BOMA International Publishes Deep Dive on Strengthening Cybersecurity in Real Estate

Welcome to the BOMA LinkedIn Newsletter, where you'll find our recap on the top articles, social media posts, and upcoming events. Explore the below content to learn the latest news in the commercial real estate industry, including a couple of spotlights on BOMA’s Emerging Professionals Committee and the valuable contributions of its members, in addition to the announcement of our new BOMA International Building Engineers Committee! Read on to explore more.

This edition also highlights the full interview with Jamal Johnson, DEI + Committee Chair, and Theotto Lillard, Committee Vice-Chair, which features an important conversation surrounding the significant changes they've observed in the industry and within BOMA International. Their discussion sheds light on efforts to create a more inclusive and diverse environment. 

This holiday season, BOMA is very grateful to its members and locals for their hard work and contributions in making the organization valuable. Wishing you a joyous holiday season! 

Emerging Professionals Highlight: Committee Chair Sierra Seale  

We kicked off our emerging professionals’ series by shining the spotlight on our Emerging Professionals Committee Chair, Sierra Seale. Sierra brings a wealth of knowledge to BOMA and serves as an invaluable leader on the Emerging Professionals Committee. Click here to check out the fun Q&A to learn more about Sierra and her journey.  

Emerging Professionals Highlight: Committee Vice Chair Matt Faupel 

We are delighted to continue our series showcasing BOMA's emerging professionals. Today, we’re turning the spotlight on Matt Faupel, the Vice Chair of our Emerging Professionals Committee. Matt, alongside Sierra Seale, the Committee Chair, brings a plethora of expertise and insight to our monthly meetings. Click here to dive into the Q&A below to discover more about Matt and his experiences. Keep an eye out as we continue to highlight more of our outstanding emerging professionals in the coming months. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season! 

Ready to launch your career in commercial real estate? EPC membership is open to members with less than five years of industry experience – getting involved is as easy as reaching out ep@boma.org. We look forward to welcoming you to the team! 

BOMA International Expands Its Impact Through the DEI+ Committee 

In this discussion from our 2024 Annual Conference & Expo, DEI+ Committee Chair, Jamal Johnson, and Co-Chair, Theotto Lillard, discuss the work of this committee, particularly what the "+" stands for in the name. Additionally, they cover the impact that the committee has had on their professional development and what BOMA members can expect to see from them in the coming years. Get involved with the committee by reaching out to info@boma.org

Below is a few of our top articles that received the highest engagement in the last couple of weeks: 

8 Key Lessons From BOMA Fellows for New Professionals in Real Estate 

Our BOMA Fellows, with extensive experience in commercial real estate, are dedicated mentors to the next generation of leaders. These industry veterans offer invaluable guidance and practical advice, helping emerging professionals navigate the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape of the field.  In this special feature, we’re excited to share insights from our BOMA Fellows, who offer advice specifically for emerging professionals—those with less than five years of experience in the industry. We asked them, “What advice would you give to new professionals in commercial real estate?” Click here to read more.  

5 Tips for Emerging Professionals in the Commercial Real Estate Field 

This month, we’re gearing up to showcase members from the EPC, sharing insights from their career journeys, BOMA involvement, and more. In the meantime, our 2024 Rising Stars, the key players making positive impacts in the industry, offer their advice on the question, “What advice would you give to emerging professionals in the commercial real estate industry?” Click here to read on for tips from our 2024 Rising Stars and stay tuned for more member highlights as we continue to feature our incredible BOMA community.  

Reducing CO2 in Concrete with AI 

The construction industry is a significant contributor to global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, with several studies highlighting its impact on the environment. Concrete, in particular, is a major source of carbon emissions and is notoriously expensive to produce. However, innovations like Concrete.AI are helping address these challenges by using applied AI models to reduce CO2 emissions and lower production costs. Click here to read more. 

Interested in more content like this? Check out our Knowledge Center and be sure to sign up for our general, industrial and medical newsletters! 

Below is our recent Deep Dive publication – click the link if you missed it! 

With cyber threats on the rise and advancements in technology, companies across all sectors are placing increasing emphasis on strengthening their cybersecurity efforts. For many organizations, including those in commercial real estate, cybersecurity is becoming the top priority, often taking precedence over physical security measures. In Allied Universal’s 2023 World Security Report, nine in ten chief security officers (CSOs) from large companies in 30 countries reported greater concern over cyber than physical security. This highlights the critical importance of cyber defenses in today’s increasingly digital world. In interviews with five industry leaders, these experts provide actionable insights into how businesses can fortify their cybersecurity protocols, mitigate vulnerabilities and prepare for emerging threats in the digital landscape. Their perspectives emphasize how organizations can safeguard their assets and ensure resilient, secure environments for the future. Click here to read the Deep Dive publication and explore the challenges, solutions and strategies for strengthening cybersecurity efforts, mitigating risks and helping property managers safeguard their real estate assets. 

Below is our recent How-To Playbook publication – click the link if you missed it! 

Strengthening security and preparing for emergency situations remains a top priority for property managers as we move toward 2025. Reflecting on the tragic Georgia mass shooting this past September at Apalachee High School—which claimed four lives and hospitalized nine—the importance of analyzing effective security strategies is clearer than ever. According to an in-depth investigation by Mother Jones of all U.S. mass shootings since 1974, a significant number of active shooter scenarios occur in businesses and schools. In light of these findings, bolstering security protocols is critical not only in commercial and educational spaces but also in multifamily buildings and other residential areas, ensuring all property types are well-prepared and protected. In conversation with Zach Elmer, former CIA Operations Officer, FBI Special Agent, medic, assaulter and sniper, he emphasizes the need to not become “paralyzed with fear,” when he presented at the 2024 BOMA International Annual Conference. Click here to read the How-To Playbook publication and learn more about strengthening security protocols, preparing for emergency situations and implementing effective strategies to protect both commercial and residential properties in the face of increasing threats. 

Interested in more content like this? Check out our Knowledge Center to view our Deep Dives and How-To Playbooks. 

Below are a couple of upcoming BOMA events – so be sure to mark your calendars! 

Basics of Budgeting Webinar 

Explore the basics of financial management through BOMA International’s budgeting course. Through this course, you will understand the differences between budgets and business plans, while learning how they contribute to organizational success. The webinar is a 3-part budgeting series where participants will discover the strategies, tactics and asset values to help you make informed decisions for profitability and competitiveness. Session two, January 15, the content will delve into the intracies of budgeting by exploring different lease types and reviewing how operating expenses are calculated and billed to tenants. In session three, January 29, the content will focus on grossing up operating expenses, key accounting concepts and more. Click here to learn more and register. 

2025 Winter Business Meeting 

The challenge for every association is to stay ahead of the changing marketplace and evolving member and customer needs. BOMA International’s 2025 Winter Business Meeting will bring together BOMA leaders and property professionals from across the country to share ideas and learn from one another.  Your involvement is critical in helping to shape the future of BOMA and the commercial real estate industry. With the collective knowledge and dedication of our members, we will overcome whatever challenges come our way to advance a vibrant commercial real estate industry through advocacy, influence and knowledge. Click here to learn more and register.  

Looking to attend all BOMA event offerings? View our Calendar of Events page or find your local BOMA to stay connected. 

Check out the latest updates from our BOMA committees: 

Membership Development Committee

• Join us for the Winter Business Meeting of the Membership Development Committee! We'll kick off with a review of BOMA's membership stats and hear from the BOMA Association Executive of BOMA Boston about their recent membership success. Engage in dynamic breakout sessions and discuss key topics like member engagement and industry-specific involvement. Don't miss this opportunity to share your successes and challenges and collaborate on strategies to achieve your membership development goals. 

BOMA 360 Council

• The BOMA 360 Council has recently updated the criteria for the BOMA 360 Office and Industrial programs for 2025. Click here to view the revised criteria for office buildings and click here to view the newly created criteria for industrial buildings. These changes help you keep your properties on the cutting edge and get the maximum ROI from your program participation. Since 2009, the BOMA 360 Performance Program has set the standard worldwide for holistic operational best practices in commercial real estate. And, over the years, earning the BOMA 360 designation has empowered countless property teams to elevate their performance, while also helping their asset become more competitive when vying for the industry’s highest recognition honoring excellence in operations and management: The Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) Awards. The BOMA 360 designation remains a key differentiator for building owners, demonstrating their commitment to creating high-performing, competitive properties that attract and retain tenants while reducing operational costs. If you have any questions or would like additional information about the BOMA 360 program, email us at recognition@boma.org. 

Awards Committee

• The BOMA International Awards Committee has worked diligently to update the 2026 TOBY (The Outstanding Building of the Year) Criteria across all categories. The updated criteria aim to reflect the latest industry standards and best practices in community impact, employee relations and accessibility to name a few. The TOBY awards remain the commercial real estate industry’s highest recognition honoring excellence in building management and operations, and it with BOMA’s hard work that these updates recognize these efforts. The changes will be communicated to BOMA members soon, along with guidance on how to apply for this prestigious award. The TOBY awards remain a hallmark of excellence in commercial real estate, recognizing properties that set the standard for quality, efficiency, and tenant satisfaction. Stay tuned for more updates in 2025! 

BOMA Foundation J. Michael Coleman Scholarship

• Applications are now being accepted for the BOMA Foundation’s J. Michael Coleman Scholarship. This scholarship, named in honor of the late Michael Coleman, a BOMA Fellow and passionate advocate for the commercial real estate industry. The scholarship is designed to support and empower the next generation of industry professionals, by providing financial assistance to individuals who are pursuing education and career development in the field of commercial real estate. The mission of the J. Michael Coleman Scholarship fund is to support young and emerging professionals in their careers and in their involvement in BOMA. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications no later than March 28, 2025. The BOMA Foundation is proud to continue Coleman’s legacy by fostering growth and opportunity for emerging talent in the industry. 

2025 Daniel Chancey Leadership Academy

• BOMA International is excited to announce thirteen talented mentees for the 2025 Daniel Chancey Leadership Academy. This prestigious program, which honors the memory of the late Daniel Chancey, provides emerging leaders in the commercial real estate industry with the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, build professional networks and gain insight into industry challenges and opportunities. The program will officially kick off during the upcoming Winter Business Meeting in California, where the cohort will participate in tailored sessions, mentoring and networking that will prepare them for leadership roles within BOMA and the broader commercial real estate sector. The Daniel Chancey Leadership Academy, hosted by BOMA Fellows, continues to be an incredible mentorship opportunity. For more information, contact Luci Vallejo, Managing Director, Board Governance, Executive and Leadership Relations, lvallejo@boma.org. 

New BOMA International Building Engineers Committee

• BOMA International has formed a new Building Engineers Committee to focus on attracting, retaining, and growing an educated, qualified, and inspired pool of engineering professionals to serve the commercial real estate industry.
• The committee is Chaired by Suresh Balgobind, Senior Chief Engineer at Cushman & Wakefield in Orlando, along with Vice Chair Matt Montanez, Regional Engineering Manager at UG2 in San Francisco. The committee held its inaugural meeting on December 6 with 26 participants from across the country who are BOMA members serving in engineering roles. The committee plans to meet monthly on Zoom to prioritize and implement a broad list of initiatives. The committee will also meet in person at BOMA International’s January Winter Business Meeting and June Annual Conference & Expo. 

The committee’s goals include: 

• Provide programming and education through BOMA and BOMI. 

• Developing networking and collaboration opportunities for building engineers and property management professionals. 

• Outreach to local engineering unions, trade schools, universities, vendors, and building owners to partner on initiatives that will bolster the pipeline of CRE engineers. 

• Discover, affect, and share best practices in the Engineering field, maximizing building operations and efficiencies.  

• Participate in advocacy on industry related issues with BOMA and code enforcement agencies. 

• Provide support and resources to BOMA locals in their efforts to create Engineering Committees. 

• Develop leadership skills for engineering professionals. 

• Increase engineer attendance at the BOMA Annual Conference & Expo by developing more Engineering specific content. 

The committee is open to all BOMA members working in the areas of building engineering, operations, and systems maintenance. If you are interested in joining the Building Engineers Committee, please contact Amy Chisholm, CAE, CMP, Vice President, Meetings & Standards, achisholm@boma.org. 

Check out this month’s social media highlights: