Southern California’s commercial real estate sector continues to evolve under the leadership of a diverse group of industry professionals recognized for their notable achievements, sustained career excellence, and impactful community engagement. The latest cohort of senior executives and advisors—spanning roles such as developers, brokers, architects, legal counsel, and financiers—reflects the dynamic nature of the region’s property market and its broader economic context.

Gina Abbott, president of the Property Management Division at Stockdale Capital Partners, has expanded her team to more than 25 professionals in property management, operations, and onsite roles to successfully integrate over five recent acquisitions, including a one-million-square-foot mall. Abbott’s leadership focuses on aligning governance, systems, and performance from the outset and extends into her industry involvement with BOMA and community mentoring initiatives.

David Alvarado, founding partner at Harvest LLP, brings a broad transactional portfolio exceeding $10 billion across multiple asset classes. His recent deals include a $360 million development agreement for 400 residential units and a $170 million sale of a 12-property industrial portfolio totaling about one million square feet. Alvarado also contributes to youth sports and education through board service and philanthropy.

At Northmarq, Managing Director Anthony Cohen has quickly established himself as a top commercial investment sales broker, surpassing $1 billion in transaction volume since 2020, with $270 million closed in 2025 alone. Drawing on prior banking and distressed debt experience, he co-leads the firm’s national net lease platform from Los Angeles.

Mike Catalano, vice chairman at Savills, finalized deals exceeding $300 million over two years, including major leasing arrangements with Sony and Paramount and portfolio management for Tokio Marine HCC. His longstanding leadership at Savills also encompasses important community involvement through domestic violence education programs.

Eve Brackmann, partner at Munck Wilson Mandala LLP, achieved a significant legal victory protecting ocean views tied to a multi-million-dollar residential property, securing strengthened homeowners association restrictions upheld at trial. Her litigation focus includes hospitality, manufacturing, and cannabis sectors, and she maintains active pro bono work.

On the architectural front, Lise Bornstein of KFA Architecture directs projects transforming former health service buildings into over 1,400 affordable apartments for veterans and repurposes industrial spaces into creative offices. Her work has supported Los Angeles’ Adaptive Reuse Ordinance and delivered thousands of affordable housing units.

In executive roles, Laura Baron at SDS Capital Group manages asset underwriting and regulatory compliance for a $2 billion national impact investment firm, having developed proprietary software that integrates project analysis and investor reporting, facilitating federal tax credit deployment into low-income communities.

Senior Vice President Shy Assar at Voit Real Estate Services focuses on industrial leasing and investment sales in the Inland Empire, closing deals exceeding $416 million in 2025. Assar is also known for educational outreach through his media platforms and volunteer work.

Among legal professionals, Sheri Bonstelle at Greenberg Glusker LLP has been instrumental in securing entitlements for large mixed-use and residential projects, including a landmark Housing Accountability Act ruling. She recently secured approval for an 814-unit project benefiting from state CEQA exemptions.

Infrastructure finance specialists at Nossaman LLP include Corey Boock, recognized for his role in a $1.18 billion U.S. public-private partnership for a bridge project, and Elizabeth Cousins, who advises on multi-billion-dollar water purification and organics processing programs in Los Angeles.

Investment management veteran Giovanni “Gio” Cordoves at KBS Realty Advisers oversees a $6 billion portfolio across office and industrial properties, while attorney Chet Cramin of Musick, Peeler & Garrett LLP combines decades of in-house REIT experience with recent lease and acquisition transactions totaling over $100 million.

Capital markets expert Eliav Dan founded Cap Pointe Advisors' capital advisory platform in 2025, structuring transactions up to $750 million across multiple financing structures. Serving on nonprofit boards, Dan integrates finance with community initiatives.

Rockard “Rocky” Delgadillo, partner at Sheppard, applies 30 years of regulatory and legal experience to advance projects and resolve disputes, including approvals for alternative storage uses and successful client outcomes in local government investigations.

Brett Dedeoux, CEO of Dedeaux Properties, has expanded his industrial portfolio beyond 14 million square feet and transitioned the company to institutional backing. His philanthropic work supports youth sports programs reaching thousands annually.

Jacky Dilfer leads commercial and SBA lending at Business Finance Capital, managing over $668 million in real estate financing last year and maintaining top lender rankings in Los Angeles County.

Estate planning specialist Gabriel R. Duarte at Spencer Fane LLP focuses on tax-efficient wealth transfer for commercial real estate families, while expanding firm presence and engaging with local nonprofits.

Collectively, these leaders illustrate the breadth of expertise and community commitment shaping Southern California’s commercial real estate industry today.