Get to know some of the ULI San Francisco members who work hard behind the scenes to develop the events and initiatives for which our District Council is known. These industry leaders come from a variety of real estate land use sectors and lend their expertise and time to drive the work of our committees. We’ve asked these committee chairs to answer questions about their involvement with ULI San Francisco.

Courtney Trunnell, Gala Committee Vice Chair
Director, Cushman & Wakefield

Q. How did you first get involved with ULI and your committees?
I got involved in 2015 when the Young Leaders Group hosted an event to introduce new and younger members to the Fall meeting, which was coming to San Francisco that year. I met some of the YLG steering committee and shared with them that I love planning events and wanted to get more involved. I’ve been on the YLG committee (which I co-chaired for a couple of years), the Engagement committee, and most recently the Gala committee.

Q. What’s a memorable connection you’ve made through ULI?
The most memorable connections I’ve made through ULI are the personal ones with the people I have worked closely with on the board, the YLG steering committee, and the YLG Mentoring program. Shout out to Rick Dishnica – my mentor the last time I participated in that program. Rick has an incredible depth of experience and is what I would call a ULI “super user.” He was, and still is, a wonderful mentor and connection in the CRE and ULI community.

Q. What keeps you engaged with ULI SF and what are you most excited about in the near future?
First and foremost, what keeps me engaged are the high-caliber people I continue to meet and make meaningful connections with. It’s also the fantastic and cutting-edge educational content that ULI programming provides. I am really looking forward to our 3rd annual Gala at the end of September! It’s become a really wonderful way to celebrate our members and community.

Q. What do you hope to accomplish in the next year?
One thing I am always hoping to accomplish is more travel! On a professional side, I hope to successfully continue to adapt marketing and business development strategies to the ever-changing needs of our clients and fluctuating market conditions.

Q. What’s your leadership philosophy/style?
My leadership philosophy is to help people find the right tools to set them up for success. Thorough communication with clear expectations and understanding we’re all human and need a little extra help sometimes. Kindness and empathy go a long way!

Q: Outside of work and ULI, what do you enjoy doing?
I love to cook and bake, I read a lot – mostly fiction—and I really enjoy spending time at the beach.

Q: If you could have any career in another profession, what would it be?
When I was young, I always thought I would end up in fashion or maybe interior design. I love art, color, and textures. I love how clothes can make you feel, and similarly how the design of a space elicits certain emotions.

Q: What’s at the top of your ‘bucket list’?
Traveling to every continent. I was a Geography major, and I love “nerding out” over maps, traveling, meeting new people, and experiencing different places, foods, and cultures.

Thank you, Courtney, for your leadership within our Gala Committee and our district council overall!