Berfield Named a Most Influential Leader by Lehigh Valley Business

NAI Summit is proud to announce that Chief Operating Officer Kelly Berfield has been named a 2026 Most Influential Leader by Lehigh Valley Business. The annual Most Influential Leaders recognition celebrates business and nonprofit leaders whose leadership, vision, professional accomplishments, organizational success, and commitment to community service have made a lasting impact across Pennsylvania.

Professional Leadership

As Chief Operating Officer, Berfield provides strategic and operational leadership for NAI Summit, working alongside the firm’s ownership and leadership team to guide its continued growth and long-term success. Since joining the executive leadership team, she has helped guide the firm’s continued evolution through strategic growth initiatives, operational transformation, leadership development, and an enhanced focus on innovation and client service.

Berfield has played an integral role in strengthening NAI Summit’s operational foundation, enhancing collaboration across departments, expanding the firm’s market presence, and positioning the company to meet the evolving needs of commercial real estate clients throughout eastern Pennsylvania. Her leadership has helped create greater alignment across the organization while supporting the continued growth and success of the firm’s professionals.

With more than 28 years of experience in commercial real estate, Berfield’s career reflects a unique combination of legal knowledge, brokerage expertise, executive leadership, and operational strategy. Prior to joining NAI Summit, she served as a commercial real estate attorney in New Jersey, Partner and Broker of Record for Dietrick Group, Senior Vice President at Colliers International, and Adjunct Professor of Real Estate at Lehigh University. She is actively involved in the commercial real estate community and is a member of the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network, an organization dedicated to advancing women in commercial real estate and fostering professional connections within the industry.

Berfield is known for bringing together operations, people, and strategies to create organizations positioned for long term success. Her collaborative leadership style, focus on innovation, and commitment to developing others have strengthened the businesses she has served while creating opportunities for professionals to grow throughout their careers. She has championed operational excellence, encouraged cross departmental collaboration, and helped foster a culture centered on accountability, service, and continuous improvement.

Community Leadership

Beyond the workplace, Berfield is committed to giving back to the community through organizations including Animal Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Lehigh Valley Habitat for Humanity. She also serves as a Girl Scout troop leader, helping guide and mentor young girls as they develop confidence, leadership skills, and a commitment to serving others. Her involvement reflects the same values that guide her professional leadership: service, collaboration, mentorship, and creating meaningful opportunities to make a difference. “I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition,” said Berfield. “Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors, work alongside talented professionals, and build relationships with clients and community partners who have shaped my journey. I believe leadership is about creating opportunities for others to succeed, whether that is within an organization, the commercial real estate industry, or the communities we serve. I am grateful to be part of an organization that values collaboration, innovation, and making a positive impact.”

“Kelly’s ability to combine strategic leadership with genuine commitment to people has had a tremendous impact on our company,” said Jeffrey Garibaldi, Principal of NAI Summit. “She has helped shape the direction of our organization, challenged us to think differently, and created opportunities for our professionals to grow and succeed. This recognition reflects the impact she has made on our firm, our clients, and the commercial real estate community throughout Pennsylvania. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor.”

Berfield, along with the other 2026 Most Influential Leaders honorees, will be recognized during the awards celebration on August 18, 2026.