FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 17, 2026
Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR Names Sheila Schmidt as Chief Executive Officer
Veteran commercial real estate executive to lead the firm’s strategic direction and continued growth
TUCSON, Ariz. — Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, Southern Arizona’s leading commercial real estate firm, today announced the appointment of Sheila Schmidt as Chief Executive Officer, effective August 11, 2026. Schmidt was unanimously selected by the firm’s shareholders to lead the organization as it builds on more than four decades of commercial real estate leadership and positions itself for continued growth.
“For over 40 years, C&W | PICOR has set the highest standards in our community for competence and professionalism in commercial real estate,” said Shareholder and Chief Operating Officer Rob Tomlinson. “In addition, C&W | PICOR is a significant benefactor of our community through its philanthropy and community service. It was not an easy task to find a seasoned commercial real estate professional who possessed the unique combination of experience, expertise, and heart for the community. We found all of those qualities in Sheila Schmidt, and we are excited to have Sheila as our colleague and leader as we chart our course into the future.”
As Chief Executive Officer, Schmidt will lead the firm’s strategic direction, overseeing one of the region’s most active commercial real estate organizations. In 2025, the firm completed 630 transactions totaling 7.4 million square feet and $366 million in transaction volume while maintaining the region’s leading market share in leasing and sales.
“What sets Sheila apart is her ability to see beyond the transaction,” said Principal and Office Specialist Rick Kleiner. “She takes the time to truly understand a client’s business, their challenges, and where they want to go. That combination of real estate expertise, business strategy, and authentic leadership builds trust, strengthens relationships, and ultimately leads to better outcomes for our clients. That’s exactly the kind of leadership that will help position the firm for continued success.”
Prior to joining the firm, Schmidt served in leadership roles at Meridian and Ryan Companies, where she led healthcare real estate development initiatives, portfolio strategy, and capital projects.
“Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with organizations of every size, from local businesses to Fortune 10 companies, and one lesson has remained constant: the best real estate solutions begin with understanding the client’s business,” said Schmidt. “I’ve always believed our role extends far beyond a transaction. By taking the time to understand an organization’s goals, challenges, and long-term vision, we’re able to create solutions that support their broader strategy. That’s the perspective I look forward to bringing to my role as CEO.”
Since first partnering with Kleiner and the firm in 2019, Schmidt has collaborated on the delivery of several multi-million-dollar healthcare developments throughout Southern Arizona. Her Tucson-area client portfolio has included TMC Health, El Rio Health, Northwest Medical Center, the University of Arizona, and Ventana Medical Systems.
“Working alongside Rick and the team over the past several years gave me a firsthand appreciation for the firm’s culture and the trust it has built throughout Southern Arizona,” said Schmidt.
“My vision for the firm is to honor the remarkable legacy it has built while investing in our people, strengthening relationships, and creating opportunities for others to thrive professionally,” said Schmidt. “I want every client, colleague, and future team member to experience the difference that strong relationships make. By investing in people and serving our clients with excellence, we have an opportunity to strengthen not only our firm, but also create lasting value for the communities we serve.”
Schmidt earned a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Johns Hopkins University and completed Brown University’s Leadership and Performance Coaching program before earning her Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential through the International Coaching Federation. She has been recognized with the Arizona Healthcare Executives Regent Award and Chapter Service Award for her professional leadership and community service, as well as by Special Olympics Arizona for her contributions to the organization.
About Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR
Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR is Southern Arizona’s leading commercial real estate firm, providing brokerage, leasing, property management, and investment services across office, medical, retail, industrial, land, and investment properties. Founded in 1985, the employee-owned firm combines deep local market expertise with the global platform and resources to serve clients throughout Southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico.
