Breaking Boundaries, Taking Risks: DFW Women Leaders Are Setting The CRE Agenda

Purdy-McGuire CEO Camille Barton +

Photo: Courtesy of Camille Barton

The thrill of witnessing the transformation of a building is what first drew Camille Barton into the commercial construction business, and since then she has had the opportunity to partner on some of the region’s most exciting projects. One of her proudest accomplishments is her firm’s work on the Collin College Technical Campus, which incorporated a variety of construction elements and was completed during the pandemic.

Looking to the future, Barton hopes that she can inspire more women to join the industry. Outside of work, Barton enjoys playing golf, reading and the outdoors. Watching her three children play sports is also a beloved pastime.

B2 Architecture + Design founder and CEO Allison Brooks +

Photo: Courtesy of Allison Brooks

Allison Brooks’ path to success has been paved with prestigious opportunities partnering with some of the industry’s most prolific developers. Fast-forward to today, and she is leveraging those experiences to foster the next generation of female leaders at her firm, B2 Architecture + Design.

Women of diverse ages and backgrounds account for more than 90% of B2’s team. To ensure the firm’s success now and in the future, Brooks embarked on an ambitious 10-year plan that involves diversifying B2’s geographic reach and industries. Looking ahead, she hopes to establish an international practice with an unyielding focus on interiors.

Capital Title Commercial President Joanna Cloud +

Photo: Courtesy of Joanna Cloud

Like so many who came before her, what drew Joanna Cloud to commercial real estate was the thrill of sealing a deal. Although her 30-year career has been peppered with accomplishments, Cloud is most proud of her involvement in CREW Fort Worth, which recognized her with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

One of the most valuable lessons Cloud has learned is that when the market is down, it is time to focus on growth. She is keeping her team busy during the downturn by allowing them to hone unique skills. They will be more successful in the long run having been given the time to do so, Cloud said.

Faulkner Design Group CEO and President Adrienne Faulkner +

Photo: Courtesy of Adrienne Faulkner

Adrienne Faulkner’s passion for the future development of Dallas is embedded in her DNA. Her grandfather, George L. Dahl, was the master architect for Fair Park when it was built in 1936. Today, Faulkner is an accomplished designer herself and is extending her grandfather’s legacy by playing an active role in the $30M renovation planned for Fair Park.

Since launching her company 31 years ago, Faulkner has managed to stay independently solvent, navigating through economic downturns as well as some of life’s greatest challenges. She has mentored many young designers, some of whom still work and grow alongside her. In 2001, she created Design Expediting Services International, a full-service installation firm that specializes in receiving and inspections, warehouse storage, relocations and deliveries, fine art hanging and furniture installments.

RREAF Residential CEO Melanie French +

Photo: Courtesy of Melanie French

Commercial real estate might not be the first industry that comes to mind when thinking of contributions to the greater good, but for Melanie French, providing quality, well-priced rental homes to America’s workforce has been rewarding beyond measure. Plus, she gets to help grow her employees into future leaders, which isn’t a bad gig, either.

The downturn has given French the opportunity to reflect on bumps in the road. Hitting obstacles head-on, keeping teams informed and guiding employees through change is crucial during challenging times. To unwind, French loves to read and to spend time with her husband of 37 years as well as her children and grandchildren.

Partners engineering and science principal Summer Gell +

Photo: Courtesy of Summer Gell

Summer Gell has spent more than 25 years doing agency due diligence, a job that is fast-paced and involves a lot of problem-solving. She is an expert on all things Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, having worked on hundreds of agency and multifamily deals in recent years.

In the face of challenging times, Gell said Partners’ approach has been to diversify and continue to focus on emerging markets, such as environmental, social and corporate governance services, electric vehicle charging stations, climate risk assessment and more. As she progresses through her career, Gell hopes to facilitate and nurture the development of the next generation of industry experts and leaders.

REATA Commercial Realty President Jan Gibbons +

Photo: Courtesy of Jan Gibbons

Jan Gibbons grew up in the insurance business as part of an independent agency started by her father in the late 1950s. She worked for several insurance agencies where she specialized in commercial services before becoming a full-time employee of REATA Commercial Realty in 2015.

In her role as president, Gibbons provides tenant representation services to companies and nonprofits that need to lease or buy office and warehouse space. When she isn't at work, Gibbons enjoys baking, eating and watching sports.

Coda Consulting Group CEO Conilee Hennersdorf +

Photo: Courtesy of Conilee Hennersdorf

Throughout her 30-year career, Conilee Hennersdorf has learned that success in commercial real estate comes down to building strong relationships. Whether it is partnerships with clients or with other members of the industry, the most successful women in CRE understand that in order to thrive, a network of relationships is paramount.

In her role as CEO of Coda Consulting Group, Hennersdorf helps clients assess risk during due diligence. She has advised on projects ranging from $10M to more than $1B in value. When she isn't at work, Hennersdorf enjoys cooking and playing golf.

Lincoln Property Co. Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Christy Ingle +

Photo: Courtesy of Christy Ingle

Working in an industry that provides places to live, work, eat, store goods, innovate and more is fulfilling in a way Christy Ingle never expected when she first fell into CRE more than 10 years ago. She recently took the helm of marketing and communications for Lincoln Property Co., a role that allows her to be part of a dynamic executive team with ambitious growth plans.

Understanding a client’s business almost as well as they do is critical to being an effective marketing and communications adviser, Ingle said. She is most proud of her role as a mentor and of the work she has done to legitimize her line of work as a crucial piece of a firm’s overall strategy.

S2 Capital Chief Financial Officer Megan Knauss +

Photo: Courtesy of Megan Knauss

Even as a child, Megan Knauss, left, had an inkling she would one day be in real estate. While other little girls were playing with dolls, Knauss was sketching floor plans, and when she was old enough to understand that her grandfather owned land, she and her dad would riff about their plans for development.

It wasn’t until after the Global Financial Crisis that Knauss came to consider CRE as a serious career path. In 2015, she joined S2 Capital, and since then she has helped scale the company from a local multifamily operator with five buildings under management to a Securities and Exchange Commission-registered adviser with more than 70 assets across the Sun Belt, 600-plus employees and full fundraising capabilities. She calls working for S2 a dream job and hopes to spend the next 20 years building upon its foundation.

Moreno Lake Redevelopment founder and CEO Amanda Moreno Lake +

Photo: Courtesy of Amanda Moreno Lake

Amanda Moreno Lake’s father once compared leasing real estate to filling a bag with a hole in it. Those words inspired her to begin purchasing properties, an endeavor that has put her at the center of some of North Texas’ most exciting commercial projects.

Moreno Lake is known by many as the Queen of Oak Cliff. She was instrumental in the transformation of the Bishop Arts District, where she has acquired and refurbished a number of properties. She was also involved in the rejuvenation of Downtown Waxahachie and is working on downtown revitalization projects in Ennis and Cedar Hill.

When she isn't breathing new life into old buildings, Moreno Lake enjoys cooking, dancing, doing philanthropic work and traveling with her husband.

Navi Ventures partner Diana Lin +

Photo: Courtesy of Diana Lin

Diana Lin has tried her hand at many facets of commercial real estate. She started her career as an architect before transitioning into multifamily investing. Looking to the future, she hopes to amass a large portfolio and to one day develop an award-winning building known for its social and architectural impact.

Lin’s passion for the industry drove her to launch Real Estate Ladies, a networking group that aims to educate women about CRE investing through advice from expert speakers. The group started with 16 attendees earlier this year and has since grown nearly fourfold.

Venture Commercial Real Estate principal Amy Pjetrovic +

Photo: Courtesy of Amy Pjetrovic

It didn’t take long for Amy Pjetrovic to realize she was well suited for real estate. She enjoyed the challenge of brokerage and the satisfaction of bringing new retail and restaurants to neighborhoods.

Pjetrovic joined Venture in October 2005 and was the first female principal at the firm. She hopes to look back on her career knowing that she tried her best each day and treated others with professionalism and respect. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Wildcat Management President and owner Tanya Ragan +

Photo: Courtesy of Tanya Ragan

Tanya Ragan’s identity is so wrapped up in Downtown Dallas that most would be shocked to learn she is actually a Midwestern transplant. Her company, Wildcat Management, has developed and played an active role in the revitalization of the city’s Central Business District, most notably through its restoration of the historic Purse Building.

Wildcat Management is Downtown Dallas’ only female-led commercial real estate firm, which has given Ragan a rare platform to encourage other women in CRE to take the leap and start their own businesses. She plans to continue inspiring others by taking on more markets and product lines. Ragan also hopes to do more public speaking and possibly teach at a local university or school.

HOK Director of Interiors and Corporate/Commercial Interiors Rachel Schnitizius +

Photo: Courtesy of Rachel Schnitzius

For HOK principal Rachel Schnitizius, center, architecture and interior design was the obvious choice when she decided to pursue a career in commercial real estate. Compared to other verticals, A&D is the most exciting, she said, and involves a natural partnership with the builder that is productive, efficient and beneficial for both parties.

Today’s downturn has forced firms to think outside the box in order to stay busy, and Schnitizius said her team has done so by diversifying its offerings and growing its work in the public sector and sports and recreation. When she isn't busy at the studio, Schnitizius is traveling or enjoying the outdoors with her family.

Gensler co-Regional Managing Principal of the South Central Region Cindy Simpson +

Photo: Courtesy of Cindy Simpson

As the daughter of a contractor, Cindy Simpson’s love for the built environment was instilled at an early age. Today, she channels that passion toward furthering Gensler’s mission of creating a better world through the power of design.

Simpson is most proud of the role Gensler has played in DFW’s most transformative projects, including Legacy West, The Star in Frisco, AT&T Discovery District, the new American Airlines campus and hospitality complex, the Dallas County Records building and the Hall of State renovations.

Her determination to foster the next generation of design leaders led Simpson to establish a namesake loyalty scholarship at Mississippi State University, which supports incoming freshmen who exhibit academic excellence and leadership potential. Simpson’s contributions also assist in the advancement of the school’s interior design program.

Mintwood Real Estate founder and principal Katy Slade +

Photo: Courtesy of Katy Slade

Things have been fast and furious for Katy Slade since Mintwood Real Estate launched in 2018. The company has worked on some of the city’s most groundbreaking developments, including Oakhouse, the first mixed-income housing project to be funded through the Dallas Public Facilities Corp. The development, which is slated for completion in late 2024, will set aside 110 units for low-income families.

The future is bright for Slade’s young company, and she looks forward to continuing to find solutions where others can't. When she’s not making great places and transforming cities, Slade enjoys traveling and hiking with her family.

Bright Realty Chief Financial Officer Keegan Smith +

Photo: Courtesy of Keegan Smith

Commercial real estate allowed Keegan Smith to combine her love of math with the opportunity to tackle intriguing challenges. Among those challenges was figuring out how to better support women in the industry, which prompted Smith, the mother of two boys, to spearhead the implementation of a new companywide maternity leave policy. To this day, it remains one of her proudest accomplishments.

Smith’s leadership approach through the downturn has revolved around effective communication, adaptability, empowerment and the prioritization of her team’s well-being. She is most excited about continuing the commercial build-out of Castle Hills, where there are still more than 300 acres of development potential.

SL Taylor Investments Managing Principal Sandra Taylor +

Photo: Courtesy of Sandra Taylor

Sandra Taylor knows better than most what it takes to run a CRE firm. Having worked her way up from property accountant to business owner, she has served as multiple cogs in the machine that powers the built environment.

SL Taylor Investments acquires and redevelops Class-B and C multifamily properties in the Dallas infill market to provide naturally occurring affordable and workforce housing. Before starting the firm, Taylor founded and sold a property, asset and construction management company. She will be next year’s CREW Dallas president and was awarded the Member to Member Business Collaboration Award in 2022. When she isn't transforming properties, Taylor is an avid scuba diver.

Urban Land Institute Dallas-Fort Worth Executive Director Tamela Thornton +

Photo: Courtesy of Tamela Thornton

Tamela Thornton's entrance into CRE was accidental. She had planned on a career in civil and urban engineering but found she was fascinated by the economic and market factors that influence the transformation of the built environment. The rest is history.

In Thornton’s role heading up ULI Dallas, she has the unique opportunity to match her development experience — which she has honed for years as head of client services for E Smith Advisors — with case studies and information from markets around the globe. In doing so, Thornton helps ULI members create equitable, creative and sustainable developments.

She is most proud of delivering the 4315 Innovation Center in Southern Dallas, which not only provides pathways to economic opportunities for local residents but also encourages private investment in an area where education, technology, training and community-focused services are sorely lacking.

Granite Properties Chief Administrative Officer Sheryl Troiani +

Photo: Courtesy of Sheryl Troiani

Sheryl Troiani is a numbers person, but what piqued her interest in CRE is the industry’s creative and entrepreneurial side. She began her career at Granite Properties as a controller in 1993, and as the company grew, she launched several departments, including accounting, human resources and information technology. In 2020, she was promoted to the C-suite.

Looking to the future, Troiani hopes to see more women at the executive level of CRE, both within her own company and at others. When she isn't leading Granite through all aspects of accounting, treasury and risk management, Troiani enjoys spending time with her family at the lake.

Breaking Boundaries, Taking Risks: DFW Women Leaders Are Setting The CRE Agenda

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