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The second-in-command at Massachusetts’ commercial real estate trade group is leaving the organization for a new job in Florida.
NAIOP-Massachusetts Executive Director Reesa Fischer is leaving in January, the group announced Monday. She will be joining the executive search firm Keller Augusta, where she will serve as the national managing director of business development and strategy based in the company’s Palm Beach office.
“Over the past 10 years, Reesa has been instrumental in growing the organization and shaping NAIOP’s programming, networking and educational offerings, providing exceptional value for members,” Samuels & Assoc. COO and NAIOP-MA 2020 President Leslie Cohen said in a statement. “She will be sorely missed, but NAIOP is fortunate to have Tamara Small as CEO, who has proven to be a strong leader of the organization, along with her elevated team members who are ready to take on new roles to ensure the continued success of the organization.”
NAIOP is promoting two staffers to take over Fischer’s portfolio, which included the group’s professional development programs and efforts to build diverse talent pipelines into the largely white and male local commercial real estate industry.
Taylor Pederson, currently director of programs and education, will rise to vice president of programs and education and will expand her role managing the organization’s professional development programs, educational offerings and special events. Anastasia Nicolaou, currently NAIOP’s government affairs associate, will become vice president of policy and public affairs and take on more responsibility for NAIOP’s advocacy work. Tamara Small will remain as NAIOP-MA’s CEO.
“The past year has required every organization to take on new challenges. Anastasia and Taylor were instrumental in ensuring that NAIOP did not miss a beat,” Small said in a statement. “I am grateful for Reesa’s many years at NAIOP and know that we are ready to take on 2021 and beyond because of her leadership. I wish her all the best in her new adventure.”
