Originally published on March 25, 2024, by Brian Walker for NAIOP.
NAIOP’s Market Share blog sat down with 2024 NAIOP Chair Brian Walker to ask him about his career path, NAIOP experience, and vision for the association this year.
You are the first NAIOP Developing Leader to be named chair. Tell us about that.
I can recall what it felt like to be a young CPA just starting my career. NAIOP and the Pittsburgh chapter were essential in connecting me with the knowledge, research, education and people I needed to launch my career. Our DLs comprise nearly 28% of our total membership, and they’re the future of our industry and association. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to meet so many of our rising leaders this year and support their growth.
Your career has been largely in the western Pennsylvania market. How has the market changed?
Pittsburgh has transformed from its roots as “the Steel City” into a vibrant hub for healthcare, education, technology, robotics, and financial services. Western Pennsylvania has been a strong annuity market for investment. Our real estate has always been built and priced right, with growth slow and steady. The offset is that the market is not growing rapidly, and we see lateral movement from old buildings to new.