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Arizona is welcoming back a powerhouse in commercial real estate and public policy leadership.

Cheryl Lombard, a well-known figure in both state and national policy circles, has been named the new CEO of NAIOP Arizona, the state鈥檚 leading organization for commercial real estate development and advocacy. According to NAIOP鈥檚 announcement last Thursday, Lombard will officially take the helm on September 1, 2025.

The move marks a homecoming for Lombard, who previously served as president and CEO of Valley Partnership. During her tenure, she became a key voice in shaping Arizona鈥檚 water, transportation, and land use policy鈥攂uilding coalitions, influencing legislation, and navigating high-stakes regulatory debates. Her return is seen as a major win for the Grand Canyon State鈥檚 commercial real estate industry and the broader business community.

鈥淚鈥檓 thrilled to return to Arizona and lead NAIOP at such a pivotal time for our state,鈥� Lombard said. 鈥淎s Arizona experiences dynamic growth and change, it鈥檚 critical that our industry not only has a seat at the table鈥攂ut leads the conversation鈥攐n key issues like energy, water, and permitting. NAIOP Arizona has built a strong reputation for advocacy and impact, and I look forward to expanding that influence, strengthening our presence across all levels of government, and advancing policies that drive Arizona鈥檚 economic success.鈥�

Lombard most recently served as senior program director for power, infrastructure, and minerals at ClearPath, a Washington, D.C.-based energy think tank. There, she led major policy work around clean energy, transmission, and permitting reform鈥攑lacing her at the forefront of national conversations about growth, innovation, and climate strategy.

Her leadership now returns to Arizona, as NAIOP prepares to expand its influence and sharpen its mission amid rapid commercial growth across the state.

NAIOP Arizona represents more than 1,100 members across office, industrial, multifamily, retail, and mixed-use development. The organization has played a critical role in shaping legislation and advancing priorities from construction defect reform to EPA compliance and infrastructure investment.

“On behalf of the board of directors, staff, membership, and our sponsors, we could not be more thrilled to welcome Cheryl to lead NAIOPAZ,鈥� said Phil Breidenbach, board chair and senior executive vice president at Colliers. “Cheryl鈥檚 experience, energy, and passion for key issues impacting commercial real estate align strongly with NAIOPAZ鈥檚 mission and the goals of our members. Her leadership is what NAIOP needs to advance our chapter, our sponsors鈥� agendas, and our industry as a whole.”

As CEO, Lombard will lead the chapter鈥檚 long-range strategic plan, expand sponsorship engagement, and serve as NAIOP Arizona鈥檚 primary liaison with business leaders, policymakers, and economic development groups.

She succeeds Suzanne Kinney, who helped elevate the organization鈥檚 visibility and reach over the past several years.

鈥淪uzanne Kinney has been a tremendous leader for Arizona鈥檚 business community and a valued voice on the Chamber鈥檚 board of directors. Her steady hand and strategic vision helped elevate NAIOP Arizona during a period of major growth and policy challenges,鈥� said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. 鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to welcome Cheryl Lombard back to Arizona. Her deep expertise and policy acumen make her the ideal person to carry NAIOP鈥檚 momentum forward and help drive Arizona鈥檚 continued economic success.鈥�