Real Estate Advisory Council

The School's Real Estate Advisory Council includes prominent real estate industry leaders from South Florida and across the nation. The Committee is chaired by Randy Weisburd, the President and COO of Atlantic Pacific Companies. The Council advises the School on the development of its real estate programs and is helping the School establish and promote a new Center for Real Estate Studies and Research.

In their words

Our Council Members

Edgardo Defortuna headshot
Edgardo A. Defortuna, MBA '82

It is extremely exciting to observe the amazing growth and academic quality of the University of Miami Business School. As an MBA alumnus, being a member of the Advisory Council is not only an honor but a wonderful experience. The talent, camaraderie, openness and diversity of points of view of the members is something that I truly appreciate and enjoy.

President and CEO Fortune International Realty Inc.
Malcolm Butters headshot
Malcolm Butters, BBA '82

The advisory council at the University of Miami Business School Real Estate program is a dynamic, powerful board that has been instrumental in providing guidance and opportunities for students looking to enter the real estate field. Few universities can make this claim and have the same pedigree of board members.

President Butters Construction and Development
Roger Morales headshot
Roger Morales, BBA '00

I very much like reconnecting with the School (my alma mater) and the interaction with such a highly regarded group of real estate practitioners.

Partner and Head of Commercial Real Estate Acquisitions KKR
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Thomas Bartelmo

From the beginning, working with the University of Miami Business School Real Estate Program has been an enlightening and rewarding experience because of the people. I enjoy partnering with innovative and distinguished colleagues and working with dedicated and passionate faculty members – especially Andrea Heuson. It is an honor to be part of this collaborative effort to provide educational opportunities, internships and resources that help prepare outstanding students to become effective and thoughtful business and community leaders.

President and CEO The Kislak Organization
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Tere Blanca, BBA '81, MBA '83

Serving on University of Miami Business School Real Estate Advisory Council from its inception has been an enriching experience allowing me to enjoy collaborating with like-minded top industry professionals who care for our community, specifically for my alma mater UM, and facilitating my active involvement in mentoring future leaders in real estate.

Founder, Chairman & CEO Blanca Commercial Real Estate, Inc.
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Sonny Kalsi

I am incredibly honored to be a member of the business school Real Estate Program Advisory Council. South Florida is a high growth area and the University of Miami will be a big beneficiary. I look forward to working with the council, faculty and most importantly the students to help the program grow and thrive in such an exciting environment.

Co-CEO Bentall Greenoak
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Howard M. Lorber

Miami plays a pivotal role in the worlds of finance, technology, art, cuisine and architecture, and each of these important disciplines relies on real estate to flourish. It is an honor to be part of this exciting institution dedicated to developing the skills and minds of tomorrow’s leaders in residential and commercial real estate.

President & CEO Vector Group Ltd.
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Alfonso Munk

Great to get involved in the Miami real estate community while we help the students access the Industry. Miami is a thriving and global destination that will continue to be a major market for Hines.

Chief Investment Officer, Americas Hines
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Gabriel Navarro

As a University of Miami alumnus, I am proud to be able to give back financially and through service on the Real Estate Advisory Board.

Managing Partner MMG Equity Partners
List of Members

Members

Gabe Navarro
Board Chair

Managing Partner
MMG Equity Partners

Manny de Zarraga, MBA, BSCE
Vice Chair

Executive Managing Director
JLL Capital Markets

Patricia Alonso Gonzalez
Managing Director
Ponte Gadea

Paul Amoruso, BBA
Managing Director
Oxford & Simpson Realty Services

Tom Bartelmo  
President & CEO
The Kislak Organization

Tere Blanca, BBA, MBA
Founder, Chairman & CEO
Blanca Commercial Real Estate
Jeff Brown
Vice Chairman, President & Co-owner
NFI
Jessica Brumley
Vice President, Facilities Operations & Planning
University of Miami
Malcolm Butters, BBA
President
Butters Construction & Development
Tom Christopoul
Founder & Managing Partner
Iviron Capital
Ugo Colombo
Founder & CEO
CMC Group
Michael Comras, BBA
President & CEO
The Comras Company of Florida
Edgardo Defortuna, MBA
President & CEO
Fortune International Realty Inc.
Warren de Haan
Managing Director & CEO
ACORE Capital
Kevin Fitzpatrick
Managing Director
Spring Bay Property Company, LLC
Jim Flaum
Retired Managing Director, Global Commercial Real Estate
Morgan Stanley Inc.
Scott Jaffee
Managing Member, Founder Metropolitan Realty Group
Sonny Kalsi
President and CEO, Chairman
SLC Management, BGO
Marcelo Kingston
Managing Director
Multiplan Real Estate Asset Management
Howard Lorber
President & CEO
Vector Group Ltd.
David Luski
President
DRA Advisors LLC
Jackie Mansfield
Principal
Tristar Capital
Camilo Miguel, Jr., BBA
Founder & CEO
Mast Capital
Roger Morales, BBA
Partner & Head of Commercial Real Estate Acquisitions
KKR
Alfonso Munk
Managing Partner, Global Co-Head Investment Management
Hines
Jay Parker
CEO
Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Jon Paul Perez
President & CEO
Related Group, Miami

Neil Shah
President & CEO
Hersha Hospitality Trust

Randy Weisburd, BBA
Immediate Past Board Chair
COO
Atlantic Pacific Companies
Jacob Werner
Senior Managing Director, Global Chief Investment Officer for Real Estate
Blackstone
Zachary Witkoff
Executive Vice President
The Witkoff Group LLC
Steven C. Witkoff
Emeritus Chairman
Chairman and CEO
The Witkoff Group