President's Message

As the year draws to a close, I reflect with gratitude and pride on what we have accomplished together. This has been a year of growth, collaboration, and innovation for The CCIM Institute, made possible by the dedication of our volunteers, staff, and leadership. Whether at the Global, National, or Chapter levels, your efforts have been the cornerstone of our success, and I thank you wholeheartedly.

A hallmark of this year has been continuity—building upon the strong foundation laid by those before us. As we progressed through the second year of our three-year strategic plan, we celebrated initiatives rooted in years of vision and teamwork. These successes are a testament to our collective commitment to elevating the CCIM Designation and fostering growth in the commercial real estate industry.

Advancing Our Mission Through Innovation & Outreach

This year, we introduced a National Marketing Campaign to highlight the essential role of CCIM Designees in commercial real estate transactions. By presenting their expertise through a unified national effort, we elevated the CCIM brand and reinforced its importance in an ever-changing industry landscape.

We also launched the Currently Commercial series, providing timely and relevant insights to keep our members ahead of market trends. The first segment focused on artificial intelligence (AI), underscoring its significance in shaping the future of commercial real estate. This initiative, paired with a revised Introduction to Commercial Real Estate Certificate program, reflects our responsiveness to member feedback and dedication to delivering the global standard in commercial real estate education.

Our focus on AI extended beyond the Currently Commercial series. Recognizing its transformative potential, I established the AI Presidential Advisory Group (PAG) to evaluate AI’s impact on both the industry and the Institute. This group is identifying ways AI can enhance efficiencies, improve member experiences, and create value across our organization. While these initiatives are in their early stages, they demonstrate our determination to remain at the forefront of technological advancements.

Strengthening CCIM Tech and Foundation Impact

CCIM Institute Technologies continues to advance through Site to Do Business, introducing dynamic market analysis capabilities that empower CRE professionals to close more deals and increase returns. Building on this success, the team has collaborated with NAR’s Reach program, with three new tools set to enhance the platform in early 2025. To deepen engagement, a dedicated Task Force recommended specialized webinars and chapter tech ambassadors, further educating users on maximizing the platform’s potential. 

The CCIM Institute Foundation also made a remarkable impact this year, continuing its mission to advance commercial real estate careers. To date, 255 Named Education Scholarships have been awarded, totaling more than $250,000. Additionally, more than $130,000 was awarded to Veterans and Diversity Scholarship recipients reflecting our ongoing commitment to supporting those who serve and foster an inclusive commercial real estate professional community.

Strengthening Partnerships and Building Global Connections

Partnerships, both new and longstanding, have been a key highlight this year. We welcomed Avison Young and Premiere Property Group as our newest educational partners and are grateful for the continued support of Coldwell Banker Commercial, RE/MAX, Keller Williams, and NAI Global. To build on this momentum, we established a task force to engage volunteers in securing and nurturing partnerships, strengthening our relationships and expanding our reach.

The C5 + CCIM Global Summit was another standout achievement. With 50% of attendees learning about the event through The CCIM Institute, it highlighted the effectiveness of our outreach. The Summit provided an unparalleled platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and showcasing the CCIM Designation, setting the stage for future growth and reinforcing our leadership in the commercial real estate industry.

Internationally, we continued to expand our global footprint. Turkey hosted more courses, and we re-engaged with China. Canada’s “Vision to 100” initiative is a prime example of strategic focus, as we work toward 100 new Designees in the country. Additionally, events like MIPIM allowed us to represent CCIM on an international stage, fostering relationships that will drive growth and opportunity in the years ahead.

Supporting Our Chapters & Celebrating New Designees

At the chapter level, we implemented a comprehensive business plan to provide targeted support and strengthen engagement. Chapter Officer Training reached new heights, and we enhanced the resources, data, and content available to chapters, encouraging best practices and deeper integration with the Institute’s strategies. These efforts ensure that our chapters remain vital, connected, and aligned with our goals.

One of the most rewarding experiences this year has been presiding over pinning ceremonies for new Designees. From East Asia to the United States, these events symbolize the culmination of hard work and dedication. With multiple countries represented, this year’s ceremonies showcased the truly global impact of the CCIM Designation.

Additionally, we expanded our instructor cadre, recruiting and training new professionals who are now delivering world-class education to our members.

Looking Ahead

As we approach 2025, I am excited for what lies ahead. The groundwork laid this year and last positions us to continue growing, innovating, and enhancing the value of the CCIM Designation. Our progress is not the result of one year or one leader but of the continuity and collaboration that define the CCIM Institute. I am honored to have played a part in this journey alongside such an extraordinary team.

Thank you again for your commitment, your hard work, and your belief in the mission of the CCIM Institute. Together, we are shaping the future of commercial real estate, one initiative, one partnership, and one success at a time.
Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year. 