KAREN BENOIT
Kidder Mathews
Over the course of her morethan 30-year career at KidderMathews, Karen Benoit hascontributed to the firm’s dramatic growth, by building ateam of creative professionalsand nearly doubling thefirm’s locations and revenuesin recent years. As SVP ofmarketing, Benoit overseesbrand strategy and improvesvisibility and online presencethrough ad campaigns, websites and social media. Shehas launched and directed four re-brand campaigns for thecompany within the past 15 years. She is known as an individualwho is full of company pride, as the firm’s growth and numerousaccolades are often attributed to her optimistic leadership. As awell-respected professional and a known champion for employees, Benoit displays relentless advocacy and a passionate commitment to the success of others. She ensures that the work herteam executes remains meaningful, by always explaining the“why.” Consistently striving to do what is right for all involvedstakeholders, she inspires through example and teaches how tohandle each situation with integrity and class. With a wealth ofindustry knowledge and strong interpersonal skills, she serves asa voice of reason at the firm, through her rational approach toproblem solving. Setting a high-bar for her team to producebest-in-class products and services, she is able to flawlessly envision change, implement initiatives, evaluate circumstances andadapt plans accordingly, while fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Ensuring a positive and enjoyable work environmentwhere employees are able to express themselves, she successfullyinstills the balance of work hard, play hard. She remains committed to helping each individual grow within their role andtheir profession.
THOMAS BISACQUINO
NAIOP
Thomas Bisacquino has served
as the president and CEO of
NAIOP since 1991. Within the
role, he oversees the strategic
direction of the association on
behalf of its more than 20,000
members. As the organiza-
tion’s primary media contact,
Bisacquino has proven critical
in advancing NAIOP’s indus-
try role through its political
action committee, while
speaking frequently regarding
longstanding issues and legis-
lative priorities. While enhancing NAIOP’s bottom line,
Bisacquino has secured many successes within his position. Well-
respected by the entire membership, he continually provides a
level of certainty by navigating each issue with assurance. Keeping
a finger on the pulse of NAIOP’s membership, he frequently visits
the association’s various chapters across North America to meet
with members and participate in events. Involved in every aspect
of the association as an effective and efficient leader, he is able to
drive the organization forward while ensuring relevance within
the industry. Known as an exceptionally approachable CEO, he
constantly engages with staff while employing a people-first
approach to business. Setting a tone of trust and respect, he has
established an encouraging and entrepreneurial culture for the
organization, where staff is empowered to propose new concepts
and offer feedback. Treating each member of the staff equally
while interfacing with all audiences, he utilizes a successful com-
bination of strategic and tactical skills in order to offer knowl-
edgeable guidance. Each staff member’s professional growth, as
well as the organization’s low turnover rate, are often attributed
to Bisacquino’s confidence in each individual. He cares for his
employees on a professional and personal level, serving at vari-
ous times as a boss, counselor, friend and cheerleader. He spurs
innovation through his personable, fair leadership style, while
guiding the association with a steady hand to ensure longevity
and resiliency.
JOANN BLAYLOCK
LMC
JoAnn Blaylock establishedLMC’s property managementdivision, LMC Living, uponjoining the firm in 2014. Withmore than 25 years of multifamily management experience, Blaylock serves as president of the group, which hasgrown from three associatesto 300 under her leadership.Playing an integral role in thefirm’s rapid growth, Blaylockworks to protect and promotethe company’s culture whileimplementing sound leadership practices. Quick to embracenew ideas, she empowers her department to suggest new projects and offer differing opinions, while encouraging collaboration among teams and divisions. As a champion for her employees and a strong advocate for work-life balance, she invests in thepersonal and professional growth of each of her associates byproviding invaluable professional development, as well as emotional support. Inspiring each staff member to work harder, shehas created an opportunistic culture for associates to grow.Serving as a mentor, teacher, leader and confidant, she hasassisted in the advancement of many employees’ careers by helping identify and cultivate individual strengths, while ensuringeach associate feels valued and appreciated. Leading as a support system, rather than just a boss, she challenges each associate for the sake of growth and development. Described as atough, decisive and fearless leader, Blaylock leads with grace andcompassion towards people. She shies away from the spotlight ineffort to give her team credit and showcase their specialties. Sheis never hesitant with praise and she is never afraid to roll up hersleeves and help with a project. Due to the invaluable professional lessons that she offers, numerous associates have followedher to various positions throughout her career to continuouslybenefit from her expertise. One associate claims, “Our careersare trusted with her guidance; our hearts better for havingknown her.”
