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ICSC SAYS, 'THANKS, JOHN,' IN HEARTWARMING TRIBUTE

By Debra Hazel

Riordan is congratulated by outgoing ICSC Chairman Robert L. Ward.

LAS VEGAS — One president saluted another as President George W. Bush addressed outgoing ICSC President John T. Riordan at ICSC’s Family Brunch at Caesars Palace here on Sunday, May 20, during the Spring Convention.

At the conference, Riordan, who has overseen ICSC’s staff since 1986, stepped down from the association’s presidency, assuming the newly created advisory post of vice chairman. This summer, he began a new stint as chairman of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Center for Real Estate. Michael P. Kercheval, previously ICSC executive vice president and COO, was named president and CEO.

A videotaped message from President Bush was among the highlights of the conference, as industry professionals and ICSC staff saluted Riordan.

"The ICSC is a big part of the nation’s economic engine," said President Bush, citing Riordan’s leadership. "We wish you the best."

Traditionally, Riordan and ICSC staff honor industry volunteers at the brunch, attended this year by more than 600 guests and their families. Retiring volunteers and Trustees were acknowledged, Distinguished Service Awards presented and the traditional Park Bench was given to past ICSC chairman J. Lorne Braithwaite, former president and CEO of Cambridge Shopping Centres, Toronto, by his predecessor Kemper Freeman Jr., president of Bellevue Square Managers, Bellevue, Wash.

Riordan and Phyllis Maizlish share a warm embrace.

Outgoing chairman Robert L. Ward, president of Phoenix-based Westcor Partners, addressed the group, then Riordan, saying, "John, you’ve been our leader, our father in a way. Now, you’re going to become our grandfather.’’

Ward was then interrupted by a news video special report announcing Riordan’s new position and recapping his career.

After working as a teacher, Riordan joined ICSC as general manager in 1982. He was named executive vice president in 1986, becoming just the second chief staff officer in ICSC’s history, succeeding Albert Sussman. In 1995, ICSC’s Board of Trustees amended its bylaws to change the position of president, a yearlong term held by an industry professional, to chairman, and named Riordan president and CEO. During his tenure, ICSC’s membership more than quadrupled.

After the special report, comedian Norm Crosby took over as master of ceremonies, introducing additional videos and presentations to Riordan. Among the tributes was a photo montage, set to the Green Day song best known as "Time of Your Life," of Riordan meeting with politicians, industry leaders, ICSC board members, his family and staff. In an amusing note, the staff created its own video, a David Lettermanesque "Top 10 List of Things the Staff is saying about John’s Stepping Down."

John M. Ingram presents Riordan with a Steuben globe.

Upping the humor quotient was comedian Rip Taylor, portraying Riordan’s fictional fraternal twin brother Rip Riordan. Brother Rip showed some none-too-expertly doctored photos depicting the two through their childhood, with John as javelin thrower and boxer for good measure.

The mood then turned serious as gifts and honorifics were presented to Riordan, including: A memory book with notes from trustees and others who have worked with him over the years, presented by Phyllis Maizlish, widow of past ICSC Chairman Irv Maizlish; a painting of Riordan’s home on Cape Cod, a gift from the staff, presented by Kercheval; a proclamation from Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn, declaring May 20 John Riordan Day; and the awarding of lifetime ICSC memberships to Riordan’s grandchildren, Hannah and James.

The tributes didn’t end on Sunday; at Tuesday’s luncheon, another well-known American honored Riordan. Legendary CBS News anchorman Walter Cronkite saluted Riordan’s career via video, saying, "Great leaders must have a strong vision and the character to see it through. John Riordan has worked hard to represent the industry as a good corporate citizen." Originally scheduled to speak at the conference, Cronkite had undergone emergency back surgery just days earlier.

John R. Reininga Jr., CSM, ICSC chairman in '85-'86, and Riordan look over a plaque bearing the signatures of all living ICSC past chairmen.

At the lunch, Riordan was presented with a Steuben glass globe and a plaque. While honoring Riordan’s achievements, some attendees looked to the future. "It will be a very different ICSC with John stepping back from the role he has played and the role model he’s always been," said ICSC Chairman John M. Ingram, vice chairman of The Mills Corp., Arlington, Va. "But I’m looking forward to working with Mike as we pick up the reins, which hopefully have never been dropped, so that the transition is seamless."

Riordan will continue to serve ICSC in an advisory capacity, and will maintain an office at the association’s New York headquarters. After standing ovations at both the Sunday brunch and Tuesday lunch, surrounded by his wife of 35 years, Mary, their six children and in-laws, a clearly moved Riordan offered his own view of his tenure, taking his brief remarks from the video shown on Sunday.

"Thank you for the time of my life. Thank you."

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