Caitlin Quander Elected President of NAIOP Colorado’s Board of Directors
Shareholder Caitlin Quander, a member of the firm’s real estate department, has been elected to serve as president of the board of directors of NAIOP Colorado. NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, is the leading organization for developers, owners and related professionals in office, industrial and mixed-use real estate. Its Colorado chapter was founded in 1977 and aims to provide opportunities for members to increase their knowledge and network in the commercial real estate industry.
Quander has been involved with the organization for 11 years and will serve as the face of the organization during her year-long term as president. She credits her NAIOP involvement with connecting her with countless professionals in the commercial real estate industry and helping her understand the development process as a whole. In her new role, Quander wants to be part of shaping the vision for Denver and Colorado.
“My goal is to enhance the image of the commercial real estate industry with the general public,” she said. “Many have this idea that development is disconnected from the community or just out to make money. That is so far from the truth. The NAIOP Colorado members I know live and work in the communities that they love and want to shape Colorado so it is sustainable and affordable for our children that we are raising.”
GH Phipps Constructions Companies Announces Promotions
GH Phipps Construction Companies announced the following promotions as the company enters its 70 th year of providing construction services in the Rocky Mountain Region.
Chad Cleveland, with 17 years of service at GH Phipps, has been named vice president of operations. He will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations for the company’s major projects division and Concrete Services.
Kevin Mahoney, with 9 years of service at GH Phipps, has been named vice president of operations with continued oversight of the company’s Special Projects group as well as oversight and direction of the Colorado Springs Office.
Shane Humphrey, who brings 30 years of construction experience, has been named vice president of field operations. In this capacity he will be responsible for overseeing Corporate Safety and all aspects of field operations for the company, including all supervision and labor for construction operations.
Unico Properties Promotes Robert Penney to Chief Investment Officer
Real estate investment and operating firm Unico Properties LLC, a subsidiary of Unico Investment Group LLC, has promoted Robert Penney to chief investment officer (CIO), effective immediately. As CIO, Penney will be responsible for leading Unico’s investment team, developing strategy and sourcing new investment opportunities, and playing a central role in capital formation initiatives for the firm. In his previous role, Penney served as senior vice president, acquisitions and he was a member of Unico’s Executive Leadership Committee.
“Rob is a member of our trusted senior leadership team and like the rest of our members, he is a seasoned veteran within the industry. He has a long tenure within the company, he has played a lead role in the formation of several funds and capital programs for Unico, and as a valued member of our investment committee, we have been eyeing him for a C-Level position for some time. Rob is ideally suited to lead the firm’s investment opportunities within the communities we serve across the western United States,” said Quentin Kuhrau, Unico Properties CEO and chairman of the board.
As SVP, Acquisitions, Penney was responsible for identifying and evaluating investments, joint-venture, and development opportunities across various capital programs for the company. Penney joined Unico in 2010 as a Financial Analyst. He was quickly promoted to various positions and in 2017, he joined the Executive Leadership Committee. Over his 12 years at Unico, Penney completed more than $3 billion in acquisition, financing, and recapitalization transactions.
“Unico has a storied history as a leader in our markets, with success driven by a large platform of talented, entrepreneurial people. I am honored by the opportunity to lead the investment team at Unico in this increased role. Real estate markets are certainly challenged by a combination of fundamentals and rising interest rates. Despite the challenge this poses for all owners, it will create an unprecedented buying opportunity in some sectors. Unico’s platform and proven approach have positioned to the company to navigate this period and invest through the market’s recovery,” said Penney. “I want to congratulate Ned on his many contributions to Unico over the years, thank him for his support, and wish him the best in whatever the next chapter may hold for him.”
Jenny West Joins Cresa as Vice President of Workplace Solutions & Project Management
Jenny West has joined Cresa as a vice president of workplace solutions & project management. In this national role, she will be responsible for driving growth across these service lines, and leading vision and strategy to maximize tangible impact while strengthening operational excellence and integration of best practices across the U.S. She will be based in the firm’s Denver office.
“In today’s environment, it is more important than ever for us to apply future of work principals to our clients’ workplace design,” said Cresa Head of Client Solutions Tricia Trester. “Jenny is a strategic thinker and leader, and her arrival amplifies the enhancements we have made to our platform in recent months. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Cresa team.”
In her previous role as Associate Strategy Director at Gensler, Jenny increased market recognition for the firm’s consulting capabilities and while growing the business pipeline and talent strategy in Denver. She played an integral role in the onboarding of a high-profile tech giant, applying a data-driven, user-centric workplace strategy to ready their workforce for the future of work. In addition, Jenny facilitated a global manufacturing client’s reinvention of their global workplace guidelines.
Prior to Gensler, Jenny served as a global account director and transformation leader for Knoll, Inc., where she was responsible for managing several of the industry’s most complex, multi-national accounts.
Jenny is a licensed interior designer, change management practitioner, and a certified LEED AP ID+C professional. She earned a Bachelor of Interior Architecture and Product Design from Kansas State University.
