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David Tropp (1978) Baritone Saxophone
Autobiographical Sketch

After graduating from NTW (1978), I attended the University of Illinois majoring in Finance with a minor in Accounting and Real Estate (1982). At the University of Illinois, I played in their big bands, starting in the fourth band, and working myself on up. The NTW Jazz Ensemble Program was a great preparation for playing
saxophone in college and beyond. At the same time, I had the opportunity to intern at a real estate company – Podolsky & Associates.

I have many great memories while I was a member of the New Trier West Jazz Ensemble and learned the most valuable lesson for success – always be prepared; all it takes is a willingness to commit the energy, time, and passion to be your best! One memory that I will never forget is my time spent producing the Jazz Ensemble recording, Infusion, during my senior year.
We used the spring concert tape recordings for the records, and I partnered with David Browdy, who wrote the liner notes, and helped with the design of the album.

I still play today, tenor/soprano sax in rock and blues bands, performing with several different bands in local establishments, and for special events.

After graduating from the University of Illinois, I continued working at Podolsky & Associates. and began my career in commercial real estate. In 1985 I joined Frain Camins & Swartchild, becoming a partner, and participated in the management of the company. I served on the Executive Committee and led the Tenant Representation Group, until their acquisition in 1997, by Insignia Financial Group. CBRE, Inc., the largest fully integrated real estate organization in the world, acquired Insignia in 2003. I am currently an Executive Vice President with CBRE.

My real estate focus is on the creation and implementation of real estate strategies on behalf of clients, actively involved in more than 1,800 lease and sales transactions totaling over 150 million square feet and with transactions valued at over $8.0 billion; representing a diverse client mix of accounting firms, advertising, audio/video production, financial services, insurance companies, interactive media, law firms, nonprofit organizations, technology, telecommunications and Fortune 500 corporations, including McDonald’s relocation to Chicago. Areas of expertise include office, industrial, research and development, and technology real estate projects in the Chicago metro area North America and Mexico.

Other passions include my passion for giving back to our community – serving on the Board of Directors of Metropolitan Family Services; www.metrofamily.org; (1987-current); Vice Chair (2019 – current); chair the Head Start Oversight Board, serving on many other committees (Strategic Issues, Finance, Governance & Nominating, Executive).

I am also passionate about civic leadership development. I am a Fellow of Leadership Greater Chicago (’95), www.lgcchicago.org, and serve on the Board of Directors (1995-1997, 2013-current), Chair of the Finance Committee and Treasurer (2016 – current). I previously served on the LGC Fellows Association Board (2010 – 2016) and served as President (2013-2016). In 2016 I was honored as a Distinguished Fellow.

Other passions including cooking, wine, running, biking, music, and spending time outdoors. I currently live in Glencoe, Illinois with my wife, Donna and have a daughter Julia – who also attended New Trier.