CRE Finance Council launches CREFC Women’s Network

The CRE Finance Council (CREFC) announced the launch of the CREFC Women’s Network, aimed at enhancing the visibility, profile, and advancement of women in the commercial real estate finance industry and CREFC programming.

The organization said the initiative will provide a structured platform within CREFC dedicated to women’s initiatives while providing opportunities for networking, mentoring, event programming and the development of professional women in the industry.

CREFC’s Women’s Network is co-chaired by Annelise Osborne, senior vice president, Moody’s Investor Service, and Christine Patterson, principal with Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies (BREDS).

“With the creation of the CREFC’s Women’s Network, we have provided a platform for the continued professional and personal development of women within the industry,” Osbourne said in a statement. “Using the strength of CREFC’s membership, we have leveraged some of the strongest women in the market to provide resources and guidance for the advancement of women in commercial real estate.”

Stephen Renna, CREFC President & CEO, added: “By establishing the CREFC Women’s Network, we hope to facilitate even greater and broader participation by women in all aspects of the industry and its trade association. We’re excited to launch this network and look forward to the quality programming and events it will produce.”

The CREFC Women’s Network Advisory Committee includes:

Margie Custis, Principal Global Investors

Kim Diamond, Kroll Bond Rating Agency

Annemarie DiCola, Trepp

Anna Glick, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft

Greta Guggenheim, (In transition to TPG Real Estate)

Tricia Hall, AIG Investments

Lainie Kaye, Deutsche Bank Securities

Zanda Lynn, Fitch Ratings

Kara McShane, Wells Fargo Securities

Debra Morgan, C-III Asset Management

Annelise Osborne, Moody’s Investors Service

Christine Patterson, Blackstone

Lisa Pendergast, Jefferies

Stephanie Petosa, Fitch Ratings

Joan Sapinsley, Resource Real Estate

Jan Sternin, Berkadia

Kenda Tomes, Stinson Leonard Street

Teresa Zien, Colony Mortgage Capital