MORRISTOWN, NJ—Industry veteran Mikki Columbus, the former director of real estate and economic development for the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation (Queens, NY), has joined The Rockefeller Group as senior manager of development and financial analysis.

AUSTIN, TX—First quarter commercial real estate numbers indicate continued strong demand for office, industrial and retail space throughout the city as vacancy rates remain exceptionally low.

NEW YORK CITY—The $1.5-billion cash-and-stock deal furthers Annaly Capital Management's diversification of its investment options, and also continues a recent trend of consolidation in the mortgage REIT sector.