NCCJ honors Donald Eisen as its Humanitarian of the Year.

The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), New Jersey region, honored Cushman & Wakefield of New Jersey, Inc.'s Donald P. Eisen as "Humanitarian of the Year" at its 17th Annual Commercial Real Estate Luncheon June 12.

More than 500 colleagues, professionals and friends attended the event to celebrate the civic contributions of one of the most respected members of the commercial real estate industry.

The NCCJ, founded in 1927 as The National Conference of Christians and Jews, is a human relations organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry and racism in America. The organization promotes understanding and respect among all races, religions and cultures through advocacy, conflict resolution and education.

"I'm honored to be a link in the community's chain that joins the commercial real estate industry to NCCJ," commented Eisen, executive managing director, New York Area. "I am particularly proud to be with a company -- Cushman & Wakefield -- that holds respect and dignity as part of its core values and maintains a full-time committee dedicated to finding, hiring and mentoring minority candidates who possess potential for success in our industry."

"Don is one of the most recognized and respected members of the New Jersey commercial real estate industry, both for his professional accomplishments and his dedication to the larger community," noted Arthur J. Mirante II, president and chief executive officer of Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. "Our organization as a whole places a strong emphasis on fostering diversity, and Don is a shining example of the selfless, giving individuals who comprise our team. We congratulate him and thank him for representing Cushman & Wakefield so honorably."

During a 38-year career that began in brokerage, Eisen has earned a reputation for integrity, commitment and accomplishment in New Jersey's corporate community and beyond. He joined Cushman & Wakefield in 1980 as director of Industrial Brokerage, and within three years was tapped to manage all of Cushman & Wakefield's operations in New Jersey.

During his tenure, the company has grown in New Jersey from a 15-broker single-office to a 60-broker, three-office firm with more than 100 employees, providing asset management services, appraisal, market research, corporate service, construction management and office services. Through Eisen's guidance, and as he would say, "a lot of great people and good luck," Cushman & Wakefield stands as the leader of the commercial real estate industry in New Jersey.

Over the years, Eisen has become a spokesperson for the industry. His opinion and knowledge is widely sought by developers, corporations and the media. Among his personal successes, Eisen has been recognized for his commitment to his company, having twice been awarded Manager of the Year. Eisen also has been recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks New Jersey Chapter (NJNAIOP), an organization for which he serves as a member of the board of directors. In addition, Eisen served with the National Association of Corporate Real Estate Executives in New Jersey (NACORE). And, in 1996, Business News New Jersey recognized Eisen as one of the Top 100 business people in the state.

Eisen is a generous contributor to many local and national charities and non-profit organizations. He currently chairs the annual golf outing for the benefit of the United Way and the Volunteer Center of Bergen County, to be held again this year at Ridgewood Country Club on July 30. First and foremost, Eisen is a family man, living with his wife Rue, and children, Steven and Caroline, ages 12 and 10. Eisen's two grown daughters, Rachel and Rebecca, live and work in Manhattan.

"We are delighted to have the backing of such a significant, vital industry in New Jersey, and the commercial real estate luncheon is a very special event for our organization," said Diane Schwartz, executive director of NCCJ, New Jersey Region. "Don Eisen is an outstanding honoree, and it is a pleasure to recognize him as an exemplary humanitarian."

"Over the years, this award has given us a unique opportunity to celebrate leaders like Don whose philanthropic commitment and deep caring for quality-of-life issues has had a significant impact on our community," she added. Past honorees have included 'this year's luncheon chairman, Charles Kushner of Kushner Companies, Peter J. Cocoziello of The Advance Group, Anne Evans Estabrook of Elberon Development Company and Joe Taylor of Matrix Development Group.

In accepting the award, Don explained its personal significance by directly addressing his four children. "Understand that you are only one generation separated from Eastern Europe. Your grandparents came to America to escape bigotry, racism and economic deprivation.

They found opportunity, and they prospered. But children, with prosperity, comes responsibility. So just remember, when your time comes, stand up."