Arizona's commercial real estate sector is poised for growth under new leadership.
Cheryl Lombard is set to take on the role of CEO for NAIOP Arizona starting September 1, 2025. With a strong background in commercial real estate and advocacy, her appointment is expected to enhance Arizona’s commercial landscape. Lombard has previously made significant contributions in her role at Valley Partnership, focusing on vital issues such as energy management and land use policies. Under her leadership, NAIOP Arizona aims to strengthen its influence and effectiveness in shaping the future of the state’s real estate development.
Arizona is set to welcome Cheryl Lombard as the new CEO of NAIOP Arizona, the leading organization focused on commercial real estate development and advocacy in the state. Her official start date is September 1, 2025. Lombard’s appointment is seen as a homecoming, as she previously served as president and CEO of Valley Partnership, where she made significant contributions to Arizona’s water, transportation, and land use policies.
Lombard’s return is expected to be a considerable benefit for Arizona’s commercial real estate sector and the wider business community. She has expressed enthusiasm for leading NAIOP Arizona during a transformative period characterized by growth and change throughout the state. Lombard has emphasized that active participation from the commercial real estate industry is vital in discussions surrounding key issues such as energy management, water resources, and permitting processes.
Prior to her new role, Lombard was the senior program director for power, infrastructure, and minerals at ClearPath, an energy think tank based in Washington, D.C. During her tenure at ClearPath, she led initiatives related to clean energy, transmission strategies, and reforms to the permitting process, equipping her with extensive knowledge pertinent to Arizona’s evolving commercial landscape.
NAIOP Arizona serves over 1,100 members across diverse sectors, including office, industrial, multifamily, retail, and mixed-use development. The organization has played a crucial role in influencing legislation and advancing topics such as construction defect reform and investment in infrastructure. Under Lombard’s leadership, the organization aims to further its long-range strategic plan while increasing sponsorship engagement and acting as a key point of contact between business and government stakeholders.
Phil Breidenbach, the board chair of NAIOP Arizona, has highlighted Lombard’s experience and her alignment with the organization’s mission as essential for future success. Her proven track record of fostering collaboration among various stakeholders is anticipated to enhance NAIOP Arizona’s influence and effectiveness moving forward.
Lombard succeeds Suzanne Kinney, who played a pivotal role in raising the visibility and impact of NAIOP Arizona during her time in charge. Kinney’s tenure has been recognized for its significant strides in advocating for policies that support the growth and sustainability of Arizona’s commercial real estate market.
Industry leaders, including Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, have commended Lombard’s expertise and preparedness to take NAIOP Arizona to new heights. With her vast experience and deep understanding of the state’s commercial environment, Lombard is anticipated to drive the organization’s momentum, further shaping the future of commercial real estate development in Arizona.
As Lombard prepares to take on her new role, the expectation is that she will not only guide NAIOP Arizona through current challenges but also leverage opportunities that align with the ongoing transformation within the state’s real estate sector. Her leadership is viewed as a stepping stone toward a more engaged and proactive commercial real estate community in Arizona.
News Summary A conflict in Concho, Arizona has arisen as the Diocese of Gallup ordered…
News Summary Jonathan Nez, former president of the Navajo Nation, has declared his candidacy for…
News Summary Health officials in Coconino County, Arizona have confirmed the death of a resident…
News Summary AMD has announced that chips produced at TSMC's Arizona facility will cost 5%…
News Summary The Arizona Republic will stop its printing operations in Phoenix and move to…
News Summary In Arizona, three individuals have been sentenced for their involvement in methamphetamine trafficking.…