Committees
CREW Committees – where the action is
CREW Portland’s Committees work hard for you! From securing interesting and fun programs and events, to interacting with the community and seeking more ways to benefit members, committees make all this happen
The single most-effective way for members to benefit from CREW is to become involved. Committee members have increased opportunities to meet other business professionals and further develop a presence in the community.
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Purpose & Members
Awards
Awards Committee — 2-4 Members, CommitmentCommittee Members
Jen Teckenburg, Herman Miller (Co-Chair)
Julie Eng, HFO (Co-Chair)
Heidi Tapasa, USI
Purpose
The awards committee serves to promote business networking within the CREW membership community and recognize outstanding CREW members by awarding our quarterly chapter Bridge Awards and nominating members for various Industry Awards. For more information on awards, see the dropdown under the Membership tab.
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Purpose & Members
CorksCREW Wine Social
CorksCREW Wine Social Committee — 8 Members, Commitment January - JuneCommittee Members
Marissa Meisner, Allsteel (co-chair)
Kayla Erne, Chicago Title Company of Oregon (co-chair)
Jen Geltz, Township Building Services
Christine Zinkgraf, Lease Crutcher Lewis
Jennifer Lyke, HFO Investment Real Estate LLC
Sylvia Cho, Umpqua Bank
Michelle Fritts, Stoller Wine GroupPurpose
The event features wines chosen and poured by local wineries, along with food pairings prepared by a local caterer and is typically held in an outdoor venue around Portland. Committee members are responsible for choosing the venue, wineries, caterer, and suppliers. This is a fun, social event and offers an opportunity to network with others in the CRE industry.
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Purpose & Members
CREW Careers
CREW Careers Committee — 6-8 members, Commitment Year 'round commitmentCommittee Members
Diane Swanson (co-chair), Scott Edwards
Erin Grodem (co-chair), R&H Construction
Desiree Flanary, Ryan
Julie Gibson, PSU
Lorraine Glynn, BCRA Design
Paige Camacho, Truebeck ConstructionPurpose
If She can see it, She can be it…
CREW Careers is a platform to introduce high school girls to the many career opportunities available to them in the commercial real estate industry. The Committee is focused on connecting students to industry leaders and providing those leaders a platform to share their stories about their careers, how their careers connect them to their community, the educational and/or experiential background required and the honest truth about what it takes to flourish in those careers. Through this program we aim to increase the diversity of CRE Industry by getting young people engaged prior to college and, ultimately, increase the talent pipeline in CRE. This Committee is brand new to CREW Portland and we are looking for members to serve on the committee to help develop and deliver high engagement programming to the students as well as connect with leaders in our industry and provide them a platform to share their experience and insight.
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Purpose & Members
Forecast Breakfast
Forecast Breakfast Committee — 6-8 members, Commitment June - JanuaryCommittee Members
Mariah Kiersey, Androm Mosian (Co-Chair)
Alisa Pyszka, Bridge Economic Development (Co-Chair)
Krystal Lee, Allen Trust Company
Elissa Looney, Perlo Construction
Megan (Clarey) Howard, Tandem Property Management
Amy Bynum, Port of Columbia CountyPurpose
The Forecast Breakfast is CREW Portland’s premier annual event. It provides a forum for an economist and real estate professionals to discuss current issues affecting the commercial real estate market and make predictions for the coming year. Attendance for this event usually tops 350 and draws press coverage. Committee members arrange the speakers and work with them on their presentations.
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Purpose & Members
Future Leaders
Future Leaders Committee — 8-12 Members, Commitment October - JuneCommittee Members
Marjorie Brown (Co-Chair), Brown & Eliason
Brooke Dunahugh (Co-Chair), Cole Valley Partners
Chris Pellissier, Zidell Marine Corp.
MaryKay West
Tamara Brown, Heritage Bank NW
Rachel Pilliod, Lane Powell
Alana Armstrong, Swinerton
Emily Leonard, Deacon
Aubrianna Millet, NOW CFO
Rebecca Vinter, Kimberly Horn
Brooke Wolf, first American TitlePurpose
The Future Leaders Committee works on our Mentorship Program which connects folks in the early stages of their real estate careers with industry veterans who are CREW members. In Future Leaders, we build relationships, share best practices, and provide leadership knowledge, insight, and mentorship, to help mentees advance their real estate careers.
The Future Leaders program runs from October through May.
Future Leader Cover Letter & Dates for 23/24 Cycle
Future Leaders Mentee Application
Future Leaders Mentor Application2022-2023 CREW Mentees and Mentors
Testimonials:
As a Portland transplant, it was important for me to get connected with an inclusive and uplifting space of experienced women in the CRE industry. I look forward to our monthly meetings where I’ve learned so much about the various aspects and careers in Commercial Real Estate from the most accomplished, caring, and passionate folks in the industry. I will treasure my time as a future leader forever as it has been an incredible experience filled with laughter, advice, support, and CRE expertise!
Kierra Wing, Assistant Real Estate Manager, CBRE, 2021-22 MenteeThe Future Leaders Mentorship Program provides exposure to and insight on our community’s CRE industry through the lens of leading men and women whose experiences are critical in understanding the diverse perspectives that have shaped and continue to shape our city’s landscape.
Melissa Cohen, Commercial Title Officer, Old Republic Title, 2020-21 MenteeThe CREW Future Leaders Program provides a platform for people who aim to step into the development world, and who want to form professional networks and learn from experienced veterans in the industry. It was a great way to apply skills we acquired in school to real-world practice. I highly recommend this program to anyone who welcomes a steep learning curve and looks forward to expanding their connections.
Xiaofei Ren, Development Associate, Guardian Real Estate Services, 2020-21 MenteeMeeting everyone at CREW was the highlight of my year. I came into the group at the recommendation of a colleague who joined the mentorship program. Even during the pandemic CREW maintained regular meetings and collaboration opportunities. I highly recommend anyone who is a part of the Real Estate industry in any capacity to join up with this group. Being new to the industry I learned something of value from every group meeting.
Diane Swanson, Business Manager, Scott | Edwards Architecture, 2020-21 Mentee -
Purpose & Members
Golf Tournament
Golf Tournament Committee — 6 Committee Members, Commitment March - AugustCommittee Members
Rachelle Jones (chair), Schnitzer Properties
Jen Barker, Pacific Mat
Elaine Nguyen, Unico Properties
Melisa Thompson, Schwabe
Chelsey Boreas, GBD Architects
Bailey Oswald, Schwabe
Collen O’Hara, Wells FargoPurpose
This is a joint tournament with the Oregon/SW Washington CCIM Chapter. It is held at Langdon Farms Golf Club. The committee members help secure sponsorships, raffle prizes and determine the tournament events. Click here for more information on golf sponsorships.
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Purpose & Members
Marketing
Marketing Committee — 6-8 Committee Members, Commitment Year long CommitmentCommittee Members
Paige Tisdale, Dennis' 7 Dees Urban Plantscapes (Co-Chair)
Lacey Wright, Deering Management Group (Co-Chair)
Lauren Maurer, Belfor
Julie Eng, HFO Investment Real Estate
Sarah Haws, Sign Agenda
Tiffany VanDyke, PuroClean
Kelsey Oran, Hancock Real Estate
Kim Gaube, Guardian Properties
Kelsey Loverro, LRS ArchitectsPurpose
The marketing committee oversees branding for the association, member profiles, and works to get CREW Portland recognized within the local commercial real estate industry. Email crewportland@gmail.com for general marketing questions.
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Purpose & Members
Membership
Membership Committee — 6-8 members, Commitment Year 'roundCommittee Members
Danielle Booth, Ticor Title (co-chair)
Karen Lisignoli, Colliers (co-chair)
Kristine Connolly, Kittleson & Associates
Anne Ryan, Milliken & Company
Brandi Stevens, Fluent Design
Hayley Mueller, CRESA
Rachel Pilliod, Lane Powell
Carissa Fedchenko, Pacific West BankPurpose
The membership committee works to recruit and retain CREW members and to promote CREW. Committee members are responsible for hosting welcome events for new members, calling new members to welcome them and to encourage them to become involved in a committee. They greet attendees at monthly luncheons as they arrive and help people feel welcome. They also plan several member only events throughout the year. They also focus on retention by calling members annually to encourage them to renew.
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Purpose & Members
Programs
Programs Committee — 8 Committee Members, Commitment Year 'round commitmentCommittee Members
Beth Nguyen, FORWARD/SLASH (co-chair)
Christine Zinkgraf, Lease Crutcher Lewis (co-chair)
Amy Noe, Amy Noe Interior Design
Angel Benavidez, JHC Construction
Elizabeth Kimbrel, Langan
Marissa Meisner, Allsteel
Phil Czajka, Washington Trust Bank
Julie Eng, HFO
Emily Leonard, Deacon
Claudia New, Moss Adams
Katie Hunter, Fortis Construction
Angela Sheehan, LEED LLC
Quinn Randall, ProGrassPurpose
The programs committee develops and delivers ten timely, inspiring, educational and informative events for CREW Portland’s monthly luncheons. The committee provides members the opportunity to:
Expand professional networks through;
- Working with fellow committee members
- Inviting speakers to present and participate in panel discussions
- Engaging with community leaders and business professionals who present at CREW luncheons
Gain additional visibility for your firm and yourself by public speaking at luncheons or moderating panel discussions.
Develop program planning, interpersonal and communication skills.
Build long-lasting relationships by working closely with other committee members and industry partners.
Bring your voice to the table by sharing topics that are important to you and relevant within commercial real estate and other related industries. These luncheons are a platform to:
- Demonstrate and develop thought leadership
- Expand your creativity
- Contribute to program ideas and/or the direction of a topic based on member’s knowledge, expertise and interests in CRE related topics including, new local projects, developments etc.
Participate in an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers women to grow, learn, and engage in the commercial real estate community.
Committee Expectations Overview
- Lead one or two programs annually with the support of one or two additional committee members out of the ten programs a year that are delivered
- Suggested committee participation is two years to provide a period of learning then a period of mentoring
- Minimum requested commitment is one year
- Committee meetings are held monthly in the Portland area, typically on the 4th Tuesday of each month
- In-person attendance is highly encouraged given the nature of our brainstorming sessions. Dial-in, or video-call options are available for committee meetings.
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Purpose & Members
Sponsorship
Sponsorship Committee — 4-6 Members, Commitment Year 'roundCommittee Members
Hayley Mueller, CRESA (Co-Chair)
Karen Joslin, PAE (Co-Chair)
Colleen O'Hara, Wells Fargo
Jenn Barker, PacMat
Jesse Cathey, Banner Bank
Ashika Colucy, U.S. Bank
Angel Benavidez, JHC Construction
Kayla Erne, Chicago TitlePurpose
The sponsorship committees main focus is securing annual sponsors, ensuring they get the most out of their benefits. Most of the work is done from September to December.