Dan Kennedy Begins Tenure as NAIOP New Jersey CEO

Experienced Leader Brings Extensive Background in Public Affairs and Government Relations, Strategic Planning, and Coalition Building

Dan Kennedy

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Sept. 13, 2023) – Dan Kennedy this summer assumed the role of chief executive officer at NAIOP New Jersey. The launch of Kennedy’s formal tenure as head of this key commercial real estate development trade association followed a six-week transition period working in tandem with outgoing CEO Michael McGuinness.

In partnership with the association’s Board of Directors and officers, Kennedy will guide the future growth of NAIOP’s Garden State chapter – currently 850+ members strong – and implement its mission. “As a result of Mike’s efforts, the chapter has long supported the evolving interests of our members and served as an advocate for positive change in New Jersey,” said Kennedy. “I am honored to be working with our staff, members and leadership to make this strong organization even stronger.”

Kennedy is an accomplished leader who brings an extensive background in association management, public affairs and government relations, strategic planning, coalition building, and policy. Prior to joining NAIOP NJ, he was senior director/director of Environmental and Utility Operations for the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association of New Jersey. He previously served as a senior official in New Jersey State government. He holds a master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from the Rutgers Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, and a New Jersey Professional Planner license.

A lifelong New Jersey resident, Kennedy has devoted his career to promoting smart growth in the state. “One of the things that attracted me to this opportunity is NAIOP NJ’s balanced approach to development and ensuring that the buildings we work and live in meet the challenges of the future,” he said. “I look forward to working with elected officials, commercial real estate stakeholders and like-minded industry associations across many sectors to keep advancing those objectives.”

THOUGHTFUL PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Among Kennedy’s top priorities during the first months of his tenure is to initiate a thoughtful planning process that will lead to a multi-year, action-focused strategic plan. “We will be evaluating ways we can build value for our members and ensure a future where the association continues to grow and prosper” he said. “This plan will guide us in building on NAIOP NJ’s solid foundation in areas ranging from public policy to programming, while continuing to meet the standard of excellence our members expect – without missing a beat.”

Kennedy noted the chapter’s connection with the NAIOP corporate team is an invaluable part of doing just that. “Being a member in New Jersey includes access to all of the benefits the national organization has to offer,” he said. “There is a tremendous amount of research, education and training that we can tap into as we strive to help our members make the most of being part of our association.”

With an eye to the future, Kennedy emphasized the importance of providing the next generation of CRE leadership with the skills and mentorship needed for success. “Staffing issues are not getting any easier, and it is essential that industry professionals engage with each other and New Jersey’s institutions of higher education to invest in workforce development,” he said. “We need to attract young people who are passionate about building their commercial real estate careers. And we need to help them leverage programs, like NAIOP’s Developing Leaders, that provide tools, networking and resources to foster their growth.”

Founded in 1970, NAIOP NJ is a leading chapter of NAIOP, a national trade association for commercial real estate developers, owners, investors, asset managers and other industry professionals. The New Jersey chapter’s members benefit from robust business and networking opportunities, education and professional development programs, and strong legislative and public affairs representation. NAIOP NJ invests significant resources to ensure that sound laws and regulations govern the commercial real estate industry, and to support sustainable policies that bolster the economy, promote urban redevelopment and rebuild the state’s aging transportation infrastructure.

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