Urban Land Institute Names New Global CEO

An accomplished planning and development professional, Tom Cole leads as president of Annapolis-based development consulting firm BBPC. In addition to his work with the Annapolis company, Tom Cole holds membership in professional groups and organizations such as the Urban Land Institute (ULI).

ULI’s roots date back more than 80 years when a group of real estate, planning, and development professionals formed the National Real Estate Foundation for Practical Research and Education. Since then, ULI has emerged as the largest and most influential real estate and land use professional organization in the United States, serving more than 40,000 members through networking events, legislative advocacy, research publications, and professional developments opportunities.

In June 2018, the organization announced that W. Edward Walter, a prominent real estate industry leader, had been selected as ULI’s new global CEO. Mr. Walter brings to bear significant experience in the real estate industry. In addition to previously serving as CEO of Host Hotels and Resorts, he has taught at distinguished academic institutions such as Georgetown University. In accepting the role, Mr. Walter replaces previous CEO Patrick L. Phillips, who spent nearly a decade in the position.