Listen to this articleMore:
A – D (below) | E – J | K – M | N – Z | Photos
Sherif Abouzied
roundtable & advisory
Abouzied is the founder and managing principal of roundtable & advisory, a firm dedicated to producing and launching leadership gatherings focused on real estate, economic development, innovation and city growth. Since founding the firm in 2008, Abouzied has built a reputation for convening public, private, and institutional leaders to foster collaboration, investment and strategic dialogue.
Among his flagship initiatives is the Jersey City Summit, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025. The annual event draws nearly 1,300 attendees, bringing together senior stakeholders from commercial real estate, finance, and municipal leadership for panel discussions, fireside chats, and keynote remarks from top industry and civic leaders.
In addition, Abouzied launched the Newark Summit in 2023, which will take place once again in 2026 and continues to grow as a forum for innovation, major projects and municipal-private collaboration in the city.
Reflecting on the milestone of the Jersey City Summit, Abouzied told RE-NJ in April: “Happily, the summit has grown into a must-attend homecoming for the region’s top real estate and investment firms (and) a snapshot of predictions and strategies from the region’s largest, most admired investors, owners and developers.”
Baye Adofo-Wilson
BAW Development
This past year has been eventful for Adofo‑Wilson, the Paterson native, U.S. Army veteran and entrepreneur. As founder of BAW Development, he specializes in transformative mixed-use real estate anchored in the cultural history of historically Black and brown communities. His firm co-developed the iconic Hinchliffe Stadium, a landmark project that has become a focal point for his broader ambitions.
In 2025, Adofo‑Wilson expanded his horizons into sports leadership by becoming majority owner of two teams that call Hinchliffe Stadium home: the New Jersey Jackals (minor league baseball) and the New York Cosmos (returning in 2026 to play in USL League One). Under his ownership, the Jackals will deepen ties with local businesses, boost community programming, and enhance the fan experience.
“The Jackals are more than just a baseball team – they’re a cornerstone of community pride and opportunity,” said Adofo-Wilson. “Our goal is to deepen our connection with the fans and businesses in Paterson and Passaic County. This is about creating family-friendly entertainment for the local community and celebrating the legacy and future of baseball in Paterson.”
Marlene Asselta
Southern New Jersey Development Council
Asselta has led the Southern New Jersey Development Council since 1985, transforming it into one of the state’s most respected business advocacy and lobbying organizations. A South Jersey native, she has spent decades championing the region’s economic growth and prosperity, playing a key role in shaping public policy across sectors including economic development, education, energy, health care, tourism and transportation. Through her leadership, Asselta has connected members with business and government leaders while providing critical advocacy, insight and services to help them succeed.
In September, Asselta was honored by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce with the Alice H. Parker Outstanding Woman of Inspiration Award, recognizing her as a transformative leader who has created economic opportunities and strengthened the state’s business community.
Last month, she oversaw the SNJDC’s 65th Annual Awards Luncheon at Tavistock Country Club, celebrating organizations that have made significant contributions to South Jersey’s economic vitality and quality of life. Under Asselta’s stewardship, the SNJDC continues to be a central force in South Jersey, fostering partnerships that drive regional growth, collaboration and innovation.
Jeff Babikian
CBRE
Babikian is vice chairman at CBRE, based in the Saddle Brook. One of the original team members at Edward S. Gordon Co. (later acquired by CBRE), Babikian has become a highly respected broker in the Tri-State area, advising occupiers, investors and landlords across all facets of commercial real estate. He develops and implements short- and long-term strategies for clients ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to nonprofit institutions and emerging growth companies.
Babikian is regularly recognized on industry lists for his achievements and leadership in the commercial real estate sector. He also serves on the Advisory Board for Rutgers Center for Real Estate.
Over his career, Babikian has led major transactions for clients including Mercedes-Benz USA, Siemens, KPMG, Sony, BASF and Toys R Us, managing millions of square feet of office, industrial and mixed-use space. Known for his consultative approach, meticulous attention to detail and ability to cultivate long-term client relationships, Babikian is considered one of the most influential brokers in the regional market.
Zoe Baldwin
Regional Plan Association
Baldwin is vice president of state programs at the Regional Plan Association, where she expands the organization’s presence across New Jersey and leads research, planning and advocacy initiatives.
In her role, Baldwin works to build broad support for policies that strengthen communities, promote equitable development and improve regional connectivity. She draws on decades of experience in public policy and community engagement to advance initiatives in transportation, housing, infrastructure and climate resilience.
At RPA, Baldwin has contributed to projects and reports including “Mapping New Jersey’s Growth,” the state development and redevelopment plan, and assessments of housing and transit needs in Jersey City. She has also submitted testimony and guidance on major transportation and environmental initiatives, such as NJ Transit operations and the Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension improvements program, and climate resilience through the NJPACT REAL Rules.
Brian Barry
LCOR
Barry is a senior vice president at LCOR, where he leads the origination, development, and management of multifamily, mixed-use, office, and transit-oriented projects across New Jersey and Westchester County.
Since joining LCOR in 2016, Barry has overseen high-profile initiatives including the development of 55 Bank St.in White Plains, the Hoboken Yards Redevelopment, and the retail lease-up at Valley & Bloom in Montclair. He brings extensive experience in structuring complex real estate deals and managing large-scale development programs, bridging strategic planning, finance and execution.
Currently, Barry is directing the transformative Hoboken Connect redevelopment, a public-private partnership with NJ Transit and the City of Hoboken. As part of the initiative, LCOR has begun construction on upgrades to Hudson Place and Warrington Plaza, reimagining the area as a vibrant public space. “In partnership with NJ Transit and the City of Hoboken, we’re transforming a dated transit area into a dynamic public space, revitalizing a historic gateway and enhancing connectivity for the community,” Barry said at a July groundbreaking.
Adenah Bayoh
Adenah Bayoh & Cos.
Bayoh is an entrepreneur, restaurateur, real estate developer and philanthropist. A refugee from Liberia’s civil war, she immigrated to the United States at age 13 and quickly turned her entrepreneurial vision into reality. Bayoh owns seven restaurants, including four IHOP franchises; Cornbread, a farm-to-table soul food brand; and Brick City Vegan in downtown Newark.
She has also become a noted real estate developer, leading transformative urban projects such as 280 Park Place, a 114-unit mixed-income residential community in Irvington, and 722 Chancellor Ave., which will provide affordable senior housing.
In October, Bayoh launched an initiative at her Southside View development to provide every resident with free high-speed internet for 15 years, partnering with Citizens Bank and Newark Fiber for the effort. “For me, building housing has never just been about bricks and mortar — it’s about dignity, opportunity, and creating pathways for families to thrive. Access to the internet is no longer a luxury; it’s a lifeline to education, health care, and economic mobility. Through this partnership with Citizens and Newark Fiber, we are ensuring that every resident of Southside View is not left behind in the digital age. This project is about equity, it’s about hope, and it’s about rewriting what’s possible for Newark families.”
Jason Bogart, Frank Recine, Christopher Hayes
Accordia Realty Ventures
Accordia Realty Ventures, based in Fairfield, is led by Principals Bogart and Recine along with Chief Operating Officer Hayes. Together, the leadership team drives the firm’s strategic vision, overseeing acquisitions, development, asset management and operational execution across all major real estate asset classes.
Co-founder Bogart manages the firm’s financial operations – including underwriting, debt placement, joint ventures and asset management – having underwritten and evaluated over $3 billion in potential acquisition opportunities. Recine brings decades of experience and spearheads Accordia’s expansion initiatives, leveraging a record of high-profile tenant and landlord representation and large-scale development projects. Hayes manages operational strategy and internal functions while overseeing Accordia’s portfolio of roughly 4.5 million square feet, spanning acquisitions, development and property management.
Under their leadership, Accordia delivers transformative projects across multiple asset classes, blending strategic investment with thoughtful development to enhance communities and generate long-term value.
Wasseem and Sam Boraie
Boraie Development LLC
Boraie Development LLC, founded by Omar Boraie, is a family-led real estate development firm headquartered in New Brunswick, with a 35-year track record of excellence in urban revitalization. Known for its dedication to quality, scale and attention to detail, the company has become one of the region’s most respected developers, creating transformative projects that attract tenants, residents and financial partners alike. Omar’s long-term vision and commitment to urban development have shaped the company’s approach, ensuring that every initiative enhances the community it serves.
Today, the firm is led by Omar’s sons, Wasseem and Sam Boraie, who continue the legacy of innovative development while expanding the company’s footprint across New Jersey. Boraie Development focuses on mixed-use, residential, office and retail projects in urban centers, emphasizing smart design, community integration and economic vitality.
Notable projects include Iconiq 777, a 370-unit residential tower in Newark; 50 Rector Park, Newark’s first high-rise in 50 years; and The Aspire in New Brunswick, a 238-unit mixed-income development across from the train station. Through its strategic investments and urban vision, Boraie Development continues to redefine New Jersey’s skyline.
Reid Brockmeier and Becky Button
Gensler
Brockmeier and Button are co-managing directors of Gensler’s Morristown office, leading the firm’s work across workplaces, residential developments, banks, hospitality venues and health care facilities throughout the state.
Brockmeier, a registered architect in seven states with more than 30 years of experience, serves as a trusted advisor to clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to large-scale headquarters projects. Button, NCIDQ-certified and LEED-accredited, focuses on building strong client relationships and leading initiatives that support both client engagement and the development of future talent at the firm.
Guided by Brockmeier and Button, Gensler Morristown has consistently delivered projects recognized for design excellence, and earning a spot in the NJBIZ 2025 Leaders in Real Estate, Construction and Design awards. “Our mission centers on creating impactful designs that resonate locally in Morristown and Morris County, extending throughout New Jersey, and influence communities globally,” Brockmeier and Button said. “Each project is approached with the intent to significantly enhance the human experience through thoughtful design.”
Peter Bronsnick
Cushman & Wakefield
Bronsnick is executive regional director at Cushman & Wakefield, overseeing advisory and service line efforts across New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
With more than 20 years of experience in real estate development, leasing, acquisitions, construction and project management, Bronsnick leads the firm’s initiatives to drive growth, foster innovation and build high-performance teams. As founder of Revenue Engine, he also advises high-performing teams nationally, helping organizations align strategy, talent and revenue generation to achieve sustained results.
Under Bronsnick’s leadership, Cushman & Wakefield maintains a dominant presence in New Jersey, with nearly 200 employees across three offices in East Rutherford, Morristown and Iselin. The firm represents more than 700 sales and leasing transactions annually, totaling over 40 million square feet across office, industrial, retail and multifamily markets. Its professionals leverage local expertise and integrated service lines – including leasing, capital markets, property management, valuation, development and workplace strategy – to deliver informed, client-focused solutions.
Bronsnick and his team are also deeply committed to giving back, with employees regularly volunteering with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and Tackle Kids Cancer, reinforcing a culture of service alongside business excellence.
Nicholas Cangelosi
The Michaels Organization
Cangelosi is the regional vice president at The Michaels Organization, leading transformative residential development projects in Camden with a focus on affordable and senior housing. Under his guidance, the firm advances its mission of “Lifting Lives” by creating high-quality, sustainable communities that provide residents with safe, accessible and vibrant housing options.
Cangelosi is spearheading Ablett Village Phase 1, the largest single phase of new-construction affordable housing in Camden. The project will deliver 78 energy-efficient townhomes as part of the five-phase, 425-unit redevelopment of the historic William Stanley Ablett Village. He is also leading the revitalization of three senior housing communities – Kennedy, Westfield and Mickle Towers – upgrading safety, accessibility and energy-efficiency while preserving long-term affordability. Other recent initiatives include Oliver Station, a $24 million housing and health care community in partnership with Virtua Health and Branch Village Phase V, which adds new affordable for-sale homes to Camden’s Centerville neighborhood.
“We could not be more proud to reach this latest milestone in the Ablett Village transformation, allowing us to continue Lifting Lives and providing high-quality, mixed-income housing right in our corporate hometown, alongside our trusted partners,” Cangelosi said.
Jackie Chesler
Colliers
Chesler is vice chair at Colliers, a global diversified professional services and investment management company. She brings extensive investment sales and advisory expertise across office, industrial, retail, residential/mixed-use and land assets. Chesler has significant experience working with special servicers, asset managers, and fiduciary teams on distressed and CMBS properties. She is also skilled at marketing and selling assets through online auction platforms such as TenX.
Since joining Colliers in 2013, Chesler has consistently ranked among the firm’s top 10% producers nationally and is a multiyear member of the prestigious Everest Club. Her earlier career includes a stint as a director on the NKF Capital Markets Tri-State Team.
Widely recognized across the commercial real estate industry and frequently invited to speak at national events, Chesler continues to help strengthen Colliers’ capital markets presence and support the firm’s expanding activity throughout New Jersey and the broader region.
Peter (Sr.), Daniel, Alexander and Peter (Jr.) Cocoziello
Advance Realty Investors
Peter Cocoziello Sr., founder and CEO of Advance Realty Investors, leads the Bedminster-based real estate development, investment and management firm alongside Daniel Cocoziello, principal and COO; Alexander Cocoziello, principal and CIO; and Peter Cocoziello Jr., principal and managing director of the strategic business unit. Since its founding in 1979, Advance has earned a reputation as one of the Northeast’s premier development firms.
The Cocoziello family has guided transformative projects across North Jersey, enhancing communities through development, repositioning and redevelopment.
In Harrison, Advance’s Riverbend District – a 35-acre community along the Passaic River – has introduced more than 900 residences across The Wyldes, Steel Works and Cobalt Lofts, alongside street-level retail including new neighborhood restaurant Keepers. In Hoboken, Advance topped off 1404 Willow Ave., adding 52 luxury residences and ground-floor retail and expanding its portfolio alongside The Harlow, Edge Lofts and The Bexley.
Edwin Cohen and Eugene Diaz
Prism Capital Partners
Cohen and Diaz are principals of Prism Capital Partners, a leading development and investment firm known for its strategic approach across residential, commercial and industrial sectors.
Diaz founded Prism with a mission to invest in and redevelop underutilized corporate facilities and historic industrial buildings, guiding the acquisition and capitalization of more than 26 million square feet of commercial real estate valued at over $3.5 billion. A former Cushman & Wakefield professional and chief investment officer at Gale & Wentworth, Diaz has earned multiple industry honors and is a recognized voice in real estate development.
Cohen, a seasoned broker with over 40 years of experience, joined Diaz in 2003 to form Prism. Throughout his career, he has completed hundreds of transactions across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and has overseen the leasing of millions of square feet of office space. Previously, he held leadership positions at Cushman & Wakefield, Grubb & Ellis and Wm. A. White & Sons.
Shane Connell
The Connell Co.
Connell is a fourth-generation executive and serves as executive vice president of The Connell Co., one of the nation’s largest privately held, diversified firms. In his role, Connell oversees multiple divisions across the company’s finance and real estate operations, guiding large-scale development and investment initiatives.
Currently, he is leading the $500 million transformation of The Park at Berkeley Heights, a destination neighborhood featuring public parks, a hotel, dining, retail, wellness concepts and RT Workspaces, New Jersey’s first work resort. This ambitious project is designed to integrate living, working and entertainment experiences into a single cohesive community.
In October 2025, The Connell Co. broke ground on RT600, a 149-unit residential tower within The Park. The project will feature a resort-style outdoor pool, rooftop lounge and entertainment deck, game room, coworking space, fitness center and hospitality-focused amenities, reflecting Connell’s vision for a live, work, play and stay destination.
Gary Dahms
T&M Associates
Dahms is president, CEO and chairman T&M Associates, a Middletown-based engineering, consulting and environmental services firm. Over his nearly 40-year career – he became CEO in 2012 after starting in the municipal practice – T&M has grown from a municipal engineering firm into a national, multi-disciplined business with 350 employees nationwide.
Dahms also sits on the board of the New Jersey Alliance for Action and serves as an officer and trustee at HabCore. That organization provides permanent housing and individualized support, helping homeless families with children, veterans and individuals with special needs move through crisis to stability. He also serves on the board of trustees for the New Jersey Institute of Technology and is a former NJBIZ ICONS honoree.
In 2023, Dahms was elected to a two-year term as chair of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. “We are extremely fortunate to have Gary’s leadership at this crucial time,” Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber, said at the time. “Gary has long been a powerful supporter of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, the business community and the State of New Jersey. Gary’s experience and dedication will serve the Chamber and New Jersey well.”
David DeMatteis
Occupier Consulting Advisors
DeMatteis is a 25-plus year veteran of Cushman & Wakefield’s New Jersey Occupier Consulting Advisors – serving as executive managing director.
Over his career, he has completed nearly 1,000 real estate transactions on behalf of a range of clients. Among his recent deals, he served as lead broker in the negotiations for Bank of America’s 550,000-square-foot office lease at Newport Tower in Jersey City — the largest new office lease executed in the Garden State in the last decade.
According to CushWake, other significant transactions DeMatteis has handled include Hackensack Meridian Health’s 130,000-square-foot lease at 650 From Rd. in Paramus, and Norris McLaughlin & Marcus’ 70,000-square-foot headquarters in Bridgewater. And he negotiated a 60,000-square-foot build-to-suit facility in Hamilton to serve as a regional service center for Selective Insurance.
DeMatteis has won Co-Star’s quarterly “Power Broker” award nine times in recent years. And he won the “top leasing brokers” award for 2022 and 2023. He was also honored with the NJAIOP Deal of the Year for 2024, as well as Costar’s 2023 Impact Deal of the Year award.
Steven Denholtz, Stephen Cassidy, Katie Kurtz
Denholtz Properties
Kurtz left Silverstein Properties last fall to take the helm at Red Bank-based Denholtz Properties. As she stepped into the CEO role, Steven Denholtz, the former chief executive, transitioned to chairman, while President Stephen Cassidy became managing partner at the privately held, vertically integrated commercial real estate investment and development company.
The Red Bank-based business has become a national asset manager with a portfolio exceeding $2 billion in value. The firm has developed an agile and efficient operational platform with the capabilities of a larger institutional investment firm. Its vision has enabled the company to identify and seize emerging opportunities in the competitive national commercial real estate market.
This year, Denholtz celebrated the opening of The Rail at Bound Brook, a new 143-unit property located at 100 Hamilton St. in Bound Brook. At six stories, the apartment building stands steps from the NJ Transit Bound Brook train station. It’s one of several added in recent years to raise the skyline in the Somerset County town.
Jeffrey Dunne
CBRE
With more than 38 years under his belt in the real estate investment banking business, CBRE Vice Chairman Dunne is an advisor and transactional agent for office, apartments, retail, industrial and new development projects.
Dunne leads a 15-person team that focuses on investment sales and equity raises to capitalize projects — located largely within two hours of Manhattan. He has closed more than $35 billion in transactions in his career. He also goes beyond simply looking to close a deal and instead takes a consultative approach to each assignment, digging deep for information about market conditions, valuations and other must-know information and offering a multi-dimensional perspective that helps clients use real estate to transform their business and find greater success.
Over the summer, Dunne’s team handled the $37.5 million sale of a grocery-anchored shopping center in Newark. At 110,551 square feet, the complex serves a densely populated – and high barrier-to-entry – market. With frontage directly on Springfield Avenue, the retail asset also boasts signalized access. CBRE said the property is currently 97% leased, providing stable, long-term cash flow.
“This was a unique opportunity to acquire a Northern New Jersey center approximately 20 minutes outside Manhattan,” Dunne said.
More 2025 Commercial Real Estate Power List:
A – D | E – J | K – M | N – Z | Photos
