REAL ESTATE: Sales associate becomes partner at commercial real estate firm

Ian Black Real Estate, in Sarasota, has promoted Melissa Harris from sales associate to partner with the commercial real estate firm.

Harris joined Ian Black Real Estate as a commercial property manager in 2011 and quickly transitioned into leasing and sales. As a sales associate, she has worked with some of the largest landlords in the area and represents local and national tenants and buyers.

In December, the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee named Harris the 2022 Commercial Real Estate Alliance Commercial Realtor of the Year. The award is presented each year to a member of the CREA who epitomizes the Realtor image and has a proven track record of dedication to his or her fellow agents and community.

Harris has been a CREA member since 2012 and served on the board of directors since 2017. She has earned the SIOR (Society of Industrial and Office Realtors) designation and is actively pursuing her CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation.

Dan Rocco has joined Wagner Realty’s First Street Sarasota Office as a licensed real estate agent. He will provide residential real estate listing and sales services throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Rocco is a retired military veteran. He was a Navy helicopter rescue swimmer and Coast Guard C-130 aviator. He is currently an airline captain.

Rocco graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in marketing.

He is married to Pauline Rocco, a fellow Wagner Realty agent, and together they own Rocco Design Associates and Rocco Luxury Lifestyles.

Both are members of the National Association of Realtors and the Realtors Association of Sarasota.