Leadership Transitions Within CREFC's Forums
The CRE Finance Council (CREFC) is proud to unveil the new Chairs for its industry Forums for the upcoming 2025-2026 term. This announcement follows the organization's Annual Conference, where key positions were filled by leaders across various sectors within the commercial real estate finance industry. The Forum leadership is critical in addressing the diverse interests and needs of market constituents.
Understanding CREFC's Forum Structure
CREFC's Forums are designed to represent various market sectors, each playing a pivotal role in the U.S. commercial real estate finance landscape. These Forums include:
Key Forum Categories
The Forums consist of:
- Alternative Lenders and High-Yield Investors
- CMBS B-Piece Investors
- CMBS Investment-Grade Bondholders
- CMBS Issuers
- CMBS Servicers
- GSE/Multifamily Lenders
- Portfolio Lenders
Each Forum is dedicated to tackling issues specific to their sectors and facilitating collaboration that can lead to effective solutions. They work together to create a more unified commercial real estate finance market.
Announcing the New Forum Leaders
The newly elected Forum leadership team includes a range of professionals dedicated to advancing the interests of their respective fields:
B-Piece Investors
Leading the B-Piece Investors Forum is Chair Frank Yin from KKR, alongside Chair-Elect Josh Brand of Argentic and Past-Chair Peter Lindner from Rialto Capital Advisors.
GSE/Multifamily Lenders
For the GSE/Multifamily Lenders sector, David Haynes from CBRE Multifamily Capital will serve as Chair, with Lee Green of Wells Fargo as Chair-Elect. Ahmed Hasan from Capital One will serve as Past-Chair.
Investment-Grade Bondholders
Wendy Pei from Ellington Management will take on the role of Chair-Elect for Investment-Grade Bondholders, with Adam Smith from DWS as Chair and Rajesh Bansal from Quiq Capital as Past-Chair.
Issuers
In the Issuers sector, Scott Epperson of Goldman Sachs will be Chair-Elect, Shaishav Agarwal from Deutsche Bank will serve as Chair, and Brigid M. Mattingly of Wells Fargo will be Past-Chair.
Portfolio Lenders
The Portfolio Lenders category will see leadership from Bridget Scanlon (Chair-Elect) and Kristin Khanna (Chair), along with Past-Chair Robert Grudzinski from U.S. Bank.
Continuity and Stability in Leadership
Continuity in leadership is vital for CREFC's ongoing mission, and several Forum positions will remain unchanged. Rachel Hunter-Goldman from KKR continues as Chair-Elect for the Alternative Lenders & High-Yield Investors Forum, while Samantha Rotchford of BDT & MSD Partners serves as Chair, and Samir Tejpaul from Madison Realty Capital holds the Past-Chair role.
A Commitment to Collaboration and Advocacy
Lisa Pendergast, President and CEO of CREFC, expressed gratitude for past and present Forum members. Their collective efforts contribute significantly to the evolution of CRE finance practices and policies. Pendergast noted the importance of consensus-building among constituents and the active role these leaders play in advocating for their sectors.
The CREFC’s Forums are not merely networking groups; they are essential in molding the practices that shape the commercial real estate finance realm. These leaders are dedicated to fostering industry best practices and ensuring that everyone’s voice is considered in the conversation.
About the CRE Finance Council
The CRE Finance Council (CREFC) stands as a cornerstone of the commercial real estate finance industry, representing nearly $6 trillion in assets. With approximately 400 member companies and 19,000 individual members, CREFC encompasses a diverse network of balance sheet lenders, securitized lenders, investors, and service providers. For over three decades, CREFC has consistently advocated for efficient, transparent, and liquid commercial real estate finance markets while contributing to the establishment of market standards and educational initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of CREFC's Forums?
CREFC's Forums represent various sectors in the commercial real estate finance industry, addressing critical issues and facilitating collaboration among members.
Who are the new leaders of CREFC's Forums?
The new leaders include Frank Yin (B-Piece Investors), David Haynes (GSE/Multifamily Lenders), and Wendy Pei (Investment-Grade Bondholders), among others.
How does CREFC contribute to the real estate finance industry?
CREFC promotes practices to improve liquidity and transparency in financial markets and advocates for member interests.
What is the importance of leadership continuity at CREFC?
Leadership continuity ensures stability and ongoing advocacy for critical market stakeholder interests and concerns.
How does CREFC support its members?
CREFC provides education, industry standards, and facilitates the development of best practices, ensuring members stay informed and effective in their roles.
