The Shenehon Center for Real Estate at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business has announced the 2026 inductees into the Minnesota Real Estate Hall of Fame. Established in 2010, this award honors, preserves, and perpetuates the names and accomplishments of real estate leaders who have made significant contributions to the industry while demonstrating exceptional care and concern for improving their communities.
This year’s inductees include:
- Tim Murnane, Chief Executive Officer, Opus
- Colleen Carey, President, The Cornerstone Group
- Steve Wellington, Founder & CEO, Wellington Management, Inc.
The university’s selection committee reviewed numerous nominations for this year’s Hall of Fame class. Murnane, Carey, and Wellington were selected for their decades of leadership, professional achievement, and lasting contributions to the real estate industry and their communities.
“Tim, Colleen, and Steve represent three distinct paths through Minnesota real estate, but they share a commitment to leadership that extends well beyond individual projects,” said Laura Russ, Executive Director of the Shenehon Center for Real Estate. “Each has shaped the industry through the organizations they built, the people they mentored, and a sustained commitment to the communities in which they worked. That combination of professional achievement and community stewardship is at the heart of the Minnesota Real Estate Hall of Fame
The induction ceremony will take place during a breakfast program on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at The Club at Golden Valley. The program will also feature a keynote presentation by world champion triathlete, performance coach, and author Siri Lindley, who will share insights on resilience, high performance, and fearless leadership.
Registration for the induction ceremony is now open at:
Biographies of the 2026 Minnesota Real Estate Hall of Fame Inductees
Tim Murnane Chief Executive Officer, Opus
Over a distinguished 46-year career in commercial real estate, including 38 years with Opus, Tim Murnane has left an indelible mark on the Upper Midwest landscape. As the longest-tenured CEO in Opus history outside of founder Gerry Rauenhorst, Tim guided the firm through key economic shifts, establishing a resilient foundation for future generations. His vision spearheaded more than 30 million square feet of landmark developments, including the Best Buy Corporate Campus, Arbor Lakes, and Ameriprise Financial Headquarters. Beyond physical skylines, Tim’s legacy centers on organizational culture, mentorship, and deep civic leadership across the Twin Cities.
Colleen Carey President, The Cornerstone Group
For over four decades, Colleen Carey has championed a holistic, values-driven approach to real estate. As founder of The Cornerstone Group, Colleen directed more than $300 million in mixed-use and affordable housing projects designed to help both communities and the environment flourish. A pioneer in sustainable design and complex public-private financing, her human-centric philosophy looks beyond bricks and mortar to build healthy, connected neighborhoods. A former Urban Land Institute National Trustee, Colleen continues to advise on values-based projects and mentor the next generation of leaders in development.
Steve Wellington Founder & CEO, Wellington Management, Inc.
Steve Wellington’s career seamlessly bridges municipal planning and private development. After helping shape St. Paul’s civic landscape as Deputy Director of Planning and Economic Development, guiding key initiatives like District Energy and Lowertown revitalization, Steve founded Wellington Management, Inc. in 1984. Over four decades, he built an $850 million commercial portfolio spanning 3.5 million square feet, alongside more than 1,200 housing units. A committed community advocate, Steve co-founded the Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, creating over 600 affordable homes across the region.
