BOSTON — The New England Chapter of CoreNet Global recognized graduates of its 2025/2026 Leadership 2.0 program and the 2025 George M. Conti Young Leaders Professional Development Program during the organization’s Annual Awards of Excellence held May 6.
The chapter said both programs are designed to help members strengthen leadership capabilities, expand industry knowledge, and prepare for the future of corporate real estate.
Leadership 2.0, launched in 2017, focuses on advanced leadership development and career growth for experienced professionals across the industry.
“Since 2017, the Leadership 2.0 program has played a pivotal role in shaping the chapter’s leaders of tomorrow,” said Holyn Nickerson, co-chair of the Leadership 2.0 Committee. “I’ve seen firsthand how this program transforms participants, equipping them with the skills and confidence to drive meaningful change within their organizations and communities.”
The 2025/2026 Leadership 2.0 cohort included:
- Rebecca Bergstrom, Sun Life
- Caroline Bishop, PTC
- Katie Butler, Akamai Technologies
- Carli Cabana, VVA Project & Cost Managers part of Drees & Sommer
- Jennifer Foley, Manulife | John Hancock
- Steve Gminski, Creative Office Resources
- Walter Howell, McCarter & English LLP
- Elizabeth Jackson, Gilbane Building Company
- Robert Kinlin, CBRE
- Heather Long, Red Thread
- Samantha O’Neil, SmithGroup
- Ishan Raval, Cumming Group
- Elvis Rodrigues, Manulife | John Hancock
- Manny Venuti, Columbia Construction Company
- Michael Zahornacky IV, Liberty Mutual
CoreNet Global New England said applications for the 2026-2027 Leadership 2.0 cohort are expected to open in early June, with the next class beginning in September.
The organization also celebrated graduates of the George M. Conti Young Leaders Professional Development Program, which is aimed at emerging professionals in the corporate real estate field. The program combines leadership training, one-on-one coaching, and exposure to various real estate disciplines to help participants strengthen both technical understanding and professional development skills.
“As Co-Chair of the George M. Conti Young Leaders Professional Development Program, I’m continually inspired by the ambition and creativity our participants bring,” said Chris Petryshin, co-chair of the program. “Beyond building soft skills, the program cultivates knowledge of many aspects of the real estate industry, encourages meaningful connections, and prepares the next generation to lead with purpose.”
The 2025 George M. Conti Young Leaders Professional Development Program cohort included:
- Alan Kocher, Boston Consulting Group
- Clare Holland, CRESA
- Clare Kennedy, Lee Kennedy Company
- Frank Kelly, Structure Tone
- Grey Gettleman, Cushman & Wakefield
- Ipsitha Bayapu, Northstar Project & Real Estate Services
- Jenny Loughlin, Liberty Mutual
- Olivia Finocchiaro, HelmsBnB
- Ryan Levesque, Fresenius Medical Care
- Shannon Benoit, John Hancock
- Steven Gibree, The TJX Companies, Inc.
The chapter said the 2026 Young Leaders cohort is already underway with guidance from co-chairs Chris Petryshin and Sarah Abrams.
CoreNet Global New England said it remains committed to fostering professional growth, collaboration, and leadership development as the corporate real estate industry continues to evolve.
