You've been involved with the Foundation for many years. What initially motivated you to become a Governor, and what has kept you engaged over time?

What initially attracted me to the Foundation was its focus on advancing knowledge and thought leadership within commercial real estate. Our industry makes decisions involving significant amounts of capital, long-term horizons and meaningful impacts on communities, yet too often those decisions are driven by anecdotes rather than data. The Foundation provides an opportunity to support objective research that helps the industry make better decisions.

What has kept me engaged is the quality of the people involved and the Foundation's commitment to addressing real-world issues. Throughout my career – whether at Prologis, Hilco, or founding and later selling Altman Logistics Properties to FRP Holdings, where I now serve as CIO – I have found that the most successful organizations are those that continuously learn, adapt and challenge conventional thinking. The Foundation plays an important role in fostering that mindset across the industry.

The Foundation has produced research on topics ranging from the economic impact of commercial real estate to emerging trends in the industry. Which studies or initiatives have been particularly meaningful to you?

I've always found the Foundation's research around industrial real estate, supply chains and economic development particularly valuable. Industrial real estate is often overlooked compared to other property types, yet it serves as critical infrastructure supporting commerce, manufacturing, logistics and, increasingly, technology.

The Foundation has also done an excellent job of examining broader industry trends and demographic shifts that shape demand over long periods. The most valuable research is not necessarily the work that tells us what is happening today; it is the work that helps us understand what will matter five or 10 years from now. Those insights can meaningfully influence capital allocation, development strategy and investment decisions.

How do you see Foundation research helping developers, investors and industry leaders make better decisions in today's market?

One of the greatest challenges facing our industry today is navigating uncertainty. Capital markets, interest rates, construction costs, labor availability, technology and regulatory environments are all changing simultaneously.

Good research helps separate signals from noise. It provides a framework for decision making that is grounded in data rather than emotion. Whether someone is evaluating a development opportunity, considering market expansion, underwriting a major acquisition, or planning long-term capital deployment, having credible, independent research can improve the quality of those decisions.

Equally important, research can challenge assumptions. Some of the best investment outcomes occur when people recognize a trend before it becomes widely accepted. The Foundation helps create those opportunities by identifying emerging issues and providing objective analysis.

What topics do you believe the Foundation should be researching over the next five years?

The impact of artificial intelligence on commercial real estate will influence everything from site selection and underwriting to property operations, leasing and investment management. Understanding both these opportunities and risks will be important.

Another rising topic is the intersection of data centers, power infrastructure and industrial development. Access to power is becoming a critical determinant of economic growth and real estate value in many markets.

Housing affordability and land-use policy is important as communities across the country continue to face housing shortages, and there is a growing need to better understand how regulatory frameworks influence supply and affordability.

Capital formation and capital markets will continue as a critical focus as the industry is experiencing significant changes in how projects are financed, including the growth of private credit, institutional partnerships and alternative capital sources.

Finally, I believe the Foundation should continue exploring workforce development and talent. Our industry needs to attract the next generation of professionals and equip them with skills that combine real estate expertise with technology, analytics and strategic thinking.

When you think about the legacy of the Foundation, what impact do you hope it will have on the next generation of industry leaders?

I hope the Foundation’s work prepares leaders who are both innovative and responsible. Commercial real estate shapes communities, creates jobs, supports economic growth and influences quality of life. Those responsibilities require thoughtful leadership.

The Foundation's greatest legacy should be the creation of a culture of lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity within our industry. The challenges facing future leaders will be different from those we face today, but the ability to think critically, evaluate data, adapt to change and make informed decisions will remain essential.

If the Foundation can help cultivate those qualities, its impact will extend far beyond any individual research project.

Why is it important for successful industry professionals to give back through organizations like the Foundation?

Every professional benefits from the experience, mentorship and knowledge of those who came before them. None of us succeed in isolation.

Organizations like the Foundation provide a vehicle for industry leaders to invest in the profession's future. Whether through financial support, mentorship, research initiatives or sharing expertise, giving back helps strengthen the entire industry.

I also believe there is a responsibility that comes with experience. As professionals advance in their careers, they gain insights that can help others avoid mistakes, recognize opportunities, and develop as leaders. Supporting the Foundation is one way to ensure that knowledge is passed on to the next generation.

Ultimately, the strongest industries are those that continuously invest in their future. The Foundation plays an important role in making that possible.

Learn more about the Governors program.