Urban Land Institute Michigan, a nonprofit research and education organization, today announced the recipient of its 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award is Gary A. Shiffman, president, CEO, and chairman of Sun Communities Inc. in Southfield.
Shiffman will be recognized as the recipient of the award at the ULI Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner on May 1 at the MGM Grand Detroit Casino Hotel. ULI Michigan Co-Chairs Deena Fox and John Petz made the announcement.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was established to recognize leaders in the Michigan real estate community whose achievements throughout their lifetime — including contributions to real estate, civic, charitable, and philanthropic endeavors — exemplify the spirit and mission of ULI.
In addition, the Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner serves as ULI Michigan’s annual fundraiser and supports the many programs and initiatives coordinated by the District Council.
“Gary’s leadership in the community has been marked by an unwavering dedication to fostering diverse perspectives, promoting philanthropy, and championing a workplace where values transcend business metrics,” says Bobby Schostak, former ULI Michigan Chair. “He stands as a beacon of inspiration for our industry, and we know the impact of his work will resonate for years to come. ULI Michigan is delighted to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Gary in May.”
Previous award winners include the late A. Alfred Taubman (2005), the late Wayne Doran (2006), the Robert Larson (2007), the late Jerome Schostak (2008), Edsel B. Ford II (2010), Peter Karmanos, Jr. (2010), Sidney Forbes (2012), Dan Gilbert (2014), John Rakolta Jr. (2018), David V. Johnson (2022), and Susan T. Mosey (2023).
An active philanthropist, Shiffman supports the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Life Remodeled, the Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit, and Eastern Market.
Sun is a fully integrated Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) that was established in 1975 and has grown to become the largest owner and operator of manufactured housing and recreational vehicle communities in North America, as well as the world’s largest owner of marinas.
Shiffman has served as an executive officer of Sun since its initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in 1993, and has been instrumental in leading the company’s growth from $153 million in assets at the time of Sun’s IPO to $18 billion today.
Sun’s portfolio consists of over 670 properties as of Sept. 30, 2023, throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Businesses and individuals looking to support the mission of ULI Michigan have the opportunity to sponsor the 2024 ULI Michigan Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner. In the near future, the organization will announce sponsorship and ticket opportunities.
The Urban Land Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and education organization supported by its members. Founded in 1936, the institute has more than 45,000 members worldwide representing the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines working in private enterprises and public service.
The first Michigan-based ULI district council was formed in 1997. Starting with just a few members, it has grown to more than 450 members statewide. The mission of ULI is to provide responsible leadership in the use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide.
By providing educational forums, community outreach programs and industry expertise to community leaders, the opportunity to influence local land use policy continues to be the focus and achievement of each district council.
For more information, visit michigan.uli.org/.