Biography
» Executive:
Eric A. Northbrook - Founder
An eighteen year veteran in real estate, Mr. Eric Northbrook gives Cushman & Wakefield a prominent presence in the commercial markets of Central San Diego County and the I-15 Corridor. Prior to joining Cushman & Wakefield in 2004, he was with Colliers International for 12 years, where he was a consistent top producer. From 1994 to 2003, Mr. Northbrook was recognized with outstanding sales achievement awards on local and national levels. His accomplishments include the sale and leasing of over 12.85 million square feet of space and 100 acres of land with a total value of approximately $1.47 billion.
Mr. Northbrook is a graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. In addition, he is an active member of SIOR and was President of the San Diego Chapter in 2002. Furthermore, Mr. Northbrook is an active board member of NAIOP and is also involved in COMMNEXUS, San Diego Venture Group, Connect, Software Industry Council, BIOCOM and MIT Forum.
Mr. Northbrook is the founder of the HeadNorth Foundation. HeadNorth Foundation enhances the quality of life for those individuals and families afflicted with a spinal cord injury by providing direction, resources and financial assistance. The foundation is actively involved in spinal cord research and encourages others to open their minds and hearts towards a cure for paralysis.
Randal P. Schober, M.S., Ed.D. - Executive Director
Dr. Randal Schober is the Executive Director of the HeadNorth Foundation. Throughout his career, he has focused his energies on making a difference in people’s lives, which makes him an ideal choice to lead the HeadNorth Foundation.
Today he has over 15 years experience in health and wellness initiatives and coaching. Dr. Schober began his career as a Professor in the Health and Physical Education Department at the University of North Carolina – Wilmington. After moving to San Diego he has held positions as an Exercise Physiologist at Sharp Memorial Hospital and as the Director of Education for efi Sports Medicine. His professional experience includes instructing executive-level workshops, directing physiological research in product engineering and development, as well as successfully launching an international sports and rehabilitation program focusing on the knee, shoulder and the spine.
Dr. Schober is a Board Member for the San Diego–based Southern Sudanese Community Center and is actively involved with Horizon North County Church in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
Stephen A. Rosetta - President
Mr. Stephen Rosetta joined Cushman & Wakefield’s San Diego office, as a Senior Director in 1996. In 2002, he purchased the San Diego region from C&W and formed Corporate Real Estate Advisors, a member of the Cushman & Wakefield Alliance. In four years Mr. Rosetta grew the Alliance office to over three times its original size and a dominate leader in the San Diego region for Tenant & Landlord Representation. Due to the firm’s success in the region Cushman & Wakefield purchased the Alliance office at which Mr. Rosetta continues to manage the branch.
Mr. Rosetta has been a consistent top producer in the San Diego office and is an active Tenant Representation and Investment broker. He has represented numerous corporations on lease transactions, primarily service industry and high tech assignments. With twelve years of real estate experience, Mr. Rosetta has specialized in the representation of corporate tenants in the acquisition and disposition of office and R&D space.
Mr. Rosetta obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University San Marcos and a Masters Degree in Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He holds the SIOR designation, is a member of the Urban Land Institute and is a Board Member for Junior Achievement.
Mr. Rosetta has held the position of President for the HeadNorth Foundation since its inception in 2006.
Geosef Joey Straza - Vice President
Mr. Geosef Straza has more then a decade of leadership experience in the Aerospace Industry. A primary influence in his career has been his family, who have been active participants in the Aerospace Industry for over 50 years. A member of his family has been involved with every manned space program including the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and the Space Shuttle missions.
In 1997, Mr. Straza founded Aerovision International, a global provider of honeycomb seals for the Aerospace and Industrial Gas Turbine Industry. Through this experience, he founded, CellTech Metals in 2005 which is focused on lightweight cellular structures for the Automotive Industry. Mr. Straza believes that this patented technology will transform automobiles to be lighter in weight and in turn have fewer emissions.
In 2007, Mr. Straza started VerTechs Enterprises. As President and CEO, he heads up a company which specializes in lightweight honeycomb and cellular structures for the Aerospace Industry. Additionally, to facilitate the R&D needs of his companies, Mr. Straza acquired Luchner Tool Engineering which has been the premiere tool and die shop in San Diego for 37 years.
Mr. Straza has been an active HeadNorth Board Member since it’s inception in 2006 and currently sits on the Executive Board as Vice President.
Robert P. Regnery - Treasurer
Mr. Robert P. Regnery is a Director as well as one of the founders of RPR Partners, LLP, a progressive CPA firm that specializes in providing tax consulting and tax advisory services in the areas of real estate and entrepreneurial business.
At RPR Partners, LLP, Mr. Regnery focuses his time and attention primarily on helping his real estate and entrepreneurial clients benefit from the ever-changing tax laws as well as help them create opportunities through his tax consulting and strategic planning services. His innovative ideas have enabled clients to reduce or defer taxes, while at the same time meet the economic and business/personal objectives of the client. Mr. Regnery is highly involved throughout the initial planning, implementation and closure phases of all of his clients' transactions.
Mr. Regnery is a graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana where he obtained a Bachelors of Science Degree with an emphasis in Accounting. He also holds a Masters of Science in Taxation from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. He is both a California and Illinois CPA and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Regnery's professional activities include involvement in various organizations to help children including The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego. He is also actively involved in raising money and awareness for The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Mr. Regnery has held the position of Treasurer for the Head North Foundation since it's inception in 2006.
Claudia Laird Obertreis - Secretary
Ms. Claudia L. Obertreis has enjoyed a dynamic management career providing operating, technical, strategic and business leadership to manufacturing companies. Experienced in both turnaround and high growth corporation settings, she has been successful in identifying and capitalizing on critical development phases, creating market-driven synergies, and generating revenue in diversified manufacturing environments. Ms. Obertreis is notably proficient in the management of multi-unit, international manufacturing operations.
In 2003, the Bush Administration and the SBA appointed Ms. Obertreis to the National Women’s Business Council. The Council serves as an independent source of advice and counsel to the President, Congress and the government’s Small Business Administration.
On November 3, 2002, Ms. Obertreis was invited to join the Ability Center as Vice President. She was appointed President of Ability Center on October 1, 2007. The Ability Center is a full-service company dedicated to providing products and services to the disabled community. She has been asked to shepherd the growth of this small, growing company which is headquarted in San Diego with additional locations in Orange County, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Sacramento and Tucson. Ms. Obertreis’ leadership and entrepreneurial spirit is steering the expansion, professionalism and growth. Ability Center is the West Coast’s largest mobility company with its "One Stop Shop" concept offering a full line of accessible vans, wheelchairs, adaptive driving equipment and home care medical supplies.
Ms. Obertreis attended California State University, San Louis Obispo and the University of California, San Diego. She is a Board Member of various civic and non-profit organizations, the Past President of the National Association of Women Business Owners, and the recipient of the BRAVO Award in recognition of her service to the business community.
Ms. Obertreis has been an active HeadNorth Board Member since it’s inception in 2006 and currently holds the position of Secretary.
Mike Macie - Board Member at Large
Mr. Mike Macie is a Director at Cushman & Wakefield where he provides his clients with a diverse knowledge of law, real estate and construction related disciplines. He has represented a number of noteworthy clients throughout the Western United States such as: Morgan Stanley, Texas Instruments, Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps LLP, The County of San Diego, Nextel, Williams Communications, Klinedinst, Rockwell International and KLA Tencor.
Prior to joining Cushman & Wakefield, Mr. Macie had a successful career at The Staubach Company where he was a top producer specializing exclusively in the representation of corporate tenants in a wide range of real estate related matters. Prior to joining Staubach, he was a litigation attorney in Orange County, California where he represented real estate developers in complex construction and real estate transaction matters throughout Southern California.
Mr. Macie received his Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara University School of Law and was admitted to the California State Bar in 1992. Prior to law school, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Business Administration from The University of San Diego.
Mr. Macie has been an active HeadNorth Board Member since it’s inception in 2006 and currently sits on the executive board.
William "Bill" Lundstrom - Board Member at Large
Mr. William "Bill" Lundstrom is a Professional Civil Engineer. He started his professional career with Lundstrom and Associates in 1996 and recently made principal in 2007. Mr. Lundstrom is a licensed engineer in California, Arizona, Australia, Texas and Hawaii. Additionally, he is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Building Industry Association (BIA) of Southern California.
Mr. Lundstrom was involved in a life-threatening motorcycle accident on August 18, 2002 that severed his T-7 vertebra leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. The paralysis was complicated further by serious health problems which arose during the acute recovery and rehabilitation. A choice needed to be made – fight or die. Mr. Lundstrom not only chose to fight but to live with a courageous attitude and dedication to improve his quality of life which defied his doctor’s dismal prognosis. He founded the Fighting Chair Sports Foundation in 2003 which promotes activities for the physically challenged by providing fishing trips in the ocean surrounding San Diego.
Mr. Lundstrom graduated in 1998 receiving a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Cal State Long Beach. He has been an active HeadNorth Board Member since it’s inception in 2006 and currently sits on the executive board.
» General:
Jack Burger
Mr. Jack Burger, President of Burger Construction which he started more than 15 years ago, focused on building a business which would be among the best tenant improvement contractors in San Diego. Utilizing his experience and relationships in the development arena, the company has experienced steady growth and expansion without compromising quality and attention to clients needs.
Mr. Burger’s building experience spans more than 25 years in the construction industry. He has overseen the planning and construction of developments with major builders such as Ryland Homes, The Buie Corporation and The Douglas Allred Company, all based in San Diego
He graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance.
Mr. Burger is a current Board Member for the Boys and Girls Club of San Dieguito, Project Mercy/ Baja Challenge and NAIOP San Diego Chapter. Additionally, he is a member of BOMA’s San Diego Chapter as well as a committed fund-raiser for local organizations such as Rebuilding Together with Christmas in April, HomeAid San Diego, Big Brothers & Sisters San Diego, San Diego Children’s Center, Project Mercy and many others.
Mr. Burger has been an active Board Member of the HeadNorth Foundation since it’s inception in 2006.
Paul Jacobson
On November 5, 2003, while leaving work, Mr. Jacobson was involved in a tragic car collision. In an instant, his life was changed forever. Among his many injuries, he sustained a severe spinal cord injury, leaving him a quadriplegic.
A 43-year-old e-commerce professional, and Internet Marketing Instructor, Mr. Jacobson now spends his time retraining his body in hopes of regaining strength and independence. During his recovery, he discovered that he was part of an underserved population whose fundamental needs were not being met by social service or nonprofit agencies. Mr. Jacobson’s experiences have made clear that providing those with SCI the tools, financial resources, and information to support them in those critical first months is the best way to ensure their long-term independence.
Today, more than four years since his injury, Mr. Jacobson energies are focused on rehabilitation and helping others as they begin the long and challenging process of recovery. In addition, he is pursuing a Master's degree in Nonprofit Management at the University of San Diego.
Mr. Jacobson also possesses a B.S. degree in Marketing Management from the University of Maryland and an M.B.A. specializing in Organizational Behavior and Development from the University of Bridgeport. He lives in San Diego with his wife Kristen, a Certified Hand Therapist, who he met as a result of his need for hand therapy shortly after his injury.
Mr. Jacobson became a member of the HeadNorth Board in November, 2007.
Lisa Kennedy
Ms. Kennedy has over 14 years of experience coordinating and producing special events. A San Diegan for over 20 years, she began her career in the hospitality industry until finding her niche as an Event Producer and Project Facilitator. Ms. Kennedy’s background provided extensive experience in event management with both corporate and social clientele leading to her success with her company, LandMarK events.
Each event Ms. Kennedy handles, is given her personal attention with the ultimate goal of a memorable event that will make her client shine. Her organizational skills and exceptional client relations have led to many successful events including: charity fundraisers for the Susan G. Komen Group, law firm events: Horton Law and Gordon Reese, fashion shows: M-Bride, GStar Raw, and Riviera Magazine and corporate events: Vitrorobertson, Nixon watches, Ridout Plastic, and Macbeth Footwear. Look for Landmark Events featured in upcoming issues of "Riviera Magazine", "Biz San Diego Magazine" and "San Diego Magazine".
Ms. Kennedy became a member of the HeadNorth Board in December, 2007.
Christopher J. Pascale
Mr. Chris Pascale, Senior Vice President of CB Richard Ellis, has consistently ranked among the top sales professionals in San Diego County. He is recognized among his peers as the I-15 Corridor's market leader by his impressive client list representing both landlords and tenants throughout San Diego County. Mr. Pascale was the 2000 and 2004 recipient of the McCarthy Award, CBRE's highest local honor, and is a four term board member of the San Diego Chapter of NAIOP. He was voted NAIOP Broker of the Year in 2001 and 2003, is a founder and steering committee member of the San Diego Real Estate Challenge benefiting the Monarch School and the HeadNorth Foundation, and acting chair of the Commercial Advisory Board at the Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate at the University of San Diego.
Mr. Pascale is a graduate of the University of San Diego with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration – Economics. His achievements include the 2004 Commercial Realtors Association of San Diego Office Deal Maker of the Year as well as Costar San Diego Power Broker Award 2004 -2006.
Mr. Pascale has been an active HeadNorth Board Member since it’s inception in 2006.
Matthew Root
Mr. Matthew Root is a Managing Partner with The Shidler Group, responsible for the acquisition, disposition, leasing and value creation of the group’s portfolio. Mr. Root is also a co-founder of Pacific Office Properties Trust (AMEX: AZL), the fourth public real estate investment trust founded by The Shidler Group. Mr. Root has over 15 years of experience in asset management, acquisitions, dispositions, investment analysis, leasing, and property development.
Mr. Root is a graduate of Louisiana State University. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute, the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, and the International Council of Shopping Centers.
Mr. Root has been an active HeadNorth Board Member since it’s inception in 2006.
Martin L. Togni
Mr. Martin Togni is a partner in the law firm of Allen Matkins in their San Diego office. Focusing on real estate leasing, Mr. Togni has represented a variety of institutional landlords and tenants in the leasing of office, industrial, retail and mixed-use developments. Additionally, he represents a wide variety of clients in the acquisition, disposition, development and financing of shopping centers, industrial projects, office buildings and other commercial and mixed-use projects.
Mr. Togni received his B.A. from California State University, Fresno where he graduated Magna Cum Laude, and his J.D. from the University of Notre Dame. He is a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of California and International Council of Shopping Centers.
Mr. Togni has been an active HeadNorth Board Member since it’s inception in 2006.
» Advisory:
Steve Center – Advisory Member
As a member of Shea Properties’ executive team, Steve Center serves as senior vice president of office leasing. An 18-year veteran of the real estate industry, he is primarily focused on the design, marketing and leasing of office buildings in Southern California, including nearly 6 million square feet of office buildings at Legacy Park, the 820-acre multi-use project on the former Tustin Marine Corps Air Station in Tustin, CA.
Prior to joining Shea Properties, Center served as regional vice president of leasing in San Diego for The Irvine Company Office Properties. In his nearly four-year tenure, he oversaw leasing activity for The Irvine Company’s 4.6 million-square-foot San Diego office portfolio and was instrumental in growing the portfolio by 2.2 million square feet. Under Center’s leadership, his team closed 2.5 million square feet of lease transactions valued at nearly $300 million.
Previously, Center was with Legacy Partners Commercial, most recently as regional vice president for San Diego and Orange counties. His background also includes experience as assistant vice president at Mutual of New York and as a broker at Cushman & Wakefield.
Center is the 2008 President of the San Diego chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) and serves on the board of the San Diego Real Estate Challenge.
Center earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of California at Irvine and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Los Angeles. He is a licensed real estate salesperson in California.
Steve has been actively involved with the HeadNorth since its inception in 2006 and is now assisting the foundation as an advisory member.