Eight Members Recognized for Exemplary Volunteer Service
EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Nov. 6, 2026) – CREDA New Jersey celebrated the outstanding contributions of its volunteer leaders during the organization’s sold-out annual President’s Awards and Hall of Fame Reception. Hosted by Chapter President Matt Schlindwein of Greek Real Estate Partners and President-Elect Adam Pasternack of Russo Development, the evening recognized support of the commercial real estate industry, and exemplary service and commitment to the association.
“Each of our honorees has played a vital role in shaping CREDA NJ into what it is today: a respected entity among policymakers, an effective force in Trenton, and a valuable resource for both seasoned commercial real estate professionals and aspiring leaders,” Schlindwein said. “Our chapter is fortunate to be composed of the most talented, engaged and dedicated professionals in the commercial real estate industry.”
Yet when Anne S. Babineau of Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A., took the stage as 2026 Hall of Fame inductee, she redirected the honor. She credited CREDA NJ for bringing together the many chapter members who have supported her decades-long career as a redevelopment attorney. The thanked the chapter and her colleagues for years of collaboration with the shared goal of benefiting New Jersey’s communities.
That sentiment of shared purpose and local impact rang true as well when Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin presented Legacy Award winner Hartz Mountain Industries with a formal proclamation marking its 100th anniversary. She cited her own appreciation of Hartz Mountain’s meaningful work in New Jersey, as Gus Milano, president and COO, accepted CREDA NJ’s honor for the company’s long-time chapter involvement and leadership.
Rounding out the 2026 President’s Awards honorees are:
- Advocacy Award: Chris J. Murphy, Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP
- Advocacy Award: Kelly McCormick, PWS, LEED AP, Langan
- Volunteer of the Year Award: Blake Chroman, Sitex Group
- Rising Star Award: Will Rothpletz, Matrix Development Group
- Student Award: Anna Rivera, Middlesex College
- Student Award: Carl Davis, Middlesex College
Pasternack emphasized the vital role members’ volunteer contributions play in CREDA NJ’s success. “CREDA NJ has long been a strong voice for New Jersey’s commercial real estate industry: representing our members’ interests, advancing policies that support responsible development and economic growth, and creating opportunities for professionals at every stage of their careers,” he noted. “Together, we’ll keep CREDA NJ a trusted resource and an effective advocate for the people and projects shaping our State’s future.
With 850+ members serving all asset classes, CREDA NJ is a leading chapter of the nation’s premier trade association for developers, owners, investors and other affiliated professionals. CREDA (formerly NAIOP) underwent a national rebrand in 2026, but the New Jersey chapter’s mission remains the same: to elevate the state’s commercial real estate development industry by providing advocacy, education, research and connections to foster business opportunities.
PHOTO CAPTION: CREDA New Jersey celebrated the outstanding contributions of its volunteer leaders during the organization’s sold-out annual President’s Awards and Hall of Fame Reception. Photo credit: Gary Gellman/Gellman Images
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