NAIOP has rebranded as the Commercial Real Estate Development Association.
By Joshua Burd
It’s official: NAIOP is now the Commercial Real Estate Development Association.
The historic trade organization on Wednesday formally unveiled its new name and logo, a change meant to better reflect the breadth of asset classes it represents and more clearly convey its mission. The group’s leaders said as much this week, as they have for much of the past year, noting that that today’s members are creating a wide range of property types that support businesses, communities and critical infrastructure — including multifamily housing, retail destinations, logistics and fulfillment facilities, office buildings, mixed-use developments, data centers and other projects that shape how people live, work, shop, connect, innovate and thrive.
The change applies to the Herndon, Virginia-based national association and its 55 chapters across North America, which collectively represent more than 21,000 members.
“For nearly six decades, our association has been the trusted advocate and convening force for commercial real estate,” said Celeste Tanner, 2026 association chair and president and chief development officer of Confluent Development, based in Denver. “While our name is changing, our mission remains the same: advancing commercial real estate development through advocacy, research, education and connections that help our members succeed and strengthen the commercial real estate industry. Our new name clarifies our role to policymakers, business leaders and the public.”
Founded in 1967 as the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks, the group has grown alongside the commercial real estate industry while remaining a trusted source of advocacy, education, research and professional development. Its New Jersey chapter is one of the oldest, having launched in 1970, and one of the state’s most influential trade organizations, commanding the respect of lawmakers across the political spectrum.
The more than 850 members of what’s now known as CREDA NJ include developers, owners, investors, service providers and industry professionals.
“The commercial real estate industry has transformed considerably since our New Jersey chapter was formed over 55 years ago,” said Dan Kennedy, CREDA NJ CEO. “Simply put, we outgrew our old name. The ‘Commercial Real Estate Development Association’ clearly states where our values lie and the depth of asset classes we represent. This new name reflects how far our members have grown beyond the words that once defined us and better represents the expanded scope of the CRE industry’s work today.”
Greek Real Estate Partners’ Matt Schlindwein, CREDA NJ chapter president, added: “New Jersey’s commercial real estate industry represents some of the most complex, impactful development happening anywhere in the country. CREDA NJ gives our chapter a name that matches that reality. This rebrand strengthens our voice with legislators and policymakers and makes clear to anyone outside the industry exactly who we are and what we stand for.”
The organization added that the name change is the culmination of a multiyear, research-driven process that included extensive member engagement, stakeholder interviews, focus groups, surveys and strategic planning. As the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, it expects to continue to serve as the leading advocate for commercial real estate development at the local, state and provincial and federal levels while providing members with industry insights, professional development opportunities and a powerful network of business relationships.
“Commercial real estate development has never been more important to the future of our communities and economy,” said Marc Selvitelli, CEO and president of the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, or CREDA. “Our members are creating the housing, workplaces, logistics networks and digital infrastructure that people and businesses depend on every day. This new name more accurately reflects who our members are, what they do, and the value they bring to communities across North America.”
