Shaping the Future Through Learning and Leadership 

As commercial real estate professionals, we know that our industry never stands still. Markets shift, technologies evolve, and new opportunities emerge every day. At The CCIM Institute, our strength has always been our ability to adapt to these changes through a commitment to continuous learning, leadership development, and the powerful intersection of technology, networking, and education. 

This July, during our Chapter Officer Training (COT) and Instructor Training, we saw this commitment in action. These events underscored the value and impact of education, not only for those entering our programs, but also for those who have been teaching for decades. At the awards dinner, we recognized four instructors who have dedicated 45 years to teaching. What struck me most is that these long-standing educators continue to update their skills and remain open to learning. Their example reminds us that continuous education is not a phase, but a lifelong pursuit. We also celebrated many other instructors who continue to inspire and prepare the next generation of CCIMs, demonstrating that education is the heartbeat of our Institute. 

I was proud to open this year’s training by recognizing our instructors as true cornerstones of The CCIM Institute. They bring more than knowledge to the classroom. They bring excitement, joy, and a practitioner’s perspective that transforms learning into real-world insight. They embrace evolving technologies and data, helping us prepare Designees to thrive in a complex, fast-changing marketplace. This is what makes The CCIM Institute the gold standard in commercial real estate education. 

Leadership was also on full display. We welcomed a new group of chapter officers and Regional Vice Presidents—leaders stepping forward with fresh energy and a drive to guide our Institute into the future. Their enthusiasm and perspective will ensure our organization continues to grow stronger across all chapters, globally. 

Our reach is also expanding beyond borders. In addition to welcoming new Designees in China, we proudly announced a partnership with Narxoz Business School to launch Kazakhstan’s first CCIM Designation program. This initiative brings our analytics-driven, ethics-based curriculum—trusted by CCIMs in more than 30 countries—to commercial real estate professionals across Central Asia. As Kazakhstan emerges as a regional economic hub, this collaboration will deliver the insights, tools, and global standards needed to elevate local markets and accelerate investment. 

Looking ahead, we turn our attention to one of the year’s most anticipated events—the 2025 Fall Forum in Vancouver, BC, Oct. 5–9. Building on the momentum of the Spring Forum in Miami, this gathering will be one of the largest CRE events of the year. Attendees will experience a dynamic program filled with market insights, site tours, continuing education, and countless dealmaking opportunities. Most importantly, we will celebrate the achievements of our newest Designees at the Pinning Ceremony, marking the start of their journey as CCIMs. The Fall Forum will be a powerful reminder of what makes our community unique: a global network where education, collaboration, and opportunity intersect. 

As we move forward, I am optimistic about where we are going. The CCIM Institute is not only preserving its legacy of excellence in education, but also reimagining what leadership and learning can look like in an industry shaped by technology, global connections, and innovation. Stay tuned in the months to come, as we continue to deliver new ways to learn, connect, and lead in an ever-changing industry.