CREFC Welcomes Leland Bunch as Executive Committee Chair
The CRE Finance Council (CREFC) is excited to announce that Leland F. Bunch III, who is a Managing Director at Bank of America, has been appointed as the Chair of the CREFC Executive Committee and the Board of Governors for the term of 2025-2026. This announcement was made during the annual conference, where the council also welcomed new members to its executive leadership team.
A Seasoned Professional Takes the Helm
Leland Bunch brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having dedicated 25 years to the commercial real estate finance sector. His involvement with CREFC spans two decades, showcasing his commitment and knowledge in the field. He takes over the leadership from Bob Foley, who has provided invaluable service as the outgoing Chair.
Mr. Bunch's Role and Achievements
As the Managing Director and Head of Capital Markets and Banking for the US RESF group at Bank of America, Mr. Bunch has an impressive track record. He joined Bank of America 17 years ago and is responsible for critical areas such as commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) structuring, securitization processes, and large loan executions. Throughout his career, he has overseen over $30 billion in large loan CMBS 2.0/3.0 originations, playing a pivotal role in the company's operations.
Vision for CREFC
In his inaugural address as Chair, Mr. Bunch highlighted the importance of CREFC in representing its diverse membership, which includes lenders, issuers, loan servicers, investors, rating agencies, and various stakeholders within a massive $6 trillion industry. He expressed eagerness to advance the council's mission of fostering an efficient and transparent commercial real estate market in the coming year.
New Executive Committee Members for 2025-2026
Alongside the transition of chairmanship, CREFC announced the new members of its Executive Committee for the upcoming term. Some notable appointments include:
- Chair-Elect: Lissette Rivera-Pauley (Regions Financial Corp.)
- Immediate Past Chair: Bob Foley (TPG Real Estate and TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc.)
- Vice Chair: Elaine McKay (Ares Management LLC)
- Secretary: Kim Diamond (NYU)
- Treasurer: Adam Behlman (Starwood Property Trust)
- Long Range Planning & Investment Committee Chair: Daniel Olsen (KeyBank Real Estate Capital)
- Membership Chair: Toby Cobb (3650 Capital)
- Policy Committee Chair: Rick Jones (Jackstay Ventures)
- Program Committee Chair: Mary Jane Potthoff (Morningstar DBRS)
Welcoming New Board Members
The council is also pleased to introduce new members to its Board of Governors, reflecting the diverse expertise within the organization:
- Nitin Bhasin (KBRA)
- Josh Cromer (Rialto Capital Advisors)
- Marshall Glick (AllianceBernstein)
- David Harrison (Midland Loan Services)
- Adam Hayden (NY Life Real Estate Investors)
- Spencer Kagan (Barclays)
- Sean Ryan (JLL)
- AJ Sfarra (Wells Fargo)
- Lindsey Wright (KKR)
Looking Ahead
Lisa Pendergast, CREFC's President and CEO, offered her congratulations to Mr. Bunch, emphasizing the significance of his leadership within the organization. She also recognized the contributions of Bob Foley during his tenure as Chair, highlighting the importance of his dedication to the council.
About the CRE Finance Council
The CRE Finance Council (CREFC) serves as the primary trade association representing the $6 trillion commercial real estate finance industry. With approximately 400 member companies and over 19,000 individuals, its diverse membership includes lenders, investors, private equity firms, and borrowers. CREFC has been a pioneer in promoting market efficiency and transparency over the past 30 years while also advocating for industry standards and best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Leland Bunch?
Leland Bunch III is the newly appointed Chair of the CREFC Executive Committee, with extensive experience in commercial real estate finance.
What is the CRE Finance Council?
The CRE Finance Council (CREFC) is a trade association for the commercial real estate finance industry, focusing on market efficiency and advocacy.
What are Mr. Bunch's main responsibilities?
He will lead the Executive Committee and focus on supporting the diverse needs of CREFC's membership within the commercial real estate sector.
Who are the new members of the Executive Committee?
The new members include Lissette Rivera-Pauley, Elaine McKay, Kim Diamond, and others, each bringing unique expertise to the team.
Why is CREFC important for the industry?
CREFC plays a critical role in ensuring the efficiency, transparency, and growth of the commercial real estate finance market, impacting regional and national economies.
