CCIM, founded in 1969, has more than 19,000 members and a staff of 65. The organization, which is an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors, confers the Certified Commercial Investment Member designation, which is currently held by 9,500 professionals worldwide with an additional 9,500 pursuing the designation.

Salk had already been handling some of the CEO duties during Groeneveld's tenure, when needed, he says. Salk says he has several "priorities" as the new head of the organization. Groeneveld had worked for the organization for 20 years and lead the organization for the last 14 years, Salk says. One of his first priorities will be to continue what she was doing. "My number one priority is my staff and making sure they stick around," Salk says. Another high priority is maintaining the high level of customer service and "ramping it up a little bit," he says. "We are known for our education. People keep coming back because they get great service." Additionally, Salk wants the organization to continue to grow the numbers of members and students and continue to provide and improve its programs.

CCIM expects to have a budget of $20 million next year, Salk says. The group will also continue to work with other organizations. "The reality is that some of us do some things really well," he says. "Working together, we play on each others' strengths."