CCIM Excellence Awards

Big deals. Exceptional educators. Dedicated leaders. This is what excellence in the CCIM Network looks like. 

The CCIM Celebration of Excellence recognized the professionals raising the bar across commercial real estate and The CCIM Institute. From standout dealmakers making an impact across retail, multifamily, office, industrial and specialty commercial real estate to the instructors shaping the next generation of industry leaders and the volunteer who gave their time and talent to strengthen our community, this year's honorees represent the very best of CCIM. 

Congratulations to our 2026 award winners! 

THE DEALMAKERS AWARDS  

Dealmakers Award: Retail Nominees

• Sebastian Alcazar, CCIM 
• Ashley Kitchen, CCIM 
• James Harris McCraw, CCIM 
• Terrie Hertweck, CCIM 
• Nick Miner, CCIM 

Winner: Ashley Kitchen, CCIM 

Dealmakers Award: Multifamily Nominees

• Eric L. Nesbitt, CCIM 
• Erin Rooney, CCIM 

Winner: Eric L. Nesbitt, CCIM 

Dealmakers Award: Specialty Nominees

• Sebastian Alcazar, CCIM 
• Richard Campbell, CCIM; Nancy Ferren, CCIM; and Peter Jameson, CCIM 
• Jerry Dawson, CCIM, and Michael Sims, CCIM 
• Robby Eaves, CCIM, and Brian Smith, CCIM 
• Dave Gambaccini, CCIM, and David Wilson, CCIM, SIOR 
• Gary Heinfeld, CCIM 
• Kayla Mahoney, CCIM 
• Jane Sauls, CCIM 
• Jue Wang, CCIM 

Winners: Dave Gambaccini, CCIM, and David Wilson, CCIM, SIOR 

Dealmakers Award: Office Nominees 

• DJ Brigman, CCIM, and Micah Gray, CCIM 
• Andy Mills, CCIM 
• Bridget Richards, CCIM, SIOR 
• Laura Salome, CCIM 
• Joe Stance, CCIM 

Winner: Andy Mills, CCIM 

Dealmakers Award: Industrial Nominees

• Diana Campbell, CCIM 
• Michael Hinton, CCIM 
• Randy McMillan, CCIM 
• Bryant Meyer, CCIM 

Winner: Randy McMillan, CCIM 

INSTRUCTOR AWARDS 
In Memory of Robin Webb, CCIM 

• 40 Years of Service Award: Steve Cannariato, CCIM 
• Rising Star Award: Brian Smith, CCIM 
• People’s Choice Award: Nate Worthen, CCIM 
• Robert L. Ward Instructor of the Year: Mark Cypert, CCIM 

2025/2026 Senior Emeritus Instructors 

• Robin Webb, CCIM, recognized posthumously 
• Lydia Bennett, CCIM, 2026 
• Robin Dyche, CCIM, 2026 
• Susan McClure, CCIM, 2026 
• Bill Mohr, CCIM, 2025 
• Carl Russell, CCIM, 2026 

Volunteer of the Year Award 

Winner: James Robertson, CCIM 

A Fireside Chat with Rick Caruso 

An unforgettable conversation with Rick Caruso, Founder and Executive Chairman of Caruso®, who brought decades of development experience, and plenty of big ideas, to the stage during the celebration. 

Caruso challenged CRE professionals to think beyond the physical asset and focus on creating places that enrich people's lives. From his belief that a great location remains fundamental to his approach to transforming properties through experience, design and thoughtful leasing, the conversation delivered a valuable perspective on what makes real estate endure. He also shared how AI is already being integrated across finance, design, engineering, lease management and guest experiences, reinforcing that the next era of CRE will bring together technology, human creativity and a relentless focus on the people who use our spaces. 

For those in the room, it was a conversation worth remembering. For those who missed it, this was one Fall Forum moment you’ll want to catch next time.