As AIR CRE enters 2026, the organization does so with strong momentum, an engaged leadership team, and a clear focus on advancing the tools, resources, and relationships that support commercial real estate professionals. The priorities for the year ahead reflect both continuity and evolution—building on recent progress while positioning AIR CRE for long-term relevance, national reach, and operational excellence.
The annual Board of Directors meeting, held in January, set the tone for the year: collaborative, forward-looking, and grounded in AIR CRE’s core mission. From technology innovation and national expansion to research, governance, and leadership development, AIR CRE’s 2026 initiatives are designed to address real-world challenges and create meaningful value for its Members.
2026 INITIATIVES
AIR CRE Contracts: Technology, Expansion, and Scale
AIR CRE Contracts remains a top organizational priority as the platform moves into its next phase of growth. In early 2026, AIR CRE will begin beta testing the new AIR CRE Contracts application with a group of experienced power users, marking a major milestone as the platform moves closer to full launch in the coming months.
National adoption of AIR CRE Contracts continues to gain momentum. Ongoing marketing efforts and strategic partnerships are driving increased usage beyond California. AIR CRE expects this growth to accelerate in the years ahead as more firms and professionals adopt standardized, transaction-ready documentation.
Looking forward, AIR CRE is also actively exploring AI integration within the AIR CRE Contracts ecosystem, with a focus on enhancing workflows, improving efficiency, and supporting smarter transaction execution.
To support this continued expansion, AIR CRE plans to hire a dedicated Contracts Administrator, reinforcing its commitment to platform support, service quality, and long-term scalability.
AIR CRE Research & Listings: Building on Momentum
AIR CRE Research & Listings continues to see strong engagement following the system upgrades launched in 2025. Member adoption and usage have exceeded expectations, reinforcing the platform’s value as a core research and listing resource for the Southern California CRE community.
Dispute Resolution: Streamlining and Consistency
AIR CRE is making targeted updates to the Dispute Resolution Manual, with the goal of streamlining the process while continuing to provide clear guidance and efficient conflict resolutions to Members. Led by Board members Jim Sullivan and Lee Dresie, these updates reinforce AIR CRE’s long-standing commitment to professionalism and fairness within the brokerage community.
AIR CRE>Next: Leadership Development
AIR CRE>Next remains a cornerstone of the organization’s future-focused strategy. The 2026 AIR CRE>Next class—comprised of 38 Members and now entering its fifth year— launched with its January orientation, bringing together emerging professionals alongside senior industry leaders, including incoming President Rusty Smith and program founder Jeff Puffer.
The program continues to provide meaningful opportunities for professional growth, peer connection, and direct engagement with senior brokers, Board leadership, and institutional perspectives. AIR CRE is also exploring the creation of a non-voting Board position for an AIR CRE>Next graduate, further integrating next-generation leaders into the organization’s governance and long-term planning.
LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVE: PRESIDENTIAL VISION
Welcoming Rusty Smith as AIR CRE President
AIR CRE proudly welcomes Rusty Smith as its incoming President. With many years of service on the Board of Directors, Rusty brings a disciplined, collaborative leadership style and a clear focus on strengthening AIR CRE’s national reputation and operational impact.
His priorities for the year include:
- Advancing AIR CRE Contracts as a national platform and reputation builder for the organization
- Supporting continued growth and connection within AIR CRE>Next, including expanded access to senior brokers, Board leadership, and institutional perspectives
- Encouraging meaningful, face-to-face engagement through live events, owner lunches, and industry forums
Reflecting on his involvement with AIR CRE>Next, Rusty shared:
“If one person can take the knowledge you’re able to share and use it to help develop their career, that’s the core of why this program matters—and why I enjoy participating and look forward to engaging even more this year.”
Rusty also values the insight gained from working closely with emerging professionals, noting that their perspectives inform how he leads his own business and teams. He encourages Members to stay present, listen actively, and invest in building relationships across offices and experience levels.
LOOKING AHEAD
AIR CRE enters 2026 with a highly effective and collaborative Board of Directors that reflects a broad cross-section of the commercial real estate industry. The organization extends its sincere thanks to the incoming Board for their time, leadership, and commitment to advancing AIR CRE’s mission.
2026 AIR CRE Board of Directors
- President: Rusty Smith – Cushman & Wakefield
- President Elect / Long Range Planning: John McAniff
- Vice President / MULTIPLE Director: Jon Reno – JLL
- Vice President/Education Chair: Casey Mungo – DAUM
- Secretary / Treasurer / Budget & Finance: Adam Deierling, West Harbor Capital
- AIR CRE>Next Chair: Rob Antrobius – Prologis
- Contracts Chair: Patrick DuRoss – Newmark
- Dispute Resolution Chair: Jim Sullivan – Gateway Business Properties
- Finance Committee Co-Chair: Justin Altemus – The Altemus Company
- Governmental Affairs Chair: Sharon Wortmann – JLL
- Marketing Chair: Nick Spatafore – CBRE
- Membership Chair: Danielle Bray – Rexford Industrial
- Nominating Chair: Natalie Bazarevitsch – CBRE
- Orientation Chair: Tibor Lody – Lee West LA
- Senior Advisory & Ethics Chair: I. Hassan – The Quantum Associates
- Special Events Chair – Golf, Dinner Meetings: Corey Spound – Tamarack Real Estate Services
- Technology Chair: Jodie Poirier – Colliers
- Advisory Member / Legal Counsel (Non-Voting): Lee Dresie – Greenberg Glusker
Learn more and search for Members on our Member Network page.
I am really looking forward to working with Rusty this year. His focus and discipline—qualities that drove his success as an Olympic athlete—are the same traits that have defined his leadership in business. And many thanks to Natalie Bazarevitsch for her leadership and dedication during her term as President last year.
Very truly yours,
Timothy Hayes
Executive Director, AIR CRE