Introducing New Members of the Real Estate Circle
The Columbia Real Estate Circle is an exclusive alumni-only group that provides unique networking opportunities and educational events for its members. Programs are designed to encourage network building and professional development, and often include monthly market updates, access to Columbia University faculty thought leaders, intimate gatherings with leading real estate practitioners and business leaders, and exclusive behind the scenes tours of signature real estate projects.
Members of the Circle also steer the leadership and program development for the annual Columbia Business School Real Estate Symposium.
“The Real Estate Circle has been the perfect way for me to stay involved with Columbia Business School and in particular maintain strong ties to the CBS real estate network. Since starting PTM Partners in 2018, the Circle has been a great resource in both raising capital and sourcing deals.”
— Scott Meyer ’14, Chief Investment Officer, PTM Partners
“Joining the Real Estate Circle is an excellent way to develop relationships (old and new) with CBS Alumni and thought leaders in the real estate industry as well as to stay connected to the school.”
— Eric Tam ’08, Managing Director, Blackstone
Membership currently spans 40 graduation years, including alumni from across the US and more recently touching the UK and Latin America. We are thrilled to see this international network of CBS real estate professionals grow! Members of the Circle are at various levels in their careers and are making their mark in all segments of the real estate industry.
“The Circle is a powerful way to enhance your CBS real estate network while giving back to the school... Staying involved with CBS is a great way to augment your professional development at all stages of your career.”
— Raphael Sidelsky ’99, Chief Investment Officer, W5 Group
“I should have joined years ago, because it’s fun! The Real Estate Circle has been valuable to me personally and professionally. In addition to being really connected with the school, I have made new alliances with CBS alumni that I have never met and gotten reacquainted with old friends.”
— Gentry Ashmore Hoit ’90, Senior Advisor, Finback Real Estate
An annual commitment to the Real Estate Circle is a tax-deductible gift to the Milstein Center and the MBA Real Estate Program and therefore does not correlate with a specific number of events or programs you participate in. A gift to the Circle supports education, research and industry engagement at Columbia Business School, and has a deep and immediate impact on the Center's mission to educate the next generation of business leaders about the practice of real estate within an ever-changing global market.
“The Real Estate Circle has been instrumental in building strong relationships with some of the most engaged professionals in our industry. The ability to connect and share ideas at curated forums is a unique benefit.”
— Gideon Gil ’00, Executive Managing Director, Cushman & Wakefield
“The CBS Real Estate Circle amplifies the benefits of the school’s powerful alumni network by making likeminded professionals accessible on a frequent and intimate basis. Circle Meetings have provided an engaging venue to stay abreast of recent trends affecting CRE and to meet fellow CBS grads who can offer well-founded insight to complex investment challenges. My connection to CBS is stronger and more meaningful because of my involvement in the Real Estate Circle!”
— Kevin Thompson ’17, Vice President, MCAP Advisors
Join us as a guest for an upcoming event to see how the Circle comes together!
If you would like more information or to discuss the Columbia Business School's Real Estate Circle, please contact Kristin Svenningsen, Managing Director of the Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate.
If you are ready to join, please use one of the below options:
OR
Becoming a Circle member gives you many advantages, including invitations to an exclusive lecture series, networking opportunities, and interactions with current students. Learn more about becoming a Circle member.
June 2022 | May 2022 | February 2022 |September 2021 | July 2021 | June 2021 | April 2021 |March 2021 | February 2021 | January 2021 | November 2020 | August 2020 | January 2020 | September 2019 | January 2019 | August 2018 | February 2018
Andy Anderson ’15
EnergyWatch
Matthew Baron ’07
Simon Baron Development
Michelle Berliner ’96
InTheMarket
Alex Bernstein ’00
Bernstein Real Estate
Tim P. Berry ’13
Pennybacker Capital
Anand Bhatia ’16
Bhatia Development Organization
Nicholas Bienstock ’96
Savanna
Julie Brenton ’89
Dune Real Estate Partners
Cia Buckley Marakovits ’93*
Dune Real Estate Partners
Mark Caplan ’84
The Time Group
Lisa Cations ’17
Hana
Christopher Chang ’07
Menlo Equities
Arvind Chary ’11
Atlas Real Estate Partners
Anna Coatsworth ’01
Compass
Brent Connell ’95
Geneva Capital Group
Stonington Cox ’07
Nomos Group
Tommy Craig ’82
Hines
Kate Crosby ’13
The Davis Companies
Louis D’Avanzo ’91
Cushman & Wakefield
Ivo de Wit ’17
CBRE Global Investors
Roland Dib ’98
Dib Management
Ronald Dickerman ’87
Madison International Realty
Brian Dilley '10
Dakota Pacific Real Estate Partners
David Dowell ’04
Arliga Capital Advisors
Daniel J. Entwistle ’00
NYC Office Suites
Gideon M. Gil ’00*
Cushman & Wakefield—Capital Markets
David Gillespie '04
AvalonBay Communities
Sam Glass ’06
Artis Capital
Ed Gormbley ’09
Workforce Partners
Steve Grant ’92
MCRE Partners
Lea Guberina-Sulc '12
LGS Management
Ronen Haron ’08
Artimus
Gentry Ashmore Hoit ’90
GAH Real Estate
Michael Hyun '05
Crow Holdings
Matthew Karp ’04
Amstar
Robert Klein ’04
Postal Realty Trust
Fernando Lamas ’05
Ohana Real Estate Investors
Nancy Lashine ’81*
Park Madison Partners
Ines Leung ’07
EQT Exeter
Mark Lokhin ’08
China Orient Asset Management
Sproule Love ’09
Allegro Senior Living
Lisa Mayer ’97
Scott Meyer ’14*
PTM Partners
Mark Momongan ’99
Maple Hill Search Partners
Jonathan More ’09
Mayfair Investment Partners
Herbert Myers ’96
Investcorp
Matthew Neisser ’14
LendingOne
Talya Nevo-Hacohen ’93
Sabra Healthcare REIT
Joe Noon '17
Realterm
Tom Ortinau ’09
GFP
Katie Pelczar ’08
Cascade Asset Management
Evan Petracca ’16
Triangle Equities
Mark Portner ’99
Shorenstein Properties
Atif Qadir ’14
REDIST
Mike Raskin '89
MJR Development
Bennet Rechler ’74
We're Associates
Pablo Redondo- Lopez '16
PineBridge Investments
Quentin Reynolds ’02
The Davis Companies
Michael Ridloff ’07
Deutsche Pfandbriefbank AG
Arthur Romeo ’12
Sixth Street
David Rose '83
USREM
Matthew Ross ’04
Edge Principal Advisors
James Schmid ’05
Anchor Health Properties
Gregorio Schneider ’96
TC Latin America Partners
David M. Sherman ’82*
BGO Strategic Capital Partners
Steven Shores ’00
RangeWater Real Estate
Raphael Sidelsky ’99*
W5 Group
Joseph C. Smith ’99
1754 Properties
Ross Smotrich ’83
Hodes Weill
Walter Stackler ’94
Shelter Rock Capital Advisors
Bill Stasiulatis ’04
RRA Capital
Brian R. Steinwurtzel ’04
GFP
Robert Stern ’88
Castle Hill Investors
Eric Tam ’08
Blackstone
Jared Toothman ’12*
Vornado Realty Trust
Jeff Turkanis ’10
Veris Residential
Katie Vila ’16
Roundhouse
Philippe Visser ’04
Related
Jeff Wainwright ’11
West End Capital Group
Gordon Whiting ’94
Angelo, Gordon & Co.
Stephanie Wright '16
NYU Schack
Demetrios Yatrakis ’10
Lonicera Partners
Ashley Anderson ’21
Hodes Weill & Associates
Joe Anello '20
CIM Group
Michael Barkman ’20
Welltower
Federica Burelli ’20
Boston Properties
Tommy Chan ’19
Boston Properties
Christian Coates ’19
Spear Street Capital
Jeremy Cooper ’21
Stonehill Strategic Capital
Maureen Devenny ’21
Triangle Equities
Sam Fenwick ’18
Narrow Road Group
Daniel Goldbard '22
K & R Realty
Francisco Heffesse ’19
Gateway Real Estate
Jeremy Holder ’20
PGIM Real Estate
Aaron Kazam ’15
Breakthrough Properties
Adam Kietz ’20
GPC Partners
Andrew Kim ’21
Invesco
Musashi Liu ’20
Tishman Speyer
Andrew Lohrfink ’20
Tishman Speyer
Arsean Maqami '22
DP Partners
John Millett ’21
Welltower
Justine Murphy ’21
Schulte Hospitality Group
Sophie Nitkin ’20
Hines
Taylor Pierce ’19
Gaia Real Estate
Ellen Qiu ’20
Credit Suisse
Lauren Rose ’17
Benjamin Schwartz ’22
Bridge Investment Group
Michael Stern ’19
Madison Capital
Thomas Sternfeldt ’17
Sternfeldt + Co.
Kevin Thompson ’17
MCAP Advisers
Garnett Veney ’19
Castle Hill Investors
Angela Wang ’21
Walmart
Lisa Weingarten ’21
Tishman Speyer
Tana Weissman ’20
The Broadway Company
Fangjian (Andrew) Yuan '22
Ikebana Zen
*Denotes Circle Board members
In October 2017, a Circle Board was initiated, and tasked with enhancing current programming, increasing communication, developing a stronger level of connectivity among real estate alumni, and supporting the overall strategic growth of the membership group. In just a few short months, the Circle has increased its programming activities from two annual breakfasts to 10 different activities, including a new “Sites and Sounds” tour program, a Distinguished Speaker Series, and in partnership with the Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate, has developed a monthly “Real Estate Alumni in the news" roundup to help keep fellow alumni connected and informed. There are more exciting and important things to come, so stay tuned, stay involved, and come participate!
Cia Buckley Marakovits ’93
Dune Real Estate Partners
Gideon Gil ’00
Cushman & Wakefield
Lea Guberina-Sulc '12
LGS Management
Gentry Ashmore Hoit ’90
GAH Real Estate
Nancy Lashine ’81
Park Madison Partners
Scott Meyer ’14
PTM Partners
David Sherman ’82
BGO Strategic Capital Partners
Raphael Sidelsky ’99
W5 Group
Brian Steinwurtzel ’04
GFP Real Estate
Jared Toothman ’12
Vornado Realty Trust
Circle Member events are designed to encourage network building and professional development, and often include monthly market updates, access to Columbia University faculty thought leaders, intimate gatherings with leading real estate practitioners and business leaders, and exclusive behind the scenes tours of signature real estate projects. All events are being presented virtually at this time.
To suggest a topic, speaker or to help coordinate an event in your area of expertise or geographic region, please connect with Kristin Svenningsen.
If you are not currently a member but would like to attend an event as a guest, we’d be happy to host you. Please contact Kristin Svenningsen.
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the Center immediately pivoted activities to virtual programming, and the Circle quickly became an even more valuable resource for its members, serving as a monthly touchpoint with others in various corners of the industry to share observations, suggest best practices and find connection, while being physically distant.
What began with broader “Circle Market Observations” and discussions in the spring, has evolved into a wider, more frequent menu of virtual thought leadership, and have included topics such as the below:
Some of the featured members and speakers in 2020-2021 programming have included:
A special presentation by world-renowned choice expert, Sheena Iyengar, S.T. Lee Professor of Business, Columbia Business School. Dr. Iyengar explores the psychology behind decision-making and innovation. In today’s increasingly dynamic world, how can we choose with confidence? And how can we think and act creatively when options seem to be endlessly proliferating, as new tasks and opportunities vie for our attention? Dr. Iyengar’s work provides insights into the common mistakes we make when facing decisions and presents lab-tested solutions for getting the most from choice.
Hosted by the Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate.
A conversation with Robert Albro, Managing Director, King Street Properties, and Brian Steinwurtzel ’04, co-CEO and Principal, GFP Real Estate on zoning and development of life science buildings, and the size of the current market.
Special thanks to Brian Steinwurtzel ’04 for organizing this event.
The 12th annual Real Estate Symposium, an exclusive Columbia Business School alumni-only educational forum will take place on Wednesday, December 12, 2019 at the Princeton Club of New York. Registration for this event will be available to CBS alumni only in the CBS Real Estate Alumni Community.
A unique opportunity for an insider look at the exciting development of East Side Access.
Special thanks to Gentry Hoit ’90 and Tommy Craig ’82 for organizing this event.
An exclusive conversation with Thomas DeRosa, CEO, Welltower on how modern, purpose built real estate settings are driving better health and wellness outcomes while lowering costs to payers.
Hosted by the Paul Milstein Center and the Real Estate Circle
A dynamic panel discussion focusing on the investment implications of the recent overhaul of New York rent regulations, featuring representatives from three of the largest multifamily owners and developers in New York City, and a Columbia Business School professor.
This topical conversation with esteemed panelists, Jeremy Shell ’04, TF Cornerstone, David Twerdun ’09, LeFrak, Joe Weishaar ’11, L+M Development, and Professor Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh, Columbia Business School will be moderated by Jonathan More ’09, Mission Capital Advisors, Mayfair Investment Partners.
Special thanks to Jared Toothman '12 for organizing this event.
The Paul Milstein Center hosted its second Real Estate Circle Summer Happy Hour at the Empire Hotel Rooftop Bar in August. We kicked-off the upcoming fall Circle programs with this member appreciation event! It was great to connect with members and alumni guests over drinks and appetizers at this summer event.
This is the largest real estate alumni activity at the School! An evening when hundreds of alumni reconnected with former classmates and meet new friends and business colleagues at the Columbia Business School’s Annual Real Estate Alumni Reception.
The 2019 honorees included:
Distinguished Real Estate Partner: Matthew Lustig
Distinguished Real Estate Faculty: Camille Douglas, Michael Giliberto, Andrew Jacobs ’96
An exciting look at robotics in the real estate industry, a presentation with distinguished speakers, Zach Aarons '13, Co-Founder and Partner, MetaProp, Scott Peters, Co-Founder, Construction Robotics, and Platt Boyd, Founder and CEO, Branch Technologies. Followed by an evening reception to connect with classmates and fellow CBS alums.
Special thanks to Zach Aarons '13 and MetaProp for organizing and hosting this event.
An exclusive conversation with Debra Cafaro, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Ventas, an S&P 500 company and real estate investment trust that owns approximately 1,200 healthcare, life science and senior living properties in North America and the United Kingdom and serves as the primary capital provider to leading healthcare companies. A recognized industry leader, Cafaro set and oversaw execution of a long term strategy that has driven Ventas’s market capitalization to $26 billion at its peak from $200 million since her leadership began in 1999. Widely-acclaimed for her strategic vision, Cafaro has received multiple professional recognitions. In addition to her work at Ventas, Cafaro is broadly engaged across business, public policy, academic, sports and non-profit sectors.
Special thanks to Cia Buckley Marakovits ’93 for organizing this event.
A unique opportunity for an insider look at the exciting new development of 53W53. An iconic residential condominium project that includes three floors of new exhibition space above the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). This exclusive tour was led by David Penick, Managing Director, and Tim Flynn, VP of Construction, Hines.
Special thanks to Tommy Craig ’82 and Hines for organizing and hosting this event.
An exclusive conversation on co-living as a new segment of the real estate market, with perspectives from investors in the space. Distinguished speakers Matthew Baron ’07, President, Simon Baron Development, Brian Lee, Senior Director of Real Estate, Common, and Raphael Sidelsky ’99, Chief Investment Officer, W5 Group, provided an inside look in the co-living model based on their investments in leading companies such as Ollie, Common, and Quarters.
Special thanks to Raphael Sidelsky ’99 for organizing this event.
A dynamic panel discussion on Opportunity Zones investing from all perspectives with an insider look on real transactions. This exciting conversation on how to unravel the mystery was moderated by Gentry Hoit ’90, GAH Real Estate with, esteemed panelists: Lisa Brill, Shearman & Sterling, Samuel Chapin ’14, L+M development, Scott Meyer ’14, PTM Partners, and Mike Shulman, Shearman & Sterling.
Special thanks to Gentry Hoit ’90 and Scott Meyer ’14 for organizing this event.
The 11th annual Real Estate Symposium, an exclusive Columbia Business School alumni-only educational forum took place on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at the Princeton Club of New York.
This tour, organized exclusively for the Columbia Real Estate Circle, was a unique opportunity for an inside look at the development at 56 Leonard. The tour was lead by Izak Senbahar of Alexico Group, and David Beznos, Dune Real Estate Partners, who generously offered to provide an overview of the design.
A conversation with Mohammah Shaikh, CEO and Co-Founder, Meridio, a blockchain-based platform for creating, managing, and trading fractional ownership shares in real estate assets, and Jonathan Weibrecht, Director of Real Estate Capital Markets, Harbor, a global leader in security token issuance and innovation.
With Nicholas Bienstock ’96, Co-Managing Partner, Savanna, and Steven Orbuch, Founder and President, Oz Real Estate, this dynamic discussion covered topics on investment strategies and opportunities.
This was a unique opportunity for an inside look at the exciting development of the former Domino Sugar Factory in Williamsburg. Vishaan Chakrabarti, Architect and Founder of PAU, generously offered to provide an overview of the design of the first series of waterfront buildings at 325 Kent Ave, as well as the newly developed Domino Park.
The Paul Milstein Center hosted its first Real Estate Circle Summer Happy Hour at the Empire Hotel Rooftop Bar in July 2018. We kicked-off our new upcoming Circle programs with this member appreciation event! It was a great opportunity to connect with members and alumni casually over drinks and appetizers this summer.
With Columbia Business School’s Distinguished Real Estate Partner honoree David Neithercut ’82 before the Annual Real Estate Alumni Reception.
Hosted by Vornado Realty. Blending industrial elements of West Chelsea's past with ultra-modern, state-of-the-art design and set the heart of Google's Manhattan Campus, with prominent views west toward the Hudson River—an exclusive tour of these brand new properties, and networking along the High Line!
Featuring Professor Bruce Greenwald, Robert Heilbrunn Professor of Finance and Asset Management at Columbia Business School.
Described by the New York Times as "a guru to Wall Street's gurus," Greenwald is an authority on value investing with additional expertise in productivity and the economics of information.
A discussion with Richard LeFrak, Chairman and CEO and Harrison LeFrak ’98, Vice Chairman of LeFrak, a preeminent, family-owned property company committed to community development and long term ownership.
Beyond property, LeFrak investments are geographically diverse and span many business sectors with significant investments in securities, private businesses and energy. LeFrak regularly enhances its real estate and non-real estate asset base with opportunistic investments across the United States and around the globe.
With Hilary Spann, Managing Director, Head of Americas, Real Estate Investments at CPP Investment Board and Steven Hason, Managing Director, Co-Head Americas Real Estate APG Asset Management US Inc.
An unprecedented development in the heart of the Lower East Side. Spread over 1.9 million square feet, Essex Crossing comprises nine sites with over 1,000 new residences, 450,000 square feet of retail, 400,000 square feet of office space, community attractions, and green spaces. These nine sites represent one of the most significant urban renewal developments in the history of New York City. This tour, organized exclusively for the Columbia Real Estate Circle, was a unique opportunity for an inside look at the exciting development of the Essex Crossing megaproject.
Craig Leupold ’92, Chief Executive Officer, Green Street Advisors
Scott Rechler, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, RXR Realty
Featuring a presentation by Lynne B. Sagalyn, Earle W. Kazis and Benjamin Schore Professor Emerita and Founding Director, The Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate, Columbia Business School
David B. Henry, Co-Founder, Peaceable Street Capital; Retired Vice Chairman, Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, Kimco Realty
David M. Sherman ’82, Co-Founder, President, and Co-Chief Investment Officer, Metropolitan Real Estate
Richard J. Mack, Law ’93, Founder and CEO, Mack Real Estate Group
Stephen J. Furnary, Chairman and CEO, Clarion Partners
Marjorie Tsang, Law ’85, Director of Strategic Research and Solutions, New York State Common Retirement Fund
Hugh Frater ’85, Chief Executive Officer, Berkadia
Spencer Haber, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, H/2 Capital Partners
Martin Cicco, CC ’78, Senior Managing Director and Head of Real Estate, Evercore Partners
Mark Caplan ’84, President, Time Group:
Tomasz Piskorski, Edward S. Gordon Professor of Real Estate, Columbia Business School.
David Neithercut ’82, President and CEO, Equity Residential
Chris Mayer, Co-Director, Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate and Paul Milstein Professor of Real Estate, Columbia Business School
Lynne B. Sagalyn, Earle W. Kazis and Benjamin Schore Professor Emerita of Real Estate, Columbia Business School
John Klopp, CEO, Capital Trust, Inc.
Eric Abrahamson, Professor of Management, Columbia Business School
Amar Bhide, Lawrence D. Glaubinger Professor of Business, Columbia Business School
Charles Jones, Professor of Finance and Economics, Columbia Business School
William Duggan, Professor of Management, Columbia Business School
Richard Peach, Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Matthew Rhodes-Kropf, Daniel W. Stanton Associate Professor of Business, Columbia Business School
Chris Mayer, Co-Director, Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate and Paul Milstein Professor of Real Estate, Columbia Business School
Bruce Greenwald, Robert Heilbrunn Professor of Finance and Asset Management, Columbia Business School
Learn more about the advantages of joining the Real Estate Circle.
Starting in July 2019, four levels of commitment are available and renew annually:
If you would like to join Columbia Business School's Real Estate Circle, please complete the commitment form or contact Kristin Svenningsen for more information.
You can make an online contribution here. On the main screen, please select "Other" as the designation option and include "Real Estate Circle" in the Comments/Special Instruction field on the next page.
Kristin Svenningsen
Managing Director
[email protected]
(212) 854-8556
"The advice I always give women is to stay.
"I would encourage folks to get a holistic perspective of the industry.
"It is important to be at a place that invests in you and wants to see you grow and succeed."
"Your goal is to change the world. Change the structures. Disrupt everything and do it quickly."
"Columbia is a great first step if you know you want to transition to real estate."
Neville Rhone ’00 is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Arc Capital Partners.
Julie Wong ’03 is a Partner of GreenOak, where is responsible for global capital raising.
David Neithercut ’82 is the President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Trustees of Equity
Philippe Visser ’04 is the Senior Vice President of Development, Hudson Yards, at Related. In a recent interview with Mark Abramowicz ’18, Mr. Visser discussed his background and what drew him to real estate, the allure of large, complex projects, and gave advice for current Columbia Business School students aspiring to have careers in real estate.
Olshan Properties
Andrea Olshan ‘04 serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Olshan Properties. In a recent interview with Morgan Mann '17, Ms. Olshan discussed market trends and areas of disruption, joining the family business, strategies for the future, and gave advice for current Columbia Business School students aspiring to have careers in real estate.
Savanna
Nicholas Bienstock '96 discusses trends in creative office development in Brooklyn, starting his own business, and gives advice for Columbia Business School students aspiring to have careers in real estate.
Dune Real Estate Partners
Cia Buckley Marakovits ’93 discusses trends in the real estate industry, provides highlights of her professional experience, and gives advice to Columbia Business School students aspiring to have careers in real estate.
Formerly with Milstein Properties
Bob Berne ’62 discusses trends in real estate and gives advice for students aspiring to have careers in real estate.
Chief Executive Officer, Berkadia
Hugh Frater ’85 discusses business strategy and opportunities, commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), and career development.
by Daniel Vasserman '22
This year marked the twenty-third anniversary of the Alexander Bodini Foundation Competition, which was held in-person for the first time in three years at the school’s new Manhattanville campus.
by Katie Hogan '22
By Michael Beer ’23 and Christine Yang '23
Diane Hoskins, Co-CEO and Chairperson of Gensler joins the 2021 Annual Real Estate Symposium as keynote speaker sharing trends in the design profession. The conversation was moderated by Ross Smotrich ’83 Principal at RE Strategic Advisors.