Kimberly Elliott

San Diego native Kimberly Elliott has worked for The Corky McMillin Cos. for 20 years, initially as a liaison to banking partners. Today she is vice president of land development, serving on the management team for the Liberty Station redevelopment on the old San Diego Naval Training Center site.

Elliott has seen many changes in the local real estate industry, and even within McMillin, which saw the passing of founder Corky McMillin last year.

“Corky was the heart and soul of the company,” says Elliott, a 2005 TWIN award recipient. “We miss him but the company has not skipped a beat.”

McMillin’s sons, Mark and Scott, are sharing the roles of chairman and chief executive officer. Elliott says they are carrying on their father’s legacy, particularly in terms of business ethics. “Corky’s values were not just a philosophy, but a business strategy,” she says.

Elliott’s job duties these days include providing expertise in financing, real estate development and business to support the arts-focused NTC Promenade. She anticipates Liberty Station will be a destination for Point Loma and for the entirety of San Diego.

“It’s such an important redevelopment program for this region,” she says.

Outside of the office, Elliott serves on the boards of the San Diego Rescue Mission and the San Diego Taxpayers Association. As a volunteer for the rescue mission, she launched the “Grace Talks” program, which invites local business women to speak on a number of topics intended to inspire homeless women to succeed in their own endeavors.

“It’s a really rewarding experience,” she says, “to see the lives that are transformed.”

Elliott, who is single, finds time for recreation, including snow skiing at sites like Mammoth and Tahoe.

— Jennifer McEntee