NAIOP to Focus on Advocacy, Education and Growth Under Gilchrist
JLL Senior Vice President and Senior Director of Research Lauren Gilchrist was unanimously selected as the next NAIOP Greater Philadelphia Chapter
Gilchrist has a strong background in data analysis. She is responsible for the strategic direction of JLL’s Philadelphia research platform, including the development of JLL’s proprietary data and analytics. Gilchrist also assists developers with strategic decision-making and has more recently become involved with policy initiatives as part of her past role at the Center City District.
“I am honored to hold this leadership position, to have the ability to inspire the next generation of commercial real estate professionals, and to help grow the chapter,” said Gilchrist. “I’m excited about where the industry as a whole is going and to play a big role in growing and advocating for the commercial real estate community. I’m proud to carry the torch forward.”
The chapter’s mission to serve as the voice and advocate of the commercial real estate community on issues surrounding development,
In addition to the advocacy mission, the chapter has focused on diversity through much of its programming. One program, NEXUS, brought 24 high-performing students of color to the Greater Philadelphia area for two weeks over the summer to expose them to commercial real estate for the first time. Additionally, the Developing Leaders Mentorship Program, a cohorted group selected through a competitive application process, participated in a 10 month program focused on their professional development, sessions with industry leaders, and tours of high-profile projects.
In the coming year, Gilchrist and the NAIOP board will prioritize building a local-level advocacy program.
“The Philadelphia chapter has been one of the fastest growing in the country and made great strides representing our industry on the issues affecting our business, while preparing our young leaders for success,” said Mark Seltzer, Vice President, at Liberty Property Trust and most recent past NAIOP Greater Philadelphia Chapter President, who will remain active on the Board of Directions and chair the Executive Committee. “The Commercial Real Estate community is becoming increasingly diverse and progressive and we are excited to be leading this effort and shaping the future of our industry in the Greater Philadelphia region. The experience that new leadership, Lauren and Joe (Joe Ritchie, Vice President Brandywine Realty Trust, Chapter President-Elect), bring to NAIOP will carry the organization into a new, even more productive era.”
NAIOP will increase its focus on advocacy, education, diversity and talent development in the years ahead.
Gilchrist’s presidency was officially announced at the NAIOP Annual Holiday Luncheon on December 3, 2018. Her two-year term will begin on the first of the year.
About NAIOP
NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association is the leading organization for developers, owners, investors and related professionals in office, industrial, retail and mixed-use real estate. NAIOP provides unparalleled industry networking and education and advocates for effective legislation on behalf of our members. NAIOP advances responsible, sustainable development that creates jobs and benefits the communities in which our members work and live. For more information, visit naiop.org.
