NAIOP Wisconsin, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, announced today that it has appointed Kirsten Lee Villegas, to serve as the organization’s new chief executive officer.
Villegas will oversee the day-to-day business operations of the association’s Wisconsin chapter and will execute strategic initiatives set forth for by its board of directors. Her main focus will be to ensure association goals are carried out to develop further relationships with state and local government bodies, grow NAIOP’s state-wide membership base, and lead advocacy efforts on the behalf of the commercial real estate development community, the organization said.
“As NAIOP launches into our second decade, we couldn’t be more thrilled to have Kirsten leading the organization forward. After a comprehensive executive search, we were particularly impressed by Kirsten’s extensive background in both the non-profit and corporate sectors, specifically her experience in strategic communications and development. This combined with a proven and creative approach to membership and financial growth, made Kirsten a clear choice to lead NAIOP-WI’s efforts to serve our membership and the commercial real estate development industry throughout Wisconsin,” said Lyle Landowski, president of NAIOP-WI.
Villegas, who has more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and private sectors, was formerly the state executive officer of the Wisconsin Builders Association, where she was responsible to oversee the administrative, financial, marketing, public relations, and long-term strategic planning for the Madison-based trade association, and worked with the executive officers from 23 local chapters across the state to bring even greater impact to their respective organizations and increased value to their members.
Prior to her tenure at the WBA, Villegas served for five years as president and CEO of the Waukesha County Museum where she helped lead an effort to bring the Les Paul exhibit to the museum.
Villegas has also held executive level positions with Manpower International, Alverno College, and Relevant Radio, and also provided consulting services to Wisconsin-based organizations such as R.A. Smith, Catholic Knights, Charter Films, and the School District of Kettle Moraine.
