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Susanne Newmark and Nancy Glick
Newmark Associates CRE

Based in Cedar Knolls, Newmark Associates CRE is a privately held commercial real estate firm that provides a range of services, such as lease and sales transactions; tenant and owner representation; retail, land, industrial, office and health care brokerage; lease renegotiation; and advisory and valuation services. It’s also the largest woman-owned commercial real estate firm in New Jersey.

Since founding the business in 1987, Newmark has led it in representing a diverse client base that includes Fortune 500 companies, like Microsoft and Citibank, as well as entrepreneurial ventures and investors throughout the region. Glick joined the firm in 2005 as COO and worked alongside Newmark to develop technology and management systems to support growth that nearly doubled the size of the company to more than 25 agents.

Recent notable high value transactions include the sale of a 150,000-square-foot office building in West Orange and the sale of a 30,000-square-foot building in Florham Park to a nonprofit organization.

Chris Paladino
New Brunswick Development Corp.

Since joining the New Brunswick Development Corp. as president in 1994, Paladino has overseen the construction of 8.3 million square feet of residential, commercial and academic institutional projects valued at $3.5 billion. As a not-for-profit real estate development organization, many of those projects have featured unique public-private partnerships, such as with entities like Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

DEVCO’s developments include Stockton University’s Atlantic City campus, the South Jersey Gas headquarters, the College Avenue Redevelopment Initiative on the Rutgers-New Brunswick campus, the renovation of the former Rutgers Law School in Newark and the completion of the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center.

This past spring, DEVCO celebrated the grand opening of the $900 million Rutgers Cancer Institute – Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center in New Brunswick. DEVCO is also making progress on HELIX NJ (Health + Life Science Exchange), a three-building development planned in New Brunswick. Tenants will include Rutgers School of Medicine, Princeton University, Nokia Bell Labs, Middlesex County and New Jersey Innovation Hub.

Joseph Panepinto Jr.
Panepinto Global Partners

In addition to serving as president of Panepinto Global Partners, a Jersey City-based company in the business of international real estate development and investments, Panepinto is principal of Panepinto Properties. The 48-year-old firm focuses on planning and developing innovative commercial, residential, hotel and mixed-use properties that transform urban neighborhoods.

An attorney and real estate developer, Panepinto has spent his career focused on the renaissance of his hometown Jersey City. Since the late 1970s, Panepinto Properties has been involved in several key projects that have impacted the city’s skyline and urban renewal efforts, including construction of downtown luxury rental building The Gotham as one of the first high-rise residential properties, and the revitalization of the Harborside/Exchange Place waterfront corridor.

Looking ahead, Panepinto expects to soon begin leasing of 505 Summit, a $388 million, 54-story building in Journal Square. Along with 605 residential units, the project includes street-level retail, landscaped public plaza, parking garage and bicycle storage.

Michael Pennisi
Coldwell Banker

As regional vice president for Coldwell Banker, Pennisi leads more than 700 agents across North and Central Jersey and oversees over $1.5 billion in annual sales. For more than a decade, he has driven the No. 1 region in production growth for Coldwell Banker New Jersey, consistently promoting innovation, mentorship and culture throughout the brokerage community.

Also known as a nationally recognized speaker and coach, Pennisi regularly presents on topics like real estate strategy, negotiation, brokerage growth and leadership. Additionally, he is founder of Innspired Hospitality, a growing real estate investment and boutique lodging brand with properties across the Jersey Shore and the Adirondacks. Its portfolio includes bed-and-breakfasts, luxury vacation rentals, single-family investments, flips and a working farm. In addition to brokerage and investment, Pennisi is the host of Growth Mastermind — a live event series for real estate professionals and entrepreneurs focused on growth, innovation and leadership in a rapidly changing industry.

His accolades over the years have included being named to the National Association of Realtors’ prestigious 30 Under 30 list. Earlier this year, he was recognized as the North Central Jersey Association of Realtors’ Realtor of the Year for 2025.

Steven Pozycki
SJP Properties

As founder and CEO of SJP Properties, Steven Pozycki has led his 44-year-old firm to become one of the foremost names in real estate, known for delivering top-tier office, mixed-use, industrial and residential properties. SJP’s portfolio spans a diverse collection of landmark office parks, corporate headquarters facilities and luxury residential sites throughout the metropolitan area. With more than 90 team members spread across its offices in Parsippany and New York City, SJP has $5 billion of equity invested and $1.3 billion in development.

Notable projects include Prudential’s 750,000-square-foot tower in Newark as well as Panasonic USA’s 337,000-square-foot Brick City building. In Hoboken, SJP developed the 1.5 million-square-foot, three-building mixed-use complex Waterfront Corporate Center that is home to big players like Walmart, Hain Celestial and Unilever.

In Morristown, SJP developed nearly 500,000 square feet of new commercial space in recent years, including Valley Bank’s massive redevelopment along Speedwell Avenue as well as M Station East for Deloitte and M Station West for Sanofi.

This past summer, SJP broke ground on a 370,000-square-foot office and life sciences tower in New Brunswick that will serve as the Nokia Bell Labs global headquarters as part of the HELIX NJ Innovation District.

William ‘Billy’ Procida
Procida Funding and Advisors

Since founding Englewood Cliffs-based Procida Funding and Advisors in 1995, Procida has financed, fixed, and built over $3 billion dollars of buildings and companies across the region. After marking its 30th anniversary this year, Procida Funding & Advisors remains active in lending and advisory work. The firm secured a major $140 million refinancing last summer for a 507-unit active adult community in Cherry Hill that was leasing faster than national averages and nearing full completion. Then, in October, it won a nearly $40 million court judgement tied to the project from a prior developer for breach of guaranty.

Procidea also manages the 100 Mile Fund, an open-ended local real estate investment fund that has originated over $1.2 billion in loans and has a long-term annualized return of around 12.1% for commercial real estate projects and small- to mid-size businesses within a 100-mile radius of New York City over the past decade-and-a-half.

In addition to being a veteran developer and financier, Procida has lectured at Yale, Columbia and New York universities, and has been a regular guest on television networks such as CNBC and Fox Business. Along with numerous accolades over the years – including multiple recognitions by NJBIZ – Procida is an avid sponsor for charities like Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and Keep Rockland Beautiful.

Jason Pucci
The Kislak Co. Inc.

As CEO of The Kislak Co. Inc., Pucci is responsible for oversight and management of operations, business activities and growth initiatives at one of New Jersey’s oldest and most successful independent commercial real estate brokerage firms. Founded in 1906, Kislak’s client base spans individual investors and owners, partnerships, financial institutions, and REITs across multifamily and retail markets in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Florida.

Since he joined the Woodbridge-based business in 2006 as COO, Kislak has closed more than 2,400 transactions valued at more than $9 billion — with Pucci personally handling more than 100 deals worth over $1 billion. An executive and attorney with extensive experience in real estate sales and commercial sales and leasing, Pucci was tapped as Kislak’s CEO in 2022.

Over the past year, Kislak has remained active, closing several multifamily and land sales across the region – including recent deals in East Orange, Garwood, West Long Branch and Vineland, as well as in Monticello, N.Y., totaling over $20 million. Earlier this month, Kislak sold two investment properties in Livingston (apartments and a retail center) for a combined $6.5 million. With Pucci at the helm, Kislak continues to focus on value-add and development-ready assets and maintains its position as one of the top-ranked brokerages firms.

Deidre Reynolds
Exchange Place Alliance

Reynolds has served as executive director of the Exchange Place Alliance since 2024, overseeing the special improvement district in Jersey City that focuses on enhancing public spaces, streetscapes and community infrastructure. Under her leadership, the Alliance has prioritized neighborhood placemaking, capital improvements and initiatives that promote vibrancy, safety and accessibility across the district.

Since taking the role, Reynolds has led the Alliance through a major expansion, bringing additional areas, including the Powerhouse Arts District, into the district’s programs and services. This expansion enables the organization to implement improvements across a wider footprint, from landscaping and lighting upgrades to enhanced maintenance and public amenities.

Reynolds has also spearheaded cultural initiatives, most notably the Alliance’s public art program. The organization recently commissioned six new sculptures, complemented by the inaugural window display in the Powerhouse Arts District, reflecting the Alliance’s ongoing commitment to celebrating artists and creating vibrant urban experiences.

“We have worked hard to match the culture of Jersey City to the art we have installed,” Reynolds said. “Our public art initiative is meant to bring inspiration to our daily lives while celebrating the artists who make our community special.”

Samantha DeAlmedia Roman
Associated Builders and Contractors New Jersey Chapter

Roman was 31 when she was appointed president of Associated Builders and Contractors New Jersey Chapter in April 2021. The youngest-ever person to hold that spot, she was already a seasoned public affairs professional with 10 years of experience in issues advocacy, politics, policy and state government.

Roman leads the largest ABC chapter in the country, representing over 1,300 members and serving as the youngest ABC chapter president nationally. Under her leadership, ABC-NJ has experienced significant growth while championing diversity and inclusion in a traditionally male-dominated field. She has developed a robust U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program, creating pathways for young men and women to enter the construction workforce. “I believe in fighting for the freedom of choice and fairness in the industry, regardless of labor affiliation or organizational ties,” Roman says.

Her advocacy extends beyond the boardroom. Roman actively supports community initiatives including the Boy Scouts, where she sponsors the Scouting for Food program in South Jersey, and ROC Solid, which provides playsets to children with cancer.

William Rosato
Alpine Residential

Rosato is the managing partner of Alpine Residential, a leading developer of residential and mixed-use projects in New Jersey.  Alpine’s portfolio includes 2,630 units, with recent deliveries such as The Hazel Phases I & II, Starling, Atlas, Solaris Lofts and The Hazel Stamford in Connecticut. These developments feature a mix of residential units and retail spaces, including cafés, medical offices, fitness studios and daycare — enhancing the communities they serve.

Currently, Alpine has 689 units under construction in Jersey City and Hicksville, N.Y. And it continues to pursue large-scale residential and mixed-use projects across Jersey City and Hoboken for 2026. Notable upcoming developments include SciTech Scity, a partnership with Jersey City, Hudson County and Liberty Science Center featuring 500 units in two 12-story towers alongside retail, restaurant and innovation spaces. The first units are expected in mid-2026.

Under Rosato’s leadership, Alpine focuses on creating vibrant, amenity-rich communities while maintaining a robust development pipeline and stabilizing completed properties across the region.

Ed Russo
Russo Development

As CEO of Carlstadt-based Russo Development for the past two-and-a-half decades, Russo has transformed the business his father founded in 1969 into one of the most active developers in New Jersey. Under his watch, the firm has expanded from a primary focus on industrial to include mixed use, retail, multifamily and data center properties, as well. Through his role, Russo oversees day-to-day operations, including land acquisition, design/engineering, entitlements, construction, leasing, finance and property management.

During his tenure, the company has completed more than 2 million square feet of mission critical space to clients including JP Morgan Chase, NYSE Euronext, Credit Suisse and Bloomberg. Russo has also overseen the development of built-to-suit industrial facilities for various clients, such as the Pepsi Bottling Group and Macy’s.

Beyond the over 3 million square feet of commercial and data center projects in its pipeline, Russo Development says it has over 3,600 units of multifamily apartments under construction and another 2,500 units planned during the next three years — many under its Vermella brand.

Some recent highlights include a $162 million loan for its 543-unit luxury project The Raye by Vermella in New Brunswick and the opening of Rev by Vermella in Belleville, which is already 75% leased.

Ryan Sanzari
Alfred Sanzari Enterprises

As president of Alfred Sanzari Enterprises, Sanzari oversees day-to-day operations at one of New Jersey’s top real estate development and management companies. Family-owned and operated since 1945, the firm’s diverse portfolio of over 6 million square feet includes multifamily, industrial, office, medical office, retail and hospitality sites. Properties within Sanzari Enterprise’s fold include Court Plaza in Hackensack, the Alfred N. Sanzari Medical Arts Building in Hackensack and Zephyr Ridge apartments in Cedar Grove. It also operates three hotel brands at Glenpointe – Marriott, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton.

Sanzari joined the business in 2011 as an assistant project manager and went on to serve as a project manager, director of operations and chief operating office before being named president three years ago. Guided and inspired by his father, current CEO David Sanzari, and his late grandfather, founder Alfred Sanzari, he has helped continue the family’s vision.

This year marked the 80th anniversary of the Hackensack-based firm – a milestone Sanzari said would not be possible without its employees, partners, tenants and communities it serves. “As we look to the future, we are excited to build on our success and continue creating spaces that residents and businesses are proud to call home,” he said.

John Saraceno and Jon Schultz
Onyx Equities LLC

Since Saraceno and Schultz founded Onyx Equities LLC more than 20 years ago, the two managing principals have expanded the firm to become one of the most active commercial property investment, management and development firms in the New York metropolitan market.

Over the years, Onyx has acquired more than $4 billion dollars of real estate assets throughout New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. It has also executed more than $1 billion in asset repositioning projects across all property types, including the Gateway in Newark and two ultra-luxury boutique-style residential communities in Ridgewood.

As chief investment strategist, Saraceno directs Onyx’s approach to investment and portfolio management and executes partnerships with some of the country’s most significant institutional investment firms. Schultz leads investor capital raising initiatives, along with the fundraising efforts for the firm’s real estate fund, Phalanx Funds. He also oversees the strategic planning, real estate technology development and overall investment strategy.

Matt Schlindwein
Greek Real Estate Partners

Schlindwein is managing partner at Greek Real Estate Partners, where he oversees the firm’s development and design-build divisions. With more than 20 years of experience in commercial real estate, Schlindwein has been instrumental in delivering projects for some of the nation’s largest distributors. At GREP, he leads a team of highly skilled design engineers and construction professionals, leveraging his deep knowledge of local land use and environmental law to optimize Class A warehouse construction, renovations, and redevelopment projects across New Jersey and beyond.

Earlier this year, Schlindwein was appointed president of NAIOP New Jersey. In this role, he has taken on a number of initiatives, including the recent rollout of a Four-Year Strategic Plan focused on advocacy, member engagement, industry education and workforce development. The initiative emphasizes nurturing emerging leaders, promoting innovation and encouraging sustainable development across the state’s commercial real estate landscape.

“I am honored to serve as President of NAIOP New Jersey as it positions itself to better serve all of our members, shaping our industry and regional economy,” said Schlindwein. “I look forward to collaborating with our members and the community to strengthen commercial real estate in our state.”

David Simon
NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co.

Simon serves as chief operating officer and business manager at NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co. At the Woodbridge-based commercial real estate firm, he oversees the company’s operational and fiscal performance while actively driving transactions alongside the brokerage team. Since joining NAIDB in 2020, Simon has focused on cultivating a collaborative, high-performing culture that emphasizes mentorship and professional growth, particularly for the next generation of brokers.

Simon’s expertise spans a broad range of asset classes, including industrial, office, multifamily and retail properties, with a focus on northern and central New Jersey markets such as Middlesex, Somerset, Union, Essex and Morris counties. Notable recent transactions under his guidance include the 98-unit multifamily sale of Evergreen Village in Alpha, a 42,000-square-foot industrial lease to V&H Logistic in Kenilworth, and a 21,000-square-foot office lease to Bayada Home Health Care in Parsippany.

He was recognized by GlobeSt.com/Real Estate Forum Magazine as one of the 2025 Best Bosses in commercial real estate. “I’m honored to have been nominated by my colleagues and included within this group,” said Simon. “The recognition is a testament to the incredible team we’ve built at NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co.”

Debra Tantleff
TANTUM Real Estate

Tantleff is the founding principal of TANTUM Real Estate, a certified Women’s Business Enterprise boutique development and advisory firm focused on creating vibrant multifamily and mixed-use communities throughout New Jersey. With more than two decades of experience, Tantleff leads projects that enhance communities while addressing the state’s growing housing needs.

Earlier this year, Tantleff was re-elected to serve a second term as chair of the New Jersey Builders Association, the state’s leading housing industry trade association representing builders, developers, remodelers, subcontractors, suppliers and other professionals. Under her leadership, NJBA has advanced significant legislative and regulatory initiatives – including plan review reform and home improvement contractor licensing – while continuing to advocate for broader policy changes to support affordable housing and sustainable development.

“NJBA continues to be an advocate for policy changes that would allow for accessory dwelling units, stranded asset conversion and reduced parking standards, and we look forward to working with the Legislature and Administration over the coming year to address their mutual goals of affordability and to revive New Jersey’s housing market,” said Tantleff.

Jessica Vasil
Lee & Associates

Vasil is president and CEO of Lee & Associates, whose brokers help keep the New Jersey CRE brokerage community ticking, The company also has a significant philanthropic impact on local communities. The team is passionate about community service efforts, and Vasil and the executive team provide continual opportunities for them.

Lee & Associates is the largest Woman-owned Business Enterprise commercial real estate brokerage firm in the New York Metropolitan area. Vasil spearheaded the path to that designation in 2024. And since, the firm has been recognized by NJBIZ as one of the state’s leading women-owned businesses.

Vasil began her tenure with Lee & Associates in 2009 as assistant vice president of operations, following a career in commercial real estate, law and housing advocacy. She was promoted to executive vice president of operations in 2016 and named president of Lee & Associates New Jersey in 2023. Under her leadership, the firm has expanded its geographic footprint, strengthened its financial position and enhanced its reputation as one of the region’s leading full-service commercial real estate companies. She played a key role in Lee’s expansion from five agents to a team of 50 professionals across three offices.

Jeff Venezia, Vincent Myers and Rich Alderiso
DIGroup Architecture

Formed in 2006 as a merger of four competing architectural firms, DIGroup Architecture is the largest majority Black-owned architectural, interior and graphic design firm in New Jersey. As individuals, principals and co-founders of DIG, Myers (president), Venezia (chief executive officer) and Alderiso (chief operating officer) have created a firm based on the premise of collaboration, consensus building and creating equity for all through physical space.

Headquartered in New Brunswick, DIG delivers award-winning assignments for clients across the academic, civic, health care and senior living spaces – all while giving back to the neighborhoods in which its projects are located.

Myers, Venezia and Alderiso have been instrumental in leading the expansion of DIG’s extensive portfolio. That includes being appointed by the Union County Improvement Authority to develop a centralized hub for social services and administration, an emergency department observation unit at Hackensack Meridian Health’s Jersey Shore University Medical Center, an interior medical building fit out at Hackensack Meridian Health’s JFK University Medical Center, restoration of the historic Louis Kahn bath house in Ewing and reimagining 20,000 square feet of senior living spaces at the Lester Senior Living campus in Whippany. The firm is also continuing its work with the New Jersey Schools Development Authority.

Ed Walters Jr. and Joe Del Duca
Walters Group

Walters, founder of Barnegat-based Walters Group, and Del Duca, partner and director of affordable housing, lead one of New Jersey’s most respected real estate development firms. Walters Group has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, sustainable residential communities that foster healthy, vibrant lifestyles. Operating through three divisions – Walters Homes, Walters Architecture LLC and Walters Apartments – the company develops custom homes, design services and income-restricted housing throughout the state.

Recent flagship projects include Cornerstone at Chatham and Cornerstone at Montvale, both LEED-certified income-restricted communities offering premium amenities and environmentally conscious construction. These developments earned multiple honors at the Shore Builders Association of Central New Jersey’s 22nd annual FAME Awards, including the coveted Community of the Year recognition, highlighting excellence across concept, construction, marketing and sales.

Eric Witmondt
Woodmont Properties

Based in Fairfield, vertically integrated Woodmont Properties was founded in 1963 by Donald Witmondt. Today, Donald’s son Eric Witmondt leads the company as CEO, having grown it into a leading regional developer with a diverse portfolio by expanding its range, scale and locations.

Witmondt’s guidance has helped advance development of more than 7 million square feet of industrial space along with 6,500 luxury apartments. According to the company, Woodmont Properties has also increased its value of assets under management to more than $1.5 billion in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida and Colorado. Looking ahead, the pipeline sets up more than 6 million square feet of industrial buildings, 2,000 apartments and 1,000 senior living residences.

Witmondt leads a team of more than 185 members with specialists ranging from marketing to construction to sales to entitlements to property management and more. In 2025, the company ranked as one of the Best Places to Work in NJ, an NJBIZ distinction determined by a company’s own employees. According to those experts, Woodmont Properties is characterized as offering a workplace centered around employee growth and collaboration with a “people-first” mentality.

Jason Wolf
Wolf Commercial Real Estate

Wolf has built a career based on integrity, innovation and impact over more than three decades. He serves as founder and managing principal of Wolf Commercial Real Estate. The full-service commercial brokerage, property management and advisory firm specializes in office, retail, medical, industrial and investment properties in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. Wolf launched Marlton-based WCRE in 2012 with a vision to redefine client service through a focus on relationships, strategy and value creation – beyond just that of a transaction.

Now, WCRE represents more than 7 million square feet under exclusive agreements and management. More recently, the firm expanded its reach into New York, through CORFAC International, a network for independently owned commercial real estate brokerage firms.  Wolf is also keen to build the next generation of CRE professionals and through the WCRE Foundation, he has helped raise nearly $1 million for local nonprofits.

As the landscape continues to evolve, Wolf persists in providing guidance and analysis. “Across all three (NJ/PA/NY) regions, we’re seeing a market defined by resilience and recalibration,” he said with the release of WCRE’s most recent quarterly market report. “Leasing volumes have normalized, investors are targeting well-positioned assets, and limited new construction is helping many markets find their footing heading into 2026.”

Ralph Zucker
Inspired by Somerset Development

Zucker is the CEO and founder of Inspired by Somerset Development – perhaps best known for its Monmouth County metroburb, Bell Works Holmdel. An expert in adaptive reuse and mixed-used development, Zucker led the transformation of the 2 million-square-foot former Bell Laboratories property into a vibrant mixed-use destination. For the past several years, Bell Works has maintained around 98% occupancy. Meanwhile, it continues to expand its diverse offerings and amenities. This month, a 13,800-square-foot pickleball venue debuted at the property, which also features dining options, a library and theater. In addition to attracting office tenants, the public and private events, Bell Works has found fame on the screens as Lumon Industries on the Apple TV+ show “Severance.”

Since, Zucker has transferred the metroburb model to Chicago, reimagining the former AT&T headquarters as Bell Works Chicagoland. And this year, the brand expanded again — way closer to home. Inspired by Somerset Development is at work transforming the former Commvault HQ in Tinton Falls as Bell Works Fort Monmouth.

Momentum for Zucker and his company is building elsewhere down the shore, too, with two residential projects underway that are helping redefine luxury beach living. LIDO Asbury Park is a collection of 112 condominiums. In Long Branch, The Inkwell Lofts will deliver 22 residences and retail.

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