The Association of Industrial Real Estate Brokers (AIRE) has recognized Elise Couston, SIOR, executive managing director, NGKF in commemoration of her years of distinguished service to the association and the industrial real estate community. Scott Duerkop, 2015 AIRE President, a Managing Director with JLL, presented Couston with the award at AIRE’s 6th Annual Virtual Tour event.
“Elise has been a vital part of Chicago’s industrial real estate community as demonstrated by her commitment to organizations like AIRE and SIOR,” Duerkop said. “It is appropriate for AIRE to recognize her for her contributions which speak to the core values of the Association: ethics, education and cooperation.”
Couston has been an active member of AIRE for over 20 years and has served the association in various capacities. Approximately 20 years ago, in 1994 she was President of AIRE after spending approximately 10 years on its board of directors.
Nearly 15 years ago she was one of the co-founders of two charity events the Association hosts annually—the Annual Thanks for Giving Campaign to donate cash and non-perishable food items to local organizations, and the Annual Toys for Tots Campaign to secure gifts for less fortunate children. Later, Couston was an integral part of AIRE’s annual effort, AIRE Cares, which provides painting, clean-up and other jobs to help schools, churches and community organizations across Chicago.
“I am honored to receive this distinguished recognition from my peers and friends at AIRE and within the industrial real estate community,” Couston said. “It is a real honor to work alongside so many great individuals.”
Couston has 32 years of real estate experience. She most recently joined NGKF after starting her career and spending more than three decades at Paine/Wetzel Associates. Couston has a significant knowledge of industrial and commercial sales, leasing, business park development, build-to-suit and marketing expertise.
Additional highlights and recognitions of Couston’s career include SIOR Chicago – Largest Land Transaction Award in 20015, Bisnow’s Top 50 Power Women in Chicago in 2014 and Midwest Real Estate News Hall of Fame Recipient in 2010.
