Emilee Collins appointed to Durham Tech Board of Trustees

Commercial real estate broker Emilee Collins, CCIM has been recently elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Chapter of the Certified Commercial Investment Member (NC-CCIM) Institute.

DURHAM, NC — Commercial real estate leader Emilee Collins, CCIM, has been officially appointed to the Durham Technical Community College Board of Trustees. Collins will bring her extensive economic development and local business expertise to the board, specifically overseeing initiatives dedicated to Student Success and Workforce and Economic Development.

Emilee Collins, CCIM

Emilee, a broker with Pickett Sprouse Commercial Real Estate, specializes in commercial transactions along the vital Interstate 85 Corridor spanning the Triangle and Triad regions. Her deep professional background in managing complex market dynamics and property transactions aligns directly with Durham Tech’s mission to align educational pipelines with regional corporate growth.

“Serving our community through Durham Tech is an incredible privilege,” Collins said regarding her appointment. “It allows me to give back to the region that has given me so much both personally and professionally.”

In her committee roles focusing on workforce and economic development, Collins will help steer the college’s strategic partnerships with local industries. Her daily work intimately involves understanding the logistical and operational needs of expanding businesses, making her uniquely qualified to help Durham Tech adapt to the evolving demands of the regional labor market.

Collins is a deeply entrenched civic leader in the community. She currently serves as the Chairman of the Board for the Orange County Economic Development Advisory, a board member of the NC-CCIM Institute, and is a past President of The Rotary Club of Durham.

Her appointment to the Board of Trustees marks a pivotal addition of private-sector leadership aimed at driving economic mobility and student achievement across Durham and Orange counties.

Episode 18 | Networking, Education, and Technology through CCIM with James Milner, CCIM

May 26, 2026

In this installment of our Behind the Building mini-series, we head to the High Country to sit down with a true titan of the Western North Carolina market: James Milner, CCIM.

As the President and Owner of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate, LLC, James has been a cornerstone of the region’s commercial landscape since 2008. His firm isn’t just about transactions; it’s a full-service powerhouse providing everything from high-stakes brokerage and leasing to specialized consulting and appraisal services. Whether he’s working with a first-time local investor or a national franchise, James brings a level of technical precision that has become his professional trademark.

Episode 17 | Inside the CCIM Designation with PJ Doherty

May 6, 2026

In this Behind the Building episode, Emilee Collins, CCIM sits down with Marcus Thomas, AIA, NCARB, President and CEO of KEi Architects, to explore the intersection of visionary design and community impact. As the leader of a prominent minority-owned architecture firm serving the Southeast, Marcus brings a unique perspective on how thoughtful design drives long-term institutional goals and equitable growth.

Episode 16 | Cost Segregation Explained with Kevin Giles

April 9, 2026

In this episode, Emilee Collins, CCIM sits down with Kevin Giles, Director at Giles Flythe Engineers, to pull back the curtain on the technical and financial lifecycles of commercial real estate. Since 2010, Kevin has been a pivotal partner for investors and developers, providing the critical due diligence and tax optimization strategies that turn a “good deal” into a high-performing asset.