2024 LAI International Member of the Year: Susannah Bergmann

LAI International Member of the Year 2024

Susannah Bergmann

Principal

Kaliber Construction, Inc.

In recognition and appreciation for Susannah Bergmann’s outstanding service to LAI as East Region International Vice-President, Baltimore LEW Director, Baltimore Chapter President and Board member.
 

Selected from Chapter nominations of Chapter Member of the Year honorees for the current or prior year by the International Awards Committee, this award is based upon commitment to Lambda Alpha, to the nominee’s profession, and to land economics with respect to achievement in the private or public sectors, research or education. 

Baltimore LAI Chapter’s nomination of Susannah Bergmann as Member of the Year for 2024 was unanimous in its unqualified recommendation for Susannah, based on her exemplary service toward improving the Chapter’s operations, membership, finances and overall efficacy. Susannah has been an unparalleled force of nature in advancing the Chapter’s, as well as LAI International’s, efforts to improve the organization.

East Regional Vice President (2021–Present) 

• Played a key role in the revival of LAI New York – Per Jeff Beal, NY Chapter Past President, “Susannah was a godsend. I am not overstating the case when I say, without her we would not be where we are today. She made working on what sometimes seemed to be a thankless task a joy.” 
• Brought the Baltimore and DC chapters together – Per Jody Kline, DC Chapter President, “Susannah’s involvement as Vice President of the Eastern Region has been instrumental in increasing our membership, enhancing our operations and integrating us with both the other chapters of the Eastern Region as well as with the national organization.” 
• A primary organizer of the first regional gathering. 

Baltimore Chapter Board Member (2016-Present) 

• Reinvigorated the Chapter’s communications committee resulting in Chapter LinkedIn page growing to 400 followers as well as updating the Chapter website and brochure materials.
• Led greening of monthly gatherings by implementing sustainable catering. 
• Reliably advised the current and past presidents of the Chapter.

Director of Baltimore LEW (2018) 

• Generally known as one of the most successful LEWs in LAI’s history with a diversity of top-notch speakers and tours, small- and large-group dinners, and impressive venues. 
• Raised $40,000 in sponsorships, which sustained the chapter in subsequent years and continues to provide annual charitable donations to real estate related community organizations. 

President of the LAI Baltimore Chapter (2016-2017) 

• Brought a whole new level of organization, focus, and energy to membership activities. 
• Individually contacted all members for input. 
• Established a new, full-fledged, expansive chapter website. 
• Digitized all chapter records. 
• At the annual meeting in 2017 inducted a record 11 new Chapter members. 

Service to Other Community Organizations 

• Urban Land Institute 
• Morgan State University Architecture/Sister Cities (Baltimore-Rotterdam) 
• Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle 
• Bard High School Early College 
• CREW Baltimore