Lisa Baroldi Takes Helm as BOMA Edmonton’s New President & CEO, Succeeding Legendary Percy Woods

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Edmonton, a pivotal force in the local and national commercial real estate landscape, has announced a significant leadership transition. After an illustrious career spanning over two decades at the forefront of the organization, long-time President and CEO Percy Woods is set to retire. Stepping into this monumental role is Lisa Baroldi, a distinguished leader poised to guide BOMA Edmonton into its next chapter of innovation, growth, and community engagement. This transition marks a new era for BOMA Edmonton, building upon a solid foundation laid by Woods while embracing forward-thinking strategies under Baroldi’s direction.

A New Vision for Commercial Real Estate: Lisa Baroldi’s Leadership at BOMA Edmonton

As the newly appointed President and CEO, Lisa Baroldi will assume responsibility for fostering a vibrant and resilient commercial real estate sector within Edmonton and beyond. Her mandate includes serving a diverse membership base comprised of building owners, property managers, essential service providers, and the burgeoning cohort of young commercial real estate professionals. Baroldi’s leadership will be characterized by a multi-faceted approach, focusing on enhancing value for members through comprehensive education programs, robust advocacy efforts, strategic networking opportunities, and the provision of timely, essential industry information.

The association’s statement highlights Baroldi’s commitment to thought leadership, recognizing the rapid evolution of the commercial real estate industry. She is expected to spearhead discussions and initiatives on a wide array of critical industry trends and emerging issues. These include, but are not limited to, the transformative impact of proptech (property technology) on operations and management, strategies for ensuring business continuity and adaptation in an ever-changing world, the leveraging of big data for informed decision-making and predictive analytics, the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in real estate investments and development, the implications of migration patterns on urban growth and demand, taxation policies affecting property owners, the broader concept of city building and sustainable urban development, enhancing safety and security protocols for occupants and assets, understanding evolving consumer and investor behaviors, navigating the challenges posed by pandemics and public health crises, anticipating the future of work paradigms and their impact on office spaces, and integrating advanced technologies like 5G into commercial properties. This comprehensive focus underscores Baroldi’s holistic vision for the industry’s future, positioning BOMA Edmonton at the forefront of these crucial conversations.

Empowering Members Through Education and Professional Development

Under Baroldi’s leadership, BOMA Edmonton will continue to prioritize high-quality education and professional development programs. In an industry as dynamic and complex as commercial real estate, continuous learning is paramount for professionals to maintain a competitive edge. These programs will be meticulously designed to equip members with the latest knowledge, practical skills, and relevant certifications required to excel in their roles. From foundational courses tailored for new professionals entering the CRE field to advanced workshops on sustainable building practices, cutting-edge property management best practices, innovative leasing strategies, and regulatory compliance, BOMA Edmonton aims to be the leading resource for professional growth and skill enhancement. This unwavering commitment ensures that Edmonton’s commercial real estate community remains highly skilled, adaptive, and at the forefront of global industry advancements.

Advocacy for a Thriving Commercial Real Estate Ecosystem

A cornerstone of BOMA Edmonton’s mission is its critical role as a proactive advocate for the commercial real estate sector. Lisa Baroldi will significantly amplify these advocacy efforts, working closely with local municipal, provincial, and national stakeholders to shape policies that foster a favorable and predictable business environment. This includes diligently advocating for fair and equitable taxation policies, supportive and adaptive zoning regulations, strategic infrastructure development that enhances property values and accessibility, and streamlined regulatory processes that reduce administrative burdens. By representing the collective voice and interests of building owners and managers, BOMA Edmonton, under Baroldi’s strategic guidance, will strive to ensure that the industry’s perspectives are recognized, valued, and integrated into legislative and urban planning decisions, ultimately contributing robustly to the economic vitality and sustainable growth of Edmonton and the wider region.

Strategic Networking and Information Sharing for Industry Success

Networking remains an indispensable component for professional success, collaborative innovation, and market insight within the commercial real estate industry. Baroldi intends to further enhance BOMA Edmonton’s established reputation as a premier networking hub, creating diverse and valuable platforms for members to connect meaningfully, share invaluable insights, and forge strategic partnerships that drive mutual growth. Beyond facilitating these crucial connections, the association will serve as a vital clearinghouse for accurate and timely information, providing members with critical market intelligence, best practice guides, essential regulatory updates, and expert economic forecasts. This ensures that members are consistently well-informed, enabling them to make astute business decisions, anticipate market shifts effectively, and maintain a competitive advantage in a constantly evolving market.

Championing Industry and Community Growth: An Ambassadorial Role

Beyond her direct responsibilities to BOMA Edmonton members, Lisa Baroldi is deeply committed to elevating the overall profile and perceived value of the commercial real estate industry. The association’s statement emphasizes her intention to “partner with members and stakeholders to act as a dedicated ambassador of the industry and promoter of the city, province and country.” This ambassadorial role signifies a broader commitment to economic development, talent attraction, and showcasing Edmonton’s immense potential as a thriving hub for commercial real estate investment, innovation, and sustainable urban living. By working collaboratively with various community and governmental entities, BOMA Edmonton will contribute significantly to the positive image, robust economic growth, and future prosperity of the region, aligning CRE success with broader community welfare.

“BOMA Edmonton is a solid organization thanks to Percy’s incredible work over the years, and thanks to the contributions of many talented directors, members, staff and partners,” says Lisa Baroldi, acknowledging the profound and impactful legacy she inherits. “I look forward to leading BOMA Edmonton into its next chapter, and to representing the industry and broader community as we face new challenges and opportunities. Commercial real estate is an essential industry that shapes the communities in which we live.” Her words eloquently underscore both a deep respect for the organization’s past achievements and an enthusiastic embrace of future possibilities, recognizing the fundamental and transformative impact of commercial real estate on urban life and societal well-being.

Percy Woods: A Legacy of Transformative Leadership and Unprecedented Growth at BOMA Edmonton

The retirement of Percy Woods marks the conclusion of an extraordinary era at BOMA Edmonton, an era defined by remarkable organizational growth, unwavering dedication, and transformative leadership within the commercial real estate industry. Woods originally joined BOMA Edmonton in 1997, and over his distinguished 23-year tenure, he meticulously transformed the organization into the influential powerhouse it stands as today. His visionary leadership was consistently characterized by strategic foresight, an unyielding commitment to excellence, and an innate ability to foster a strong sense of community and collaboration among industry professionals.

Unprecedented Membership Expansion and Market Influence Under Woods’ Guidance

Under Percy Woods’ astute stewardship, BOMA Edmonton experienced an extraordinary and unprecedented fivefold increase in its membership. This exponential growth is a resounding testament to his exceptional ability to clearly articulate the compelling value proposition of BOMA and to attract a broad and diverse spectrum of industry players, from large corporations to independent operators. Today, BOMA Edmonton members collectively represent an overwhelming majority—more than 70 percent—of Edmonton companies that own or actively manage a diverse portfolio of properties, including prime office spaces, bustling retail establishments, vital industrial complexes, and strategic investment properties. This dominant market representation provides BOMA Edmonton with unparalleled influence and a strong, unified collective voice in shaping the future trajectory of commercial real estate in the region. It speaks volumes about the deep trust and confidence the industry consistently placed in his leadership and the organization’s enduring relevance under his expert guidance.

Founding BOMA Canada and National Industry Leadership

Percy Woods’ profound influence and impactful contributions extended far beyond Edmonton’s city limits, reverberating across the national commercial real estate landscape. He played a truly pivotal role in the foundational efforts of BOMA Canada, tirelessly working to establish a robust national body that would effectively unify and significantly strengthen the commercial real estate industry across the entire country. His dedication, strategic vision, and collaborative spirit were further recognized when he was appointed as the inaugural chair of all BOMA executives from coast to coast. This prestigious national leadership position allowed him to advocate powerfully for Canadian commercial real estate on a much broader scale, fostering invaluable inter-provincial collaboration, establishing critical national standards, and thereby solidifying Canada’s respected position in the competitive global real estate market. Woods’ legacy includes creating a cohesive national voice for an essential industry.

Local Legacies: Guiding Industry Excellence and Professional Standards

Percy Woods’ enduring impact is also profoundly evident in several highly successful local initiatives that have become indispensable staples of the Edmonton commercial real estate community. Among these is the highly regarded annual BOMA Edmonton Leasing Guide. This comprehensive guide serves as an invaluable and trusted resource for prospective tenants, commercial brokers, and property owners alike, providing crucial market data, detailed listings of available properties, and expert insights that facilitate informed and strategic leasing decisions. It has significantly contributed to market transparency, efficiency, and fairness in Edmonton’s dynamic commercial real estate sector.

Furthermore, Woods was instrumental in meticulously establishing and diligently nurturing the annual awards of excellence, which recognize outstanding achievements in property management, innovative building operations, and exemplary sustainability practices within the commercial real estate sector. These prestigious awards not only celebrate individual and organizational excellence but also actively encourage continuous improvement, foster healthy competition, and promote adherence to the highest best practices across the entire industry. Coupled with these accolades, BOMA Edmonton, under Woods’ visionary leadership, delivered top-rated, cutting-edge professional development education to thousands of commercial real estate professionals. These impactful educational initiatives have demonstrably raised the bar for professionalism, expertise, and ethical conduct, ensuring that Edmonton’s commercial real estate workforce remains highly skilled, adaptable, and globally competent.

“It has been a pleasure working with BOMA members and staff for the last 23 years,” reflects Woods on his distinguished and impactful career. “The development, growth and success of BOMA Edmonton during my time can be attributed to the outstanding support of great members and dedicated hard-working boards over the years. I have also been able to partner with an excellent team of staff.” His humble acknowledgement of the collective effort and collaborative spirit he fostered underscores the profound impact of teamwork and shared vision that defined his exemplary tenure within the organization.

Lisa Baroldi’s Diverse Background: A Robust Foundation for Future Success

Lisa Baroldi brings a wealth of diverse and highly relevant experience to her new and challenging role, providing her with a unique strategic perspective and a robust skill set perfectly suited to lead BOMA Edmonton into its next phase of growth and innovation. Her extensive professional background spans critical areas such as international relations, strategic economic development, media engagement, and global consulting, with each facet contributing significantly to her comprehensive understanding of complex organizational dynamics, intricate market forces, and effective leadership principles.

Prior to joining BOMA Edmonton, Baroldi served with distinction as a senior advisor for the Canada-UAE Business Council, operating strategically from both Toronto and Dubai. This pivotal role meticulously honed her expertise in fostering complex international trade relationships, understanding nuanced global economic trends, and skillfully navigating diverse business cultures – skills that will prove invaluable for promoting Edmonton’s vibrant commercial real estate sector on an expanded international stage. Her extensive experience in effectively bridging international business interests will be particularly beneficial as BOMA Edmonton actively seeks to attract foreign direct investment, integrate global best practices, and enhance its international standing.

Her tenure as executive director of an economic development authority in Northern Alberta further equipped her with a deep, practical understanding of regional economic drivers, community building initiatives, and strategic planning methodologies crucial for sustainable growth. This invaluable hands-on experience in fostering local economic prosperity aligns seamlessly with BOMA Edmonton’s core mission to contribute significantly to the economic vitality and future prosperity of the city and province.

Baroldi’s distinguished career also includes a significant stint as associate editor of Diplomat & International Magazine in Ottawa, where she meticulously developed keen analytical skills and a remarkable talent for communicating complex issues clearly, concisely, and persuasively. This robust journalistic background will prove absolutely essential in articulating BOMA Edmonton’s advocacy positions effectively and in conveying critical industry insights to members, governmental bodies, and the broader public with clarity and impact.

Additionally, her impactful role as CEO of Progress Unlimited, an Edmonton-based global consulting firm, provided her with comprehensive leadership experience in skillfully navigating intricate market challenges, developing innovative strategic solutions, and consistently driving organizational success through effective management. This entrepreneurial and consultancy background will be instrumental in identifying novel approaches for BOMA Edmonton, fostering a culture of innovation, and ensuring its continued relevance, influence, and profound impact in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world.

Looking Ahead: BOMA Edmonton’s Next Chapter of Innovation and Enduring Impact

The seamless and strategic transition from Percy Woods to Lisa Baroldi unequivocally signals an exciting and dynamic new chapter for BOMA Edmonton. While profoundly honoring the tremendous accomplishments and the incredibly stable foundation meticulously established by Woods over his two-decade tenure, Baroldi is exceptionally well-poised to lead the organization with a fresh perspective, enthusiastically embracing the myriad opportunities presented by rapid technological advancements, evolving market demands, and a renewed, critical focus on sustainability, social responsibility, and community integration.

As commercial real estate continues to be recognized as an essential and foundational industry that fundamentally shapes the communities in which we live, work, and thrive, BOMA Edmonton’s role as a proactive leader, powerful advocate, and invaluable educator becomes even more critical in the contemporary landscape. Under Lisa Baroldi’s dynamic, experienced, and forward-thinking leadership, the association is exceptionally well-positioned to navigate future challenges with resilience, champion innovation across all sectors, and continue its vital work in steadfastly supporting its diverse membership while contributing significantly to the economic and social fabric of Edmonton, the province of Alberta, and the nation of Canada. The future of commercial real estate in Edmonton looks exceptionally bright, guided by experienced hands and a clear, compelling vision for sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced development.