CREW Taps Cushman & Wakefield Vet As New CEO Amid DEI Crosswinds

The Commercial Real Estate Women Network has named Alison Beddard as its new CEO. 

CREW is the largest women's organization in commercial real estate and performs a biennial survey of women's pay in the industry to shine a light on pay parity issues.

Beddard has worked for 20 years at Cushman & Wakefield, serving most recently as managing principal for the firm’s Washington and Oregon markets. She will assume the role with CREW on July 28, according to a release. 

“CREW Network’s extraordinary growth in the last several years has not only transformed our reach, but it has also redefined what’s possible for women in commercial real estate,” Beddard said in a statement. 

“As we look to the future, I am deeply inspired to lead our 14,000+ members and 90 chapters in shaping a more inclusive, connected, and empowered industry—through thought leadership, career growth, and game-changing business opportunities that leave a lasting legacy in our communities and across the globe,” Beddard added. 

The previous CREW Network CEO, Wendy Mann, announced her resignation in November 2024. Mann had held the position for eight years.  

Beddard has previously held leadership roles within CREW before, including serving as president in 2017. 

Women have raised their profiles in the CRE industry over the last decade, but backlash against DEI initiatives within the federal government and some of the country's largest companies could hamper the efforts of advocacy groups.

In 100 of the largest CRE companies in the U.S., just over 27% of C-suites are women, according to a 2024 Bisnow analysis.