Committee Members

Heidi Tapasa, USI (Chair); Sydni Nicolici, BBG Commercial Real Estate Appraisers and Advisors; Tacha Bromber, Old Republic Exchange; Cheryl Koski, IES Communications

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.

Committee Members

Laura Fallon-Burns (co-chair), Yvonne Inserra (co-chair), Amanda Blackburn (liaison); Wendy Geurin, Chicago Title; Melissa Hayden, Security Signs; Sydney Reuter, CE John Company; Jen Geltz, Township Building Services; Sakari Rogers, Certified Indoor Environmental; Marissa Internicola, Deering Management Group, Gabrielle Mueller; Sharon Vieregg, Harris Work Systems; Melissa Schroeder.

Purpose

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.

Committee Members

Yvonne Inserra, First American Title (Co-Chair); Lana Baldock, Cushman Wakefield (Co-Chair); Laura Hartle, Kennedy Jenks; Katherine Wax, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt; Julie Gibson, PSU Center for Real Estate; Angela Sheehan, Glumac (Board Liaison)

Purpose

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.

Committee Members

Jennifer Whaler, Farallon Consulting (co-chair), Quinn Randall, ProGrass (co-chair), Ashlee Espaillat, Dunn Carney (Board Liaison),Tiffany Boysun-Van Dyke, PuroClean Restoration Services, Jeanie Kirkpatrick Kuypers, Cambia Health Solutions, Alex Hayes, Hyphn, Kirra Krussman, Platform Realty

Purpose

The Education Committee was established in 2020 to create unique education-based programming for our member community specifically for personal and professional development. The committee’s goal is to develop creative and tailored opportunities for members to develop professional skills that will allow them to advance and to find success in their fields in the commercial real estate industry. The events planned by the Education Committee are generally Member Only, or have member prioritized access and/or pricing for Members.

COMMITTEE PARTICIPATION OVERVIEW:
Committee members are responsible for organizing and hosting (i) the CREW Book Club, including the selection of and leading the quarterly-scheduled member only sessions, (ii) 1-2 workshops and/or seminars per year related to the professional and/or interpersonal skill development of CREW Members, and (iii) educational opportunities related to the commercial real estate industry, including group access to CREW Network programming.

Committee members are asked to commit to the following:

• 1 year term minimum, two-year commitment preferred to provide a period of learning then a period of mentoring;
• Lead one to two events annually with the support of one or two additional committee members; and
• Attend committee meetings which are held monthly, typically on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.

IDEAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
CREW Members that are passionate about their own personal and professional skill development and a desire to elevate the skills of those around them. Participate in discussion and use your voice to advocate for the development of CREW Members in the commercial real estate industry. Let’s grow, learn, and engage together!

Committee Members

Michi Slick, Killian Pacific (Chair); Jewel Kayfes, NWESI (Chair); Liz Davis, Marcus & Millichap; Jo Economaki, US Bank; Elissa Looney, Perlo Construction; Charmin Shiely, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt; Julie Gibson, PSU; Pam Armstrong, DIRTT

Purpose

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.

Committee Members

MaryKay West, PDX Industrial Investment (Co-Chair); Kristina Benson, Leland Consulting (Co-Chair); Chris Pellissier, Zidell; Jennifer Levy, Cascade Environmental Solutions (Liaison); Jo Economaki, US Bank; Elissa Looney, Perlo Construction; Tamara Brown, Heritage Bank; Jill Betts, Cole + Betts Environmental Consulting; Stacy Looney, SVN - Bluestone & Hockley; Greg Lutje, Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland; Abigail Marlatt, Scott Edwards Architecture

Purpose

The CREW Future Leaders committee works on scholarships and defining a mentorship program for young women professionals.

We are currently taking applications for the 2020-21 season which begins in September. Click here to apply.

Future Leader Cover Letter & Dates for 20/21 Cycle
Future Leaders Application

2019-2020 CREW Mentees and Mentors

Testimonials:

Being a Mentor in this group gives me perspective on how far our industry has come, yet how far it still needs to go in the growth of young women in our field. It’s not the 70s anymore, but our young women still face many of the same challenges breaking through the glass ceiling as we did as the “first” generation of women doing traditional male dominated upper tier jobs. The bright young women coming up have been a joy to help mentor and I learn from them daily. I feel I get as much (or more) out of the mentor/mentee relationship as they do.
Peggy Neikirk, CSEO, LPO, AVP
Lawyers Title

The CREW Mentorship program has been a phenomenal experience with some great opportunities to interact with a vibrant and interesting group of mentees who are new to the commercial real estate field!  With networking activities, panel discussions, building tours, coaching and general sharing of information, it has been a great learning experience, in my opinion, for both mentors and mentees. As a mentor and committee member, I’ve learned a lot from all involved, including some great leads and friendships!
Jo Economaki, Vice President
CRE Loan Administration Manager
U.S. Bank

The future leaders program provides young women an opportunity to meet other real estate professionals in a fun and casual environment. We always say learning in the CRE world is like drinking water from a firehose and to be given the opportunity to listen and share stories with other women, who come from different backgrounds and have varying levels of experience, it gave me a more wholistic picture of what makes up this industry.
Houston Newmark, Assistant Property Manager
Harsch Investment Properties

The Future Leaders program covers a diverse and relevant set of topics for women working in the Commercial Real Estate industry. Mentors of this program are highly qualified, and as a mentee, I felt comfortable asking sensitive questions on how to navigate the industry as a young woman of color. Through this program, I’ve made valuable connections and gained a new found confidence to accelerate my career.
Vy Duong, EIT, LEED AP, Assistant Engineer
Turner Construction Company

Committee Members

Alex Hayes (Co-Chair), Connie Hotovec (Co-Chair), Kirra Krussman, Abigail Marlatt, Erica Menze, Alex Aujero, Teresa Robles, Carrie Perez, Stacey Looney, Lindsay Vizzini, Christina Hansberry, Kate Neely

Purpose

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.

Committee Members

Cheryl Springer, Old Republic Title (Co-Chair), Meg Perry, Harsch Investment Properties (Co-Chair), Angie Cole, Lorentz Bruun Construction (Liaison); Debbie Stofiel, Cort Furniture; Caitlin McCann, Pacific NW Properties; Tamar Wade, Glumac; Stephanie O'Shea, Rembold Companies

Purpose

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 crew.pdx@gmail.com for general marketing questions.

Committee Members

Kristine Connolly Kittelson & Associates (co-chair); Anne Ryan, Milliken (co-chair); Shaylee King (liaison); Erin Grodem, R&H Construction, Laura Thomas, ACG Valuation; Sara Sayles, Ball Janik; Christin Balentine, Portland Business Journal; Shannon Mitchell, Banner Bank; Brandi Stevens, Melvin Mark; Laura Thomas, ACG Valuation; Kim Grenfell, Certified Indoor Environmental

Purpose

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.

Committee Members

Allyson Strowbridge, Ctrl+SHIFT+Space (Co-Chair); Amy Zoltie, Hurley Development (Co-Chair), Laura Owens, Durham and Bates Insurance (Liaison), Angel Benavidez, JHC Companies, Jennifer Whaler, Farollon Consulting, Beth Morgan, Geffen Mesher; Kelsey Schneider, Cresa; Brittany Richards, Moss Adams, Alison Vaughn, CBRE, Amy Noe, LSW Architects

Purpose

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.

Committee Members

Krystal Lee, Allen Trust Company (Co-Chair); Brittany Goss, Banner Bank (Co-Chair); Susan Toribara, First American Title (Liaison); Angel Benavidez, Joseph Hughes Construction; Susan Jahn, Cushman & Wakefield; Jennifer Barker, R&H Construction; Natalie Stack, Dunn Carney; Carrie Perez, Wells Fargo; Chelsea Glynn, Dunn Carney; Karen Joslin, PAE

Purpose

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.