Advisory Council

Stephen Adams has over twenty five years’ experience in the management of A Class office buildings and Regional Shopping Centers. He is responsible for a downtown mixed use portfolio consisting of class A office buildings and high end retail sites located in Toronto.

As head of Workplace Performance and Innovation, David Berz manages the technology and data teams that give Global Workplace Services the insight it needs to drive incredible employee experiences. David’s team seeks innovative technologies that enhance the employee experiences in interacting with LinkedIn’s global real estate portfolio as well as providing data-informed decisions for Workplace Design and Construction.

James Brogan, AIA RIBA NCARB, is currently a Principal / CIO with Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), responsible for the overall strategy and integration of digital technologies in KPF’s nine global locations, including Digital Practice, information, data and knowledge management, advanced modeling and immersive technologies, the KPF intranet.

Jon is Head of Smart Building Technology Delivery at Dexus, one of Australia’s leading real estate groups. He is responsible for the delivery of the technology component of Dexus’s next generation of cutting edge, digitally enabled buildings. With over 30 years’ experience in Automation, Systems Integration, Energy Management and Building Performance Optimisation, Jon has been on an industry journey from pneumatics to analogue and digital.

Scott Cochrane is President and CEO of Cochrane Supply & Engineering, overseeing six branches throughout three states and one in Canada. He is an advisory council member for multiple industry manufacturers such as Honeywell, Johnson Controls, and Tridium.

Vincent Dermody is a pragmatic and outcome-focused Executive Strategy Advisor with a record of establishing a common vision and vocabulary for business stakeholders. Currently, he runs the global smart building practice for CohnReznick and has been involved in setting strategies and delivering outcomes for significant projects and high-profile companies. Vincent delivers digital outcomes for the built environment that delivers real benefit to investors and occupiers. Vincent has over 25 years of providing IT leadership across Real Estate, Finance, Entertainment, Hi-Tech Manufacturing and Utilities sectors, with market leading skills in Strategy, Architecture and Innovation.

Kunal Desai is a Engineering Programs Manager at Google. He leads Google's coveted Facility Engineering Programs including the Digital / Smart Building Program. Kunal is responsible for developing and executing Smart Building Program strategy with strong focus on user experience and facility operations. With over 14 years of experience in Design, Sustainability, Energy Efficiency, and Building Management Systems, Kunal has always been a strong advocate of technology actively assisting in solving for current day real estate problems.

John Dulin is a 30-year global telecom and enterprise executive and has held senior positions in product management, marketing and sales in the areas of fiber optics, wireless and new technology development. Currently with Corning, John is focused on introducing its fiber optic and wireless innovations to the commercial real estate market.

Maureen Ehrenberg is the Global Head of Digital Facility and Asset Management Services for WeWork’s Powered by We segment, a full-service Strategy, Services and Technology solution for CRE. She is leading WeWork’s growth in the global digital facility and property services market, responsible for developing and implementing products and services that enable Corporate Real Estate, Facilities leaders and real estate investors to unlock the value of their portfolios. She is responsible for designing service delivery systems with processes and digital solutions that increase productivity, comfort and support the future of work.

Marlene Farias joined Triovest in 2002. She has over 25 years of senior building operations and property management experience and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of approximately 10 million square feet of industrial and commercial real estate in the Greater Toronto Area.

Robert Fitzgerald is a Senior Director with JLL's Digital Solutions Unit. Robert helps JLL clients by advising, implementing, integrating and sustaining Real Estate and Facilities Management (RE/FM) technology and data to drive measurable business results. Taking a business partner and trusted advisor approach, Robert delivers strategic insights, functional depth and technical aptitude to ensure JLL client success.

Michael Frazee is VP, Global Head of IT Infrastructure at Lendlease, a leading international property and infrastructure group with operations in Australia, Asia, Europe and the Americas.

David Gallagher is a project manager at Oxford Properties, one of Canada’s leading commercial real estate companies. His responsibilities are focused on the strategy and execution of Oxford’s Smart Building program, including implementation of portfolio-wide building system infrastructure and software platforms. Experienced in energy management, he also has a background in using data and analytics to optimize energy use and facility operation.

John is COO/EVP/CTO of Rudin Management Company (RMC which manages 15 million square feet of commercial and residential space, the largest privately owned real estate company in NYC owned by the Rudin Family. John has been involved in every major project the company has developed over the last 24 years. As a co-inventor of Nantum® building operating system and Executive Chairman of Prescriptive Data, his vision is to future proof real estate by giving all buildings a 'brain'.

Mark Golan is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in real estate, finance and technology. Currently in his role as VP Real Estate & Workplace Services (REWS) at Google, he oversees the organization's business partnerships, central facilities services, events & guest services, transportation, and all facets of design and construction.

Arv Gupta is an accomplished operations executive with over 25 years of experience in leading business renewal, and building sustainable customer value propositions with a number of major retail organizations. Arv is currently responsible for driving national operational efficiency and effectiveness, while maintaining a standard of excellence in customer experience across all Cadillac Fairview properties.

Gerry Hamilton directs the Facilities Energy Management department at Stanford University, which includes the operation of the campus Energy Management & Control System and oversight of the University's energy efficiency programs. Gerry ensures that buildings and associated processes are operated efficiently and that new facilities incorporate best practices for energy use.

Rob Hamon is Boxer Property’s Director of Energy and Sustainability; responsible for supply and demand side energy management for the Company’s extensive portfolio of commercial property. Prior experience includes MCI Telecommunications, Enron Energy Services, and Novar Controls. Rob began his career in the US Navy serving 21 years in nuclear power submarine service, retiring as a USN Commander.

Jason Houck has over fourteen years of experience implementing and servicing Building Automation and Security Systems. His responsibilities include project management, programming, network design, and verification of building systems for both retrofit and new construction projects. This includes system design, operating improvements, and system integration by utilizing application specific technology. His system experience combined and building knowledge is a championship combination in today's smart building industry. Jason also has an extensive IT background which allows him to fully appreciate the importance of a properly designed network. He has the unique ability to take all of his system, building and IT knowledge and effectively communicate any potential issues, favorable solutions, or operating recommendations to any member of the task regardless of their industry background. This effective communication allows him to bridge the communication gap between members within IT, Project Management, Financial, Maintenance and Service.

As IoT Program Director, Srini Khandavilli currently owns the worldwide strategy, roadmap and implementation of IoT SMART buildings at Intel. Srini has been at Intel for the last 18 years. His background includes managing large global software teams, software architecture, applications and middleware. He collaborates closely with the Intel IoTG group to ensure that the hardware and software assets deliver services meeting the needs of the SMART Building use cases at Intel.

Sabine Lam is a Technology Program Manager on the Real Estate and Workplace Services team at Google. In this role, she focuses on bringing the connected building vision to the forefront of Google real estate and facilities operations teams, and equips REWS to deliver next generation services and workspaces that enhance employee productivity. Her responsibilities include collaborating with industry stakeholders to work towards a global strategy for building automation systems across the Google portfolio.

Aaron Lapsley leads Cushman & Wakefield’s smart buildings practice for the Americas. Aaron has experience in technology with Switch Automation, management consulting with Deloitte Consulting and engineering consulting with Lilker Associates in New York.

Steve Lefkowitz is a results-driven and profit-minded executive in the national corporate real estate world with the proven ability to effectively manage large-scale real estate portfolios. He is a 35-year veteran of Time Warner where he has held multiple titles including SVP of CRE for HBO. As the current head of Global Facilities Management for Warner Media, he oversees FM operations and directs a center of excellence organization supporting delivery of hard and soft services across their diversified global portfolio of properties.

Nathan Lyon is the Head of Building Technology for Investa, Australia's largest commercial office specialists who develop, manage and own over 11 billion of commercial office assets. He is responsible for technology strategies for new and existing assets, delivery and implementation of solutions enhancing the building occupants' experience and increase the performance and flexibility of the built environment across Investa’s portfolio. Nathan has 15 years' CRE experience in both operations and development.

Lachlan MacQuarrie oversees the service side of Oxford’s operations platform across 5 asset classes in Canada including Smart & Connected, and Cyber Security. He has more than 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, primarily in Asset / Operations Mgmt, Development and Investments.

Matthew Marson is WSP’s Head of Smart Places. He focuses on designing and delivering digital real estate transformation and human-centered Internet of Things (IoT) technologies within the built environment. Matthew trained as an Architect and is a Chartered Engineer. Matthew was elected as a Fellow of the RSA and named as the Institute of Mechanical Engineers Young Visionary 2016/2017 for his work in creating The World’s Most Connected Building.

Charles Matta, FAIA, is Director for the Center for Building Information Programs, and Deputy CIO for GSA’s Public Buildings IT Services. He previously served as Center Director for GSA's Federal Buildings & Modernizations overseeing a program of 120 public buildings in various stages of planning through construction nationwide. He has garnered several federal and corporate awards on innovation. Charles is former President of AIA Northern Virginia and a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects for his industry contributions to the practice of Architecture.

Vicinity Centres is one of Australia’s leading retail property owners and operators with a portfolio of more than 80 shopping centres and $26 billion in assets under management. Justin Mills, in his role as EGM Shopping Centres, manages shopping centre operations and alternative income streams across the portfolio and leads a national team driving innovation. Vicinity’s recent trials in new technology include robotics and automated cleaning, waste disposal systems, and a large-scale battery as part of the recently announced record investment in shopping centre solar.

Matthew Montañes works in the Global Real Estate group at JPMorgan Chase & Co. In that capacity, he is responsible for Global Property Management and Regional Asset Management activities for the firm’s corporate and retail portfolio. He was previously Director of Global Property Operations at Tishman Speyer.

David is the Sustainability Manager for Mirvac’s $9 billion investment portfolio. He leads a team of in-house sustainability professionals who are responsible for the delivery of Mirvac’s This Changes Everything sustainability strategy across the Office, Industrial and Retail portfolios.

Joe Pattenaude, as Director of Building Systems for Bedrock Detroit, develops the specifications and processes for its industry leading portfolio of smart buildings in Detroit and Cleveland, as well as directs a team of integration specialists that provide a full suite of services for Bedrock. Joe brings a unique perspective to the Smart Building industry with a diversified background in engineering, building management and operation, automated control systems, and mechanical service and repair.

James Peterson is Head of Asset Management & Operations for Lend Lease, a leading international property and infrastructure group with operations in Australia, Asia, Europe and the Americas. James manages the development, design and construction teams and to ensure the future operational requirements for the precinct are incorporated in a way that delivers ongoing best practice and operating cost and management efficiencies.

Marc is a pioneer in leading the Intelligent/Smart Buildings and M2M movements pushing the industry forward and has contributed to transforming and changing the Intelligent Buildings and M2M (now IoT) industries. As Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Lynxspring Marc leads corporate and product marketing, strategy, brand management, public relations and communications that support the company’s strategic and growth initiatives.

John Petze is a partner and co-founder at SkyFoundry, the developers of SkySpark™, an analytics platform for building, energy and equipment data. John has over 35 years of experience in building automation, energy management and M2M, having served in senior level positions for manufacturers of hardware and software products. At SkyFoundry he helps owners take advantage of advanced operational analytics to create truly intelligent and efficient buildings.

Jonathan Poon is the Director of Building Technology at CBL Properties. He oversees the engineering, design, integration, and the ongoing operational services associated with each building technology initiative implemented. A few focus areas include ensuring CBL positions its properties to meet the growing building technology demand for tenant data and voice services, enhancements to consumer experiences through the use of technology, implementation of security systems, and developing technology solutions that have revenue potential for CBL.

Brian Schwartz is responsible for Smart Building Infrastructure at over 50 centers portflio wide. He oversees the installation and support for CCTV, Wi-Fi, Energy Management, shopper counting, and DAS. Brian supports digital marketing initiatives including digital signage and property websites.

Tom Shircliff is a co-founder and principal of Intelligent Buildings, a nationally recognized smart real estate professional services company that was started in 2004. Intelligent Buildings provides planning and implementation of next generation strategy for new buildings, existing portfolios and urban communities. Tom is a speaker and collaborator with numerous universities and national laboratories, a gubernatorial appointee for energy strategy and policy and founding Chairman of Envision Charlotte, a Clinton Global Initiative.

Jennifer Sicilia is the VP and GM of RYCOM. Building on over 20 years of experience, she has been instrumental in spearheading RYCOM's groundbreaking Smart Solutions Platform, amongst many others. As a leader of a team of 100-plus members spanning across Canada, she is heavily involved in all stages of the process, ranging from initial strategy to ongoing optimization to making certain that strategy, technologies and systems are perfectly aligned to drive all clients' ROI.

Craig Stevenson is President of AUROS Group, a technology company based in Pittsburgh, PA. He is widely known for his role in establishing Pittsburgh as a leader in "Evidence-based Performance" for the built environment. Evidence-based Performance uses technology to bridge the gap between "hoping" a building is performing as designed to "knowing" a building is meeting its performance goals. He is credentialed in virtually all known building performance standards. As a result, Craig focuses solely on owner's performance requirements for their building(s).

Casey Talon is a principal research analyst with Navigant Research, contributing to the Building Innovations program. With a background in economics, environmental science, and policy, she has deep experience as an analyst and consultant in the building technology sector. Prior to joining Navigant, Casey worked with both public and private sector clients as an analyst and consultant focused on energy efficiency, building technologies, sustainability and climate change.

Ben is an architect who is compelled by his belief that architects are stewards of the built environment, with the power to enhance people's lives through the quality of design. Ben has served as a Director with Gensler since 2006, leading the design process for many of the firm's foremost projects, such as the 632-meter Shanghai Tower, The Tower at PNC Plaza, and the new headquarters for NVIDIA.

Donny Walker leads Newcomb Boyd's Intelligent Building Systems group. He has over 20 years of engineering, project management, and partner-in-charge responsibilities in communications, security and integrated building automation systems. His experience includes aviation facilities, health care buildings, judicial facilities, advanced technology developments, military installations, data centers, mixed-use developments, performing arts facilities and college campuses. With prowess designing technologically sophisticated campuses, his background encompasses over 150 projects specializing in an integrated design with network-enabled systems.

Theresa is SVP, Retail at KingSett Capital, Canada’s leading private equity real estate investment business co-investing with institutional and ultra high net worth clients through a series of growth, mortgage, urban and income funds. Theresa is responsible for the operations, execution and value creation strategies across KingSett's Real Estate portfolio, primarily focusing on the retail assets. In addition, her responsibilities include the execution of KingSett’s sustainability and building technology strategies across the portfolio.

Leighton Wolffe is the co-founder of NorthBridge Energy Partners, an independent consulting organization with expertise and perspective on US energy markets and works with retail energy companies, institutional energy consumers, technologists and investors providing strategic business development, market research, and technology development services. Previously, he was VP Strategy for Constellation NewEnergy where he formed the NewEnergy Alliance, an industry association that advanced awareness between building owners, energy management and equipment manufacturers and systems integrators with emerging US Demand Response programs.

Terry Wood is VP, Real Estate at Kaiser Permanente, one of America’s leading healthcare providers, responsible for executing real estate services for Kaiser Permanente’s over 70 million square foot real estate portfolio, including more than 1,000 facilities, with a replacement value of over $32 Billion. He is accountable for developing industry leading tools, implementing strategy, and establishing industry best practices for all key functions within the Real Estate Division. Terry has more than 25 years of experience in all facets of domestic and international corporate real estate, including strategic planning, real estate transactions, facilities management and construction.

Leon Wurfel is the CEO of BUENO. Leon founded BUENO in partnership with Airmaster Australia with the aim of utilising current and emerging technologies to drive innovative sustainability and operations solutions.

Phillip Yang is currently Group Manager (Head), Centre Technology of Scentre Group. His role is to partner with the Design & Construction, National Facilities and Centre Experience teams to help create and deliver value to its centres. He focuses on business challenges with Technology to help accelerate agility and innovation for the organisation's employees, customers and partners. Phillip has an interest in the convergence of property and technology where the right application of business processes, technology and people can deliver significant value to physical and digital assets.