Meet Our Staff

 

At the 2011 President's Awards, seated: Mark Russo, Michael McGuinness and Kathleen Keating Iola. Standing: Bonnie Sovinee, NAIOP NJ President Geroge Sowa and Barbara Morford.

Michael G. McGuinness, Chief Executive Officer, oversees the daily operations and programs of the association. He works in consultation with the officers and board of trustees to carry out the association's mission. He is a registered legislative agent, directs the advovacy program and manages the Developers Political Action Committee (DPAC).  He frequently meets with and testifies before New Jersey legislative committees and regulatory agencies on matters of importance to the industrial and commercial real estate development industry. 

Barbara A. Morford, Director of Policy & Communications works with CEO Mike McGuinness and Public Affairs Consultant Anthony Pizzutillo to craft public policy strategies and messages. She is responsible for all Chapter communications (including newsletters, the award-winning WeekEnder Brief and email communications), public relations and social media. Morford is also the Chapter's webmaster, and she coordinates the annual Community Action project.

Barbara is your contact for: the Community Action Project; the Public Relations, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Committees; the Energy & Sustainability Committee; regulatory comments; submission of newsletter articles; subscriptions to The WeekEnder Brief; requests to join our LinkedIn and Facebook Groups; website content and Membership Directory; and new member profiles.

Bonnie C. Sovinee, Director of Programs & Member Services is responsible for all Chapter membership recruitment and retention programs, educational seminars, Chapter Meetings, special events (the Commercial Real Estate Awards Gala, Golf Outing, President’s Awards Dinner and Special Tours), and Developing Leaders events (DL Mixers, “Evening with a Legend” series). Sovinee coordinates all sponsorships and designed the Master Sponsors program. She supports the Chapter's marketing and branding efforts with graphic designs.

Bonnie is your contact for: membership status, benefits and dues; Corporate Membership; the Education, Program & Sponsorship, Gala, Golf, and Membership Committees; new member orientations; Gala awards and Deal of the Year submissions; the new Collegiate Case Study Competition.

Kathleen Keating Iola, Executive Assistant & Chapter Administrator, supports CEO Michael McGuinness and manages office operations. She develops operating procedures, keeps the association's master calendar, and provides administrative support to the entire staff as needed.

Kathy is your contact for: general inquiries; Board of Trustees meetings; calendar of events; DPAC fundraisers; events information; committee meeting schedules.

Mark Russo, Education Coordinator, is responsible for the association's continuing education program, certifying programs and speakers, and maintaining CEU records.

Mark is your contact for CEUs for real estate brokers & salespersons, attorneys, professional planners, accountants, engineers and other professions. Also:contact Mark for updates on the status of certification for NAIOP NJ educational seminars, and to register with the Chapter as a certified CEU instructor.