September 9, 2025 | BOMA International, Ella Krygiel
This past summer has reflected a busy time of travel and new beginnings – and one of those new beginnings is the announcement of our 2025-2026 BOMA International Chair & Chief Elected Officer, Luci Smith, RPA®,FMA®, BOMA Fellow. Luci is Director, Property Management for Link Logistics and a longtime member of BOMA/Orlando. As Luci settles into her new role at the helm of BOMA International, she reflects on her career path, the aspects of being Chair that have been most rewarding, and the advice she would give to emerging professionals in the commercial real estate industry. We’re excited to have her as our Chair and eager to see what she’ll accomplish in the year ahead. Read the Q&A below to discover more about Luci!
What has your background in the CRE industry taught you the most as you prepared for your current role?
Over nearly three decades in commercial real estate, I’ve learned that success comes from balancing three essential elements: people, properties, and purpose. My background in industrial property management taught me to see beyond bricks and mortar—it’s about creating environments where businesses can thrive, and people feel supported. As I stepped into this role as Chair, I’ve drawn heavily on that perspective. Every decision is bigger than the building itself; it’s about the relationships we nurture, the experiences we create, and the value we deliver for the communities we serve.
What aspects of your new role as Chair have been most rewarding or energizing?
The most energizing part has been seeing the Power of Three in action—when members, staff, and volunteer leaders come together, the impact is extraordinary. Since July, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with leaders across BOMA, aligning our strategic plan, and setting the stage for how we’ll position ourselves in 2026 and beyond. Whether it’s advocacy efforts, workforce development, or strengthening our international network, it’s been rewarding to witness how deeply BOMA’s mission resonates when we all move in the same direction.
How has mentorship shaped your career trajectory and influenced your leadership approach?
Mentorship has been the single most transformative force in my career. I was fortunate to have leaders who not only believed in me but also challenged me to step into bigger roles before I thought I was ready. That encouragement taught me the importance of paying it forward. Today, my leadership style is built around coaching and guiding others—especially emerging professionals—so they can see their potential sooner. Mentorship is about creating a multiplier effect: one leader invests in another, and that ripple shapes the future of our industry.
What networking tip would you share with our emerging professionals that could benefit them most?
Networking isn’t about collecting business cards—it’s about building trust. My best advice is to approach networking with the mindset of giving, not just getting. Ask yourself three questions: How can I help? Who can I connect? What can I learn? When you enter conversations with curiosity and generosity, you’ll find your network becomes not just broad, but meaningful. And those meaningful connections are what open doors to opportunities you can’t always predict but will always value.
Interested in more content like this? Read our recent articles, How to Network Like a Pro in CRE or How Emotional Intelligence Drives CRE Success. You can view all this content and more when you click here to sign up for our General newsletter!