Project REAP Announces New Board Leadership, Welcomes Six New Directors

Erica-Nicole Harris Elected Board Chair; Board Expands with Six New Directors

NEW YORK — Project REAP, a national nonprofit that creates pathways into commercial real estate careers for underrepresented professionals, has announced new board leadership. The election of six new directors will take effect in January 2026.

New Leadership at Project REAP

Erica-Nicole Harris has been elected as the board chair, succeeding Mike Kercheval, who led the board for two years. Harris is a seasoned commercial real estate executive with over 18 years of experience in asset management and development. She previously served as co-vice chair. Currently, she is a senior adviser at HazelLee Group and was a former vice president at Wispark, where she managed an $80 million portfolio.

Allan Suarez, a Project REAP alumnus and the chief operating officer at All Renovation Construction LLC, has been elected co-vice chair. He will serve alongside continuing vice chair Jimena Sayavedra from Newmark. Suarez brings more than 20 years of experience in real estate acquisition, development, and construction.

The continuing officers include Khalid Rashid from Clarion Partners as treasurer and Katrina Rainey from Microsoft as secretary.

Six New Directors Join the Board

The organization is excited to welcome six new board members, enhancing its leadership with executives from major corporations and real estate firms:

• Tiffany Daniels, senior portfolio manager, Walmart

• Sandhya Espitia, chief operating officer, Real Estate Board of New York

• Rodney Johnson, regional vice president, JPMorgan Chase

• Carol Spann Joyner, Head of Real Estate Transactions, US and Canada, Levi Strauss & Co.

• Hillman Lam, managing director, Sperry Real Estate Capital (Project REAP New York ’08)

• Jenny Chang McMullen, senior vice president, store development, lululemon

  
  

A Commitment to Access and Opportunity

“For 30 years, Project REAP has shown that talent exists everywhere. What’s been missing is access,” Harris stated. “As we look ahead, our focus is on expanding that access and ensuring our alumni have pathways not only to enter commercial real estate but to excel at its highest levels. The strength of this board, including so many of our own graduates, shows what’s possible.”

Transition of Leadership

Outgoing board chair Mike Kercheval will join Project REAP’s advisory council after nearly two decades of involvement with the organization. He first served as CEO of the International Council of Shopping Centers and later as a board member and chair. Under his leadership, Project REAP expanded its national footprint and solidified its position as a premier pipeline for talent in commercial real estate.

“Mike Kercheval has been a champion for Project REAP since our earliest days, first opening doors through ICSC and then helping guide our growth as board chair,” said Taneshia Nash Laird, executive director of Project REAP. “His fingerprints are on much of what we’ve built, and we’re grateful he’ll continue as an adviser. At the same time, this new leadership reflects exactly what REAP is about — four of our five officers came through our program. They’re not just governing the organization; they’re proof of its impact.”

Strengthening the Board with Alumni

With the addition of Lam, seven Project REAP alumni now serve on the board. Four of the five board officers are program graduates: Suarez, Sayavedra, Rainey, and Rashid. This leadership structure reflects the organization’s nearly 30-year track record of developing commercial real estate executives.

The Mission of Project REAP

Project REAP (Real Estate Associate Program) is dedicated to creating pathways into commercial real estate careers for underrepresented professionals. Founded in 1998, the organization has trained over 2,000 alumni across 10 metro markets. It provides curriculum, industry connections, and mentorship that help individuals build careers in commercial real estate as executives or owners.

Learn more at projectreap.org.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Growth

As we move forward, the focus remains on expanding access to opportunities within the commercial real estate sector. The new board leadership is committed to fostering an environment where diverse talent can thrive.

By leveraging the expertise of its board members, Project REAP aims to create a future-ready workforce. This commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just a goal; it is a necessity for the growth and sustainability of the industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the recent changes in leadership at Project REAP signify a promising future for the organization. With a strong board composed of experienced professionals and dedicated alumni, we are poised to make significant strides in expanding access and opportunities in commercial real estate. Together, we can build a more inclusive industry that reflects the diverse talent available today.

Let’s continue to work together to create pathways for success in commercial real estate. The future is bright, and the possibilities are endless.