Our Speakers
Veronica Malolos, CCIM, CEO & Founder
JWL Program
8:30 am - 5 pm | Oct. 5
Veronica Malolos is a respected leader with over 22 years of experience in Florida’s real estate industry. As the Founder and CEO of the CapStrata Group of Companies, she brings a deep and proven track record in development consulting, brokerage, and property management—anchored by unmatched hyper-local expertise across Osceola County and Central Florida.
She holds the elite CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation—recognized globally as a hallmark of CRE excellence. In addition to pursuing her CCIM Development Specialist certification, she completed executive education at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
Veronica Malolos, CCIM serves as the 2025 Central District President of Florida CCIM and is slated to lead as State President in 2027, reflecting her deep commitment to professional excellence and leadership in the commercial real estate industry. CCIM is a prestigious global network of commercial real estate experts—recognized as the movers and shakers of the industry—who drive innovation, influence policy, and lead transformational projects across markets.
Veronica also hosts the “Women Influencers” podcast that highlights female industry and business leaders and mentors the next generation of professionals—working to create a more inclusive, empowered, and diverse future for the industry. She has been recognized three years in a row by CREi as a commercial real estate social media influencer.
A committed and passionate civic leader, Veronica served for a decade on the Osceola County Planning Commission, including three years as Chair. She also held roles on the Osceola County Board of Adjustments and served as Vice-Chair/Trustee of the Osceola County Education Foundation Charter School Board.
She and the CapStrata team continue to shape the built environment of the region through close collaboration with municipal governments, investors and space occupiers through commercial property acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, property management and development initiatives.
---
Mark Cypert, CCIM, Instructor
How to Maximize the Value of STDB
2 pm - 5 pm | Oct. 5
Mark Cypert, CCIM is a partner in multiple private equity commercial real estate joint venture investments throughout the United States. During his career, he has participated in 18.1 million square feet of office, industrial and retail acquisition, and development ventures with a total market capitalization of $2.5 billion. Previously, he was the Chief Investment Officer and Office Division President for Encore Enterprises. Cypert also previously served as the Managing Director of Cawley Partners where he directed the firm's commercial real estate investment funds and as Senior Vice President of CRT Properties, a NYSE office REIT, where he oversaw operations for the firm's Southwestern and Mid-Atlantic regions. Earlier in his career, Mr. Cypert was also responsible for asset management and acquisitions for Aetna Realty Investors.
Mr. Cypert currently serves on The CCIM Institute Technology Board of Directors, and The CCIM Foundation Board of Directors. He is also an award-winning Senior Instructor for The CCIM Institute with a specialty focus on commercial property market analysis courses which he teaches globally. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a degree in Construction Engineering Technology. He holds the CCIM and RPA professional designations and he is a licensed Texas real estate broker.
---
Michael Hironimus, CCIM, Co-Founder
How to Maximize the Value of STDB
2 pm - 5 pm | Oct. 5
Michael Hironimus, CCIM, is a visionary in commercial real estate and AI-driven innovation, with over 20 years of experience in investment analysis, portfolio management, and technology integration. As the co-founder of PropTech Integrations, he helps businesses harness AI-powered automation to enhance efficiency, optimize workflows, and drive smarter decision-making.
A recognized leader in bridging real estate and emerging technology, Michael is the creator of Implementing AI in CRE: A Practical Guide (www.ImplementingAIinCRE.com), a course designed to equip industry professionals with practical, real-world AI applications. His expertise has made him a sought-after educator and speaker, guiding the industry’s adoption of AI-driven strategies.
As a Senior Instructor for the CCIM Institute, Michael teaches Market Analysis (CI-102) and serves as Chairman of the CCIM Technology Advisory Committee, where he is at the forefront of integrating AI and advanced analytics into real estate education. His work in the President’s Advisory Group and Curriculum Subcommittee further shapes the Institute’s approach to technology adoption.
Beyond education, Michael is the Principal of Duckridge Realty Advisors, specializing in private portfolio and asset management for high-net-worth investors. He applies a data-driven, forward-thinking approach to investment strategy, ensuring clients stay ahead of market trends.
With a passion for transforming commercial real estate through AI, automation, and predictive analytics, Michael is a driving force in modernizing the industry. His leadership and vision continue to redefine how real estate professionals adapt, innovate, and thrive in the digital age.
---
Brad Waken, CCIM, Treasurer
State of the Institute & Economic Outlook Breakfast
7:30 am - 9 am | Oct. 6
2025 CCIM Institute Treasurer, Brad Waken, CCIM, is the Proprietor Broker for Waken and Company Real Estate. Waken has more than 35 years of experience in the shopping center industry. Prior to Waken and Company, Waken grew up in the five-generation family grocery business in Enid, Oklahoma. In 1984, Enid Development Company was created to manage the grocery store-anchored shopping centers, along with multiple downtown and stand-alone retail and office buildings. In 2003, Waken joined J. Herzog & Sons Investments, a national, full-service real estate company that manages over five million square feet of malls and shopping centers, along with other assets, including hotels, restaurants, industrial, office, and mineral rights. Waken earned his CCIM Designation in 2009.
---
Steig Seaward, Senior National Director of Research
State of the Institute & Economic Outlook Breakfast
7:30 am - 9 am | Oct. 6
Steig Seaward is the Senior National Director of Research, leading a dynamic team of over 125 researchers across nearly 80 U.S. markets. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Steig is a seasoned Commercial Real Estate and CRE technology sector leader.
His expertise encompasses a wide array of disciplines, including research and analysis, product design, and customer retention strategies within the information technology and commercial real estate industries. Steig's comprehensive knowledge and innovative approach have consistently propelled him to the forefront of his field.
Steig is a highly sought-after public speaker who delivers captivating presentations on economic and commercial real estate trends. Renowned for his ability to distill complex concepts into accessible and engaging content, he has been featured prominently at numerous prestigious events, including the CCIM annual governance meeting and the NAR Commercial Economic Issues & Trends Forum.
Prior to his tenure at Colliers, Steig held key roles at prominent organizations, including serving as the Senior Research Director for the east coast region of Grubb & Ellis and as the EVP of Customer Success at Xceligent, a leading SAAS-based commercial real estate information provider. His multifaceted career also includes significant positions such as National Director of Business Development and Client Services at Xceligent, Director of Sales at IdealSpot, and VP of Technology & Member Services at the Denver Metropolitan Commercial Association of Realtors.
Steig's journey in the industry began as a research analyst for the Resolution Trust Corporation, where he honed his analytical skills and laid the foundation for his illustrious career. Today, he continues to drive innovation and excellence in research and technology, shaping the future of commercial real estate.
---
Steve Rich, CCIM, Global President
State of the Institute & Economic Outlook Breakfast
7:30 am - 9 am | Oct. 6
2025 Global President, Steve Rich, CCIM, is senior director of retail services with Colliers International in Charlotte, N.C. Previously, he served on The CCIM Institute North Carolina Chapter Board of Directors, including as its 2012 President, and as Region 9 Vice President. At The Institute level, Rich has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2014, and in 2021 he was The CCIM Institute treasurer. Rich has also served on the following institute committees: Executive, Finance, and Governance. Licensed in North and South Carolina, he has more than 26 years of commercial real estate experience in retail, land, and investment properties. Rich earned his CCIM Designation in 2006.
---
Bo Barron, CCIM
Deal Pitch Lunch
11:45 am - 1:15 pm | Oct. 6
Bo Barron, CCIM, is CEO/managing director of Barron Commercial Group, a successful brokerage firm in Owensboro, Ky. He also owns and manages a small family-owned commercial real estate portfolio.
A third generation commercial real estate practitioner, Barron brings his wealth of experience and expertise as a member of the CCIM Institute faculty, which he joined in 2019.
Barron was profiled in Brokers Who Dominate: 8 Traits of Top Producers by Rod Santomassimo, best-selling author, speaker, and founder and president of The Massimo Group
---
David Wilson, CCIM, SIOR
Deal Pitch Lunch
11:45 am - 1:15 pm | Oct. 6
David Wilson, CCIM, is the Vice President of Real Estate Development at Ryan Companies US, Inc., which has 17 offices nationwide. With his commercial real estate career spanning over 24 years, he has closed more than $1 billion in transactions for development projects across 15 states, specializing in industrial, healthcare, retail, and senior housing projects. In 2022, he closed his largest single tenant development project with BAE Systems which sold for $111M. Beyond his role at Ryan, Dave served as the 2018 Global President of the CCIM Institute and is a graduate of the 2006 Jay W. Levine Leadership Academy. He has served on virtually every committee within the Institute, including Finance, Executive, Strategic Planning, Education, and the CCIM Foundation. He also chaired the CEO Search Task Force, leading to the hiring of our CEO, Paul Rumler. Dave resides in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with his wife, Karen, and has two grown children, Adam, and Lauren. When he’s not working or serving at CCIM, he loves to hunt, fish, play golf, travel, watch movies, and hang out with friends.
---
Jon Minjoe, nan
Deal Pitch Lunch
11:45 am - 1:15 pm | Oct. 6
---
Scott Overby, CCIM, Principal
Deal Pitch Lunch
11:45 am - 1:15 pm | Oct. 6
Since 2003, Scott has been the president and principal broker for Overby, Inc., leveraging his real estate and financial experience to offer strategic consulting and brokerage services. His career began in 1986 as a seasonal employee in theme parks, eventually overseeing operational standardization and training for Six Flags’ thirty-nine U.S. properties. This experience transitioned him into commercial brokerage and development in 2002.
Scott earned the CCIM designation in 2008 and the IREM CPM designation in 2020, demonstrating his proficiency in theory and practice. He has received numerous accolades, including REALTOR of the Year by the Mississippi Commercial Association of REALTORS and was the Susan J. Groeneveld Awardee for the CCIM Institute’s 2023 Jay W. Levine Leadership Development Academy.
Scott actively participates in professional, civic, and cultural organizations, serving on the CCIM Board of Directors, Strategic Planning Committee, Finance Committee, and as the 2025 Member Services Presidential Liaison. He is a past President of the CCIM Chapter of Mississippi and Friends of Children’s Hospital.
Specialties: Retail and office. Owner and tenant representation.
---
David Gambaccini, CCIM
Deal Pitch Lunch
11:45 am - 1:15 pm | Oct. 6
With 15 years of experience in commercial real estate, Dave has led over a half billion dollars in transactions. His extensive portfolio includes brokerage in sales, leasing, private equity, debt placement and development projects in the industrial, healthcare, retail, senior living and multifamily sectors.
Dave is a hands-on leader with a passion for real estate and the people behind it. He approaches each project as an opportunity to create long-term value, combining a collaborative mindset with a get-it-done attitude. His ability to build strong relationships and connect the right people together has made him a trusted advisor in the industry.
Since achieving his CCIM Designation in 2018, Dave has served as President of his chapter twice, earning the first President’s Cup Award, and Chapter of Excellence awards for New England, was Regional Vice President, has served many national committee’s is on his Chapter Board of Directors as well as the national Board of Directors, and is a founding member of the Alaska chapter. Dave jokes about being “Your Cousin from Boston”, and treats everyone as if they are family, embracing the spirit of collaboration between CCIM’s.
---
Brian Cross, Executive Director, Professional Services
Dealmakers Award Presentation & Dinner
7 pm - 10 pm | Oct. 6
As the Director of Esri’s Professional Services and a member of the corporate leadership team, I oversee an amazing division of staff who work with users all over the world to maximize impact with GIS. Our philosophy is to be in service to our users, helping them be successful and self-sufficient in realizing a geospatial strategy as they apply Esri’s technology to their business/mission problems.
We measure our success in our users’ results and the number of people we can help. My job is to help make this work at scale, with Esri Professional Services supporting over 3,000 organizations per year via our services as well as many more via the Esri products built in Professional Services. I am directly involved in defining the division’s strategic goals, providing senior direction in the design & implementation of cutting-edge projects, programs, and development of a portfolio of Esri's products. I am also responsible for the financial performance of the organization.
---
Michael Litt
Breakfast with Michael Litt
7:30 am - 9 am | Oct. 7
Michael Litt is a seasoned investor and financial strategist with firsthand experience navigating the 2008 financial crisis. Known for his sharp insights into interest rates, market trends, and commercial real estate, he brings a unique perspective on how past events shape future opportunities. Today, he is a sought-after speaker who blends real-world lessons with forward-looking analysis to help professionals succeed in an ever-changing market.
---
Adam Palmer, CCIM, SIOR, President- Elect
The Hot Seat with Adam Palmer, CCIM, SIOR (ft. Special Guest - Paul Cohen, Crexi)
9:15 am - 9:30 am | Oct. 7
The 2025 CCIM Institute President-Elect Adam Palmer, CCIM, is the Principal & Managing Director for LQ Commercial. Widely recognized as a leader within the industry and around the community, Palmer has been recognized by CoStar© as a 20-time “Power Broker” award winner. His transactional volume has led to his becoming one of only 149 dual specialist SIORs worldwide for his production in the office and industrial sectors. As a volunteer leader amongst his peers, he recently served as President of the Florida CCIM Chapter and is a past Executive Committee Board Member of Florida Realtors, past President of Commercial Investment Professionals, past Board Member for NAIOP, At-Large Board Member with the Horizon Council, and regularly contributes to various philanthropic and charitable efforts. Palmer can also be found contributing to the courts as an expert witness or speaking at various real estate events, business functions, and universities. He has been covered on national media outlets such as FOX, CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, and others. Palmer earned his CCIM Designation in 2010.
---
Paul Cohen, Managing Director, Transactions
The Hot Seat with Adam Palmer, CCIM, SIOR (ft. Special Guest - Paul Cohen, Crexi)
9:15 am - 9:30 am | Oct. 7
For more than three decades, Paul Cohen has specialized in connecting buyers and sellers across every major asset class. He has represented private owners and institutions on transactions exceeding $1 billion in total valuation, guiding clients with disciplined underwriting, innovative marketing strategies, and a relentless focus on execution.
Paul began his career in retail property management and leasing, representing portfolios for firms such as Lennar Florida Partners. In 1994, he pivoted into industrial sales and leasing with Easton-Babcock & Associates, then co-founded a firm to convert warehouses into condominiums, sparking multiple development projects. By 2000, Paul joined CBRE, where he was the founding members of the Private Client Group.
Today, Paul serves as Managing Director at Crexi Transactions, where he leads the firm’s Private Client team, combining technology, data, and proven sales strategies to deliver speed and certainty to sellers. Recognized as a market expert, he is described by clients as knowledgeable, honest, and highly responsive.
Paul holds a BEng in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Hertfordshire, England, and is a licensed Real Estate Broker.
Specialties: Auctions, Sales Training, Risk Analysis, Marketing, Negotiation, Sales, Leadership, Mentoring, Strategic Planning.
---
Betty Elliott, CISSP, Senior Vice President, Chief Information Security Officer
Panel Discussion II - Cybersecurity
10:30 am - 11:15 pm | Oct. 7
---
D'Etta Casto-DeLeon, CCIM, CCMS, Director
Panel Discussion II - Cybersecurity
10:30 am - 11:15 pm | Oct. 7
As the 2024 CCIM Institute Global President and a Director at CBRE, my expertise in real estate finance is defined by strategic portfolio management and robust client relationship building. With a focus on life insurance companies and proprietary lending programs, my role encompasses lender relations, construction loan oversight, and financial analysis. The drive to deliver excellence has been acknowledged through a prestigious Women in Real Estate Award in 2018, a testament to my dedication to the industry.
Achievements in loan servicing and closing are underpinned by analytical prowess and a comprehensive understanding of lease abstraction and loan document compliance. Our team excels in managing complex transactions and annual financial assessments, ensuring client portfolios are managed with precision. With a CCIM and CCMS designation, I am committed to elevating the standards of commercial investment and mortgage servicing, while continually nurturing the growth of institutional investor partnerships.
---
Max Alexander, D.Eng CEng MIET, Vice President of Firmwide Technology Resiliency, Cyber & Tech Emerging Threats
Panel Discussion II - Cybersecurity
10:30 am - 11:15 pm | Oct. 7
Dr. Alexander serves as the Head of Cyber and Technology Emerging Threats Research at JPMorgan Chase & Co., where he is responsible for educating the firm and its clients on the best practices for mitigating evolving cyber threats and attacks. Max is also a Professor of Digital Forensics at the University of Maryland Global Campus and Professorial Lecturer at The George Washington University where he trains and mentors future engineers and forensicators. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the EC Council's Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator Certification.
Max has over two decades of intelligence community experience, having served in the United States Army Special Operations Command as an Intelligence Operations Officer where he specialized in National Level Counterintelligence (Cl), Human Intelligence (HUMINT), and Signals Intelligence Collection (SIGINT) at the National Security Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, and the National Counterintelligence Executive. Prior to joining the firm in 2019, he was the head of the Digital Forensics and Insider Threat Team at the Pentagon. From 2014 through 2016, he served as the Chair of Intelligence Community's Technical Surveillance and Countermeasures program at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. He was also among the first Soldiers in Afghanistan, serving a member of Task Force 11 and the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force.
Max has Master of Science and Technology Intelligence from the National Intelligence University, and a Master and Doctor of Engineering in Cybersecurity from The George Washington University. He is also a DoD Certified Cyber Crime Investigator, a Certified Fraud Examiner, a Charted Engineer, and holds several forensic certifications.
---
Ayman Al Awadhi, Managing Director
TechTalk: Tariff Impact on Canadian Communities - Intermediate to Advanced Use Cases
11:30 am - 12:45 pm | Oct. 7
Ayman Al Awadhi is an inspirational leadership speaker and visionary business leader dedicated to empowering startups, individuals, and organizations with the knowledge, skills, and motivation needed to excel in an ever-evolving world. He is committed to fostering leadership excellence, corporate governance, and transformational projects, embodying the spirit of an Emirati family business with a global perspective. As the Co-Founder of The Corporate Group (TCG), based in Dubai with subsidiaries in Saudi Arabia and the UK, Ayman plays a key role in attracting foreign direct investments (FDIs), enabling corporates and startups to establish and expand their presence in the UAE and the wider GCC region. Additionally, Ayman serves as the Managing Director of Axeed Space, a groundbreaking business hub in Dubai and the UAE’s largest entrepreneurship membership club. Through its flagship multi-use development, Project Q, Axeed Space provides a dynamic ecosystem designed to support both startups and established corporations in their growth and innovation journeys.
---
Machiko Kotani, CCIM, Chapter President
TechTalk: Tariff Impact on Canadian Communities - Intermediate to Advanced Use Cases
11:30 am - 12:45 pm | Oct. 7
---