Southern California’s commercial real estate leaders gathered last week to honor standout developers, brokers and public officials at NAIOP SoCal’s annual Awards Gala, recognizing both recent achievements and long-term impact across the region’s built environment.
At the event, NAIOP SoCal inducted Hudson Pacific Properties CEO Victor Coleman into its Hall of Fame, highlighting his influence over multiple market cycles and his role in shaping Los Angeles’ creative office and studio real estate sectors. The chapter is part of NAIOP, the real estate development association.
“The industry trusts him,” said Lew Horne, CBRE president for Greater Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire, in a tribute video. “When he sees something others don’t, they follow.” Horne, a previous Hall of Fame honoree, introduced Coleman during the ceremony.
The awards program comes at a time of uncertainty for Southern California commercial real estate, with high interest rates and shifting demand pressuring development and leasing activity. Many honorees were recognized not only for closing deals but for steering long-term partnerships, policy reform and new approaches to space use.
“Many of us have been through multiple cycles,” Coleman told the crowd. “And my philosophy through them all has been to stay positive and focus on relationships—whether it’s co-workers, brokers, government officials, or business partners.”
He added: “From wildfire recovery to public safety and the need to reassert Hollywood’s creative leadership, our industry has a role to play.”
Several professionals honored
NAIOP SoCal honored several other local players for driving results in a transforming market. Janet Neman of Kidder Mathews was named Commercial Real Estate Woman of the Year after closing more than $250 million in multifamily, retail, office, and development site sales in 2024. Over her nearly four-decade career, she has completed $2.5 billion in transactions and mentors women in the industry.
Majestic Realty Co. Senior Vice President Fran Inman received the distinguished service award. Inman leads the firm’s government affairs strategy and has served on the California Transportation Commission and other boards focused on goods movement and infrastructure development.
David Nazaryk, managing director at Trammell Crow Co., was recognized as Member of the Year. Since joining the firm in 1996, he has overseen some of its most complex office developments in the LA Basin. He is known for his ability to execute build-to-suit projects involving public and private sector stakeholders.
Louis DeFino, Nuveen Real Estate's director of industrial acquisitions, was named Developing Leader of the Year for his work leading industrial investment strategy across the Northwest and in San Diego. Based in Newport Beach, California, DeFino was also recognized for mentoring peers and emerging professionals in the field.
Finally, Colliers’ West Industrial Capital Markets team, led by Michael Kendall and including Gian Bruno, Kenny Patricia and Kylie Jones, was honored for its role in major industrial investment sales across the Inland Empire and Western U.S., advising a range of institutional and private clients.
The group also recognized California Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva as Public Partner of the Year. In 2024, she authored NAIOP SoCal’s first sponsored legislation, Assembly Bill 2904, which was signed into law and aims to improve transparency in zoning. She also introduced a bill designed to speed up development plan-check reviews.
“This year’s awardees reflect both the staying power and adaptability of this industry,” NAIOP SoCal CEO Timothy Jemal said in a statement. “Even in uncertain times, their leadership is shaping what comes next.”