Past Presidents
commercial leaders shaping the industry
Kenny Hurst
2014
Kenny Hurst
2014
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Michael Plauché, 2025 President Michael spent over 15 years in the hospitality industry in various roles from direct food sales to full service operations management. As a commercial real estate advisor with Coldwell Banker Commercial, Michael draws on his extensive passion and experience in hotels, resorts, and fine dining establishments. He specializes in assisting clients in the hospitality and tourism industry with site selection, lease analysis, acquisition and disposition. Michael is a CCIM candidate working towards his designation. Michael is a currently a member of the Krewe of Orpheus and an avid Louisiana sports fan. Michael is married to Megan, a sales and marketing director in New Orleans, and they have one daughter, Iva. |
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Cameron Lombardo, 2024 President Cameron Lombardo joined RE/MAX Commercial Brokers in 2017. He studied at Louisiana State University. A New Orleans native, Cameron is very knowledgeable of the city of New Orleans and its surrounding areas. |
Mike Mito, 2023 President
Biography coming soon!
Melissa Warren, 2022 President
| Melissa S. Warren, CCIM is a Senior Commercial Real Estate Advisor and the New Orleans metropolitan market leader for Stirling. She has provided clients with commercial real estate advisory services since 2001. As a Senior Advisor with Stirling in New Orleans, LA, Ms. Warren focuses on industrial, office, and retail sales, leasing, and tenant and landlord representation. On behalf of clients, Melissa has been responsible for conducting investment, market, and financial analysis and negotiating purchase and lease contracts. She coordinates transaction due diligence, site selection services, and user decision analysis, and assists clients with planning and zoning matters. Additionally, Melissa has represented medical clients with medical retail and office site selection services. Before joining Stirling, she was the leasing agent for East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie, LA. She has represented financial institutions in the disposition of distressed commercial assets and excess branch disposition. Over the years, she served numerous industrial and bioscience clients providing them with the services of site selection, market analysis, shipyard disposition, industrial park and river terminal land acquisition, ground-up development, and asset disposition. Ms. Warren’s organizational service includes Board Member and President Ex-Officio of the NOMAR-CID (New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors – Commercial Investment Division); and Board Member of LACDB (the Louisiana Commercial Database). Commercial Real Estate professional affiliations include CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member), ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers), NOMAR-CID, NAIOP (the Commercial Real Estate Development Association), and New Orleans CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women). Melissa serves on the Board of the Louisiana SPCA, and volunteers with New Orleans City Park, and Habitat for Humanity. Before joining Stirling, Ms. Warren was a senior real estate advisor for Grubb & Ellis/ Sawyer Commercial in Gulfport, MS. In 2006, she was designated a (CCIM) upon successfully passing the comprehensive final exam and passing the CCIM Institute’s panel judgment for the portfolio of qualifying industry experience. After Hurricane Katrina, the mayor of Gulfport, MS selected Ms. Warren to co-chair the committee to rebuild Gulfport Harbor’s Jones Park where she helped spearhead fundraising, architectural charrettes, and development designs for the rebuilding of the park. Ms. Warren graduated from Mississippi State University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She holds Louisiana and Mississippi real estate licenses. |
Bryce French, 2021 President
Biography coming soon!
Ryan Pearce, 2020 President
| Ryan, a third-generation real estate professional, entered the industry with a rich family legacy encompassing brokerage, asset management, and firm leadership. This multigenerational connection has provided Ryan an invaluable reservoir of knowledge and understanding, which he adeptly taps into to benefit his clients. Ryan’s approach to real estate is characterized by a blend of relationship-centric and data-driven strategies that continuously evolve with the ever-changing industry landscape. With a portfolio boasting a multitude of closed transactions featuring varying deal structures, he has cultivated an expansive database of tenants, buyers, investors, and brokers. This resource is regularly leveraged to meet the diverse needs of his clients. Moreover, Ryan frequently collaborates with out-of-state brokers seeking a connected agent with a nuanced understanding of local markets. Beyond his professional achievements, Ryan has dedicated time outside the office to pursue additional leadership opportunities within the professional and local community spheres. These experiences have not only enriched his role as a real estate agent but also fostered a sense of camaraderie, purpose, and deep connection with the local community. This profound understanding allows Ryan to navigate their needs, challenges, and potential solutions with a unique perspective and unwavering dedication. Licensed since 2010, Ryan’s career pivoted from residential to commercial focus after earning a CID scholarship for CCIM 101. Following course completion, he joined NAI Latter & Blum at the end of 2011. As a rookie commercial agent, Ryan gained industry attention, earning recognition from the Commercial Investment Division of the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of REALTORS for sales and leasing production exceeding $2.5 million. He was also a corecipient of the “Largest Retail Sale” award and was acknowledged as one of two “Rising Stars.” Notably, Ryan was honored as the “Rookie of the Year” by NAI Latter & Blum in 2012. His list of accolades expanded over the years, including but not limited to: St. Tammany Chamber’s “Outstanding Young Professional” 2016, GNO Inc.’s “Millennial of the Year in Real Estate” 2019, and the CID’s “Special Purpose Sale of the Year” 2020. |
Jon Cerruti, 2019 President
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Biography coming soon! |
Cres Gardner, 2018 President
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Cres Gardner has worked in the commercial real estate industry since 1998. During his time in the business, he has worked with a number of local and national clients to meet their real estate needs. Key responsibilities include leasing of a three-building Class “A” office portfolio, regional office tenant representation services, and providing real estate brokerage and consulting to a local hospital system. Cres joined Beau Box Commercial Real Estate in 2012 as a Vice President and Manager of the New Orleans Office after 12 years with Transwestern. Cres was designated the 2016 F. Poche Waguespack Award winner as the top producing commercial broker in the New Orleans market by the Commercial Investment Division, as well as awards for the top office landlord and tenant representation transactions. |
Ryan Pearce, 2020 President
| Ryan, a third-generation real estate professional, entered the industry with a rich family legacy encompassing brokerage, asset management, and firm leadership. This multigenerational connection has provided Ryan an invaluable reservoir of knowledge and understanding, which he adeptly taps into to benefit his clients. Ryan’s approach to real estate is characterized by a blend of relationship-centric and data-driven strategies that continuously evolve with the ever-changing industry landscape. With a portfolio boasting a multitude of closed transactions featuring varying deal structures, he has cultivated an expansive database of tenants, buyers, investors, and brokers. This resource is regularly leveraged to meet the diverse needs of his clients. Moreover, Ryan frequently collaborates with out-of-state brokers seeking a connected agent with a nuanced understanding of local markets. Beyond his professional achievements, Ryan has dedicated time outside the office to pursue additional leadership opportunities within the professional and local community spheres. These experiences have not only enriched his role as a real estate agent but also fostered a sense of camaraderie, purpose, and deep connection with the local community. This profound understanding allows Ryan to navigate their needs, challenges, and potential solutions with a unique perspective and unwavering dedication. Licensed since 2010, Ryan’s career pivoted from residential to commercial focus after earning a CID scholarship for CCIM 101. Following course completion, he joined NAI Latter & Blum at the end of 2011. As a rookie commercial agent, Ryan gained industry attention, earning recognition from the Commercial Investment Division of the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of REALTORS for sales and leasing production exceeding $2.5 million. He was also a corecipient of the “Largest Retail Sale” award and was acknowledged as one of two “Rising Stars.” Notably, Ryan was honored as the “Rookie of the Year” by NAI Latter & Blum in 2012. His list of accolades expanded over the years, including but not limited to: St. Tammany Chamber’s “Outstanding Young Professional” 2016, GNO Inc.’s “Millennial of the Year in Real Estate” 2019, and the CID’s “Special Purpose Sale of the Year” 2020. |
Paul Richard, 2016 President
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The sale, lease and redevelopment of investment and commercial real estate is the passion and avocation of Paul Richard. He has been associated with NAI Latter & Blum’s Commercial Division since 1988, and is currently active in the acquisition and disposition of multi-family, retail, and investment real estate in the Greater New Orleans area. His practice includes tax credit, non-profit, Charter School, and economic development related brokerage. His current interest is in the marketing and development of real estate in the Downtown, Bio-Medical and Spirit of Charity Innovation District. Since Hurricane Katrina, Paul has focused on tax-credit driven (NMTC, Historic & LIHTC) transactions, layered finance projects, and public-private partnerships (P-3’s). He is an affordable housing advocate and a proponent of innovative and alternative financing models such as tax increment financing (TIF) and community land trusts as a tool for economic and community development. He is also an advocate of sustainable living and high-performance construction and redevelopment solutions. His professional goal is “doing well by doing good!“ He was “born and raised” in New Orleans, is “intensely local,” and believes strongly in the future of New Orleans. He has remained an active and involved CID member, lending his expertise, leadership, and wisdom to the organization of the NOMAR CID Economic & Real Estate Forecast Symposium. |
Ian Cockburn, 2015 President
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Biography coming soon! |
Mark E. Inman, 2013 President
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Mark Earnest Inman has been a licensed salesperson since 1999. Inman has been with Coldwell Banker Commercial TEC during that time and has performed commercial sales and leasing, property management and project management. Inman attained his Brokers license, his Notary License and his Louisiana Bar License (#30563) in 2006 while working for CBC TEC. Inman was named Managing Broker of the New Orleans Coldwell Banker Commercial office in 2008 and became VP of operations in 2017.Inman also attained his CCIM designation in late 2009. Inman is the former President for the Board of Directors of both the Mariners Cove Townhome Association and the 825 Lafayette Street Condominium Association in Downtown New Orleans. Inman has served from 2010 to 2014 as a board member for the New Orleans Metro Association of REALTORS and one year as President of the Commercial Investment Division of NOMAR. Inman was also Chairman of Louisiana Realtors Commercial Section in 2013-2014 and Region IV VP for Louisiana Realtors in 2015. Inman also serves on GNO, Incs. Next Gen Council, which focuses on economic development in the Greater New Orleans Area. Inman's specialization since 2006 includes office leasing, sales and development. |
Robert Stevens, 2011
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Robert K.H. Stevens began his real estate career in 1978. He painted houses and attained his real estate license while pursuing his MBA from Loyola University in New Orleans. After graduation, he was employed with 2 Fortune 500 Companies and handled corporate real estate transactions, commercial lending, and asset management. In August of 1994, he started Stevens Realty after six years of working for local developers in property management and leasing. The late 1980s and early 1990s was a period when real estate foreclosures were very prevalent due to economic downturns in both Oil, Gas, and Banking. Demand for Property Management throughout all property sectors was at unprecedented levels. Stevens lead many property takeovers for institutions and used his asset management background to meet or exceed ownership goals. Upon starting his own company, Stevens originally focused on Brokerage and Consulting and it was not until the 2007- 2008 time period that he offered third party management services. He has broad experience in Greater New Orleans in sales, leasing and management and has been active in office properties, medical office properties, retail centers, office warehouses, land, single family and multi-family property types. His home office is in Metairie, LA and has been hands-on with projects in Orleans, Jefferson, St, Tammany, St. Bernard, and St. Charles Parishes. Stevens estimates he has been involved with over 10 million square feet of properties during his career. He is a past President of the Commercial Investment Division (CID) of the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors (NOMAR), a past Director of the Louisiana Realtors Association and has been acknowledged for his transaction production efforts over the years. Stevens remains active with the CID as both a founder and active committee member and sponsor of the NOMAR – CID Annual Fall Forecast and Economic Symposium, attracting 400+ attendees annually. Currently, Stevens is serving a five-year term as a Commissioner of the Jefferson Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) and is on JEDCO’s Finance Committee. He gives back to the community as an active member of the Metairie Rotary club. |
Robert Stevens, 2011
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Robert K.H. Stevens began his real estate career in 1978. He painted houses and attained his real estate license while pursuing his MBA from Loyola University in New Orleans. After graduation, he was employed with 2 Fortune 500 Companies and handled corporate real estate transactions, commercial lending, and asset management. In August of 1994, he started Stevens Realty after six years of working for local developers in property management and leasing. The late 1980s and early 1990s was a period when real estate foreclosures were very prevalent due to economic downturns in both Oil, Gas, and Banking. Demand for Property Management throughout all property sectors was at unprecedented levels. Stevens lead many property takeovers for institutions and used his asset management background to meet or exceed ownership goals. Upon starting his own company, Stevens originally focused on Brokerage and Consulting and it was not until the 2007- 2008 time period that he offered third party management services. He has broad experience in Greater New Orleans in sales, leasing and management and has been active in office properties, medical office properties, retail centers, office warehouses, land, single family and multi-family property types. His home office is in Metairie, LA and has been hands-on with projects in Orleans, Jefferson, St, Tammany, St. Bernard, and St. Charles Parishes. Stevens estimates he has been involved with over 10 million square feet of properties during his career. He is a past President of the Commercial Investment Division (CID) of the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors (NOMAR), a past Director of the Louisiana Realtors Association and has been acknowledged for his transaction production efforts over the years. Stevens remains active with the CID as both a founder and active committee member and sponsor of the NOMAR – CID Annual Fall Forecast and Economic Symposium, attracting 400+ attendees annually. Currently, Stevens is serving a five-year term as a Commissioner of the Jefferson Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) and is on JEDCO’s Finance Committee. He gives back to the community as an active member of the Metairie Rotary club. |
Robert Stevens, 2011
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Robert K.H. Stevens began his real estate career in 1978. He painted houses and attained his real estate license while pursuing his MBA from Loyola University in New Orleans. After graduation, he was employed with 2 Fortune 500 Companies and handled corporate real estate transactions, commercial lending, and asset management. In August of 1994, he started Stevens Realty after six years of working for local developers in property management and leasing. The late 1980s and early 1990s was a period when real estate foreclosures were very prevalent due to economic downturns in both Oil, Gas, and Banking. Demand for Property Management throughout all property sectors was at unprecedented levels. Stevens lead many property takeovers for institutions and used his asset management background to meet or exceed ownership goals. Upon starting his own company, Stevens originally focused on Brokerage and Consulting and it was not until the 2007- 2008 time period that he offered third party management services. He has broad experience in Greater New Orleans in sales, leasing and management and has been active in office properties, medical office properties, retail centers, office warehouses, land, single family and multi-family property types. His home office is in Metairie, LA and has been hands-on with projects in Orleans, Jefferson, St, Tammany, St. Bernard, and St. Charles Parishes. Stevens estimates he has been involved with over 10 million square feet of properties during his career. He is a past President of the Commercial Investment Division (CID) of the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors (NOMAR), a past Director of the Louisiana Realtors Association and has been acknowledged for his transaction production efforts over the years. Stevens remains active with the CID as both a founder and active committee member and sponsor of the NOMAR – CID Annual Fall Forecast and Economic Symposium, attracting 400+ attendees annually. Currently, Stevens is serving a five-year term as a Commissioner of the Jefferson Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) and is on JEDCO’s Finance Committee. He gives back to the community as an active member of the Metairie Rotary club. |
Beth Cristina, 2000 & 2008
With over 45 years of experience, Beth Cristina, ALC, has been a trailblazer in commercial real estate in New Orleans and across the Southeast. As a Senior Advisor and Broker Associate with Stirling, Beth specializes in landlord and tenant representation, leasing, sales, development, and investments—bringing unparalleled expertise to the industry.
Her knowledge spans vacant land, single-tenant properties, and high-rise office buildings, with a deep understanding of market analysis, investment strategy, and client representation. A past president of both the Commercial Investment Division (2000, 2008) and NOMAR (2005), Beth has spent decades shaping the industry through leadership, advocacy, and mentorship at the local, state, and national levels. Her most recent service at the national level includes NAR’s 2018 Commercial Committee Chair, 2022 Commercial Real Estate Research Advisory Board Chair, and 2025 Commercial Economic Issues & Trends Forum Chair.
In addition to her leadership roles, Beth has achieved industry recognition as the 2010 Louisiana REALTORS® REALTOR® of the Year and the 2019 Excellence in Construction & Real Estate Award (New Orleans CityBusiness). Her influence in commercial real estate policy, market trends, and professional development continues to elevate the field and inspire commercial REALTORS®.
Beth Cristina, 2000 & 2008
With over 45 years of experience, Beth Cristina, ALC, has been a trailblazer in commercial real estate in New Orleans and across the Southeast. As a Senior Advisor and Broker Associate with Stirling, Beth specializes in landlord and tenant representation, leasing, sales, development, and investments—bringing unparalleled expertise to the industry.
Her knowledge spans vacant land, single-tenant properties, and high-rise office buildings, with a deep understanding of market analysis, investment strategy, and client representation. A past president of both the Commercial Investment Division (2000, 2008) and NOMAR (2005), Beth has spent decades shaping the industry through leadership, advocacy, and mentorship at the local, state, and national levels. Her most recent service at the national level includes NAR’s 2018 Commercial Committee Chair, 2022 Commercial Real Estate Research Advisory Board Chair, and 2025 Commercial Economic Issues & Trends Forum Chair.
In addition to her leadership roles, Beth has achieved industry recognition as the 2010 Louisiana REALTORS® REALTOR® of the Year and the 2019 Excellence in Construction & Real Estate Award (New Orleans CityBusiness). Her influence in commercial real estate policy, market trends, and professional development continues to elevate the field and inspire commercial REALTORS®.
Beth Cristina, 2000 & 2008
With over 45 years of experience, Beth Cristina, ALC, has been a trailblazer in commercial real estate in New Orleans and across the Southeast. As a Senior Advisor and Broker Associate with Stirling, Beth specializes in landlord and tenant representation, leasing, sales, development, and investments—bringing unparalleled expertise to the industry.
Her knowledge spans vacant land, single-tenant properties, and high-rise office buildings, with a deep understanding of market analysis, investment strategy, and client representation. A past president of both the Commercial Investment Division (2000, 2008) and NOMAR (2005), Beth has spent decades shaping the industry through leadership, advocacy, and mentorship at the local, state, and national levels. Her most recent service at the national level includes NAR’s 2018 Commercial Committee Chair, 2022 Commercial Real Estate Research Advisory Board Chair, and 2025 Commercial Economic Issues & Trends Forum Chair.
In addition to her leadership roles, Beth has achieved industry recognition as the 2010 Louisiana REALTORS® REALTOR® of the Year and the 2019 Excellence in Construction & Real Estate Award (New Orleans CityBusiness). Her influence in commercial real estate policy, market trends, and professional development continues to elevate the field and inspire commercial REALTORS®.
Beth Cristina, 2000 & 2008
With over 45 years of experience, Beth Cristina, ALC, has been a trailblazer in commercial real estate in New Orleans and across the Southeast. As a Senior Advisor and Broker Associate with Stirling, Beth specializes in landlord and tenant representation, leasing, sales, development, and investments—bringing unparalleled expertise to the industry.
Her knowledge spans vacant land, single-tenant properties, and high-rise office buildings, with a deep understanding of market analysis, investment strategy, and client representation. A past president of both the Commercial Investment Division (2000, 2008) and NOMAR (2005), Beth has spent decades shaping the industry through leadership, advocacy, and mentorship at the local, state, and national levels. Her most recent service at the national level includes NAR’s 2018 Commercial Committee Chair, 2022 Commercial Real Estate Research Advisory Board Chair, and 2025 Commercial Economic Issues & Trends Forum Chair.
In addition to her leadership roles, Beth has achieved industry recognition as the 2010 Louisiana REALTORS® REALTOR® of the Year and the 2019 Excellence in Construction & Real Estate Award (New Orleans CityBusiness). Her influence in commercial real estate policy, market trends, and professional development continues to elevate the field and inspire commercial REALTORS®.
Beth Cristina, 2000 & 2008
With over 45 years of experience, Beth Cristina, ALC, has been a trailblazer in commercial real estate in New Orleans and across the Southeast. As a Senior Advisor and Broker Associate with Stirling, Beth specializes in landlord and tenant representation, leasing, sales, development, and investments—bringing unparalleled expertise to the industry.
Her knowledge spans vacant land, single-tenant properties, and high-rise office buildings, with a deep understanding of market analysis, investment strategy, and client representation. A past president of both the Commercial Investment Division (2000, 2008) and NOMAR (2005), Beth has spent decades shaping the industry through leadership, advocacy, and mentorship at the local, state, and national levels. Her most recent service at the national level includes NAR’s 2018 Commercial Committee Chair, 2022 Commercial Real Estate Research Advisory Board Chair, and 2025 Commercial Economic Issues & Trends Forum Chair.
In addition to her leadership roles, Beth has achieved industry recognition as the 2010 Louisiana REALTORS® REALTOR® of the Year and the 2019 Excellence in Construction & Real Estate Award (New Orleans CityBusiness). Her influence in commercial real estate policy, market trends, and professional development continues to elevate the field and inspire commercial REALTORS®.
