The challenges facing the built environment today do not fit into just one industry or discipline. Advancements in technology, new building materials, energy, workforce development and changing demands for the places where people work and live are creating new challenges, but also new opportunities for people in the real estate and built environment industries. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration, according to Scarlett Miller, Advance Realty Investors Director of the Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation at Penn State.
Such collaboration is at the heart of the Cocoziello Institute. Through interdisciplinary research, industry partnerships and workforce development, the Cocoziello Institute connects Penn State expertise in engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), construction, energy, materials and real estate to create technologies that aim to improve how the world designs, builds and operates buildings and infrastructure.
Now, the institute is formalizing their industry engagement efforts through a newly structured executive board, building on the work of its existing Industry Advisory Board. Through this new invitation-only structure, senior executive industry leaders will have an opportunity to play a direct role in shaping the institute's strategic direction and advancing its interdisciplinary mission.
"Our Industry Advisory Board provides invaluable insight and perspective as we think about the current challenges facing the built environment," Miller said. "As the institute continues to grow, we're formalizing that group into an executive board that takes that engagement a step further. We're looking for senior leaders who want to be active partners in shaping the Institute's direction, connecting us with new opportunities and helping amplify our impact across the industry."
The Cocoziello Institute's Industry Advisory Board has brought together leaders from across the real estate and built environment industries to provide expertise, perspective and guidance to the institute since its founding. Now, that group is evolving into a formally structured executive board, giving its members an expanded leadership role in shaping the institute's strategic direction and advancing its mission.
Current and founding Industry Advisory Board members:
- Peter Cocoziello, founder of the Cocoziello Institute and founder, chairman and chief executive officer at Advance Realty Investors
- Rob Fenza, retired chief operating officer of Liberty Property Trust, Cocoziello Institute vice chair, Penn State Board of Trustees
- Carl Berquist, former executive vice president/chief financial officer at Mariott International
- Jason Borrelli, managing director at EQT
- Greg Bryan, chief integrated solutions officer at Lineage Logistics
- Charles Conwell, chief executive officer at Novele
- Jonathan Knipe, co-chair of real estate at Cozen O'Connor
- Ira Lubert, chairman and co-founder at Lubert Adler
- Ryan Maibach, president and chief executive officer at Barton Malow Holdings
- Bob Poole, president and chief executive officer, S&A Homes and Allied Mechanical and Electrical, chairman and chief executive officer of Poole Anderson Construction
- Mike Salmon, managing partner at Decarb LLC
- Rick Sokolov, vice chairman at Simon Properties
The institute's Industry Advisory Board has played an important role in bringing industry expertise and perspective to the institute since its founding, Miller said. With the new executive board structure, that existing group of industry leaders will transition into a more formalized leadership role, with members serving as the institute's most senior industry partners.
Under the new structure, executive board members will hold voting seats and take a more active role in guiding the Institute's strategic priorities and key operational decisions. Members will also serve on board committees or lead strategic initiatives and use their professional networks to expand the institute's reach, partnerships and philanthropic support.
Building deeper connections between industry and Penn State
The executive board is designed for individuals and organizations with senior-level experience in real estate, the built environment, construction or related industries. Penn State affiliation is not required.
For Peter Cocoziello, whose vision and philanthropic support established the institute, creating meaningful collaboration between industry leaders and the University has always been central to its purpose.
"The most important thing we can do is bring the right people to the table," Cocoziello said. "The built environment is too complex for any one person, company or discipline to solve its biggest challenges alone. We need leaders who are willing to share what they know, challenge the way we think and help create opportunities for the next generation."
Through the executive board, members will have opportunities to connect with Penn State faculty, students and University leadership; engage with institute research and publications; participate in industry focus groups and networking events; and mentor students through case competitions and special projects. Members may also speak at a major annual Institute event or panel discussion or host an Institute education expedition or student field trip.
"One of the things that makes the Cocoziello Institute unique is the opportunity to bring industry and academia into the same conversation," said Cocoziello Institute Industry Advisory Board Vice Chair Rob Fenza. "The executive board gives industry leaders an opportunity to share their experience, engage with the research and people shaping the future of the built environment, and help ensure that the next generation is prepared for what comes next."
According to Miller, the executive board represents more than a group of advisers. It is a community of experienced leaders who can help connect Penn State's research and education with the evolving needs of the real estate and built environment industries.
"We're looking for people who see the value in what we're building here and want to be part of it," Miller said. "This is an opportunity to bring your experience into the University, connect with people who are approaching these challenges from different perspectives and help us think bigger about what's possible."
About the Cocoziello Institute
The Penn State Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation is dedicated to advancing research and collaboration across disciplines to address the challenges facing the real estate industry. Through innovative programs and partnerships, the institute aims to develop solutions that will positively impact the built environment and promote sustainable practices.
Visit the Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation website to learn more.
