Each year, PTK magazine — a publication of AZ Big Media — showcases the top people and projects to know in Arizona’s commercial real estate sector. Pulling from a competitive pool of nominations and the editorial board’s knowledge of the industry, this annual edition highlights 50 meaningful projects across all product types and influential professionals in 23 different categories. The digital sponsor of PTK magazine is Quarles. Over the coming days, meet the individuals making an outsized impact on the built environment. Here are the Arizona property managers to know in 2026:
DEEPER DIVE: Read the latest issue of PTK magazine
Aaron Strole
Owner and founder
Background: After shaping corporate strategy and analyzing financials for clients while working in IBM’s business strategy practice, Strole became a founding member of the firm in 2009, growing CAM into a leading local real estate company.
Key to success: “Having the courage to make tough decisions while embracing continuous improvement. True success is about moving forward with clarity and conviction, learning from every step, and constantly striving to be better than yesterday.”
Source of pride: “Transforming how leadership and collaboration work within our organization. We took senior experts and helped them grow into leaders who could inspire, communicate, and build trust. Creating a culture where leadership thrives at every level. This shift didn’t just strengthen the teams, it fundamentally improved how we operate, driving better decision making, stronger performance, and the ability to grow with a sustainable leadership pipeline for the future.”
Surprising fact: “I once spent two months backpacking across Europe with nothing but the essentials. From canyoning in Switzerland to finding the most amazing beach near Amsterdam, and hopping on trains with no set plan, it was an experience that taught me adaptability, spontaneity, and how to embrace the unknown. You’re taking your chances if you show up for the Feast of the Redeemer in Venice with nothing booked.”
Jackie Walters
Associate director
Background: Leading a team of 15 responsible for more than 4 million square feet of space, Walters encourages mentoring and collaboration, underscoring that great property management is about people just as much as buildings.
Surprising fact: Walters worked in the luxury suites for Super Bowl XLII, where she met many famous people as the Giants beat the undefeated Patriots in one of the most memorable Super Bowls of all time.
Libby Ekre
Principal
Background: A leader with deep industry experience in property management spanning multifamily, commercial, operations and client strategy, Ekre has played a pivotal role in shaping the companies she has helped build and the industry at large.
Key to success: “It has always been people. I’ve been fortunate to work with teams who bring curiosity, unmeasurable talent and heart to every project. Relationships, whether with colleagues, clients or industry partners, are what drive results and keep work meaningful. When you invest in others, listen to their ideas and create space for them, they grow, and the achievements follow. Titles and milestones definitely matter, but the people you surround yourself with are what make those milestones possible. ”
Surprising fact: “I’ve traveled to Brazil for over 12 years working alongside an organization that focuses on helping families through food resources, children’s education, homes and spiritual growth.”
Tara Ereth
Associate director of property management
Background: With more than 20 years of industry experience, Ereth oversees a large administrative and maintenance team that supports all aspects of the property management cycle for 17 million square feet of space, from financial reporting and tenant relations to lease renewal negotiations and construction management.
Favorite project: “I might be biased, but 101 North, formerly the U.S. Bank Center. I managed it over 10 years ago as my first high-rise assignment when it was the second tallest building in Arizona. I was so proud of that — and I still am! I was new to the industry and had so much to learn about property management and overseeing a team. Not all of the eight years I managed 101 North were easy, but I learned a lot.”
Surprising fact: “I’ll watch an action movie over a rom-com. I love a good fight scene.”
Tyler McDonald
Real estate and customer experience, senior manager
Background: With a strong emphasis on customer service, McDonald and his team support 18 million square feet of industrial buildings in the Valley, including some of the biggest names in e-commerce logistics and warehouse operations.
Surprising fact: McDonald grew up on a farm in a small town in Michigan.
