April 2, 2020

Howat to advance NAIOP engagement with commercial real estate community.

Kevin Howat, owner and president, 2911 Property Management, LLC, has joined NAIOP Minnesota as the new Public Policy Director. Howat will be furthering NAIOP Minnesota’s engagement with the owners, investors, developers and managers of Minnesota’s commercial real estate community.

Howat joins NAIOP with almost 30 years of experience in real estate, with the last 15 years focusing primarily on asset management. He has served as an asset manager for many types of commercial buildings, including suburban offices, downtown high rises, hotels, motels, apartments, and neighborhood shopping centers in over 20 states, thus enabling him to understand operational, social and political issues of all types of properties.

“The diversity of my experience enables me to provide unique perspectives in dealing with NAIOP Minnesota’s public policy issues. The public policy committee already has strong leadership and initiatives. I am coming in to carry the torch and provide support for the excellent work that’s already underway. I am excited about the opportunity to work closely with NAIOP Minnesota’s real estate leaders and help them with issues they care about,” Howat said.

NAIOP leaders first became aware of Howat through his asset and property management work, where they recognized his experience across all product types and in multiple markets matched perfectly with NAIOP Minnesota’s leadership in the commercial real estate development and investment industry.

“Our board has been diligent and patient in finding the right person who can effectively listen, communicate with our members, and educate individuals within our community who shape policy affecting our industry. Kevin has worked locally, nationally, and internationally in various roles for big and small companies on different commercial asset types, and now effectively operates his own company. His ability to relate to those that are operating and making decisions in our industry is tremendous. Kevin is filling a much-needed role that our chapter has been without since 2016,” Shawn Smith, public policy chair, NAIOP Minnesota, said.

Since 1986, NAIOP Minnesota has been the industry-leading voice advancing the interests of its members and the businesses that occupy Minnesota’s office, industrial, retail and mixed-use real estate. Howat’s talents in this key role will further engage Minnesota commercial real estate with NAIOP.