Open to brokers whose primary function is to source and originate debt and equity capital on behalf of borrowers within commercial real estate. This award isn’t necessarily presented to the most active or prolific dealmakers in the field. More importantly, we are seeking professionals that have shown dexterity and creativity, and have consistently met borrowers’ needs, despite market fluctuations and uncertainty. These financing brokers should have well-developed relationships with major sources of capital in the industry, and distinct reputations that showcase experience, integrity, a strong financial skill set and commitment to excellence. 

Open to commercial real estate agents whose primary function is to handle investment sales on behalf of property buyers and sellers. This award isn’t necessarily presented to the dealmakers with the highest transaction volumes or most headline-grabbing deals. Rather, we are seeking professionals who have earned reputations in the industry for delivering on what they promised, whichever side of the negotiating table they’re on. Brokers nominated should have a high level of integrity and discipline, and should additionally be driven, entrepreneurial and passionate about the art of the deal. These professionals are well-known among their growing rosters of clientele as creative problem-solvers who do not stop until their client is satisfied—and often secure repeat business as a result. 

Open to commercial real estate agents, including members of commercial real estate services firms and in-house owner representatives, whose primary function is to advise property owners on filling space. This award isn’t necessarily given to the highest dealmakers in the field. More importantly, we are seeking professionals that have exhibited a remarkable ability to consistently meet their clients’ needs. The nominated brokers should have a high level of integrity and discipline, and should additionally be driven, entrepreneurial and passionate about the art of the deal. These professionals are likely well-known among their growing rosters of clientele as creative problem-solvers who, rather than viewing leasing as merely filling space, carefully curate tenant mixes to best represent a property’s full potential. 

Open to commercial real estate agents whose primary function is to advise tenants on space decisions. This award isn’t necessarily presented to the highest dealmakers in the field. Rather, we are seeking professionals that have exhibited a remarkable ability to consistently meet their clients’ needs. Brokers nominated should have a high level of integrity and discipline, and should additionally be driven, entrepreneurial and passionate about the art of the deal. These professionals are well-known among their growing rosters of clientele as creative problem-solvers who do not stop until they find the best solution—and often secure repeat business as a result.

Open to professionals who work in a consultant or advisory capacity for commercial real estate companies, in relation to services such as accounting, appraisal and valuation; portfolio, occupier or workplace strategy; site selection and economic analysis; entitlement, zoning and urban/land-use planning; engineering feasibility studies; etc. This category is also open to independent commercial real estate professionals that work within a non-corporate environment, such as an industry association, academia, research/think tank, non-profit or government entity. 

Open to professionals who manage real estate strategies, operations and decisions at either commercial real estate companies or non-CRE enterprises. Often working behind the scenes, these executives not only balance the organization’s space needs, costs and resources, but they serve as prominent forces behind major expansion, contraction and/or relocation decisions for some of the most active names in corporate America. 

Open to attorneys specializing in the practice area of the industry. Within the vast and complex world of commercial real estate, these legal experts are skilled in a range of capabilities. These professionals do everything from negotiate leasing, sales and financing transactions and major M&As, to navigating zoning and entitlements processes, handling community relations and advising public-private partnerships. 

Open to professionals that work within real estate development and construction. Though applicable to a number of positions, these professionals serve as invaluable members of their team/company (from private, local players and regional builders to public REITs or institutions). These professionals demonstrate consistent and proven track records in developing quality projects and/or they serve as significant contributors in helping their firm successfully build, rehabilitate or convert projects and maximize returns. These individuals also display the ability to innovate, adapt and solve problems; garner support from stakeholders; impact communities and deliver consistent results.

Open to professionals who work primarily on the capital side of the commercial real estate spectrum, including loan officers, underwriters, analysts and the like. These professionals’ companies may range from small, regional banks and credit unions, to national investment banks, CMBS and GSEs, to institutions, REITs and life companies. This award is not necessarily presented to the most active or prolific lenders in the field, but rather, the professionals that expertly navigate the current financial climate while ensuring a healthy risk/return scenario for their firms. 

Open to professionals that are involved in CRE ownership and investment—such as direct investors, acquisition leads, analysts or asset and portfolio managers—within a private or public commercial real estate organization. These professionals have played a significant role in expanding or repositioning their firm’s portfolio and balance sheet over the past year in response to market trends, and they exhibit a proven acumen for crafting investment strategies, evaluating risk and maximizing profits. 

Open to in-house or third-party marketing, media relations and communications professionals, acting on behalf of commercial real estate organizations. These individuals have achieved outstanding results through initiatives that demonstrate innovative strategies and outcomes. In addition to their reputation within the industry and relationships with clients and outlets, these professionals should also display proven track records of strategic planning and research, business development, working with management, communications, education and innovation. 

Open to property and facility operations managers of income-generating commercial real estate properties. These professionals make exceptional contributions to the success of their company, and they are committed to achieving the maximum level of satisfaction for clients and/or tenants. Qualities include professionalism, leadership, consistency and a commitment to ethics and standards. These professionals have ideally driven improvements in operations and costs through the implementation of best practices, sustainable approaches and efficiency initiatives.  

Open to executives at property technology firms, whose primary function is the development or implementation of technology solutions specifically designed for the commercial real estate industry. This category is additionally open to professionals that have fully-embraced and integrated themselves into the world of CRE technology, such as executives at CRE firms that buy or invest in such technologies, IT experts that have identified ways to capitalize on needs within the industry, or CRE professionals that constantly adopt cutting-edge technology to better manage properties, automate processes, crowdfund, enhance cybersecurity, etc. 

This category is designated for nominees that work in all stages of PropTech or CRE technology that have a compelling story to tell about their technology. Individuals nominated for this category should have a high level of integrity and discipline. They should be driven, have an entrepreneurial approach to their market, and have the forethought and ingenuity to better make technology work in order to benefit their company and/or the industry at large. 

Steps above merely writing a check or running a race, true humanitarians are passionate about a cause and take action beyond their professional responsibilities to further that cause. Often this includes working to improve the welfare of humankind, such as significant contributions to benefit one’s community through charitable work, philanthropy, education, service and other efforts—without the expectation of compensation or accolades, other than the satisfaction obtained by helping others. 

This award recognizes women that showcase significant commitment to others or social causes within their community or the CRE industry. They implement or participate in social, ethical or community service programs. These individuals have employed positive contributions to causes as sources of inspiration. 

Open to professionals that exemplify dedicated and supportive mentors. We are seeking individuals that have established reputations as successful, knowledgeable mentors through consistent outreach and support of others in the commercial real estate field. These nominees may contribute to mentoring programs within their company or within the broader CRE community. They offer sound advice and insightful guidance, and continually foster development among CRE professionals.

In every industry there are individuals who from the beginning show their determination to rise to the top through hard work, networking with peers and colleagues and advancing their education among other tactics. Sometimes it is clear in hindsight who these individuals are; oftentimes it is obvious as they are climbing the ladder that they will become high achievers.

This award recognizes women who are clearly on the track to success through not only their achievements in the workplace but also through the outside influence they are beginning to have in their firm and industry