Smith Joins Transwestern's SoCal Team

IRVINE, CA-Michael Smith has joined Transwestern's Southern California team as EVP. Operating from the firm's offices here and in Downtown Los Angeles, he will focus on business development and client services for third-party management and leasing as well as the acquisition, disposition and development of property for the firm.

Smith brings more than 25 years of construction, development and institutional-transactional experience to Transwestern. As co-founding partner of Centurion Partners, he directed due diligence, construction, development and operations, where he oversaw in excess of $1 billion in projects, including the Residences at Little Nell in Aspen, CO, and Sapphire Tower in San Diego.

Prior to founding Centurion, he was VP of the Staubach Co. in its Irvine office. He served as a tenant representation and disposition broker for clients such as Nissan, ConAgra and Auto Nation.

Previously, he was regional director of the O'Donnell Group, where he oversaw the development and leasing of more than 5.5 million square feet of commercial and industrial projects for institutional clients. During his career, Smith has managed projects for the Irvine Co., Pacific Life, CalPERS and Citicorp Realty.

“Michael adds a crucial link to our expanding chain of services,” says George Garfield, Transwestern's west region president. “His background in development and construction covers a broad range of product types, including office, industrial, hospitality and residential. At the same time, his office and industrial leasing experience and institutional relationships align with our core strengths. We welcome Michael's ability to combine these important disciplines in the support of our clients.”

As GlobeSt.com reported earlier this month, Transwestern has added investment services expert Michael Cisternino to its continually growing team serving the East San Francisco Bay Area. Joining as VP and director of investment sales, Cisternino specializes in multi-tenant and single-tenant retail property investment, as well as office, industrial, mixed-use and development sites. He represents sellers and buyers of investment properties throughout California, as well as the Western U.S.