CHICAGO—Alissa Adler has just been named managing principal of Podolsky|Circle CORFAC International after unanimous election by the firm's board of directors. Her elevation, effective January 1, 2016, comes three years after her former company, Circle Realty Advisors, merged with the Podolsky organization to form the Riverwoods, IL-based Podolsky|Circle. She takes over from current managing principal Randy D. Podolsky, who has served in that role for 30 years.

"Randy is definitely not retiring," Adler tells GlobeSt.com. "He is just stepping out of the managing principal position." And because she has already had experience running a company, "this was a natural succession plan." 

Adler, who leads the firm's capital markets and advisory divisions, brings more than 20 years' experience to her new position, including about eight years leading CRA. "I'm excited to be given the opportunity to lead a resilient 45 year-old firm into the future while continuing to build on its entrepreneurial focus and time-proven tradition of providing comprehensive commercial real estate services that exceed clients' expectations," she says.

The Podolsky firm and CRA merged partly because both had a focus on office and industrial products with a bit of retail as well, Adler adds. But Podolsky provided brokerage services and CRA did investment advisory work, and the synergy between the two has increased their effectiveness.

"Alissa Adler is a respected member of the commercial real estate community and possesses the leadership qualities and the tenacity to guide the firm as we continue our progression in an industry and a marketplace that are dynamic and ever-changing," Podolsky says. "While it is timely and appropriate to pass the leadership baton to someone with great drive, energy and enthusiasm, I will continue serving our clients' real estate operational needs; buying, selling and developing industrial and office properties; and investing with our affiliated CP Highlands Fund investor base."

Adler will also serve as the firms' managing broker, while Adam Tarantur will remain as sales manager and Melissa Podolsky will continue to head the property management division.