Professional Development: IAMC’s Continued Focus on Professional and Personal Growth
As I round the third turn and head into the home stretch of my tenure as IAMC chair, I’m excited to share some details about one of our most meaningful initiatives yet: the launch of IAMC’s new Professional Development program.
IAMC has always understood that professional excellence is deeply intertwined with personal growth and that providing our members with continuous development opportunities is essential, especially in today’s talent-driven environment. Since the association’s inception, we have maintained a dedicated focus on career progression by offering high-quality professional development content, mentorship opportunities and focused peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. Now, we’re taking that commitment even further with the launch of the IAMC Expertise Accelerator™.
The Expertise Accelerator™ is a formal, yet flexible learning program designed to deliver educational curriculum tailored to members across all career stages, from early career to seasoned leadership. It’s the first program of its kind focused exclusively on industrial real estate and built around IAMC’s five Core Competencies: Leadership, Professional Knowledge, Asset Management, Transacting Real Estate and Creating Enterprise Value.
The program features customized Skills Paths and a digital badging system to recognize milestones and achievements, furthering IAMC’s role as the leading partner in career-long professional development and advancement.
As the nature of work continues to evolve, so will this program. Whether you’re earning a new certification, navigating a career transition or becoming a more effective leader, the benefits will be clear, measurable and tailored to what matters most to you. We’ve already seen strong engagement from our next generation of leaders, and we believe this targeted, accessible training will help our members step into roles of increasing responsibility with confidence.
By making this strategic investment in our members’ growth, the Expertise Accelerator™ is not only shaping stronger professionals, but also building a more resilient, innovative and future-ready industry.
Special thanks to our two newest IAMC team members, Charlene Manuel and Andrea “Andi” Rawl, for their leadership in building and supporting this program. Thanks also to our Professional Education Committee co-chairs Connie Fricke and Kevin Dollhopf; our Forum Program Delivery Committee co-chairs Jim Hazard and Joe Oliaro; and to IAMC Vice Chair Matt Boehlke, who serves as executive sponsor, for their thoughtful oversight and commitment.
IAMC’s dedication to personal and professional development is more than a mission — it’s a movement. Come along, won’t you?!
— Cary Hutchings
The view from Swan London Bar & Restaurant at the Globe Theatre overlooks the Thames River and the London skyline.
Photos by Rya Hazelwood
IAMC International Calls on LONDON
The IAMC International Forum took place at the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars in mid-June, beginning with a welcome reception at the Swan London Bar & Restaurant at the Globe Theatre, overlooking the Thames River and the city’s skyline from London’s Bankside.
Senior leaders in corporate real estate, economic development and service provider organizations convened for two days of global insight, peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and strategic connections that kicked off with a keynote by renowned BBC broadcaste Justin Webb. Sessions addressed U.S.–Europe trade & tariff policy topics; corporate real estate portfolio resilience amid global disruption; workforce evolution in property careers; and technology’s impact on logistics and industrial space. And members led IAMC’s signature interactive programs like Peer-to-Peer (corporates only) and Get Some Help! (all attendees), offering opportunities for real-time problem solving.
James, Chavez, president and CEO of South Carolina Power Team, and Kevin Harrington, head of real estate EMEA-APAC for CHEP, moderate the Get
Some Help! Session in London.
IAMC Executive Director Tate Godfrey notes two takeaways from London: Tariffs and trade issues are causing uncertainty and risk. And “portfolio management and building in resilience has become a top-of-mind priority for our Corporate members.” Meanwhile, developers are still bullish on industrial and warehousing/logistics projects.
Attendees came from 11 different countries. “This demonstrates the continued importance of value-based networking among our members,” Godfrey says.
Welcoming Two New Team Members to IAMC
Charlene Manuel
IAMC Director of Education & Research
Andrea “Andi” Rawl
IAMC Director of Professional Development
As IAMC continues to grow and strives to exceed member needs and expectations, so does our commitment to providing exceptional value through high-quality professional education, strategic leadership development and world-class programming. We’re excited to welcome two dynamic professionals to the IAMC staff who will help further elevate our offerings and member experience.
Joining our team are Charlene Manuel, our new Director of Education & Research, and Andrea “Andi” Rawl, who steps into the role of Director of Professional Development. Each brings a unique background, deep expertise and infectious enthusiasm — and we’re thrilled to have them on board.
Charlene Manuel brings 20 years of strategic leadership experience transforming organizational vision into measurable outcomes. At AESC, Charlene led the association’s education programs — supporting revenue initiatives and delivering learning experiences designed to advance member skills at every stage of their careers. Charlene holds a B.S. from NYU, an M.B.A. from Georgia Tech, and is currently pursuing her Ed.D. at UGA. With energetic enthusiasm, she looks forward to connecting and collaborating with IAMC members.
Andi Rawl brings more than 18 years of experience in business associations to her role as Director of Professional Development at IAMC. Andi is a seasoned professional association executive with expertise spanning management, budgeting, finance, marketing, event planning and professional development. By aligning content with strategic goals and emerging trends, she has consistently helped build informed, connected communities that support both personal growth and organizational success. Andi earned a B.S. in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management from the University of South Carolina. She is also a graduate of the South Carolina Economic Development Institute and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute of Organizational Management (IOM).
Please join us in welcoming these talented professionals to the IAMC team. Their expertise will be instrumental as we continue to build innovative learning experiences, foster leadership growth and strengthen connections across the IAMC community. — Rya Hazelwood, Senior Director of Communications & Marketing, IAMC
‘I Am IAMC’
Celebrates a Community Where Every Voice Matters
For more than 20 years, one guiding principle has shaped the way our community connects and grows: When relationships come first, business naturally follows. This philosophy is at the heart of everything we do, from Forums and webinars to leadership development initiatives. But the true foundation of this legacy is the strength and diversity of our members.
In early June, we launched “I am IAMC,” a new social media spotlight series that recognizes the individuals who bring our mission to life. From corporate end users shaping global strategies to economic developers driving regional growth and service providers advancing solutions that turn vision into reality, this series gives voice to the people behind the progress. Each story highlights not only professional experience but also personal reflections on community, leadership and connection in a fast-moving industry. These spotlights aim to inspire, foster belonging and invite others to see themselves as part of something greater.
Each perspective brings something different, and valuable, to the table. By showcasing this diversity, we reaffirm IAMC’s commitment to an inclusive, member-driven community where insight is shared, leadership is developed and relationships are built to last. Whether you’ve been part of IAMC for years or are just beginning your journey, your perspective adds meaning to our community and inspires others across the network.
Response already has been enthusiastic. You are IAMC. Let’s share your story. Reach out to us rya.hazelwood@iamc.org, and we’ll send you a few quick questions to get started. — Rya Hazelwood