The Comms Exchange: a Podcast by 30|90 Marketing — Season 2 | Episode 1

The Power of Advocacy: Building the Fastest-Growing Economic Development Chapter in the Country

In this episode of The Comms Exchange, hosts Rachel Ledet and Christianne Brunini sit down with Melissa Warren, Senior Advisor and Market Leader with Stirling Properties, long-time industry advocate, and the driving force behind the NAIOP Gulf Coast Chapter’s rapid rise.

Melissa shares her journey from political consulting to commercial real estate, the mentors who shaped her path, and the pivotal moment she realized advocacy and collaboration were essential to strengthening the Gulf Coast’s economic future. Together, they break down how NAIOP Gulf Coast grew to 100 members in its first year, why policy work matters at the municipal, state, and federal levels, and how diverse leadership teams drive better outcomes for both industry and community.

Listeners will hear how commercial real estate connects to broader economic development — from infrastructure and permitting to port expansion, energy policy, and insurance challenges — and how NAIOP is convening the right partners to tackle these issues with a regional mindset.

In this conversation, we explore:

• How NAIOP Gulf Coast became one of the fastest-growing chapters in the nation

• Why advocacy, policy alignment, and regional collaboration matter for long-term growth

• The role of mentorship — and allies — in building careers in commercial real estate

• How diverse teams and cross-sector partnerships strengthen economic development

• The future of the Gulf Coast market and where Melissa sees the greatest opportunities ahead

• What patience, confidence, and showing up in the right rooms can do for your career

This episode reveals how leadership rooted in passion, persistence, and partnership can transform an industry — and a region.

You can learn more about NAIOP Gulf Coast at https://www.naiop.org/gulfcoast and Stirling at https://www.stirlingprop.com/.