Washington DC's 2026 Leadership Team
Austin A. Setzer
President | CCC of DC SALES EXECUTIVE | ASSUREDPARTNERS
Austin A. Setzer is a commercial real estate industry leader and connector focused on building durable relationships across the investment, development, brokerage, management, construction, and capital markets ecosystem. He is the President of Contractors, Closers & Connections (CCC) of Washington, DC, where he leads one of the region’s most active executive-level commercial real estate networks.
Through CCC, Austin has curated and hosted high-impact, invitation-only events that convene senior decision-makers and market leaders across asset classes. His work emphasizes relationship-driven deal flow, market intelligence sharing, and strategic collaboration within the commercial real estate community.
Professional Experience
In addition to his industry leadership, Austin is a Sales Executive within the Commercial Real Estate Practice Group at AssuredPartners, advising owners, developers, investors, and operators on risk management and insurance strategies. His work includes structuring complex placements for hospitality, mixed-use, and investment portfolios, often under accelerated transaction timelines.
Austin brings a transaction-oriented mindset informed by years of advising commercial real estate stakeholders on operational, financial, and risk considerations throughout the asset lifecycle.
Selected Accomplishments & Leadership
President, Contractors, Closers & Connections (CCC) of Washington, DC, leading executive engagement and strategic industry programming
Founder and host of curated commercial real estate networking and thought-leadership events across the Washington, DC market
Advised commercial real estate owners and operators on insurance and risk strategies protecting multi-million-dollar assets
Built and maintained a senior-level professional network spanning development, capital markets, brokerage, construction, and property management
Recognized for fostering relationship-based business development and cross-disciplinary collaboration
Education & Credentials
Bachelor of Science in Finance, Concentration in Real Estate
The George Washington University
Professional Focus
Austin’s work is centered on strengthening professional networks, facilitating informed decision-making, and advancing meaningful dialogue within the commercial real estate industry. His approach combines market knowledge, relationship capital, and disciplined execution to support long-term value creation.
Development Committee
CHRISTINA DAVIES
Partner | Cornerstone Development Group of DC
Christina Davies is a seasoned real estate executive with extensive experience across the full lifecycle of commercial real estate, including acquisition, capitalization, development, leasing, repositioning, and asset strategy. She serves as Executive Principal of Cornerstone Development Group, where she oversees portfolio strategy and day-to-day operations while leading the firm’s development, investment, and third-party advisory initiatives.
Ms. Davies is recognized for her ability to align vision, execution, and long-term value creation across complex commercial and mixed-use projects. Her leadership spans strategy, planning, design, and lease negotiations, with a disciplined focus on market positioning and performance.
Current Role & Responsibilities
As Executive Principal at Cornerstone Development Group, Ms. Davies is responsible for:
Overall strategy and management of the firm’s real estate portfolio
Sourcing and underwriting new development and investment opportunities
Negotiating all commercial leases across asset types
Managing third-party development and advisory assignments
Leading planning, design, and execution of new projects from concept through delivery
Her role combines hands-on execution with senior-level strategic oversight, ensuring alignment between market opportunity, design intent, and operational performance.
Prior Experience
Prior to joining Cornerstone Development Group, Ms. Davies served for nearly a decade as Director of Real Estate Services at Madison Marquette, a leading real estate services and investment firm. In that role, she was deeply involved in the strategy, development, leasing, and execution of approximately 2 million square feet of retail and commercial projects.
Most notably, Ms. Davies played a significant role in The District Wharf, a $3 billion, 3.2-million-square-foot, world-class waterfront mixed-use development along the Potomac River in Washington, DC. Her responsibilities spanned development strategy, leasing programs, and execution for one of the largest and most complex urban redevelopment projects in the region.
In addition, she provided repositioning and advisory services for Madison Marquette’s owned assets and for third-party clients nationwide, advising on asset strategy, leasing optimization, and long-term value enhancement.
Selected Accomplishments & Leadership
Executive Principal, Cornerstone Development Group, overseeing development, investment, leasing, and portfolio strategy
Led development and leasing initiatives across millions of square feet of retail and commercial real estate
Key contributor to The District Wharf, a $3B, 3.2M SF mixed-use waterfront redevelopment in Washington, DC
Extensive experience in repositioning and advisory services for institutional and private real estate owners
Proven leader in lease negotiations, asset strategy, and complex mixed-use development execution
Professional Focus
Ms. Davies brings a comprehensive, execution-driven approach to real estate development and investment. Her work is defined by strategic clarity, disciplined planning, and an ability to manage complexity across stakeholders, asset types, and market cycles. She is widely respected for her leadership, market insight, and commitment to delivering high-quality, enduring real estate projects.
KEREM DEMIRCI
Vice President | Orr partners
Kerem Demirci is Vice President – Base Building at Orr Partners, a leading owner’s representative, development, and project management firm serving complex real estate and institutional clients throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area. In his role, Mr. Demirci leads project teams through all phases of the development lifecycle, from entitlement and design to construction and delivery, with a focus on innovative solutions, quality execution, and client alignment.
Mr. Demirci is known for his ability to balance strategic planning with on-the-ground leadership, fostering trusted client relationships and contributing to the successful delivery of multifamily, office, senior living, retail, and institutional projects. His work reflects a commitment to disciplined project management practices and long-term value creation for owners and stakeholders.
Professional Experience
At Orr Partners, Mr. Demirci is responsible for:
Leading the entitlement, design, construction, and delivery of base building projects across multiple asset classes
Coordinating cross-functional teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, and client representatives
Implementing project controls, risk mitigation strategies, and quality assurance measures
Advancing client objectives through proactive problem-solving and relationship management
Under his leadership, notable projects have included the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Centennial Building, The Array at West Alex, YMCA Arlington, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) facility, and Benchmark Senior Living at West Alex—each demonstrating his ability to manage diverse development typologies and client goals.
Education & Credentials
Mr. Demirci holds:
Bachelor and Master of Architectural Engineering,
The Pennsylvania State UniversityMaster of Real Estate Development,
Georgetown University
His academic and professional foundation combines architectural engineering with advanced real estate development principles, enabling a comprehensive perspective on technical, design, and financial aspects of complex projects.
Professional Focus
Mr. Demirci’s work is defined by meticulous project leadership, strategic coordination across stakeholders, and a commitment to delivering built environments that fulfill client expectations and community needs. He champions clarity, accountability, and innovation within project teams and client engagements alike.
Felipe ernst
CEO | Capitol Rock Partners Managing Partner| Ernst Equities
Felipe Ernst is a real estate investor, developer, and educator based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. He is the Founder and Managing Partner of Ernst Equities, LLC, a real estate investment and development firm specializing in value-add, opportunistic multifamily acquisitions and management with a focus on workforce and affordable housing within Class B and Class C segments. Since launching the company in 2015 with a three-unit acquisition in Shaw, DC, Mr. Ernst has grown the portfolio to approximately 1,000 rental apartment units across the region.
In addition to his entrepreneurial leadership, Mr. Ernst serves as a faculty member in Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies Master’s in Real Estate program, where he brings industry experience to emerging professionals and shares insights from both his investment career and academic expertise. He was recognized as the recipient of the 2024 Tropaia Award, honoring outstanding faculty contributions within the program.
Professional Experience
As Founder and Managing Partner of Ernst Equities, LLC, Mr. Ernst leads all aspects of firm strategy, deal sourcing, underwriting, acquisitions, development planning, and property management. His work emphasizes disciplined investment criteria, community-oriented asset repositioning, and long-term portfolio performance. Prior to founding Ernst Equities, he gained consulting experience as an associate at KPMG in its technology enablement group, where he worked on major client engagements including the build-out of Fannie Mae’s Loan Accounting System.
Mr. Ernst holds multiple professional licenses, including Real Estate Broker, Class A General Contractor, and Property Manager, reflecting a comprehensive skill set spanning transactional execution to operational oversight.
Selected Accomplishments & Recognition
Founded Ernst Equities and expanded its multifamily portfolio to ~2,000+ units across the Washington, DC market.
Recognized as a 2020 Rising Star of Commercial Real Estate by DCA.
Two-time awardee of the Mid-Atlantic Real Estate Journal’s “30 Under 30” honors for leadership and performance in real estate investing.
Earned the 2024 Tropaia Award as the most outstanding faculty member in Georgetown’s real estate program.
Education
Mr. Ernst is a graduate of Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and International Business and a certificate in Entrepreneurship. He also holds a Master’s in Real Estate Development & Finance from Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies.
Professional Focus
Mr. Ernst’s professional focus bridges entrepreneurial real estate investment with education and mentorship. He champions value-add multifamily strategies, community impacts through housing development, and practical industry training for aspiring real estate professionals. His dual roles as developer and educator provide a unique perspective that informs both his business and academic contributions.
Brokerage Committee
Charlie Smiroldo
Managing Director | Stream Realty Partners – Washington, D.C. Metro
Charlie Smiroldo is a seasoned commercial real estate leader serving as Managing Director at Stream Realty Partners for the Washington, D.C. Metro market. He provides strategic oversight across tenant representation, investment sales, construction management, acquisitions, and development platforms, while delivering senior advisory services for major projects in one of the nation’s most dynamic real estate markets.
Mr. Smiroldo also leads the Mid-Atlantic Region for Stream’s Industrial Development Services platform, further extending his influence across multiple property types including industrial, office, retail, and specialty assets.
Professional Experience
At Stream, Mr. Smiroldo combines market insight with project delivery expertise, leading teams through complex transactions, capital initiatives, and development programs. His role spans:
Leadership of tenant representation, investment sales, and acquisition advisory
Oversight of construction management and development execution
Strategic counsel on major development and repositioning projects
Regional leadership for industrial development services
Prior to his current role, Mr. Smiroldo’s background includes senior project management and development leadership within institutional real estate contexts, drawing on experience institutionalizing project delivery and execution.
Representative Clients
Mr. Smiroldo has served a broad range of institutional, corporate, and investment clients, including Officeworks, ALUR, RealTerm, Carmel Partners, MetLife, Taicoon Realty, and the Air Force Association, among others.
He has played key roles in strategic transactions such as the representation of Taicoon Property Partners in the acquisition and planned repositioning of 1899 L Street NW in Washington, D.C.’s Central Business District.
Awards & Recognition
Mr. Smiroldo’s work has been recognized across industry and civic spheres, including:
2023 CREBA Sales Transaction of the Year
Top LinkedIn Influencer, CREi (2022 & 2023)
AIA and ASLA Merit Awards for Commercial and General Design (2022)
USGBC NCR Community Leader Award for innovative new construction (2022)
Multiple NAIOP Awards of Excellence for urban office and renovation projects
JDRF Leadership & Rising Stars Awards for community engagement (2018–2022)
Education & Affiliations
Mr. Smiroldo holds a Bachelor of Science in Art & Graphic Design from Radford University and a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from George Mason University.
He is actively engaged in industry and community organizations, including NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Association of Washington, DC (CREBA), Urban Land Institute (ULI), DC Real Estate Group, CulturalDC (board member), and the Contractors, Connectors, & Closers (CCC) network. He has also co-chaired the JDRF Real Estate Games and served on the JDRF Mid-Atlantic Chapter Board.
Professional Focus
Mr. Smiroldo’s career is defined by an integrated approach to commercial real estate, where strategic advisory, market-driven execution, and project leadership intersect. He is recognized for driving results across diverse asset classes while cultivating long-term client relationships and contributing to broader industry initiatives.
Jessica Miller
CEO | Rock Spring Real Estate Solutions
Jessica Miller is a commercial real estate strategist, author, and speaker recognized for her leadership in rethinking traditional real estate brokerage and advisory practices. She is the Founder, President, and CEO of Rock Spring Real Estate Solutions, a women‑owned commercial real estate advisory firm focused on helping organizations optimize real estate portfolios, design inclusive workplace solutions, and solve complex workplace challenges with measurable impact.
With more than 22 years of experience at leading public and private full‑service real estate firms — including senior leadership roles with Cushman & Wakefield — Ms. Miller brings deep market insight, strategic negotiation expertise, and a commitment to aligning real estate decisions with broader organizational goals. She is a licensed real estate broker in Virginia and the District of Columbia and has negotiated and leased over 10 million square feet of commercial real estate leases and sales.
Professional Experience & Leadership
As Founder and CEO of Rock Spring Real Estate Solutions, Ms. Miller leads the firm’s strategic vision, client engagement, and marketplace innovation. She works with corporate, nonprofit, and institutional clients to:
Restructure and align commercial real estate portfolios with organizational priorities
Implement forward‑looking workplace strategies that support workforce performance and inclusion
Conduct data‑driven negotiation and transaction advisory with clear value outcomes
Educate leadership on negotiation, workplace culture, and real estate optimization
Her prior leadership roles include Managing Director and East Coast Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Program Regional Director at Cushman & Wakefield, where she advanced client solutions, advisory programming, and inclusion initiatives across complex commercial portfolios.
Thought Leadership & Recognition
Ms. Miller is also an accomplished author and negotiation expert, co‑authoring A Woman’s Guide to Successful Negotiating, and has appeared as a commercial real estate commentator on major national media outlets including MSNBC, CNN, NPR, PBS, and Bloomberg News.
Her professional accolades include:
Washington Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business (2023)
Bisnow DMV CRE Female Innovator of the Year (2023)
CoreNet Mid‑Atlantic Partner of the Year (2022)
C&W WIN Women Who Inspire (2022)
CREI Top 100 LinkedIn Influencer (2020‑2023)
Leadership and mentorship recognition through CHIEF and AWE Women in Business programs
Education & Credentials
Ms. Miller holds a Master of Science in Real Estate and Development from Johns Hopkins University and graduated magna cum laude in Finance through the Honors Program at Virginia Tech. She has earned the Masters of Corporate Real Estate (MCR) designation through CoreNet Global and holds the SIOR (Society of Industrial and Office Realtors) designation — among the highest professional credentials in commercial real estate.
Professional Focus
Jessica Miller’s work centers on empowering organizations to make strategic real estate decisions that drive business performance, workforce engagement, and long‑term value. She is dedicated to elevating negotiation practice, advancing inclusive workplace design, and fostering new paradigms in real estate advisory that reflect evolving market and workforce dynamics.
Matthew Garcell
Managing Director | Cushman & Wakefield
Matthew Garcell is a seasoned commercial real estate professional serving as Managing Director at Cushman & Wakefield, where he leads tenant representation and corporate real estate strategy across diverse markets. With deep expertise in lease acquisitions, space dispositions, relocations, and occupancy cost optimization, Mr. Garcell is recognized for aligning real estate decisions with business objectives while mitigating risk and exposure in dynamic market environments.
Known for his analytical rigor and strategic insights, Mr. Garcell translates financial and qualitative data—paired with market trend analysis—into customized, actionable real estate strategies. He brings a disciplined, client-centric approach to complex lease negotiations, relocation planning, portfolio optimization, and site selection initiatives. His work supports organizations navigating growth, consolidation, and operational transformation through real estate.
Professional Experience
At Cushman & Wakefield, Mr. Garcell specializes in:
Tenant representation, including lease acquisitions, dispositions, and multi-market relocations
Occupancy cost reduction strategies and risk mitigation planning
Complex negotiation execution and contractual advisory
Market analysis and real estate strategy development tailored to organizational goals
His consultative approach integrates deep market intelligence with financial modeling and trend insights that enable clients to make informed and defensible real estate decisions in changing economic contexts.
Representative Client Portfolio
Mr. Garcell has advised a broad spectrum of organizations across sectors including media, technology, professional services, not-for-profit, and corporate enterprise. His client engagements include:
Al Jazeera
HGA Architects
League of Women Voters
National Association of Broadcasters
CBS Radio and CBS News
Corporate Executive Board
This diverse portfolio reflects Mr. Garcell’s capacity to serve clients with varying operational needs, market footprints, and strategic priorities.
Professional Focus
Mr. Garcell’s professional focus centers on empowering clients through strategic real estate decision-making that balances cost efficiency, market opportunity, and long-term organizational resilience. He is valued for his ability to anticipate shifts in market conditions, assess risk exposure, and develop solutions that support client objectives across growth, consolidation, and portfolio transformation scenarios.
Construction committee
Andrew Golkin
President | Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Suburban Virginia
Andrew Golkin is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with deep experience in franchise operations, team building, customer service excellence, and strategic growth. He is the Founding Partner of Golkin Enterprises, a company focused on building strong teams and organizations that exceed performance goals while fostering collaborative, purpose‑driven cultures.
Mr. Golkin also serves as President of Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Suburban Virginia, a locally owned franchise of the Paul Davis national network that provides emergency restoration, reconstruction, and remodeling services for residential and commercial clients. Under his leadership, the franchise has been recognized for high performance and top customer service across the network.
Professional Experience
Founding Partner, Golkin Enterprises
As a founder of Golkin Enterprises, Mr. Golkin champions entrepreneurship and organizational growth. He brings vision and operational discipline to ventures that emphasize team excellence, customer focus, and sustainable expansion.President, Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Suburban Virginia
In this role, Mr. Golkin leads the strategic direction and daily operations of one of the most respected restoration and remodeling franchises in the region. The organization provides critical services in disaster response, water/fire/mold mitigation, reconstruction, and property recovery while maintaining high standards of professionalism and client care.
Leadership & Recognition
Under Mr. Golkin’s leadership, the Paul Davis franchise has earned recognition for outstanding service performance and excellence in customer satisfaction. The team’s commitment to quality service and professional execution reflects his core belief that strong leadership and empowered teams drive exceptional outcomes.
Professional Focus
Andrew Golkin’s professional focus centers on building high‑performing organizations, strengthening customer experience, and leading operational execution across franchise and entrepreneurial ventures. His approach combines disciplined strategic planning with a people‑centric leadership style that prioritizes culture, accountability, and measurable results.
Kyle Currey
Vice President | Collective Architecture
Kyle Currey is a strategic business leader based in Washington, DC, with expertise in business development, client engagement, and organizational growth initiatives. He currently serves as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Collective Architecture, where he drives high-impact projects, identifies growth opportunities, and implements strategic initiatives that align organizational capabilities with market demand.
Kyle is recognized for his ability to translate market insights and client needs into actionable strategies, building relationships across complex stakeholder networks and fostering innovation in professional services. His leadership combines analytical rigor with a collaborative approach, ensuring measurable outcomes for both clients and internal teams.
Professional Experience
Vice President of Strategic Initiatives – Collective Architecture
Leads strategic growth initiatives, project innovation, and client engagement programs across national and regional markets.Client Development Director, Strategic Accounts – MOI
Managed key client relationships and drove account strategy for high-value business development opportunities.Senior Business Development Associate – Synergi
Supported business expansion through market research, strategic proposals, and client relationship management.
Education & Professional Development
Certificate Program – Negotiation Mastery, Harvard Business School Online
Dale Carnegie Training, Harvard Business School Online
Professional Focus
Kyle Currey specializes in strategic initiatives, business development, and client relationship management within professional services and architecture sectors. He excels in identifying opportunities for organizational growth, negotiating complex engagements, and translating insights into measurable value for clients and stakeholders.
KEN SANDY
OWNER | FRSTEAM DRYY MANAGING PARTNER | DRYY GARMENT CARE
Ken Sandy is a commercial real estate services entrepreneur specializing in fabric restoration, garment care, and disaster recovery solutions for multifamily, office, hospitality, and mixed-use properties throughout Northern Virginia and the greater DC region. He is the owner of FRSTeam by Dryy NOVA and Dryy Garment Care of Northern Virginia, platforms that support property owners, asset managers, and operators in protecting assets, restoring operations, and enhancing tenant experience.
Ken’s businesses operate at the intersection of property operations, risk mitigation, and tenant services, providing essential support before and after loss events while also delivering everyday amenities that improve building performance and retention.
Commercial Real Estate Services Focus
Through FRSTeam by Dryy NOVA, Ken provides specialized restoration services for commercial and multifamily properties affected by fire, water, smoke, mold, and other casualty events. His team works closely with property management firms, ownership groups, insurance professionals, and restoration contractors to accelerate recovery timelines, reduce displacement, and preserve asset value.
Through Dryy Garment Care, Ken has built a scalable tenant-amenity platform serving hundreds of multifamily communities. The company partners directly with owners and managers to offer on-site and app-based garment care services, supporting tenant satisfaction while generating operational efficiencies.
Leadership & Growth
Under Ken’s leadership, Dryy Garment Care expanded into a multi-location operation supported by a centralized processing facility and partnerships with more than 500 multifamily communities. He later integrated FRSTeam services into the platform, allowing property stakeholders to access both preventative services and post-loss restoration through a trusted local operator.
His approach emphasizes reliability, responsiveness, and alignment with ownership and management objectives—qualities essential in high-density residential and commercial environments.
Recognition & Industry Engagement
Ken has been recognized nationally for franchise leadership and community impact, including being named a Franchise Rock Star in the Giving Back category. He is an active participant in the commercial real estate community and supports initiatives that strengthen relationships between service providers, owners, and operators.
Professional Focus
Ken Sandy’s work is centered on protecting commercial real estate assets, supporting property operations, and enhancing tenant experience. He brings an owner-operator mindset to service delivery, understanding the financial, operational, and reputational considerations that matter most to commercial real estate decision-makers.
PropTech committee
Kris Broder
Executive Vice President | RCKRBX
Kris Broder is a seasoned multifamily real estate executive and business strategist with extensive experience driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence across residential and commercial portfolios. She currently serves as Executive Vice President of Business Development at RCKRBX, where she leads the company’s growth strategy, cultivates key relationships with external partners and subscribers, and expands the platform’s footprint in existing and new markets nationwide. Her work enables multifamily owners, developers, and investors to leverage real-time demand-side data to make faster, smarter, and more aligned decisions.
Professional Experience
Prior to joining RCKRBX, Ms. Broder spent nearly three decades at BECO Management, a privately held real estate firm managing over 7 million square feet across the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest. As Executive Vice President of Brand and Workplace Experience, she oversaw strategic leasing relationships and spearheaded initiatives that redefined tenant engagement, branding, and communications. Her leadership generated measurable value across BECO’s portfolio, enhancing occupancy performance, tenant satisfaction, and brand equity.
At RCKRBX, Kris brings her deep market knowledge, operational insight, and client-centric approach to help multifamily stakeholders unlock data-driven decision-making advantages. She is recognized for her ability to translate complex market insights into actionable strategies that maximize investment and operational outcomes.
Education & Credentials
B.A. in Communication, University of Maryland
Community Engagement
Kris serves as an advisor to The Friendship Circle of Maryland, supporting families of children with special needs. She resides in Rockville, Maryland, and is the proud mother of Hudson and Chloe.
Professional Focus
Kris Broder is focused on bridging data, strategy, and market insight to optimize multifamily real estate decision-making. She specializes in growth strategy, tenant engagement, and business development while emphasizing measurable results for investors, owners, and developers.
ANdrew Woods
Director | Metropolis Technologies
Andrew Woods is a dynamic business development professional with experience spanning technology solutions, commercial real estate networking, and client relationship management. He currently serves as Director of Business Development at Metropolis Technologies, where he leads growth initiatives, cultivates strategic partnerships, and drives market expansion through targeted business development programs.
In addition to his corporate role, Andrew is an active industry leader and community advocate. He serves as a Board Member of Contractors, Closers & Connections (CCC) of Washington, DC, fostering executive-level networking within the commercial real estate sector. Previously, he contributed as a Board Member of the Young Executives of the Tower Club in Tysons Corner, Virginia, supporting professional development and leadership engagement programs.
Professional Experience
Director, Business Development – Metropolis Technologies (Apr 2025 – Present)
Leads company growth strategy, business partnerships, and client acquisition initiatives.Board Member – Contractors, Closers & Connections (CCC) of Washington DC (Jan 2024 – Present)
Supports executive networking, industry collaboration, and strategic event programming.Board Member – Young Executives of the Tower Club (Feb 2024 – Mar 2025)
Promoted professional development opportunities for young executives across the DC area.Account Executive – MG Moving Services (Dec 2020 – Mar 2025)
Focused on relationship management, office relocation planning, and client service for commercial clients.
Education
George Mason University – Costello College of Business, 2015 – 2019
Professional Focus
Andrew Woods specializes in relationship-driven business development, strategic networking, and operational execution. His expertise spans client engagement, partnership cultivation, and commercial real estate support services, with a proven ability to deliver value through market insight and collaborative problem-solving.
Government Relations Committee
CHRIS TOMSETH
Director Global Airline and Travel Practice | GAIN Advisor Co-Founder | SkySquad
Chris Tomseth is an internationally experienced executive known for advancing hospitality, travel, and government relationships that intersect with commercial real estate, economic development, and public-private engagement. He currently serves as Director of the Global Airline & Travel Practice at Growth Advisors International Network (GAIN)—an advisory role where he leverages deep sector insight to support airlines, travel enterprises, and destination partners in strategic growth and market development.
Chris also brings substantial operational and commercial leadership experience from senior roles across major global hospitality and travel brands, including Choice Hotels International, Gate Gourmet, and Dnata Travel Services (Emirates Group), where his work encompassed sales leadership, global strategy, and business development. His career reflects a blend of commercial execution, cross-border market expansion, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Commercial Real Estate & Hospitality Integration
Chris’s domain expertise bridges hospitality industry dynamics, travel infrastructure, and destination real estate considerations that are central to major CRE decisions, including hotel development, asset repositioning, and strategic market entry. He is adept at aligning travel demand insights, brand partnerships, and government relations frameworks with real estate investment and operational strategies, particularly in gateway cities and travel-driven markets. His background advancing global airline and travel initiatives enables him to support real estate stakeholders in understanding visitor economy drivers that impact hospitality real estate performance, tourism-led development, and mixed-use asset activation.
Leadership, Entrepreneurship & Network Engagement
Chris is co-founder of SkySquad, a service platform supporting airport passenger experience through partnership with airlines, airports, and service providers. He also serves on the Board of Contractors, Closers & Connections (CCC) of Washington, DC, where he contributes to executive-level networking and industry collaboration across commercial sectors, including hospitality, development, and government relations.
His career combines strategic business development, market entry execution, and cross-sector relationship building—skills that enable property owners, developers, and capital partners to navigate hospitality-related demand signals and government engagement when evaluating development opportunities or repositioning existing assets.
Education
Chris holds advanced academic credentials that support his strategic perspective:
MBA, Northwestern University
MBA, (second master’s degree) from Northwestern University (dual MBA attainment)
B.A. in History and Asian Studies, James Madison University
Professional Focus
Chris’s strategic focus includes:
Advancing hospitality and travel partnerships that intersect with commercial real estate demand and guest experience economics
Facilitating government and public-private relationships that support destination growth and CRE-relevant infrastructure initiatives
Advising on global market positioning for travel, tourism, and hospitality-anchored real estate projects
Supporting industry networks that bridge owners, operators, capital sources, and public sector stakeholders to enhance investment outcomes
Media RElations ComMittee
Mark Albert
CEO | Media Advisory Experts
Mark Albert is a Peabody and Emmy–award winning former investigative journalist and media strategist with more than 25 years of experience in national and international reporting. He now leads Media Advisory Experts, a Washington, DC–based communications consultancy that helps executives, thought leaders, and commercial real estate professionals elevate their visibility, refine messaging, and secure high-impact media coverage.
Mr. Albert’s work bridges the worlds of journalism, corporate communications, and strategic storytelling—equipping real estate leaders to articulate perspectives that resonate with investors, policymakers, tenants, and media audiences. His coaching emphasizes how to craft narrative frameworks that amplify influence, enhance reputation management, and support property, development, and corporate strategic goals.
Career & Media Leadership
Prior to founding Media Advisory Experts, Mr. Albert had a distinguished career in broadcast and investigative journalism with major networks including CBS News. He reported from the White House, Capitol Hill, and the U.S. Supreme Court, led a national investigative unit for Hearst Communications, and created digital media ventures and training programs for journalists around the world.
Drawing on this background, he provides media training, crisis communications planning, earned media strategy, and executive coaching for leaders seeking to improve press interactions and leverage public platforms to advance commercial real estate initiatives—especially during capital campaigns, development announcements, leadership transitions, and public policy engagement.
Resource for Commercial Real Estate
In an industry where market perception, policy positioning, and stakeholder communication materially impact investment, leasing, and community outcomes, Mark helps CRE leaders:
Develop narratives that showcase project value and regional impact
Prepare spokespeople for interviews with local, national, and business press
Navigate media during regulatory or public engagement challenges
Elevate thought leadership positioning for CEOs and investment partners
His approach blends deep news industry insight with strategic communications practice—helping firms craft stories that resonate with tenants, capital markets, municipalities, and broader audiences alike.
Education & Thought Leadership
Mark Albert holds a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Political Science from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School. His educational foundation complements his professional focus on media literacy, strategic messaging, and executive communications—skills highly valued by commercial real estate executives navigating complex public narratives.
Professional Focus
Mark’s practice centers on helping commercial real estate leaders translate expertise into compelling media presence, leveraging earned coverage to support capital raising, stakeholder alignment, public policy advocacy, and organizational reputation. His work enables CRE professionals to engage media proactively, tell authentic stories with impact, and strengthen their market influence in a crowded information environment.