Society of Industrial and Office Realtors® Elects New Leaders for 2025-2026
The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors® (SIOR) has recently made headlines by electing its new set of officers for the upcoming 2025-2026 term during the annual spring conference held in Las Vegas. This prestigious organization, revered as the premier body for professionals engaged in commercial real estate, continues to shape the industry with its expertise and commitment.
A New Era of Leadership
In a remarkable development, Saadia Sheikh has been elected as the SIOR Global President for the upcoming term. As the CEO and Founder of the New York-based CRE advisory firm Powersense, Sheikh is not only set to become the youngest female to hold this significant position since SIOR's inception, but she has also been an integral part of SIOR as an office specialist since 2017. Her leadership is anticipated to bring fresh perspectives and dynamism to the organization.
Alongside Sheikh, Aaron Barnard has been elected as SIOR's President-elect. He represents the Minneapolis office of Cushman Wakefield and has a wealth of expertise in the realm of commercial real estate. Barnard will serve in this role for a year before stepping into the presidency in 2026, following a comprehensive understanding of the organization's workings.
Further solidifying the leadership structure, Daniel Smolensky has been elected as Vice President. Smolensky has demonstrated his commitment as a seasoned member of SIOR, providing an invaluable perspective that will serve his term well. Meanwhile, Scott Savacool continues in his role as Treasurer, ensuring the organization's financial health and integrity.
Strengthening the Board of Directors
In addition to the top officers, several others have been elected to serve on the Board of Directors as members-at-large. Rob Renaud, Damien Rivera, and Diana Whisenant are among those who have earned their positions due to their extensive backgrounds and contributions to the commercial real estate sector.
Two key appointments were also made for the Chapter Leadership Council, with James (Tripp) Guin being elected as its speaker, supported by Grant Pruitt as speaker-elect. Their roles will be pivotal in directing the chapter's initiatives and ensuring alignment with SIOR's vision.
Regional Leadership Designations
The future of regional governance has also been addressed with the election of several Regional Directors. Matthew Severns takes charge of the Central region, Wills Elliman oversees the Mid-Atlantic region, and Devin Ogden leads the Northwest region. Each of these directors brings specialized knowledge and regional expertise, which will be crucial in promoting SIOR's mission at every level of operation.
Commitment to Professionalism
What is particularly compelling is the commitment towards maintaining the highest standards within the organization. SIOR’s members, who comprise over 4,000 professionals in more than 50 countries, are expected to adhere to rigorous ethical guidelines that underscore accountability and high-performance benchmarks.
The recent elections mark a promising shift in leadership within SIOR that reflects the evolving demands of the commercial real estate landscape. The newly appointed officers and board members are geared up to navigate these changes, focusing on innovation, leadership, and collaboration within the community.
As SIOR gears up for its next conference in Louisville, Kentucky in November, the anticipation around new initiatives and strategies is palpable among the members. The organization remains focused on enhancing the overall client experience and advancing the profession of commercial real estate. For more information regarding SIOR and its initiatives, visit
www.sior.com.