Year of the Ground Hog
This is my wrap-up column for 2011 and what a year it has been. Last year at this time Real Estate investors were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar-plums and a robust recovery danced in their heads. Alas, 2011 turned out to be the Year of the Ground Hog. According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow, it will leave the burrow, signifying that winter-like weather will soon end. If it is sunny, the groundhog will see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and the winter weather will continue for six more weeks. The real estate ground hog left its burrow on Wall Street last February, saw a very long shadow, and went back to sleep. He/she was right on. 2011 has been a very choppy and difficult business environment with fits and starts. So here we are wondering what the New Year will bring. As we approach 2012, the ground hog is still in a deep slumber, and we are looking forward to its return in February for his/her call on 2012. I'd rather not wait for the ground hog so, next Tuesday I will provide my prognosis for the New Year. In the meantime, best wishes all for a wonderful holiday, and a healthy and happy New Year!.

Tony LoPinto is the Global Sector Leader of Korn/Ferry International's Real Estate Practice and founder of SelectLeaders. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own.

CHEVRON
Real Estate Advisor, Americas
(SAN RAMON, CA) This position has a regional reach, impacting Chevron's US, Canadian, Latin American and South American office and laboratory facilities portfolio. The real estate advisor is responsible to provide strategic real estate consulting, strategy development and customer alignment management to business units occupying Chevron's office and laboratory facilities portfolio within the region.

UGL EQUIS
Chief Legal Officer
(LOS ANGELES) The firm seeks to build a world class corporate leadership function, tasked to manage, direct, integrate and steer our company into the future. It seeks expressions of interest from high performing individual's intention undertaking our journey to becoming a leader in the global property services market.

PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST
Senior Business Systems Analyst – MRI
(JOHNS CREEK, GA) The senior business analyst's role is to supervise and maintain the company's repository of software applications utilizing industry knowledge and best practices. The position is also responsible for planning and coordinating all processes associated with the provisioning of real estate specific applications and systems necessary for business operations.

SELECTLEADERS
Transaction Coordinator
(NORTH NJ SHORE) The successful candidate will function as an integral part of the Investment team to maximize financial benefits while minimizing risks. This person will assist the Investment team in all phases/tasks of the transaction management service delivery process including client contact, gathering of information, posting data, fielding/sourcing calls, overseeing project timelines and deliverables.

MADISON MARQUETTE
Operations Manager
(FT. MYERS, FL) The operations manager assists the general manager with the operation of the assigned center(s) through the efficient management of the center(s') maintenance program. The operations manager is responsible for ensuring a quick and successful response to all property assistance requests including housekeeping, repair and landscaping requests.

CBRE
Underwriter/Analyst
(LOS ANGELES) This position is one of deal execution - mostly handling our Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae transactions. The candidate should have 2-plus years of multifamily finance experience; we will not consider any candidate without multifamily experience and direct experience underwriting and processing Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae transactions.

JCC AOC
Manager, Portfolio Administration
(SAN FRANCISCO) This position manages programs, projects and staff of seven to nine analysts and administrative support for a portfolio of 500 plus leases, licenses and shared-use agreements representing over $250 million in contractual obligations; oversees administration of six to 10 contracts for appraisal, title, brokerage, escrow and CAFM services.

SELECTLEADERS
Controller
(PHOENIX) This individual will interface with all finance and operational entities on all matters relating to the financial performance of the portfolio, including acquisition transactions, rehab projects, and leasing.

No more than one submission per company will be considered per week.
Submissions with multiple names will be capped at three for coverage in Executive Watch.