distress and Habitat for Humanity.

In recognition of his achievements, Mr. Stiles has been honored with several prestigious awards including NAIOP National Developer of the Year and South Florida Developer of the Year (2000). Other awards include the ULI Lifetime Achievement Award (2009) for his impact on the real estate industry, the Business Hall of Fame Laureate Award by Junior Achievement of South Florida (2007), Sun-Sentinel’s 2003 Philanthropist of the Year Award, and United Way’s 1996 Community Hero Award, in which he was commissioned to carry the torch at the 1996 Olympic cross-country relay.

Mr. Stiles is also the proud recipient of the 1985 Sun Sentinel Excalibur Award, which recognized his success within the Fort Lauderdale business community as well as his commitment to the values of innovation, company growth and community contribution. Notwithstanding, his biggest reward comes from the many thanks he has received from children throughout the years. Mr. Stiles resides in Fort Lauderdale with his wife, Jamie. He has three children and four grandchildren.
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Stanley G. Tate

Chairman of Tate Capital Real Estate Solutions, LLC
Mr. Tate began his business career in 1949, building single and multi-family residential properties. By the late 1950s, his company, Stanley Tate Builders, Inc., broadened its scope to include commercial and industrial properties as well as providing leasing and consulting services. Beginning in 1969 he focused on condominium development in addition to shopping center, apartment, office building, warehouse, restaurant, and residential construction.

During the $17 billion REIT crisis in the 1970’s, Mr. Tate’s expertise was heavily sought after by many REITs, Nationally Chartered Banks and Courts (Federal and State) and the New York Federal Bankruptcy Court. Mr. Tate was appointed by the New York Federal Bankruptcy Court as Trustee to establish a work-out Plan of Arrangement for Associated Mortgage Investors, Inc. (REIT listed on the American Stock Exchange) and Chase Manhattan Bank, which was the lead lender for 27 National and State chartered banks involved in this work-out. The work-out included an international portfolio of distressed real estate valued at over $600,000,000. Mr. Tate’s efforts concluded with a 100% pay back of all of the individual banks invested capital.

Due to Mr. Tate’s success with the Associated Mortgage Investors, his expertise was again used to oversee the workouts of 12 other REITS (mostly owned by banks) in similar need. Among the REIT’s assets that Mr. Tate personally supervised were several internationally owned projects including:
- Golf Course and approximately 280 single family home community, Shannon, Ireland
- Major Medical Center & Hospital, Frankfort, Germany
- Major Medical Center & Hospital, Abu Dhabi
- 1,000+ room hotel plus golf course owned by Trust House Forte, Sardinia , Italy
Mr. Tate participated in the formation of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989, the legislation which laid the foundation for the Resolution Trust Corporation (“RTC”). Mr. Tate’s involvement with the then newly-formed RTC began in 1989 when he was named Chairman of Region 1, which included 20 states on the Eastern seaboard. In July 1993, Mr. Tate was nominated by then President Clinton for appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the RTC. The RTC was credited with the dissolution of approximately $400,000,000,000.00 of distressed real estate assets. His influence in the real estate and housing industry in the U.S. continued with his membership on Fannie Mae’s National Housing Impact Advisory Council, a post he held from 1994 – 1996.
Mr. Tate began his business career in 1949, building single and multi-family residential properties. By the late 1950s, his company, Stanley Tate Builders, Inc., broadened its scope to include commerc... Read More
Mr. Tate began his business career in 1949, building single and multi-family residential properties. By the late 1950s, his company, Stanley Tate Builders, Inc., broadened its scope to include commercial and industrial properties as well as providing leasing and consulting services. Beginning in 1969 he focused on condominium development in addition to shopping center, apartment, office building, warehouse, restaurant, and residential construction.

During the $17 billion REIT crisis in the 1970’s, Mr. Tate’s expertise was heavily sought after by many REITs, Nationally Chartered Banks and Courts (Federal and State) and the New York Federal Bankruptcy Court. Mr. Tate was appointed by the New York Federal Bankruptcy Court as Trustee to establish a work-out Plan of Arrangement for Associated Mortgage Investors, Inc. (REIT listed on the American Stock Exchange) and Chase Manhattan Bank, which was the lead lender for 27 National and State chartered banks involved in this work-out. The work-out included an international portfolio of distressed real estate valued at over $600,000,000. Mr. Tate’s efforts concluded with a 100% pay back of all of the individual banks invested capital.

Due to Mr. Tate’s success with the Associated Mortgage Investors, his expertise was again used to oversee the workouts of 12 other REITS (mostly owned by banks) in similar need. Among the REIT’s assets that Mr. Tate personally supervised were several internationally owned projects including:
- Golf Course and approximately 280 single family home community, Shannon, Ireland
- Major Medical Center & Hospital, Frankfort, Germany
- Major Medical Center & Hospital, Abu Dhabi
- 1,000+ room hotel plus golf course owned by Trust House Forte, Sardinia , Italy
Mr. Tate participated in the formation of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989, the legislation which laid the foundation for the Resolution Trust Corporation (“RTC”). Mr. Tate’s involvement with the then newly-formed RTC began in 1989 when he was named Chairman of Region 1, which included 20 states on the Eastern seaboard. In July 1993, Mr. Tate was nominated by then President Clinton for appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the RTC. The RTC was credited with the dissolution of approximately $400,000,000,000.00 of distressed real estate assets. His influence in the real estate and housing industry in the U.S. continued with his membership on Fannie Mae’s National Housing Impact Advisory Council, a post he held from 1994 – 1996.
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J. Ronald Terwilliger

Chairman Emeritus of Trammell Crow Residential

Ron Terwilliger is currently non-executive chairman of Terwilliger Pappas Multifamily Partners which focuses on rental apartment development in the Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville and Raleigh/Durham markets. He is chairman emeritus of Trammell Crow Residential Company, a national residential real estate company and the largest developer of multifamily housing in the U.S. for several decades during his tenure as CEO.

Ron is an honor graduate of the United States Naval Academy. After serving five years in the Navy, he received his MBA degree with high distinction from the Harvard Graduate School of Business where he was elected a Baker Scholar.

Ron is past chairman of the Urban Land Institute and currently serves as a trustee. He is also chairman emeritus of the Wharton Real Estate Center. Ron is additionally past chairman of the International Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity and currently chairs Habitat’s Global Development Council. Ron serves as chairman of the I Have a Dream Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to educating low-income children. He also serves as chairman of the Enterprise Community Partners board of trustees. Ron serves on the boards of the U. S. Naval Academy Foundation, the Urban Institute, Horatio Alger Association and Colony Starwood Homes.

Ron’s philanthropic contributions include a $5 million gift to establish the ULI Terwilliger Center for Housing. Ron’s $5 million gift to the Enterprise Foundation created the Enterprise Terwilliger Fund – targeted to create 2,000 affordable homes annually. He has pledged and contributed more than $20 million to the U.S. Naval Academy. His $100 million legacy gift to Habitat for Humanity International will help 60,000 families access improved housing conditions.

Ron was inducted into the National Association of Homebuilder’s Hall of Fame in 2008. In 2009, Ron was honored by the National Housing Conference with the Housing Leader of the Year Award.

Ron was honored in 2009 by the United States Naval Academy as a Distinguished Graduate for his lifetime commitment to service, personal character and distinguished contributions to our nation. In 2012, Ron was honored with the National Patriotism Award by the National Foundation of Patriotism. Ron was the recipient of the 2013 ULI J.C. Nichols Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development. Ron was also selected for the prestigious Horatio Alger Award – Class of 2014, bestowed upon individuals who have succeeded in spite of adversity and who are committed to supporting young people in pursuit of increased opportunities through higher education.

In 2014, Ron established the J. Ronald Terwilliger Foundation for Housing America’s Families to recalibrate federal housing policy to more effectively address our nation’s critical affordable housing challenges and to meet the housing needs of future generations.

Ron Terwilliger is currently non-executive chairman of Terwilliger Pappas Multifamily Partners which focuses on rental apartment development in the Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville and Raleigh/Durham mar... Read More

Ron Terwilliger is currently non-executive chairman of Terwilliger Pappas Multifamily Partners which focuses on rental apartment development in the Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville and Raleigh/Durham markets. He is chairman emeritus of Trammell Crow Residential Company, a national residential real estate company and the largest developer of multifamily housing in the U.S. for several decades during his tenure as CEO.

Ron is an honor graduate of the United States Naval Academy. After serving five years in the Navy, he received his MBA degree with high distinction from the Harvard Graduate School of Business where he was elected a Baker Scholar.

Ron is past chairman of the Urban Land Institute and currently serves as a trustee. He is also chairman emeritus of the Wharton Real Estate Center. Ron is additionally past chairman of the International Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity and currently chairs Habitat’s Global Development Council. Ron serves as chairman of the I Have a Dream Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to educating low-income children. He also serves as chairman of the Enterprise Community Partners board of trustees. Ron serves on the boards of the U. S. Naval Academy Foundation, the Urban Institute, Horatio Alger Association and Colony Starwood Homes.

Ron’s philanthropic contributions include a $5 million gift to establish the ULI Terwilliger Center for Housing. Ron’s $5 million gift to the Enterprise Foundation created the Enterprise Terwilliger Fund – targeted to create 2,000 affordable homes annually. He has pledged and contributed more than $20 million to the U.S. Naval Academy. His $100 million legacy gift to Habitat for Humanity International will help 60,000 families access improved housing conditions.

Ron was inducted into the National Association of Homebuilder’s Hall of Fame in 2008. In 2009, Ron was honored by the National Housing Conference with the Housing Leader of the Year Award.

Ron was honored in 2009 by the United States Naval Academy as a Distinguished Graduate for his lifetime commitment to service, personal character and distinguished contributions to our nation. In 2012, Ron was honored with the National Patriotism Award by the National Foundation of Patriotism. Ron was the recipient of the 2013 ULI J.C. Nichols Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development. Ron was also selected for the prestigious Horatio Alger Award – Class of 2014, bestowed upon individuals who have succeeded in spite of adversity and who are committed to supporting young people in pursuit of increased opportunities through higher education.

In 2014, Ron established the J. Ronald Terwilliger Foundation for Housing America’s Families to recalibrate federal housing policy to more effectively address our nation’s critical affordable housing challenges and to meet the housing needs of future generations.
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Bergstrom Center Hall of Fame

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