Real Estate New Jersey - December 2008

today have become a viable entity in the field, are taken more seriously and are acknowledged for their expertise. Opportunities are more available than ever, but women just need to look for them. Perceptions and stereotypes of the industry as male-dominated persist, however, which keeps many women from looking seriously at the careers open to them.”

JODIE MATTHEWS
Vice President
Jones Lang LaSalle

An 18-year veteran of working with corporate clients, Matthews’ current role as VP reflects her position as one of the state’s top tenant and landlord brokers. Over the past five years she has completed almost 100 deals for more than two million square feet with an aggregate value of approximately $300 million. She’s a valuable resource in the due diligence process, and her client list includes State Street Bank, RREEF, Wells Real Estate Funds and KBS Realty Advisors. Matthews is currently handling about one million square feet of space in New Jersey.

Key Issue: “The economy has had a huge impact on the market. Both women and men in brokerage are weathering a difficult storm, and to get through these tough times, brokers need to differentiate themselves and be willing to give clients strategic counsel that offers short-term and long-term benefits. While deals now are few and far between, smart counsel is in high demand.”

LAURIE MEYERS
Shareholder
Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer

A shareholder with the Woodbridge-based law firm, Laurie Meyers has a comprehensive real estate and redevelopment practice, with a list of clients including major corporations, owners and developers in New Jersey. Her experience has included mixed-use projects that often involve multiple users, multi-million-dollar commercial loan transactions, acquisitions and dispositions and the leasing of commercial properties. Key Issue: “It is the ability to expand into a broad range of complex transactions.”

BARBARA MORFORD
Director of Policy and Communications
NJ-NAIOP

A seasoned association management professional with more than 27 years of experience, Barbara Morford is currently working to develop NJ-NAIOP’s “Prescription for Prosperity,” a comprehensive effort to secure New Jersey’s economic health and competitive position. She previously undertook a similar effort as director of public relations and member services for the New Jersey Builders Association. Key Issue: “I don’t see it as a gender issue—we’re all challenged to

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