The year 2016 is underway with new leaders at the helm of Northeast Florida’s trade groups. Here’s a look at who they are and their plans are for the organizations. See profiles of 2016 leaders for Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (Page 1), Northeast Florida Builders Association (Page 2) and Women’s Council of Realtors (Page 7).
President: David Ergisi, Cross Regions Real Estate president and CEO
Who he is: Ergisi has extensive experience in sales, financial services management and commercial real estate leadership.
In 2007, he started a commercial real estate company that developed several Northeast Florida neighborhood shopping centers, providing direction in land acquisition, design, construction management, leasing and tenant relations. He joined Colliers International in 2011, establishing the company’s Investment Services Group.
Ergisi launched Cross Regions in 2014 to provide commercial real estate services within a platform based on solid business principles and honesty. The firm leans on Ergisi’s market knowledge and experience to offer brokerage, property management, advisory, investment and development services.
Why he’s in CCIM: “I am involved with CCIM because the designation offers best-in-class education, which allows members to gain knowledge, experience and understanding of commercial real estate. It is an organization where professionals who care about what they do come together, share information, create business for one another, and network.”
What he wants to do: Bring the CCIM district community together; create regular activities for members to learn and network; grow membership by 30 percent; raise CCIM designation awareness; and gain national and state CCIM recognition for the local district.
President: Rosa Beckett, Jacksonville Aviation Authority chief administrative officer
Who she is: Beckett is a seasoned marketer and administrator whose experience includes 11 years with Merrill Lynch, where her leadership roles included serving as vice president of change management and assistant vice president of strategic planning and business development.
She began working at the Jacksonville Aviation Authority in 2001, initially as assistant director of human resources.
She later served as director of administration, director of Cecil Airport marketing and development, director of aviation marketing and vice president of consulting services and special projects.
As chief administrative officer, Beckett is responsible for human resources, procurement and information technology. Among her accomplishments at JAA are helping Cecil Airport’s comprehensive land development plan and launching the organization’s first rebranding and marketing campaign, which won five national awards.
Why she’s in CREW: “CREW is a national network with over 9,000 members offering great opportunity for business-to-business connection, access to relevant and timely market information, and professional development. On a local level, it provides me and the JAA the opportunity to educate the community about its role as an economic catalyst and contributor to major commercial real estate growth the market.”
What she wants to do: “My theme for 2016 is IMPACT. The chapter will focus on informing, motivating and promoting actions that create transformational results in commercial real estate and benefits for its members and the community. CREW JAX will host a number of informative programs in 2016, the first being Jan. 12, 2016, at the River Club on downtown investment.”
President: Sherry Gallitz, First Federal Bank of America wholesale/correspondent senior account executive
Who she is: Gallitz has more than 20 years of mortgage industry experience specializing in corporate strategy, finance, marketing, sales and operations.
At First Federal Bank, she is responsible for expanding the wholesale/correspondent operations with a focus on banks, credit unions and mortgage bankers.
Why she’s in MBA: “The Mortgage Bankers Association is a place where mortgage professionals and their affiliates can get education and hear updates on real estate financing. I like to give back to the industry that has given me an opportunity to have success and work in for over 21 years.”
What she wants to do: Increase the chapter’s participation with the Mortgage Bankers Political Action Committee; re-energize mortgage professionals within Jacksonville and the surrounding area to become active and involved in the association; and partner with the other mortgage associations in Jacksonville to leverage resources and ideas for members.
President: Christian Harden, NAI Hallmark Partners vice president of brokerage
Who he is: As vice president of brokerage at NAI Hallmark Partners, Harden represents private companies, institutional owners, investors and developers in the acquisition, disposition, leasing, and management of commercial real estate assets. His expertise is in land development along with office and industrial properties; he joined NAI Hallmark in 2009.
Harden previously worked as a residential and commercial development associate for Vestcor Companies, directing marketing and sales activities for five developments totaling 830 multifamily condominiums in Nassau, Duval, St. Johns and Orange counties.
Why he’s in NAIOP: “It is an exceptional collection of our industry’s best and brightest professionals. Whether it is through our legislative efforts, educational programming, or networking opportunities, NAIOP has helped me connect to the community and give back to the industry.”
What he wants to do: “I want to focus on building value for our members. In 2016, we will be investing in the future of the organization by strengthening our communications, engaging a greater percentage of members in NAIOP activities, and increasing our presence in the legislative process.”
Chairman: Janna Thomas, The Bank of England Jacksonville Branch renovation manager
Who she is: Thomas has more than 24 years’ experience in residential real estate sales and home mortgage financing and has specialized in home renovation loans for the past five years.
She educates customers about the community and partners with them to realize the American dream of home ownership. She says her mission is to mend communities in Duval, Clay and St. Johns counties one home at a time.
Why she’s in SMC: “I was invited to be a part of this amazing organization. The numerous benefits are varied and the relationships I’ve developed with other like-minded industry professions are priceless. I’ve been in sales and marketing for 30 years, so this is a very natural fit for me and it’s truly my honor to serve.”
What she wants to do: “We welcome a new executive board position this year, the SMC vice chair of membership. This position will focus solely on member benefits and increase council awareness throughout our area. (This year) will be a great year of growth for our council as we strive to increase our membership base by adding 60 new members consisting of builder and realtor sales associates, plus industry affiliate partners. Our goal is to provide more resources and more information so that you can sell more new homes; we are here to help provide the sales and marketing tools that you need to do just that.”
St. Johns Builders Council: Dennis Ginder, Drees Homes
Clay Builders Council: Jeff Ferguson, Drees Homes
Nassau Builders Council: Ben Stephens, EverBank
E-Council: David Reed, JEA
Remodelers Council: Nathan Moore, Freedom REI
Historic Area Council: Jon Singleton, Realtor, Watson Realty Corp.
Beaches Council: Lisa Andrews, North American Title
Ponte Vedra Council: Kathy Wiegmann, Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty
Southwest Council: Joyce Roberts, Salus Realty
St. Johns Council: Karen Palmer, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Premier Properties
Putnam Council: Butch Puryear, Watson Realty
Global Business Council: Eileen McVeigh, Re/Max Coastal Real Estate
YPN Council: Ryan Ford, Watson Realty
Mandarin Council: Raymond Rivera, Exit Real Estate Gallery