NAIOP New Jersey

What a night! New Jersey’s commercial real estate community came together to celebrate this year’s honorees and the most impactful transactions at the 39th Annual Commercial Real Estate Awards Gala. Thank you to everyone who attended and our sponsors, and congratulations to all of the 2026 honorees! Photo Credit: Gary Gellman/Gellman Images 

Another recipient of this year’s Caren S. Franzini Public Partner Award is the Honorable Lawrence F. Jacobs, Mayor of Bedminster. Mayor Jacobs has led the Bedminster community for eight years, having been unanimously selected by the Bedminster Township Committee to serve the position again in 2026. As a shareholder at Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A. and chair of the Environmental Law Group, Jacobs advises private and public clients in all phases of regulatory compliance with environmental laws, brownfields redevelopment and land use permitting. Mayor Jacobs has served as a member of the Bedminster Township Committee since 2012 and the Bedminster Township Land Use Board since 2011. Jacobs also serves in various leadership capacities for the New Jersey District Council of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), promoting best practices in land development. Please join us in honoring Mayor Jacobs and all of this year’s honorees at the 39th Annual Commercial Real Estate Awards Gala on Thursday, May 14. Reserve your seats now at https://lnkd.in/eExsXgk5.

Nearly sold out! 95% of tickets have been sold for the 39th Annual Commercial Real Estate Awards Gala, but there’s still time to register. Don’t miss out on being a part of the biggest CRE event of the year. Join us on May 14 to celebrate this year’s honorees and connect with industry leaders.   To register, visit https://lnkd.in/eExsXgk5. 

The Caren S. Franzini Public Partner Award honors champions of economic development that inspire and transform communities. One of this year’s recipients is Honorable Brad Cohen, Mayor of East Brunswick. Mayor Cohen was elected to office in November 2016. Beginning his public career in 2010, he was first elected to the East Brunswick Board of Education. Working with his fellow Board members, he helped navigate schools through difficult economic times in the wake of the Great Recession and cuts in state aid. He was named Board President in 2014 and helped select the new Superintendent of Schools. As Mayor, Cohen uses his skills to improve the quality of life for all residents of East Brunswick. Join us in honoring Mayor Cohen and all of this year’s honorees at the 39th Annual Commercial Real Estate Awards Gala on Thursday, May 14. Reserve your seats now at https://lnkd.in/eExsXgk5.

We are so grateful that NAIOP, The Commercial Real Estate Development Association – New Jersey Chapter has reached over 3,000 followers on LinkedIn. One of NAIOP’s core missions is to advocate for the interests of the state’s commercial real estate industry, and we are committed to doing that every day for our loyal members. Here’s to continuing the fight! 

NAIOP, The Commercial Real Estate Development Association – New Jersey Chapter was honored to be celebrated alongside other organizations at the The Commerce and Industry Association of NJ’s 2026 Companies That Care Awards, receiving a top recognition in the charitable donations and fundraising category. NAIOP is always dedicated to giving back to our communities and making a meaningful impact to create positive change. Thank you to CIANJ for this prestigious honor! 

NAIOP, The Commercial Real Estate Development Association – New Jersey Chapter is proud to present the 2026 Industry Service Award to Dana Nalbantian, Principal, Gensler. Dana has dedicated her 30+ year career not only to exceptional design and architecture, but also to growing New Jersey’s commercial real estate, construction and design industry. As Principal and Studio Director of Gensler’s Morristown office, she’s a trusted advisor to the most prominent developers, landlords and organizations in New Jersey. In her near decade with NAIOP, Dana currently sits on the Board of Trustees and helps guide educational programming and content for the Programs and Education Committee. Dana pursues her passion for service by volunteering with organizations like CoreNet Global New Jersey Chapter, Best Buddies in New Jersey and The Seeing Eye. Join us in honoring Dana and all of this year’s recipients, as well as the Deal of the Year winners, at the 39th Annual Commercial Real Estate Awards Gala on Thursday, May 14 at The Palace at Somerset Park. Reserve your seats now at https://lnkd.in/eExsXgk5. 

Almost sold out! 75% of tickets have been sold for the 39th Annual Commercial Real Estate Awards Gala. Don’t miss your opportunity to connect and network with New Jersey’s best and brightest CRE minds. Join us on Thursday, May 14 at The Palace at Somerset Park to celebrate this year’s honorees and Deal of the Year winners. To register, visit https://lnkd.in/eExsXgk5. 

It was an informative evening with important conversations at NAIOP’s first dinner program of 2026, “Structuring Success: Real Deals, Real Capital.” The dynamic and engaging panel discussion brought real-world perspectives to the table, presenting actionable capital strategies that CRE professionals can implement while navigating today’s ever-changing market. Thank you to everyone who attended, as well as our speakers, who shared their insights on how deals are getting done and the outlook for the future.

The second recipient of this year's Impact Award is Rob Kossar, Vice Chairman of JLL Northeast Industrial. Rob serves as the market leader for all JLL industrial business across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, and serves on the company's Brokerage and Industrial Executive Committees. With more than three decades of industry experience, Rob holds extensive expertise around both ownership and brokerage sectors. He has represented numerous major public, private, and institutional owners, as well as public and private occupiers operating locally and throughout the United States. His most recent industry recognitions include being designated by GlobeSt.com as a 2025 Industrial Influencer and receiving the United Way of Northern New Jersey's Spirit of Philanthropy Award in recognition of his contributions with the Ryan Wolfe Kossar Foundation. Additionally, Mr. Kossar has been named a CoStar Power Broker in New Jersey and has been featured in NJBIZ's Real Estate Power 50 for several consecutive years. He is a five-time NAIOP Deal of the Year winner and, in 2017, accepted the NAIOP Impact Award on behalf of JLL. Please join us in recognizing Rob and all of this year’s honorees at the 39th Annual Commercial Real Estate Awards Gala on Thursday, May 14. Reserve your seats now at https://lnkd.in/eExsXgk5.