The 7th Annual President's Awards Dinner was held November 7 at the Short Hills Hilton. This year's event, Co-Chaired by former NAIOP NJ Presidents Anne Estabrook and Jeff Milanaik, featured the very first inductions into the NAIOP New Jersey Hall of Fame. View the program booklet here.
The President's Awards honor the efforts of individual members in providing exemplary service to the association in the areas of advocacy, community action, member recruitment and retention, committee service, sponsorship, leadership and other support.
Meet the Award Recipients
Legacy Award: Peter Cocoziello, Advance Realty Group
An active member for 27 years, Peter has given the association many years of service as Chapter President (1991 and 1992), and as an Officer and Trustee. He regularly sponsors events such as the Gala, and is a long-time supporter of our Community Action Projects. Also, Peter has served as an outstanding discussion leader at Chapter programs, and is a DPAC (Developers Political Action Committee) supporter who has hosted fundraisers in support of our advocacy efforts. Recently, he has brought his son Peter into NAIOP NJ, and will be imparting wisdom to our Developing Leaders at an upcoming “Evening with a Legend.” Peter’s commitment to the ongoing growth and development of our younger members will benefit the Chapter for years to come.
Pillar Award: Gretchen Wilcox, G.S. Wilcox & Co.
Gretchen has been an active Chapter Member for 16 years. She served as VP Associate Affairs (2005-2007) and has been a member of the Board of Trustees for many years. Gretchen was an early advocate of our Developing Leaders program, having worked with a focus group to identify the needs and wants of younger members, and attended one of the first DL Mixers as a representative of the “seasoned” leaders. She has helped shepherd our Gala through some turbulent times over the past four years, and graciously hosts fundraisers in support of DPAC (the Developers Political Action Committee). Gretchen’s unflagging support of the association in so many areas makes her one of the true pillars of the New Jersey Chapter.
Advocacy Award: Michael Rothpletz, Drinker Biddle
Michael has been an active member of the Legislative Committee for six years. He is always willing to take extra time to evaluate proposed legislation in detail and share recommendations for NAIOP positions. Most recently, he has provided valuable input on the Chapter’s proposal to the Department of Community Affairs to streamline local permit and code Inspections. Michael also supports the association as a Corporate Member and a Master Sponsor.
Rising Star Award: Andrew Houston, Cassidy Turley
A Corporate/Developing Leader Member who has been active for five years, Andrew has really demonstrated his leadership skills in the past 12 months. He serves as Co-chair of our Programs Committee and took part in our Strategic Planning day earlier this year. He made quite an impression on his fellow members serving as a discussion leader for the June “Mid-Year Economic Roundup” seminar. Andrew is a Developing Leader with the right stuff.
Volunteer of the Year Award: George Livanos, Sax Macy Fromm
Our most active volunteer wears many hats. George is Co-chair of the Membership Committee, and in the past 12 months he has personally recruited more than a dozen new members. He has worked with the Education Committee to champion efforts for two incredibly successful Energy Seminars, personally recruited numerous sponsors and spoke on a panel at the first seminar. Each year, George rounds up a cadre of volunteers and monetary contributions for our Community Action projects. Also, he serves as our Chapter Accountant and is a Master Sponsor. George has truly been a force of nature for the New Jersey Chapter.
