Dear BOMA Members,

Who can believe it’s already March?!? Coming off the heels of our 2024 theme, Driven for Success, this year’s theme is Thriving Through Challenges. What do you instinctively do when faced with a challenge? Do you lean into it? Do you cower from it? Do you talk to your trusted circle about what to do? Do you own your part of it? Learning how to thrive through challenging times can be one of the most rewarding lessons for both your personal and professional life, and quite frankly, it’s something we should all learn to do. 

The commercial real estate industry continues to face challenging times in the form of economic (lender) uncertainty, homelessness driving up vacancies, overbuilt lab space and overarching political bills aimed at driving up the hard costs to own and manage commercial space. What can we do to thrive through challenges? What can we do from a budgeting perspective, from a tenant engagement standpoint, and from a customer service angle to continue to differentiate ourselves and thrive? How can we stand out to the higher ups? 

The Thriving Through Challenges theme is meant to highlight and showcase how we can treat and conquer any challenge. It’s applicable to any person at any stage in their career, whether they are new in the industry and trying to learn the ropes, or they’re a seasoned vet figuring out how to balance a budget in a restrictive economy. So the next time something challenging comes up in your life, I encourage you to take a step back to re-calibrate and thoughtfully consider how you can turn the challenge into a moment where you can thrive. 

Speaking of thriving, I am honored to present this year’s leadership slate:

2025 Board of Directors:

Melanie Milinkevich, President

Stacy Kurko, Vice President

Paris Cox, Secretary

Cali Girkins, Treasurer

Thor Emblem, Past President

Cyndy Stelzer, General Council

Amber Molina, Member at Large

Ann DiLorenzo, Member at Large

Megan Horsfield, Member at Large

Lize Howeth, Member at Large

Brittany Deal, Member at Large

Michele Ignacio, Member at Large

Nicole Schuck, Member at Large

Kami Nutt, Member at Large

Audrey Doherty, Executive Director

Craig Benedetto, Legislative Advocate

2025 Committee Leaders:

Awards, Scholarships and TOBY Task Force: Paris Cox and Isaac Warner

Communications: Courtney Johnson

Community Service: Douglas Stirling and Ana Rodriguez

Education: Liz Howeth and Michelle Scarantino

Emergency Preparedness & Sustainability: Teresa Henning and Pearl Lai

Emerging Professionals: Danni Devine and Caitlin Lacy

Finance: Cali Girkins

Government Affairs: Stacy Kurko and Melanie Milinkevich

Nominating Committee: Thor Emblem

Life Science: Clarissa Paschall and Catherine Christensen

Membership: Evelyn Martinez and Seira Melendez

Programs: Jessica Kalloch and Tae Kim

Strategic Long Range Planning: Stacy Kurko and Melanie Milinkevich

Special Events: Brooke Wheeler and Tairyn Rasmussen

Sponsorship: Meagan Randazzo and Angela Delgado

These leaders are planning exciting events and programming for you to enjoy all throughout the year! Thank you to all for your leadership! 

Sincerely, 

Melanie Milinkevich

President of BOMA San Diego