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Speakers and Panels

Carl Dranoff

Carl Dranoff

CEO

Dranoff Properties

Bart Blatstein

Bart Blatstein

CEO

Tower Investments

Anthony Gargano

Anthony Gargano

Talk Show Host

Mornings with Anthony Gargano

Gene Preston

Gene Preston

Partner

Dermody Properties

Robin McBride Zeigler

Robin McBride Zeigler

COO

Cedar Realty Trust

Carl Dranoff

CEO

Dranoff Properties

Urban visionary Carl. E. Dranoff has earned national recognition for his game-changing approach to residential development in the urban core. As founder and CEO of Philadelphia-based Dranoff Properties, Dranoff has developed over 1.4 million SF of prime real estate valued at $1 billion with projects ranging from ground-up skyscrapers, adaptive reuse, and mixed-use developments.

Developments, built by Dranoff, share a common theme – they are stylish, character-defining, beautifully designed expressions of modern luxury living. Philadelphia's most iconic condominium high rises, including One Riverside, 10 Rittenhouse, Two Liberty, Symphony House, and the under-construction Arthaus, are his work.

The uber-luxurious, trend-defying Arthaus is Dranoff’s latest achievement which recently welcomed its first residents. Located across from the Kimmel Center and designed by international A-list architect Kohn, Pedersen Fox, the condominium residences feature expansive skyline and river views and floorplans and finishes worthy of a magazine spread. The resort-style amenities, green spaces, gardens, and white-glove service make every day feel like a vacation.

Over his career, Dranoff has had a steady stream of development achievements that have raised the bar on luxury living and changed the equation for urban living. His game-changing apartment and condominium developments are credited with turning around many declining Philadelphia neighborhoods, the Camden, NJ's Waterfront, Newark, NJ's art district, and the Ardmore PA's business district.

Dranoff earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering at Drexel University and his MBA at Harvard University. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering from Drexel University, which cited him as "a nationally recognized civic leader and entrepreneur…whose work has brought a renewed sense of history to Philadelphia and urban Americans throughout the country".

Bart Blatstein

CEO

Tower Investments

Bart Blatstein is the CEO of the privately held development company Tower Developments. Under his guise, Tower Investments has become well known for its aggressive and creative urban investments in major projects, as well as its expertise in all aspects of planning, design, construction, financing and leasing. Most recently, Bart set his development focus on the redevelopment of Northern Liberties and established the neighborhood as the place in Philadelphia, to live, work and play. His redevelopment efforts have created jobs, business opportunities, tax revenues and the impetus for more investment in the Philadelphia.

In his more than 30 years in the real estate industry, Bart Blatstein has earned the reputation as one of the region’s most respected and successful developers. Tower transformed vast tracts of post-industrial properties along Columbus Boulevard into flourishing retail, entertainment, and office development, including Riverview Plaza, Columbus Crossing and Dickinson Square. In Manayunk, his company developed the largest contiguous commercial site along the Schuylkill riverfront.

Mr. Blatstein is also very active in array of business, civic and charitable groups. He was a founding member of the Waterfront Developers Council, and is the past President of the Jewish Publishing Group board and serves on the Board of Trustees of Community College of Philadelphia, President’s Advisory Board and Board of Visitors of Temple University, Northeast Treatment Centers, Federation of Jewish Agencies as Real Estate Division chairman and Israel Bonds and the Technical Assistance Center for Emerging Contractors.

In every sense of the word, Mr. Blatstein is a Philadelphian, with passion and vision for the City, its neighborhoods, and its bright future. And most important, Mr. Blatstein has earned the reputation for “getting the job done.”

Gene Preston

Partner

Dermody Properties

Eugene Preston is a Partner of Dermody Properties based in Chatham, NJ. He is responsible for all land and building acquisitions,

build-to-suit projects, development activities, and asset management in the Eastern United States. Previously, Mr. Preston was

Managing

Principal at Woodmont Industrial Partners, LLC responsible for the company’s acquisitions and operations. Prior to forming Woodmont

Industrial Partners he was Senior Vice President at Prologis where he directed development and acquisition activities the company’s

Northeastern Region which included New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Mr. Preston has also held senior management

positions at Higgins Development Partners and Rockefeller Group Development Corporation. Collectively, Mr. Preston has developed or

acquired over 14.5 million square feet of industrial space.

Mr. Preston is a long time Trustee of the New Jersey Chapter of NAIOP and currently serves as the chapter’s Vice President of Public

Affairs. He is a member of NAIOP’s Industrial Development V National Forum. He is New Jersey Licensed Real Estate Salesman and is

a member of SIOR and it’s New Jersey Chapter. Mr. Preston is a long-term supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and currently serves

as the Charter Organization Representative for Troop 1 in Mendham, NJ.

Mr. Preston holds a MBA in Finance from New York University and a B. S. in Accounting from West Virginia University.

Robin McBride Zeigler

COO

Cedar Realty Trust

Ms. Zeigler joined Cedar Realty Trust in March 2016 after serving as executive vice president and head of operations at Penzance, a Washington, D.C.-based commercial real estate investment company since January 2015. From 2005 to 2015, Robin worked at Federal Realty Investment Trust, most recently serving as chief operating officer for the mid-atlantic region. In that capacity, she was responsible for the operations of a portfolio of over 40 shopping centers and five mixed-use projects representing approximately 7.3 million square feet. Additionally, Robin provided oversight and strategic direction on mixed-use development and redevelopment projects. Robin holds a B.S. in Accounting from Florida A&M University and an M.B.A. from Georgia State University.

Future of Atlantic City

Donald Guardian

Donald Guardian

Mayor

Atlantic City

John Longacre

John Longacre

President

LPMG Companies

Elizabeth Terenik
Moderator

Elizabeth Terenik

Director

City of Atlantic City

Donald Guardian

Mayor

Atlantic City

Donald A. Guardian was sworn-in as Mayor of Atlantic City on January 1, 2014. Prior to that, he was the director of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority’s Special Improvement Division (formerly known as the Atlantic City Special Improvement District or ACSID). As ACSID Director, Mr. Guardian was instrumental in developing program concepts and standards for environmental services, landscaping, and ambassador programs for Atlantic City. During his tenure at Atlantic City Special Improvement District, Mr. Guardian was able to add information services, street- scaping and site improvements, staff development, business support services, economic development, and over 120 facades for businesses, and support for special events. Mr. Guardian previously served as the Executive Assistant to the President of the Claridge Casino Hotel. While in that position, his duties included corporate development as well as civic involvement of the company’s President and Board Chairman. Prior to his position at the Claridge, Mr. Guardian served with the Boys Scouts of America in executive positions for sixteen years. The last position he held was Council Scout Executive and Chief Operating Officer. His years with Scouts were marked with innovative fundraisers, successful marketing to increase the customer base, membership growth, quality program development, community leader recruiting and leadership of a staff of 100. Mr. Guardian is an active member in numerous local civic, business and community organizations. He is past President of the Rotary Club of Atlantic City and Past District Governor of Rotary District 7640, past President of the South Jersey AIDS Alliance, and Vice President/Secretary of The Metropolitan Business and Citizens Association. In addition, Mr. Guardian is a past president of the Gardner’s Basin Board of Directors and a Board Member of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce. Donald A. Guardian is a graduate of Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, NJ and an alumnus of Upsala College in East Orange, NJ. In addition, he has 1,000 hours of advance seminars in People Management, Fiduciary and Internal controls and personal skills development. Mr. Guardian resides with his long-time partner, Louis Fatato, in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

John Longacre

President

LPMG Companies

A native of Philadelphia and a Temple University graduate, John is committed to revitalizing the city we all love. John was first exposed to large scale development initiatives through an internship in the Rendell Admin. in the mid-90’s. During this time he became consumed with the idea that smart economic development initiatives are the key to not only sustaining the region, but advancing it. After losing a race for City Council, he realized that urban revitalization efforts did not have to come strictly at the hands of government, but were achievable through the private sector, with smart development and community buy in – and so, LPMG was born.

Elizabeth Terenik

Moderator

City of Atlantic City

Elizabeth Terenik was hired in March 2014 to lead the City’s Planning and Development Department.

Ms. Terenik comes to the City with more than 20 years of professional planning experience, most recently as a consultant to both local governments and the development community. Previously, she served as director of planning and engineering for the City of Ocean City, NJ, and as planner for several Cape May County municipalities and the Atlantic County Utilities Authority. She also has experience as a zoning and code enforcement officer.

Ms. Terenik currently holds certifications and licenses from the New Jersey State Board of Professional Planners, and the American Institute of Certified Planners, and teaches a mandatory training class for planning and zoning board members.

Ms. Terenik holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Villanova University, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University and studied Urban and Community Planning at Rutgers University.

Future of South Jersey

Julia Dranoff

Julia Dranoff

Chief Operating Officer

Dranoff Properties

Joe Aristone

Joe Aristone

Chief Revenue Officer

PREIT

George Sowa

George Sowa

CEO

Greater Trenton

Mark Goldstein

Mark Goldstein

VP & City Manager

Liberty Property Trust

Paul Ceppi

Paul Ceppi

Director

NJ EDA

Chris Ressa

Chris Ressa

EVP & COO

DLC Management

Steve Sclarow
Moderator

Steve Sclarow

Project Manager

Partner Engineering & Science, Inc.

Julia Dranoff

Chief Operating Officer

Dranoff Properties

Julia serves as Chief Investment Officer at Dranoff Properties, Inc. She oversees the funding for all development projects including acquisitions, investments, and new construction. Julia coordinates project pre-development budgeting, pro forma modeling, capital raising, and due diligence, working with a range of lenders and investors. She also works to develop public-private partnerships and with government agencies to source and shape economic development programs.

Prior to joining Dranoff Properties, Julia gained professional experience at JPMorgan Chase working on strategic projects and business development opportunities for the Investment Bank. Prior to JPMorgan, she spent several years as a strategic consultant for Accenture.

Julia earned her B.S. in Civil Engineering from Princeton University and her M.B.A. in Real Estate and Finance from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

George Sowa

CEO

Greater Trenton

George D. Sowa is the Chief Executive Officer for Greater Trenton, an

independent 501c-3 organization formed in October 2015 to

advance economic revitalization efforts in New Jersey’s capital city,

with a particular emphasis on the downtown core.

Through a collaborative network of relationships, Greater Trenton

will help promote economic development in the capital region through the engagement of

stakeholders from the private and public sectors and philanthropic, academic and community

organizations. Greater Trenton’s initial board of directors includes representatives from NJM

Insurance Group, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton Area Community Foundation, Investors

Bank, TD Bank, Capital Health, PSEG, Thomas Edison State University, Wells Fargo Bank,

Princeton University, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

Mr. Sowa came to Greater Trenton after serving more than eighteen years at Brandywine

Realty Trust, one of the largest real estate companies in the United States, most recently as

executive vice president and senior managing director for New Jersey and Delaware. During his

tenure at Brandywine, Sowa oversaw operations and development of 5.2 million square feet of

commercial property, including acquisition, design and construction. This includes significant

work in Camden, New Jersey where he was responsible for the master planning of a 1.5 million

square foot office/hotel development as well as leading Brandywine’s selection by Campbell’s

Soup Company to be the developer for Camden’s Gateway District.

Mr. Sowa currently sits on the National Board of the Commercial Real Estate Development

Association (NAIOP). He is also a member of the National Association of Real Estate

Investments Trusts (NAREIT) and is Vice Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce

of Southern New Jersey.

A native to Trenton, New Jersey, Mr. Sowa holds a B.S. Degree from Cornell University.

Mark Goldstein

VP & City Manager

Liberty Property Trust

Mark Goldstein is vice president and city manager of Liberty's New Jersey region. Mr. Goldstein previously served as vice president and city manager of Liberty's Delaware East region headquartered in Horsham, Pennsylvania. Prior to this promotion in 2006, Mr. Goldstein was vice president of leasing for all industrial space in Liberty's New Jersey portfolio. Mr. Goldstein played a key role in managing Liberty's first joint venture with the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association overseeing Liberty's Pureland and Commodore Industrial Parks, two of the largest industrial complexes on the East Coast. Mr. Goldstein earned a BA from Brandeis University and a MS in Real Estate Development from MIT.

Chris Ressa

EVP & COO

DLC Management

Chris Ressa joined DLC in 2007. As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Ressa is responsible for overseeing all tenant facing operations including leasing, property management, construction and marketing on all DLC owned and third-party managed assets. During his tenure at DLC, his relationships, leasing ability, and leadership have led to numerous successful repositioning of assets. His most notable leasing transactions have included deals with TJX, Ross Dress for Less, Burlington, Dick’s Sporting Goods, The Kroger Company, Best Buy, Ulta, LA Fitness and Planet Fitness.Prior to coming to DLC, he worked for Ashkenazy Acquisitions as a Regional Leasing Manager

responsible for all new and renewal leases in a portfolio of approximately 3.5 million square feet of retail real estate including regional malls, grocery-anchored centers, power centers, and street retail. His career started at The Sherwin-Williams Company as a Real Estate Manager handling existing store

renewals, and new stores in the Eastern Division Region. In addition to new store real estate, Mr. Ressa’s role involved handling the real estate for district/regional offices as well as warehousing locations for Sherwin-Williams. Mr. Ressa received a BA in economics from Rutgers University in 2005. Mr. Ressa is an active member of the ICSC, received his CLS (Certified Leasing Specialist) in 2010 and in December 2012 became a member of the ICSC CLS Committee.

Steve Sclarow

Moderator

Partner Engineering & Science, Inc.

Mr. Sclarow has 19 years of experience in the Architectural Design and Construction Industry. He is a Project Manager, Architect and Business Development Leader in the design and delivery of sports, entertainment, educational, healthcare, museum and performing arts facilities for clients across the United States. Mr. Sclarow has a significant background in infrastructure, directing all project phases from design through completion of construction, coordinating with contractors as well as partnering with engineering and specialty consultants. He has extensive experience in due diligence assessments and construction risk management for a variety of property types and the needs and requirements of varied number of reporting standards, including ASTM standards, EPA’s All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI), and customized client formats. Specifically, Mr. Sclarow has performed Feasibility Analysis Reports, Property Condition Assessments (PCAs), Document and Cost Reviews and Construction Progress Monitoring. Mr. Sclarow’s diversity across academic, commercial, healthcare, hospitality and residential environments are a major contribution to Partner Engineering and Science’s Project Management team across the United States.

Summary

Join Bisnow and our all-star panelists for the 5th Annual Future of South Jersey summit, bringing together the best and brightest figures from the local commercial real estate market and the broader economy. This is the Bisnow South Jersey event of the year, and will assess the state of the market and key trends and issues ahead for the next 12 months.

Sign up now to take part in what promises to be a fun, exciting, and influential morning! 

Agenda

Time Activity
11:30 AM
12:30 PM
Coffee, Networking, & Breakfast
12:30 PM
1:00 PM
Atlantic City Panel
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
South Jersey Panel
2:00 PM
2:30 PM
Postgame Networking

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