News Release

James W. Todd has been honored as the 2006 recipient of The Johns Hopkins University's Real Estate Leadership Award, in recognition of his professional and civic accomplishments.

Todd, who is a retired member of the advisory board of the university's Edward St. John Real Estate Department, has had a distinguished career in planned development, including residential, retail, office, recreational and mix-use communities.

"James Todd is a leader and innovator in our industry. His commitment to serving his community is inspiring as he is a role model for us and the students in our program," said Michael Anikeeff, chair of the department.

As president of The Peterson Companies, one of the largest private development companies in the Washington region, Todd is responsible for more than 60 investment properties and development projects in the Virginia and Maryland suburbs. Prior to joining The Peterson Companies, Todd served as president of Gulf Reston and Mobil Land Development Corp., during which time he received an Urban Land Institute Award of Excellence for the development of Reston, Va.

A former U.S. naval officer, Todd received bachelor of science and master of business administration degrees from the University of Virginia. As a Life Council Member of the Urban Land Institute, he participates in international real estate study tours and advisory panels. In addition, Todd is a member of several professional organizations and has served on advisory commissions in Washington, D.C., and Virginia.

"Knowing Jim for many years and seeing his work, I am delighted for him and his family in receiving this award," said Terry Dunkin, MAI, president-elect of the Appraisal Institute, the leading organization for professional real estate appraisers which represents more than 21,000 members worldwide.

The Edward St. John Department of Real Estate is part of the Graduate Division of Business and Management at the School of Professional Studies in Business and Education at the Johns Hopkins University. The program offers full- and part-time degree programs and is one of five multi-disciplined academic programs in the nation devoted to real estate science, and one of the few that offers courses in design, construction, land use regulation and real estate law. Most of the students are comprised of mid-career professionals, with many holding advanced degrees in law or business. For information, visit http://www.business.jhu.edu.