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.

Tanner often describes herself as a storyteller at heart. “I’ve always been drawn to stories,” she said. “What I love about development is that it lets me tell the story of the businesses we support. I get to show how the space around you can help recruit and retain people, improve quality of life for residents, or make operations more efficient. The built environment becomes a living story that impacts how we work and live.”

Building Confluent

After more than a decade working with her now-business partner, Marshall Burton, Tanner co-founded Confluent Development. “The opportunity came to hang our own shingle, and we thought, why not? It was the same team, the same trust, the same mission,” she shared. “Finding the right team changes everything. If you’re not aligned, it’s not good for either side.”

Confluent has grown into a diversified development firm spanning multiple sectors: industrial, retail, office, and especially senior living, which now makes up roughly half its active portfolio. “We want to be as nimble as possible,” Tanner said. “Senior living is where the country is trending, but we can adjust our focus as the market shifts.”

From Local Leadership to National Vision

Tanner’s NAIOP journey began locally. “My business partner told me early on to get involved in NAIOP and build my network,” she said. “When I first walked into a room, it was intimidating. Everyone seemed to know each other. Once she joined a NAIOP committee, however, she quickly saw the depth of relationships and opportunity it offered.

At first, Tanner viewed NAIOP as a place for networking. That changed when she joined the national board. “I didn’t realize how much NAIOP does at the national level, chapter support, public policy, helping markets through challenges,” she explained. “During COVID, it was incredible to see how chapters stayed strong because of the national team’s resources and leadership.”

Her focus today is to use that experience to elevate the perception of commercial real estate and strengthen its voice in public policy. “There’s a misconception that developers and cities sit on opposite sides of the table,” she said. “But we actually share the same goal: building strong communities. We need to approach policy as partners, not opponents.”

Policy, Perception, and the Future of CRE

Tanner sees opportunity where others might see tension. “We have incredible potential in public policy,” she said. “Energy availability is a huge issue, and historically, that’s not where our industry has been involved. But now, it’s directly tied to development. We need to be nimble, adaptable, and present at those tables.”

She’s equally passionate about rebranding how the industry is viewed. “I want us to lead the conversation about how real estate drives quality of life, from the homes people live in to the spaces where they work,” she noted. “It’s not just about buildings. It’s about how the built environment impacts everything.”

The Colorado Difference

Tanner describes Denver as one of the most collaborative markets in the country. “Colorado is welcoming. I didn’t have the family background or connections, but people here gave me a chance,” she said. “I joke that if I’d started in New York or Chicago, I might not have stayed in the industry. Here, competitors are friendly, and we all understand that our success is interconnected.”

Even as the city faces policy challenges and market growing pains, Tanner believes in Denver’s long game. “When we know we have good people, even if they’re at another company, it makes the whole market stronger. We’re all working toward the same goal: a thriving economy.”

Leadership and Legacy

When asked about leadership, Tanner doesn’t hesitate. “Good leadership is identifying what empowers someone and letting them run,” she said. “I’m not a micromanager. My job is to help where people are challenged and let them break through walls where they’re strong.”

Her advice for emerging professionals mirrors her own story. “Be curious. Be humble. Say yes to learning. And if you’re not in the right place, move on. The right team makes all the difference.”

As NAIOP evolves into its next chapter by rebranding as CREDA, Tanner sees it as a moment of alignment. “It’s pronounceable, it’s fresh, and it reflects who we are,” she laughed. “We’re representing a broader, more diverse member base, and that’s exactly where the industry is headed.”

For Tanner, the motivation remains simple. “I love this industry because it’s about people,” she said. “If I can help make those connections stronger, that’s the impact I want to have.”