The inaugural class of the ULI Orange County/Inland Empire :Leadership Institute gather for a day focused on design and placemaking. They were hosted by Toni Alexander of InterCommunications, chair of the ULI Hotel Development Council, and a ULI Trustee, and Steve Kellenberg of Kellenberg Studios, chair of the ULI Community Development Council.
On May 8, 2025, ULI Orange County/Inland Empire celebrated the successful conclusion of its inaugural Center for Leadership program. This milestone marked the culmination of an eight-month journey focused on advancing ULI’s commitment to connect active, passionate, and diverse members through the foremost global network of interdisciplinary professionals, as well as inspire best practices for equitable and sustainable land use through content, education, convening, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.
This local Center for Leadership program is part of the national Larson Leadership Initiative, created in honor of the late Robert C. Larson. Larson, chairman emeritus of Larson Realty Group and a long-time ULI trustee and ULI Foundation chair, was known for his powerful mentorship. His legacy lives on in the many professionals he inspired and in programs like this one, which are built on his belief that true leadership is grounded in service, integrity, and the willingness to invest in others.
The graduation ceremony featured a keynote address by Daryl Carter, founder, chairman, and CEO of Avanath Capital Management, and a member of the ULI Global Board of Directors, a ULI Governing Trustee, and a participant on the National Multifamily Product Council. As a friend and mentee of Larson, Carter spoke of Larson’s humility and courage—a leader who spoke softly, but when he spoke, his words were meaningful. Carter emphasized the importance of nurturing strong networks and lifting others as a hallmark of leadership.
Toni Alexander, president and creative director of InterCommunications, one of the Center for Leadership day hosts and a pioneering ULI leader herself, also paid tribute to Larson’s influence. As one of ULI’s first female governors, Alexander recalled how Larson mentored with generosity and purpose. Her reflections reinforced the values at the heart of the leadership program: inclusion, support, and bold leadership.
From left to right: John Olivier (CEO/President, Fuscoe Engineering) and a Day Host for the Center for Leadership; Louisa Feletto, forward planning manager at Meritage Homes and Center for Leadership co-chair; Ken McCacken and Daryl Carter. Avanath Management; and Aram Chahbazian, CEO of TCA Architects and previously chair of ULI Orange County/Inland Empire. The graduation ceremony featured a keynote address by Daryl Carter, founder, chairman, and CEO of Avanath Capital Management, and a member of the ULI Global Board of Directors, a ULI Governing Trustee, and a participant on the National Multifamily Product Council.
(Julia Malisos/ULI Orange County/Inland Empire)
There are currently nine Centers for Leadership active across North America. In addition to the Orange County/Inland Empire program, other District Councils hosting such leadership initiatives include Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Michigan, North Florida, Northwest, Southeast Florida/Caribbean, Toronto, and Washington.
As ULI Orange County/Inland Empire set out to create its own Center for Leadership, Executive Director Kendra Chandler reached out to her peers for guidance. The response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Leaders from across the country offered their insights and support, generously sharing best practices and curricula.
Among the most impactful contributors was Shannon Sclafani, executive director of ULI Michigan. Sclafani traveled to meet with Orange County/Inland Empire co-chairs—Julia Malisos of T&B Planning and Louisa Feletto of Meritage Homes—and day hosts (established professionals who each led one of the seven monthly sessions), delivering an in-depth training session that shaped the framework, tone, and agenda of the local program. This was in addition to the virtual meetings that she graciously participated in as organizing and programming efforts began.
The spirit of generosity and mentorship—embodied by leaders like Sclafani—enabled Orange County/Inland Empire to build a truly unique version of the Center for Leadership program, one rooted in national standards but tailored to the specific needs and character of the local market. It was a living testament to Robert Larson’s enduring influence: leaders empowering leaders to succeed. Not to mention how fitting it was that Sclafani is the executive director of ULI Michigan, Larson’s home District Council.
The Orange County/Inland Empire program was designed to foster leadership development, deepen industry expertise, and create lasting professional networks. The inaugural class, or cohort, participated in a series of immersive full-day sessions. Sessions featured expert-led panels, site tours, candid conversations with guest speakers, leadership training, and dedicated time for networking.
The success of this inaugural year was due in large part to the exceptional day hosts. The day hosts curated topics, assembled panels, and guided discussions that gave the cohort direct access to current challenges and opportunities within their respective sectors. The sessions included:
- Day 1: Regional Context—Susan Hori Esq., Manatt, Phelps and Phillips, former chair of the ULI Orange County/Inland Empire District Council, ULI Orange County/Inland Empire Governance Board
- Day 2: Entitlement and Policy—Randy Jackson and Karen Gulley, PlaceWorks, ULI National Urban Revitalization Council
- Day 3: Infrastructure—John Olivier, Fuscoe Engineering, ULI Orange County/Inland Empire Advisory Board, and Local Product Council Co-Chair Tony Petros, LSA Associates
- Day 4: Capital Markets and Finance—Tom Arnold, Vanguard University, ULI Global Treasurer, Global Board of Directors, Global Governing Trustee, and Governor. Co-chair of the ULI Foundation Investment Committee
- Day 5: Housing—Mike Ruane, National CORE, ULI Orange County/Inland Empire Governance Board, and Kim Bucklew, Alliance Residential, Urban Development Mixed Use Council
- Day 6: Design and Placemaking—Toni Alexander, InterCommunications, chair of the ULI Hotel Development Council, a ULI Trustee, and Steve Kellenberg, Kellenberg Studios, chair of the ULI Community Development Council
- Day 7: Development with a Leadership Focus—Nicole Burdette, Brookfield
Each session blended education and inspiration, providing participants with direct insights from seasoned professionals who are actively shaping the region’s built environment. The diversity of topics reflected the complexity and interconnectivity of real estate and land use decision-making. Embedded in those topics were leadership skills that panelists presented throughout discussions for the cohort to consider as they grow in their careers and responsibilities.
The cohort was carefully selected to reflect a broad cross-section of the industry. All members had a minimum of 10 years of professional experience and were recognized as emerging leaders within their organizations. The group included professionals from public agencies, development and merchant builder companies, architecture and planning firms, affordable housing organizations, nonprofit institutions, engineering firms, and law practices. This diversity brought a richness of perspective to discussions and reinforced the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Over the course of the program, the cohort not only expanded their knowledge but also developed strong bonds with peers and mentors. These relationships, many of which extend well beyond the program’s end, are among the most powerful outcomes of this Center for Leadership experience.
The cohort shared their greatest takeaways or impactful moments during the Center for Leadership. They highlighted the deep camaraderie that developed throughout the program. Many emphasized the rare and valuable access to industry leaders and trailblazers. The candid stories, personal insights, and words of wisdom shared by panelists left a lasting impact, according to the group, while the behind-the-scenes tours added a unique, immersive element to the experience, offering new perspectives.
Equally important were the informal moments—breaks when laptops were closed and phones were put away—allowing cohort members to truly engage with one another. These unstructured interactions often proved just as enriching as the formal programming. One participant shared a powerful motto that someone’s network is their net worth—and this experience had significantly strengthened both.
Looking ahead, the Orange County/Inland Empire Center for Leadership is poised to become a cornerstone of leadership development in the region. Building on the strong foundation laid in its first year, the program will continue to evolve, adapt, and expand its impact.
With the support of ULI’s broader network and the continued involvement of passionate industry leaders, the Center for Leadership program will remain a powerful platform for identifying, nurturing, and empowering the next generation of changemakers in real estate and land use.
In honoring Robert Larson’s legacy, the Center for Leadership does more than prepare future leaders—it affirms a shared commitment to excellence, mentorship, and meaningful progress. It is a space where leadership is not just taught but lived.
