Real Estate Advisors

Maria Aiello is Head of Technology at Manulife Real Estate. She has over 28 years experience developing and implementing multi-year IT strategies in complex real estate organizations.

Farooz Alikhan is Managing Director IT of DivcoWest and is responsible for all IT resources and initiatives. With his more than 17 years of experience, he helps define and execute the IT strategy in line with the overall business strategy.

Ryan Allbaugh has over 20 years of experience in the IT industry. Currently, he leads highly knowledgeable and collaborative teams to design and implement technical solutions for Wells Fargo’s corporate properties group. As the former CIO of the largest private commercial real estate developer in the southeast, Ryan applied his extensive knowledge to implement technology solutions impacting the real estate industry, such as his role in the development of one of the most technologically sophisticated buildings in the world, the Duke Energy Center in Charlotte, NC.

Stuart Appley is a Managing Director in CBRE’s Global Workplace Solutions Group, where he is responsible for providing executive technology oversight and consulting to clients. Stuart also has a technology innovation & thought leadership role, helping to develop, drive, and lead pilots on innovative digital projects across CBRE. He was previously the CIO at Shorenstein Realty Services, where he led the transformation of the company’s technology environment into an innovative and best in class organization.

Porter Bellew is VP, CIO for Federal Realty Investment Trust. He is responsible for the Trust’s information technology strategy, services, operations and team. Porter has over 25 years of experience in real estate information management.

Currently, Keith Bereskin is the Vice President of Information Technology & Building Operations at Healthpeak Properties, a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests primarily in real estate serving the United States healthcare industry. Keith previously gained IT experience with companies in Pharmaceutical, Medical Device and Semi-Conductor sectors.

Christopher Blackman serves as SVP and CIO responsible for the day to day technology direction and implementation for Empire State Realty Trust, a leading real estate investment trust (REIT), owns, manages, operates, acquires and repositions office and retail properties in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area, including the Empire State Building, the world's most famous building.

Carl Brady is Stream Realty Partners' Chief Technology Officer, specializing in the company's computer network infrastructure planning, implementation and management. Carl joined Stream Realty in 1999 with 16 years experience in commercial property management and information technology. Since then, and also while serving as a Senior Property Manager, he has called upon his experience to implement numerous advances in technology for the firm during its growth. His unique experience in technology, property management and other aspects of the real estate industry, coupled with his education, enable him to provide an exceptional level of insight and vision toward Stream's technology needs for today and the future.

Jesse Carrillo is SVP and CIO for Hines. He is responsible for directing all corporate technology, strategy and standards for Hines worldwide. At Hines since 1994, he previously assisted in the implementation of the firm's accounting and property management software, held the lead IT role in the Enterprise Resource Planning implementation, and led the application development team until taking over as the head of Information Technology in 2007.

Joe Chiappetta has been VP & CTO at Simon Property Group since joining the company in 2001. Joe has responsibility for the company's core business applications, Project Management Office and Project Execution, business intelligence solutions, and new value creation consistent with the company's business strategy. In his role, he has delivered on several large scale projects, driven new business processes, and implemented leading technologies such as Salesforce.com, Hyperion Financial Management, and Cognos tools. His group leads application architecture as well as the evaluation of new technologies for the business. Prior to joining Simon, Joe was a Certified Project Manager with IBM Corporation.

Nick Covello is the SVP and CIO for The John Buck Company. He is responsible for the overall information technology strategy, infrastructure, and all enterprise-wide systems. Nick brings over 20 years of experience in the field of information technology with a diverse background including corporate, asset management, and construction development platform solutions. His extensive knowledge is integral to developing synergistic relationships between technology and tenant experiences.

Kevin Danehy is currently the Global Head of Corporate Development at Brookfield. The group works to accelerate growth across its portfolio of assets under management in markets globally through various means including direct transactions, M&A, JVs and strategic alliances. Previously, when he joined Brookfield in 2013 he was the Executive Chairman of Brookfield Global Relocation Services and had overall responsibility for growth of the company and served as the primary lead with the company’s board and leveraging the firm’s extensive relationships.

As Chief Administrative Officer, Chandra Dhandapani is responsible for CBRE’s Digital & Technology, People, Marketing and Research organizations. She and her team are responsible for CBRE’s effort to recruit, retain and develop the industry’s top market-facing, functional and leadership talent, amplify CBRE’s already strong brand position and thought leadership and its global Marketing and Research capabilities. She joined CBRE in 2016 to lead the company’s digital strategy and all aspects of technology globally. She and her team provided the technology capabilities and infrastructure to support CBRE’s clients and professionals across the globe. Chandra has turbocharged CBRE’s approach to leveraging technology as an enabler, assembled a high performing team and strengthened CBRE’s expertise in harnessing data as a differentiator.

Adi Englander, CPA, is the head of JBG Smith’s IT Enterprise Solutions department and is responsible for the firm’s real estate business applications. Adi has approximately 20 years of experience and has worked for JBG Smith for over 10 years.

Robert Entin is currently EVP and CIO for Vornado Realty Trust, one of the nation's largest real estate investment trusts. Mr. Entin had founded Integrated Business Systems, Inc. in 1979 combining technical engineering expertise with accounting and property management experience to provide turnkey technology solutions for the real estate industry. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University where he teaches a master’s course in IT & The Real Estate Enterprise.

Ian Feagin is currently the Director of Information Technology at Jamestown, a national, vertically integrated real estate operator with approximately $11.2 billion of assets under management. Previously, Ian was Director of Technical Support at Leapfrog for 14 years where he was responsible for providing technical services to over 10,000 users worldwide with a staff of 65 technicians.

john Fitzpatrick is a Managing Director in the Blackstone Innovations and Infrastructure group. He oversees various projects and initiatives across the entire Innovations and Infrastructure group.

Susan Gerock currently serves as VP, Information Technology and CIO for Washington REIT, a publicly traded REIT based in Washington, DC. She has over 20 years' experience in various technology roles spanning manufacturing, consulting, application service provider, and commercial real estate organizations. Her specialties include ERP selection and implementation, project and change management, and cybersecurity. She is also a proponent of the use of social media and the overlapping relationship between technology and marketing.

Jason Gheradini is currently SVP, IT at Sares-Regis, a preeminent developer and provider of comprehensive commercial and residential real estate services throughout the western United States. He provides all aspects of IT leadership from business strategy, infrastructure operations and support to overseeing innovation and emerging technology. Jason has over 15 years of experience in commercial and multi-family real estate, construction and the software industry.

Mike Goodwin is Stockbridge's Director of Technology, CISO. He oversees information technology, information security and cybersecurity for the firm. He has a combined 18 years in the industry across different operational functions.

Lyndal Hanna is VP, IT of Avison Young. She is responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day management of all aspects of technology at the company. Lyndal brings to Avison Young 25 years of experience in real estate technology.

Dean Hopkins is currently COO of Oxford Properties. He draws on over 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur, public company CEO, change agent, and thought leader to organizations seeking to leverage technology to achieve their global ambitions.

As VP, IT, Gord Howells is responsible for executing the corporate technology strategy and oversees Primaris’ business information, marketing and analytics systems. In his twenty-year IT career, he has extensive experience developing and executing technology strategies in a diverse range of business environments.

Todd Januzzi is SVP & CIO of Paramount Group, a best-in-class owner, operator and manager of Class A office properties.

Rachel Johnson manages NRP Group's technology, business intelligence and business process functions. She also oversees the day-to-day operations of the IT department and provides strategic direction to the firm's leaders as NRP Group expands.

Dale Johnston is SVP, CIO of Regency Center where he oversees the its information technology team nationwide and advances the company’s information and technology platforms. He has 16 years of experience in leading technology teams and projects for commercial real estate companies.

JP Jones is currently SVP, CIO of Macerich responsible for hiring, training, developing and leading a highly proficient and cross-sectional IT team. He was initially hired within the Westcor merger to implement, upgrade and manage the applications and technologies of a public REIT with 2,000 users across multiple locations in the US. With over 28 years' experience, JP is a collaborative senior IT executive leader, business partner and solution provider.

Phil Klokis is currently the CIO for the Public Buildings Service (PBS) of the General Services Administration. He is responsible for delivering Information Technology (IT) solutions and services supporting PBS' diverse real estate operations and portfolio management consisting of 1,500 owned assets, 9,000 active leased assets and nearly 350 million square feet of office space.

Cecilia Li has more than 20 years of experience as a proven technology strategist and business transformation expert. She is currently the SVP, IT of Urban Edge Properties, a real estate investment trust focused on management, acquiring, development and redevelopment of retail real estate in urban communities, primarily in the New York metropolitan region. The company owns 78 properties totaling 15.1 million square feet of gross leasable area.

Art Mcann's primary goal is the development of Highwood's overall information technology strategy and aligning the company's technology investments with the overall business. He is a 20-year business technology veteran.

Robb Napolitano is the CIO for the Brooksville Company and is responsible for all oversight of its information and technology platforms. As a member of Brooksville's Senior Leadership Team, he contributes to the firm's strategic direction by using Information and Technology to reduce cost, improve operational process efficiencies and maximize revenue. Robb has more than 20 years' experience in the application of IT solutions across multiple industries.

Simon Okunev oversee the strategy and execution of Tishman Speyer's Global Information Technology function. He has 25 years of experience building and leading teams, as well as developing and implementing innovative technologies and systems.

Clint Osteen is Sr. Director of IT and is responsible for directing Granite’s information services and telecommunications across the portfolio. Prior to joining Granite, Clint spent 10 years in consulting, providing commercial real estate companies technology and business improvement services.

Sunder Pappu has more than 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He is currently the VP, Technology at Inland Computer Services. Prior to Inland, Sunder worked at JP Morgan Chase, Avanade and Deloitte Consulting, holding leadership positions in the areas of strategy consulting, project management and application delivery.

Soheil Pourhashemi is currently VP, Business Technology responsible for establishing and executing the commercial real estate IT strategy, vision and roadmap for Brookfield Properties North America. Brookfield is a premier real estate operating company, providing integrated services across all property investment strategies of Brookfield Asset Management, a global alternative asset manager with over $285 billion in AUM and manages over 130 million SF of commercial property globally with approximately 80M SQ FT of commercial real estate in North America.

Annette Prater, Executive Vice President, Technology & Innovation for Brookfield Properties' group has more than 20 years of experience in the real estate industry. She joined the company in 2016 and is responsible for the strategy and execution of all technology capabilities across the company and its shopping centers.

As the Director of Information Technology at Woolbright Development, Luis Ramos is responsible for the corporate technology strategy, which includes the IT infrastructure and enterprise application platforms. Additionally, he is also responsible for implementing technology solutions toward the company’s existing business processes, and helping create new efficiencies throughout the company's business model. Since his arrival in 2004, his team has been responsible for the constant development of various industry-focused proprietary software applications and tools. These award-winning technologies have fundamentally changed the way commercial real estate has been done at Woolbright.

Kim Scharf is the Senior Vice President of Information Technology at SITE Centers Corp., a position she assumed in April 2017. Prior to this, Kim served as Vice President of IT Enterprise Services and Senior Director of IT Enterprise Services. She is a member of DDR's Women of Influence program as an executive steering committee member, the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and on the Realcomm Advisory Council.

Bringing more than two decades of experience to his role of SVP Operations and Chief Information Officer, Chris Schneider develops and implements the overall information technology strategy for First Industrial Realty Trust. He also leads property management operations for the company's West Region.

Bill Sechen is Director of the Business Technology Group at Harrison Street and is a member of the firm’s Management Committee. Bill leads initiatives focused on the technology, data, process and information security needs as well as leading initiatives for M&A activities.

Justin Segal is an operations executive and entrepreneur specializing in real estate investment and management, startups, and technology. He is the founder of Stemmons Enterprise, a universal operations platform that allows companies to operate with pervasive data and unparalleled agility. He often speaks on topics involving enterprise data, analytics, and user experience.

David Silva is currently is VP, Technology at Allied Properties REIT. He is responsible for the strategic and operational direction of all the company's IT services. David has over 25 years senior IT experience and leadership.

With a strategic role overseeing of all MAPP's core Property Management function, Robert ensures that teams, technology and processes are effectively structured and connected. He explores and implements new technology to aid growth, and works with clients to identify their requirements and interpret that into action, ensuring excellence in service delivery. Robert has over 20 years' experience in managing significant client portfolio mandates and working with sector- leading organisations to deliver change, engagement and performance.

Helane Stein is SVP, CIO of Brixmor, an owner and operator of one of the nation's largest portfolios of open-air shopping centers, with approximately 500 commercial real estate properties strategically located across 38 states.

Thomas Taddeo is SVP, CIO at Kimco. He is responsible for the overall technology strategy, systems and infrastructure which support Kimco's global business operations. He also directs the implementation of enterprise initiatives that leverage technology to improve organizational efficiency and productivity. Prior to joining Kimco, Tom was a Senior Manager at Deloitte in their Real Estate Consulting Practice. He has a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

Ian Turnbull is CIO at First Capital Realty, a Canadian public real estate company that develops, owns and operates over 23.8 millions gross leasable area of urban retail properties.

Brandon Van Orden is SVP & CIO for Cousins Properties Incorporated based in Atlanta. He is responsible for Cousins technical vision and all aspects of the Information Technology organization including people, strategy, development and operations. Prior to joining Cousins in 2016, Brandon was VP of Global Applications for Novelis and prior to that he was with GE Energy for 12 years where he held a number of IT leadership roles increasing in responsibility after he graduated from the GE Information Technology Leadership Program in 2003.

Cheryl VanPatten is SVP, CIO of Washington Prime Group. She is responsible for providing solutions, direction and leadership regarding information technology to corporate and field operations and to other business partners. Washington Prime Group is a retail REIT and an owner, manager and developer of retail properties.

Sheridan Ware manages all aspects of technology at Charter Hall. Multi-layered with far-reaching impact, her team constantly seeks new ways to leverage platforms and data – to drive deeper insights that will not only create better choices in property investment, but also ensure the business is operating as efficiently as possible to continue to grow and support its investors’ future wealth. As a human-centric designer, Sheridan puts people at the heart of everything she does.

Marguerite Westbrook is VP, Technology at EDENS, a nationally leading retail real estate owner, operator and developer. She oversees creating value for the company by improving user productivity through collaboration and data analytics, as well as automation and integration of EDENS’ systems. She is responsible for providing solutions, direction and leadership to align the technology strategy with the company's goals and objectives.

Ilan Zachar is currently Chief Technology Officer at Carr Properties, a privately held REIT known for its portfolio of trophy-quality properties in the Washington D.C. In this role, Ilan leverages vision and foresight to cross-pollinate best practices, processes, systems and resources across corporate operations/affiliates. Under his leadership, this has resulted in improvements in bottom-line costs, top-line business growth/scalability, operational sustainability and high performance and overall, strengthening his company’s role as a market leader. For over 20 years, Ilan has been executive business leader and innovative technology strategist for multinational real-estate and property development companies worldwide.

Scott Zimmerman has been CenterPoint’s CIO for over 20 years and is responsible for directing the IT Department and aligning the IT strategy with the company's objectives. He is also responsible for CenterPoint’s corporate marketing activities as well as their business process initiatives.

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.

Charles Buscarino is the Founder & CEO of The Clarient Group (TCG), a full-service smart building consulting and design firm that has worked on many leading-edge facilities nationally and globally. An acknowledged thought leader in the design of integrated building systems technology, he founded TCG with the vision of creating a design and consulting firm focused on providing clients with solutions to help them meet their strategic and operational goals. Under Charles' leadership, TCG has provided smart building design and consulting services for more than six million square feet, including corporate offices and headquarters, retail and entertainment venues, multi-family and individual residences, and leading educational, healthcare, and cultural institutions.

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.

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.

Srini is part of the Application & Incubation team supporting the Microsoft real estate services group. The group drives the digital transformation of the Microsoft redmond campus and sets standards/supports implementations for the Microsoft global real estate portfolio. In his specific role Srini owns driving strategy for the following functionality verticals: healthy buildings, secure device provisioning and onboarding, integration architecture for edge devices and determining the appropriate usage of microsoft products such as Azure Plug n Play/IoT Central/Sphere in the end state implementation architecture.

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.

Bayron Lopez is the Operational Technology Manager responsible for managing and innovating Kilroy Realty's smart buildings systems. He helps determine policies and processes from security to maintenance and growth to increase building efficiency and tenant experience. Kilroy is a leading West Coast landlord and developer globally recognized for sustainability, building operations, innovation and design.

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.

Charles Meyers is SVP & Chief Technical Architect, Corporate Property Group of Wells Fargo and responsible for emerging technologies that optimize the company's real estate portfolio. Currently, he is focused on mitigating the emerging threats and cybersecurity vulnerabilities around building operational and physical security technologies. Charles has 39 years of financial systems and technology experience. Since 2016, he also been spearheading the industry association, Real Estate Cyber Consortium (RECC), to elevate awareness across the real estate community to improve cybersecurity preparedness for buildings and facilities.

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 Petock 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. Intelligent Buildings was founded in 2004 and provides managed services and advisory services that reduce operational risk and lower cost structure in commercial real estate. Their services support smart building design development, contractor cybersecurity and facility public health solutions.

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.