Commercial real estate professionals are often drawn to the industry for the opportunities to shape the communities in which they work, live, shop and play. Marianna Hunnicutt, P.E., ENV SP, a recipient of the 2021 Developing Leaders Award, said, “My passion to be involved in CRE derives from a desire to be grounded, yet innovative, in my development approach while strategically employing my strengths in robust partnerships with others to foster strong, resilient communities.” She is known as a leader and collaborator across multiple disciplines who works to find effective project development solutions.
P.E., ENV SP
Hunnicutt is a licensed professional engineer and Envision Sustainability Professional. She holds a Master of Science in Environmental Policy from Bard College; her thesis focused on the viability of eco-industrial redevelopment at historically industrial brownfield sites.
In her role with Kimley-Horn, Hunnicutt serves as a civil engineer/practice builder in the Southern Nevada private land development sector specializing in industrial, retail, mixed-use, office, sports and gaming venues, and military work. Her responsibilities include project management and coordination, client communications, billing, technical design consulting (site selection, grading, earthworks, drainage, utilities, etc.), QA/QC, project entitlements and permitting, agency coordination, soft cost fee estimates, feasibility studies, technical report writing, and client technical representation at public agency hearings.
Hunnicutt is a graduate of NAIOP Southern Nevada’s Developing Leaders Institute (DLI). She has served in numerous leadership roles with the chapter, including as a member of the programs committee; as a committee member, class coordinator and instructor for the DLI; the as co-chair of social media outreach for the communications committee; and as a member of the sustainable development committee. In 2020, she was selected for the NAIOP and Prologis Inclusion in CRE Scholarship for Women and Underrepresented Professionals.
NAIOP asked this thoughtful and well-rounded visionary about her advice for other Developing Leaders and what’s next in her career.
NAIOP: Name a person who has had a notable impact on your career.
Hunnicutt: Jody Walker Belsick and Treasea Wolf, career-long business partners and accomplished practice builders with Kimley-Horn, have had a tremendous influence on my career. These two powerhouse women — talented, intelligent, and intentional — believed in me, challenged me and have always been there to help pick me up when I stumbled. I came across an anonymous quote years ago: ‘It’s a rare person who can take care of hearts while also taking care of business.’ This defines the example of servant leadership Jody and Treasea embody, and that which I aspire to carry on.
NAIOP: What is your advice for Developing Leaders early in their careers?
Hunnicutt: Get out of your comfort zones — that is where all the magic happens! Sure, it’s scary, risky or maybe a bit (or a lot!) awkward. However, it’s all about the journey, and these moments are incredibly powerful building blocks toward something great. I’m a firm believer we each have the responsibility to take charge and accountability of our destiny. So go for it and empower those around you to do the same!
NAIOP: What’s one professional goal you would like to accomplish in the coming year?
Hunnicutt: Las Vegas is a city full of opportunity and untapped potential. Historically dependent on the gaming sector, we are now seeing an encouraging growth trajectory and economic diversification including professional sports, entertainment, mixed-use, e-commerce, manufacturing, technology and more. This upcoming year, my goal is to be a part of bringing or helping grow a new market sector in Southern Nevada. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is working with incredibly talented teams and individuals to help turn a “vision” into reality.
NAIOP: What do you like to do outside of work?
Hunnicutt: I absolutely love travel and the great outdoors. Some of my favorite activities include mountain biking, road cycling, hiking, skiing, climbing, camping, fishing and kayaking. I have two Belgian Malinois dogs that join me on many of my adventures. One of my favorite trips was a weeklong mountain biking trip in the remote part of the Scottish Highlands. I have plans to mountain bike in Slovenia from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea.
Read more about the 2021 Developing Leaders in Development magazine. Applications for the 2022 Developing Leaders Award are open through June 24 – apply today!
