The 18th annual Achievement Awards took place on April 27 at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. Over 300 guests gathered to honor 7 members for their outstanding and impressive accomplishments in commercial real estate. Incoming president Cara Nelson with DLP Piper thanked Geri Denterlein for sharing this special evening with CREW Boston as the master of ceremonies and invited everyone to moving across the hall to the ballroom for food, drinks and a lot of networking.
Honorees
Kristin Blount of Colliers International received the Leadership Award as someone who has inspired, motivated and supported CREW Boston year after year and contributed time, energy and talents to CREW Boston as well as the community at large. Kristin is admired by her friends and colleagues for her intelligence, honesty, integrity and optimism, her passionate commitment to CREW Boston and the mission of advancing the achievements of, and creating opportunities for, women in commercial real estate. Kristin is a natural leader who has contributed her energy and guidance to so many worthy causes and important organizations that primarily benefit the needs of others in and outside of CREW. Kristin has been on the BBJ’s list of 40 Under 40, named a CoStar Power Broker and the Commercial Property Executive “Female Leader of the Year”. She has also been recognized by Real Estate Forum Magazine as a “Woman of Influence”. Kristin offered those in attendance 8 attributes that she uses as her roadmap to success: Optimism, Perseverance, Confidence, Authenticity, Open to Change, Taking a Chance, Purpose, and Humility.
The Networking Award was presented to two CREW Boston members
, Hayley Suminski of Hunt Mortgage Group and
Jeanette Gaede of Colliers International. Hayley and Jeanette have used the CREW Boston network and the relationship they fostered through the organization to successfully close 3 deals in the last 9 months, which amounted to over $10mm in new business transactions for their respective firms. They both have demonstrated the essence of CREW Boston by continually supporting each other’s business in the commercial real estate industry. True success in the real estate industry is based on proven relationships, which are built on collegiality, collaboration and commitment. And as they can attest, CREW Boston is the backbone of those relationships for women in the Boston area commercial real estate industry.
Kerry Olson Hawkins of CB Richard Ellis New England received the Professional Service Award for her consistent years of service and notable accomplishments and success. Kerry is one of the leading female commercial real estate brokers within the Greater Boston region, evidenced by recognition for her achievements. Kerry was the recipient of the CBA Life Sciences Deal of the Year in 2009; in 2010, she was included in the BBJ’s 40 Under 40 class; in 2012 she received NAIOP National’s Developing Leader Award. She has consistently been recognized by CoStar as a “power broker” and is often quoted in major real estate publications. Kerry has served on a number of committees within CREW Boston and is a leading member of CBRE’s Women’s Network where she demonstrates her commitment to mentoring young female professionals in the industry.
Heather Campisano of the Boston Redevelopment Authority received the Suzanne King Public Service Award for devoting her time and talent to strengthening the community through effective action and leadership. Heather began her work at the Boston Redevelopment Authority in 1999 as an intern, steadily worked her way up to becoming Chief of Staff of the Boston Redevelopment Authority in 2014 and is one of a handful of key members of the BRA’s senior leadership team. Due to Heather’s leadership roles at the BRA, she has had a great impact on the physical development of the City of Boston over the past decade. Heather is a true leader in every meaning of the word. A testament to her professionalism is her ability to maintain senior leadership roles at the BRA during both the Menino and Walsh administrations. Heather is a woman who truly exemplifies the essence and spirit of this award.
Lynne Sweet of LDS Consulting Group, LLC was presented with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. As a visionary, Lynne recognized an under-served need in the housing industry and found a niche in providing housing market research and feasibility analysis. Over the years, Lynne’s business has expanded to include permitting, planning, financing and brokerage. LDS Consulting Group assists for profits, not for profits and governmental agencies in the development of all types of housing products. Lynne’s tremendous dedication and accomplishments have positioned her as a leader in the Boston commercial real estate industry in her field.
Gayle Bourdeau of Stewart Title Commercial Services received the Esprit de Coeur Award for embodying the spirit and principles of CREW Boston through her embrace of CREW Boston’s overall mission. As an active and long-standing member, she has served in numerous positions in CREW Boston as well as in CREW Network. Gayle is a remarkable ambassador who not only takes the time to network with friends, but also balances her time by meeting new members and welcoming them. Gayle truly cares about helping others, mentoring them and sharing with them how being an active member of this organization can benefit their personal and professional development.
Founded in 1982 CREW Boston has grown to over 500 members and focuses on educational programs, networking, mentoring and other activities that support the professional development of women working in commercial real estate throughout New England. CREW Boston has been a member of the CREW Network, a federation of like-minded organizations throughout North America, since 1996.
