Member Perspectives: Celeste Tanner
Celeste Tanner didn’t set out to build a career in commercial real estate. An English major who “fell into” an administrative role, she discovered what would become a through-line of her leadership: development is a team sport, and every project tells a story. Today, as she takes on the role of National Chair for NAIOP, Tanner is focused on reframing public perception, advancing policy in new spaces for commercial real estate, and empowering teams to grow and lead.
Tanner’s introduction to the industry was anything but traditional. “I had zero background or interest in commercial real estate,” she laughed. “I started as an administrative assistant at a real estate shop. What really kept me was the team. It’s not a single-person industry. What I love is bringing different personalities together, getting everyone on the same page, and moving forward together.” That emphasis on collaboration became a foundation of her career and ultimately of Confluent Development.
