NEWSLETTER

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IN THIS ISSUE Letter from the President • Featured Article • 2014 In Review

2014 Member of Excellence • New Members • Announcements

CREW MISSION Influencing the success of the commercial real estate industry by advancing the achievements of women.

Stay tuned for

more details.

You should

have already

received your

2015 CREW

Membership

Directory,

which rep-

resents count-

less hours of

work by our Membership Committee led

by Laura Addis and Emily Hannah. The

completely revamped layout and look are

compliments of our Public Relations Com-

mittee, led by Kate Cerone. If you are

reading this electronic newsletter, you will

no doubt see first-hand the handiwork of

our Public Relations Committee, which is

also hard at work revamping our website

so that it is more user-friendly, informative

and interactive. We are extremely fortu-

nate to have public relations professionals

like Kate Cerone and Jenn White working

to promote our organization and widen

our sphere of influence in the commercial

real estate industry in Hampton Roads.

Thank you to all of our hard working vol-

unteers for what promises to be another

fabulous year.

L E T T E R F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T , L I S A M . M U R P H Y, E S Q .

Happy spring! As I mentioned in Decem-

ber, when I took the reins of this wonderful

organization, I am truly honored to be your

President. I would be remiss if I did not

thank Cathy Peate for a successful 10th

Anniversary Year. It is hard to believe all of

the things that were accomplished last year.

It is a true testimony to Cathy’s hard work

and dedication and that of the countless

professionals who serve on the Board and

as leaders of our committees. We remain

strong financially and have continued to

grow our membership and present high

quality programs and events in what re-

mains a stubbornly challenging economy.

Three months into the New Year,

we have already benefitted from stellar

programs presented by Susan Davis and

Ann Miller, our Programs Committee Co-

Chairs, and their extremely hardworking

committee. I am thrilled to report that we

have already lined-up Crystal Washington,

a highly sought after national marketing

strategist and social media expert for our

November Speaker Event. Crystal pre-

sented to sold-out crowds at the CREW

Network Convention last year in Miami and

at the Spring Leadership Conference last

month in San Diego. In addition to her

speaking engagements at industry confer-

ences, she has also worked directly with

companies like Google, Microsoft and GE,

to help train their employees on the most

effective use of all forms of social media.

Although the year is still young, we

have already donated money to Girls on

the Run and are in the midst of a person-

al hygiene drive for Transitions Family

Violence Shelter under the leadership of

Rhonda Scott and the always active Com-

munity Service Committee. Our Sponsor-

ship Committee, led by Brittney Willis, has

already blown by last year’s record setting

annual sponsorship raise and is well on its

way to filling sponsorships for the remain-

der of this year’s events.

Go ahead and mark your calendars

now for this year’s Luau, which will be held

on June 11th at the Cavalier Golf & Yacht

Club. Our Special Events Committee, led

by Sheila Wehnes and Deborah Lohmei-

er, is well into the planning process for

what promises to be another extremely

successful Luau. Our Membership Com-

mittee is already working hard to reach

their target goal of 120 members. Having

already welcomed 8 new members this

quarter, we are off to an excellent start.

On May 13th, they will be holding a Mem-

bership Madness Event.

2015 Committee ChairsAnn Crenshaw, Esq. | Advisory Council

Rhonda Scott | Community Service

Emily Hannah + Laura Addis | Membership Co-Chairs

Susan Davis + Ann Miller| Programs Co-Chairs

Brittney Willis | Sponsorship

Kate Cerone | Public Relations

Deborah Lohmeier + Sheila Wehnes | Special Events Co-Chairs

Erin Corrie | Strategic Planning

Cathy Peate | Nominating

2015 Board Members

Lisa Murphy, Esq. | President

Victoria Paul | President Elect

Cathy Peate | Past President

Dana Giesinger | Secretary

Lindsay Strickland | Treasurer

Abbey Brassfield

Alyssa Embree, Esq.

Christine Verfurth

Jennifer White Moore

R I S K TA K E R O R S AV V Y N E T W O R K E R ?

estate. Surprisingly, women in both the

large and small test groups had similar

characteristics causing scores to be

lowest in the categories of Relating

and Networking followed closely by

Taking Risks. Of the 234 CREW Network

members, the two highest ranked

categories were Monitoring Quality

and Focusing on the Business. The 16

executive-level women ranked highest

in the two categories of Persuading and

Influencing and Communicating.

Because all respondents, both the 234

CREW Network members and the 16

executive-level women, share work

experience in commercial real estate, it

was determined by the CREW Network

Board of Directors and the Industry

Study shows women in CRE need both

skill sets.

How well do you relate to others? Are

you a risk taker? Do you know how to

network successfully? If these are areas

where your skills fall short, you have

something in common with 16 executive-

level women in commercial real estate

and 234 CREW Network members who

participated in CREW Network’s white

paper, The Evolution of Women in

Leadership.

The study behind the white paper

included participation in the Leadership

Potential Indicator (LPI) assessment tool,

which allowed for assessing leadership

skills of women in commercial real

Research Committee that delving deeper

into the stories of the executive-level

women might provide insight as to how

these women were able to overcome

comparable deficiencies (Risk Taking, and

Relating and Networking) to map out a

successful career path. The Committee

proceeded to conduct phone interviews

with 10 of the original 16 executive-level

women to explore their career trajectories

and opinions on risk taking, relating and

networking, and mentoring/sponsorship.

Following, the results of the telephone

interviews with 10 executive-level women

in commercial real estate are summarized:

Risk Taking:

In terms of risk taking, six of the 10

Members in CREW Hampton Roads at the end of 2014

Raised at the 2014 Silent Auction

Members who received distinguished awards since 2004

Increase in membership from 2013-2014

Year CREW Hampton Roads was founded

Number of nationally recognized speakers to date

Number of charitable organizations who benefited from CREW Hampton Roads Contributions

Attendees at the 2014 Luau

1 0 6

$3,038

60

4%

2004

7

4

160

C R E W H A M P T O N R O A D S S TAT S :

interviewees considered themselves to be risk takers,

while four did not. Some respondents clarified what “risk”

meant to them and defined the parameters within which

they would accept it. Some were willing to assume risk as

long as it did not jeopardize their financial security or their

work/life balance, while others placed an emphasis on

taking educated, calculated risks.

When asked about the risk culture in their current

companies, four of the 10 respondents worked for firms

that encouraged risk-taking, four said it was somewhat

encouraged, and two stated that it was not encouraged

at all. Several interviewees also commented that some

industry disciplines seemed better suited for risk taking,

particularly those in which the satisfaction or finances of

“A true leader has the ability to see talent in others and promote their advancement.”

“Those who take the risks

earn the rewards—and ultimately the

respect.”

clients were not at stake.

Networking and Relating:

Eight of the 10 interviewees stated that networking was a critical component to their career,

with some saying it was the leading reason for their success. At the same time, however, seven

of the eight “yes” respondents explained the way in which they network today is very different

than earlier in their careers. As their corporate and life responsibilities increased over the years,

they no longer could justify the outlay of time to focus on networking. For others, networking

methods became more strategic. Many stated they no longer network to market themselves

or their companies, but rather to meet new people who could give them new perspectives

on leadership and business practices. Nearly all respondents expressed the importance of

engaging in some type of networking activity particularly early in one’s career. Regarding current

networking activities, five of the 10 interviewees said they networked equally with men and

women, four said they networked mostly with men, and one said she networked mostly with

women. Many of the respondents stated that early in their careers, they naturally networked

more with men because men made up a larger portion of the commercial real estate industry.

Most conceded their networking activities were different depending on gender—for instance,

they might play golf with men, but have dinner or enjoy a spa outing with women.

Mentoring and Sponsorship:

Of the 10 interviewees, eight confirmed having had a mentor, sponsor or both at some point in

their careers. Of the eight, five said their mentors and/or sponsors were male, one cited a female

mentor, one cited both male and female mentors and sponsors, and one did not confirm gender.

In further discussion, it became evident the higher percentage of men involved in mentoring

roles was simply a function of the overwhelming percentage of men in the industry, especially

when they were beginning their careers.

All 10 interviewees confirmed involvement in mentoring or sponsoring others at some level. As

a group, they had varying opinions on the success of structured mentoring programs—some saw

great success, while others found more informal relationships to be more effective. When asked

about the skill set to be an effective mentor, the respondents remarkably agreed on many of the

same attributes: being a good listener, having a similar personality as the mentee, being willing

to give of themselves, being caring and compassionate, brutal honesty, ability to develop a plan

and not being driven by ego.

Future of Women in Commercial Real Estate:

As the executive-level respondents considered the future of women in commercial real estate,

they all agreed that there is a long way still to go to achieve parity in female representation. All

conceded the ratio is much better than when they started their careers, but thought that it will

require broader cultural shifts to achieve a better balance of female and male executives.

When asked about the success of women in the industry and their ascension to the C-suite, many

deflected the “C-suite” as being the barometer for women’s success. They agreed that women,

like any group of professionals, need to define what their “success” looks like. For some, this

may indeed mean the C-suite, but for others it may not.

“We need more women in the C-suite to get more

women to the C-suite.”

Conclusion:

As the responses of the executive-level women were investigated, along with their keys to success, not all were risk takers or

superior networkers, thus confirming the findings of the LIP Leadership Assessment evaluated in CREW Network’s white paper.

It is perhaps more significant to note that even though not all of the women rated themselves highly in these areas, they all saw

merit in developing both skill sets throughout one’s career.

A broader question that emerged through their responses was, “How does one define ‘risk’ and ‘networking?’” At the same

time, although better definitions could help define the behaviors that women undertake, they won’t hold the key to success.

What still really matters is determining a career path that makes sense for an individual and committing to the strategic risk and

networking that can help make that plan a reality.

Embracing and accepting the possibility of success and using one’s resources, without fear of rejection or judgment, plays a

critical role in ascending to the desired level of success. Many of the respondents stated that men were more apt to lead with

confidence, which translates to greater risk taking. We as women need to start thinking in this way as well. One respondent

stated successful risk taking gave her greater confidence to take on bigger risks.

CREW Network Sources:

“Women in Leadership, Case Studies of Executive

Women in Commercial Real Estate,” a CREW Network

2014 White Paper

2 0 1 4 I N R E V I E W

2 0 1 4 M E M B E R O F E X C E L L E N C E

to Boston, MA. There Sheila completed a Certificate in Commercial

Real Estate at Boston University and was actively involved with

several local organizations, including the Greater Boston Real Estate

Board and having co-chaired the Emerging Leaders with the Real

Estate Finance Association. She has been in the banking industry

since 1997 with the past 15 years involved in both Commercial

Real Estate and C&I Lending. Sheila is currently a Vice President/

Relationship Manager with BB&T’s Commercial Banking Division in

the Norfolk/Virginia Beach market. She has been an active member

of CREW since 2012, a volunteer for the Habitat for Humanity, and

supports various local non-profits. Active interests include running,

golf, hiking, and traveling.

Sheila Wehnes of BB&T recently received the CREW Hampton Roads 2014 Member

of Excellence Award for her outstanding efforts and dedicated service. Nominated by

committee chairs, this award recognizes a member who works above and beyond to

promote and support the organization and its causes.

Sheila currently resides in Norfolk, although is from Niagara Falls, NY. After working with

local banks for 5 years in the C&I market and completing her Master’s Degree, she moved

CREW HAMPTON ROADS IS PROUD TO CELEBRATE THE 2014 ACHIEVEMENTS OF ITS MEMBERS

Lisa M. Murphy, Esq., LeClairRyanInside Business Hampton Roads Magazine Top Women in Business

Abbey S. Brassfield, Kerr Environmental Services Corp. Inside Business Hampton Roads Magazine “Top 40 Under 40”

Krista J. Costa, Divaris Real Estate, Inc. Inside Business Hampton Roads Magazine “Top 40 Under 40”

Ann K. Crenshaw, Esq., Kaufman & Canoles, P. C. Inside Business Hampton Roads Magazine “The Power List”

Wendy Drucker, Drucker & Falk, LLCInside Business Hampton Roads Magazine “The Power List”

Deborah Stearns, JLLInside Business Hampton Roads Magazine “The Power List”

Anne Conner, Towne BankInside Business Hampton Roads Magazine“The Power List - Up and Coming”

Andrea Kilmer, ESG CompaniesInside Business Hampton Roads Magazine“The Power List - Up and Coming”

Kathy Katsias, The Katsias CompanyInside Business Hampton Roads Magazine“The Power List” Emeritus List

Natasha Merz, Langley Federal Credit UnionFinancial Services Credit Union Champion of the Year

W E L C O M E N E W M E M B E R S !

2015 NEW MEMBERSKayla Seil, ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance • Debbie Leger, Johns Brothers Security • Bonnie Stretz, Union Bank and Trust • Nicole Stuart, Top Guard Security • Elizabeth Chapman, Williams Mullen • Kristen Smith, TST Turner Stra-tegic Technologies • Connie Tatum, Office Pride Commercial Cleaning • Christine Kaempfe, Cushman & Wakefield / Thalhimer

2014 NEW MEMBERSJen Amick, S. L. Nusbaum Insurance • Laura Hayes, HREDA • Karen Priest, SunTrust Bank • Victoria Pickett, CBRE Hampton Roads • Katie Baker, Connonrs Baker CRE • Joanie Needham, Monarch Bank • Nicole Crandall, Monarch Bank • Amy Barker, Marlyn Development Corporation • Christine Young, JLL • Geri Starr, New Day Office Products & Furnishings • Caitlin King, TowneBank • Kara Evans, TowneBank • Carol Hahn, Troutman Sanders, LLP

APRIL LUNCHEON “THE EFFECTS OF HEALTHCARE REFORM ON

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE”

APRIL 21, 11:30 AM-1:15PM TOWN CITY CENTER CLUB

MEMBERSHIP MADNESS MAY 13TH, 5-7 PM

SUPPER SOUTHERN MORSELS319 W. 21ST STREET, NORFOLK

CREW LUAUJUNE 11TH

CAVALIER GOLF AND YACHT CLUB

2 0 1 5 E V E N T S C A L E N D A R

CREW / HRACRE ROCKIN’ ON THE RIVER

SEPTEMBER 24THOCEAN MARINE YATCH CLUB

PREMIER SPEAKER:CRYSTAL WASHINGTON

NOVEMBER 17THWESTIN VIRGINIA BEACH TOWN CENTER

CREW SILENT AUCTIONDECEMBER 15TH

LOCATION: TBD

A N N O U N C E M E N T S

donated so for every $10 donated they can buy $60 worth of food.

In two days, the committee made 625 bags of food with our cost of $4.80 per bag.

MEMBERSHIP MADNESSThis will be a free event to CREW members and potential members. Please send the membership com-mittee any potential guests for the event that would qualify as a new member. Send all referrals to: Kris Cates at KCates@bridgetrusttitle.com by April 22nd. SPONSORSHIPThe deadline to become a CREW Hampton Roads Luau sponsor is April 21st. Do not miss out on this opportunity! All inquiries to Brittney Willis at: brittney.willis@burgessniple.com

COMMUNITY SERVICE HYGIENE DRIVEPlease help us support our local women and children transitioning to a safer life by bringing any of the requested items below to the luncheon on April 21st.

Requested items in full size bottles: • Shampoo & conditioner• Deodorant• Toothpaste • Mouth wash• Flossing sticks• Soap or body wash• Lotion & moisturizers • Combs & brushes

COMMUNITY SERVICE DECEMBER FOODBANK EVENTA $1000 monetary donation was given to the Foodbank. Their buy-ing power is 6 times the amount

CREW NETWORKBe sure to log into CREW Network and update your CREW Biz account with your contact information, head-shot, biography, along with any other professional affiliations. Besides lo-cally, this is where thousands of CREW members throughout the United States can find you, so be sure your information is correct!

DIRECTORY If you are a member and didn’t pick up your 2015 Membership Directory, be sure to get one from Jamie Rich-ardson at the next luncheon.

Join our Group! CREW Hampton Roads Virginia

T H I S I S Y O U R N E W S L E T T E R ! Please feel free to submit articles that may be of interest to CREW Hampton Roads members for possible inclusion in the next newsletter. It is a great way to highlight your expertise while providing timely information to our members. Also, please submit your promotions, awards and deals or referrals between CREW members. Send submissions to Kate Cerone at kate@wplsite.com

APRIL LUNCHEON “THE EFFECTS OF HEALTHCARE REFORM

ON COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE”

TRACEY COPELANDAD OF SPECIALTY PRACTICES OPERATIONBON SECOURS HAMPTON ROADS HEALTH

SYSTEMS

APRIL 21, 2015 TOWN CITY CENTER CLUB

T H A N K Y O U 2 0 1 5 S P O N S O R S !