Author: Patty Drummond

November 2025 Luncheon:  “Beyond Automation: Leadership, Protection, and Creation in the Age of AI”

Submitted by Stephanie Jenson, JLL

CREW Charlotte’s AI Program Delivers Strategic Insights for CRE Professionals

The recent CREW AI program successfully explored AI’s transformative impact on commercial real estate. Moderated by Courtney Fain (JLL), panelists consisted of industry experts Jaime Dias (First American), Garrett Herbst (Little Diversified), and Pad Alce (AI Patent Law). They covered essential topics including AI implementation strategies, prompt engineering, and collaborative applications in project management and operations.

Key discussions addressed balancing innovation with responsibility, emphasizing risk management, data security, and ethical AI adoption. Participants gained practical knowledge on leveraging AI as a collaborative tool while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Key Takeaways:

• Approach AI as a collaborator, not just an input/output tool for building context and brainstorming
• Don’t fear committing resources to AI while remaining cognizant of third-party tools
• Focus on change management and strategic implementation
• AI’s future lies in amplifying human capabilities rather than replacing professionals

Thank you to our exceptional panelists for sharing invaluable insights on AI’s transformative impact across industries. Your expertise helped us navigate beyond automation to discover leadership opportunities in our evolving landscape.

To further your understanding and boost your AI collaboration, check out our Helpful Tools and Resources list.

October 2025 Luncheon: “Game Changers: Female Leaders Shaping the Sports Industry”

Submitted by John Garner, Charlotte Regional Business Alliance

At CREW Charlotte’s October Luncheon, attendees heard from Caroline Wright, Chief Venues Officer for Tepper Sports & Entertainment, and Donna Julian, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Spectrum Center, for an engaging discussion on Charlotte’s sports, real estate, and community ecosystem.

Caroline detailed Bank of America Stadium’s $800 million renovation, emphasizing Tepper Sports & Entertainment’s ownership structure and partnership with the City, while Donna shared insights on the $245 million transformation of Spectrum Center, a City-owned facility operated by the Hornets. Both leaders highlighted how tourism and hospitality tax dollars are reinvested locally through these projects, fueling Charlotte’s economic growth.

Caroline noted that Bank of America Stadium generates $1.1 billion annually for the local economy and supports more than 1,000 construction workers during renovations, while Donna described Spectrum Center as a year-round hub for NBA games, concerts, and community events. Both underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in maintaining world-class venues and positioning Charlotte as a national destination.

Beyond the numbers, Caroline and Donna reflected on leadership, teamwork, and giving back. Caroline highlighted the David and Nicole Tepper Foundation’s $10 million donation to food banks across the Carolinas, and Donna discussed her community involvement through Big Brothers Big Sisters and Blumenthal Performing Arts. Together, they showcased how visionary leadership and collaboration continue to shape Charlotte’s skyline, economy, and spirit.

August 2025 Luncheon: “The New Labor Landscape: How Workforce Dynamics are Reshaping the Market” with Laura Ullrich, Director, Economic Research at Indeed

Submitted by Stephanie Jenson, JLL

Dr. Laura Dawson Ullrich from Indeed Hiring Lab delivered eye-opening workforce insights at CREW Charlotte’s August luncheon, revealing how labor dynamics are reshaping commercial real estate markets.

The Current Reality The job market is cooling but stable and companies keep hiring, openings remain elevated, and layoffs stay low. Yet uncertainty looms large, with recession odds swinging from 22% in January to 45% by April 2025.

What’s at Stake for CRE Tax cuts and deregulation could fuel economic growth, boosting tenant expansion and space demand. However, tariff volatility and immigration restrictions threaten to slow business growth, shrinking your tenant pool and limiting space utilization.

Your Action Plan Smart CRE professionals must track tenant hiring trends, brace for persistent remote work impacts on office demand, and craft flexible leasing strategies. The Fed’s balancing act between inflation control and economic stability will directly impact occupancy rates and investment decisions. Understanding workforce shifts isn’t optional, it’s your competitive edge.

In this dynamic landscape, visionary CRE professionals who embrace workforce trends as growth catalysts will not just survive, they’ll thrive and lead the industry forward.

June 2025 Luncheon: “Soaring to New Heights: American Airlines Real Esate Leaders Driving CLT’s Aviation Powerhouse into the Future”

Submitted by Stephanie Jenson, JLL and Amy Jones, HDR

The CREW Charlotte June luncheon featured American Airlines’ Airport & Government Affairs and Corporate Real Estate teammates Tracy Montross, Amanda Zhang, and Reshma Soni. American Airlines, the 5th largest employer in Mecklenburg County, continues to demonstrate substantial economic influence in the region. The panel discussion included cost comparisons across major US airports, positioning CLT favorably among peers like LAX, SFO, and ATL.

Recent and upcoming facility developments showcase American Airlines’ commitment to Charlotte:

• American Regional Training Center – Opened March 2024
• PSA Back-Up Operations Control Center & Transition Headquarters – Opened September 2024
• PSA New Headquarters – Coming January 2026

The team emphasized the importance of efficient flight operations and facility modernization to enhance passenger experiences “from curb to gate.” American Airlines maintains strong development momentum at CLT, focusing on long-term growth strategies despite industry challenges.

For CRE professionals, these projects represent significant opportunities, signaling stable anchor tenancy from a major employer and driving demand for adjacent real estate development along transportation corridors serving these facilities. The airport continues to generate substantial revenue for North Carolina while creating commercial real estate opportunities throughout the Charlotte region.

CREW Charlotte’s 2025 Signature Luncheon “Leadership Lessons from Captain Sandy of Bravo’s Below Deck: Navigating Troubled Waters in Changing Times”

Submitted by Amy Jones, HDR

Captain Sandy, from Below Deck, shared her inspiring journey and leadership insights with CREW Charlotte at our Annual Signature Luncheon. As a woman in a male-dominated field, Captain Sandy discussed the challenges she faced and emphasized the importance of women pursuing their career goals while balancing family commitments. She highlighted the significance of women supporting each other in the workplace, citing her own experience of working with a female broker for her commercial real estate property.

During the event, Captain Sandy recounted her experience of working on a yacht for the wealthiest man in Dubai, where she was chosen for her expertise and knowledge rather than her gender. She emphasized the importance of acquiring skills and demonstrating competence, regardless of gender. Captain Sandy encouraged the women juggling motherhood and growing careers that they are a super-power, drawing from her own journey of starting from washing boats and learning from a mentor to now being a house-hold name with countless opportunities beyond her fame on Below Deck, including owning her own commercial real estate property, authoring a book, and speaking engagements around the world.

Captain Sandy shared her personal principles for success, including self-awareness, self-control, self-confidence, and resilience. She highlighted the importance of self-discipline and emotional intelligence in leadership and stressed the value of building relationships with team members. She emphasized the significance of music in her daily routine, using it as a tool for self-leadership and mental preparation before facing challenging situations.

In closing, Captain Sandy emphasized the importance of creating a positive work environment where people feel valued and respected. She encouraged leaders to prioritize communication and empathy, and to lead by example. Captain Sandy’s message resonated with the audience, inspiring them to approach their work with passion, resilience, and a commitment to personal growth.

March 2025 Luncheon with Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio

Submitted by Dianne Jones, JLL

At CREW Charlotte’s March Luncheon, Dena Diorio, the first woman to serve as Mecklenburg County Manager, shared her journey and insights and it happened to be Women’s History Month! Reflecting on her 18-year career here in the Queen City, Dena described her path from Chief Financial Officer to County Manager, overcoming odds to secure the position despite initial preference for external candidates.

As County Manager, she focused on improving communication, transparency, and accountability while restoring public trust. Dena highlighted Mecklenburg County’s growth, now home to 1.2 million residents with a $2.5 billion budget. She recounted major challenges faced during her tenure, including the 2008 financial crisis, a 2017 ransomware attack, and the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the county’s resilience and adaptability. Among her proudest achievements, Dena cited the implementation of the Meck 3-k program for early childhood education and the strategic use of ARP funds to support community initiatives.

As she approaches retirement in June, she stressed the importance of addressing economic challenges and poverty, particularly among women. She offered leadership advice, emphasizing the value of surrounding oneself with a diverse, invested team and maintaining authenticity while learning from admired leaders. Dena Diorio’s legacy will endure in Charlotte through her unwavering commitment to community well-being and equity throughout her impactful career.

February 2025 Luncheon: “Shaping Charlotte’s Future: Economic Growth, Industrial Trends & the Riverbend Preserve Project”

Submitted by Keiko Pace, Stephens Office Systems

At CREW Charlotte’s February Luncheon, industry experts Cliff Brumfield (Lincoln County Economic Development Association), Gretchen Carson (Charlotte Regional Business Alliance), and Natalie Ceva (JLL) discussed Charlotte’s booming economy, industrial real estate trends, and the transformative Riverbend project.

Charlotte remains one of the nation’s fastest-growing metro areas, bolstered by its business-friendly environment, extensive connectivity, and top-tier research institutions. With one of the world’s busiest airports and some of the lowest corporate tax burdens in the Southeast, the region continues to attract companies and talent.

Charlotte’s industrial real estate sector remains strong, with a 7.7% vacancy rate and an 82% increase in rental rates since 2018. Currently, over 5.6 million square feet of industrial space is under construction, contributing to a market that has grown by 30% since 2010 as manufacturing companies increasingly choose the Carolinas.

A highlight of the discussion was the Riverbend Preserve, a decade-long public-private collaboration set to bring 800+ homes, millions of square feet of industrial and office space, and a shared tax base between Gaston and Lincoln counties. This development aims to balance residential expansion with industrial growth, ensuring sustainable economic development for the region.

January 2025 Luncheon: Fireside Chat with Bank of America’s Kieth Cockrell

Submitted by Keiko Pace, Stephens Office Systems

Kieth Cockrell, Bank of America’s Charlotte Market President, kicked off our 2025 luncheons by speaking about his family, his career with Bank of America, and how Charlotte’s growth and development is making the region an attractive place for companies and families to move.

He was bullish about the Charlotte region, stating that our industry growth and financial banks have helped make Charlotte the 2^nd largest financial capital in the US. He said Charlotte needed to “continue to be bold and outrageous”, meaning that we needed to continue to attract companies, create entertainment districts for people to gather and enjoy, and make Charlotte not only a livable city, but a city people view as a destination with attractive shopping districts.

Bank of America’s mantra is to “Deliver profits with a purpose”. The banking company engages their employees and the clients to be the best that they can. He feels Charlotte is on the same track with record levels of people moving to Charlotte everyday and becoming not only a financial hub but a medical hub with Wake Forest School of Medicine being constructed in a mixed use development called The Pearl.

Kieth credited the Charlotte Business Regional Alliance for their hard work in helping Charlotte grow as they serve as a voice for business growth and development. When asked about DEI practices at Bank of America that could be used in other businesses and practices, he said that they listen to their employees on how to make things better. They take their advice and suggestions and are constantly strategizing ways to improve processes. Bank of America’s ability to stay focused on their employees and clients contribute to their success.

He believes Charlotte needs to continue to invest in our youth and education and provide a safe environment where they can continue to grow life skills. Kieth’s heavily involved in a lot of organizations and non-profits because he wants to engage in the community and broaden his impact by building deeper relationships. Building those deep relationships help create more business.

Kieth’s family is extremely important to him and while he has many successes in his career, it was evident that his proudest success is his family. He spoke of his loving, supportive wife, Serena who helped him raise 3 grown and very successful children. Serena placed a high priority on education and Kieth wanted his children to get involved in something they were passionate about. His motto to his kids were: “If you are going to do it, do it well.” Kieth was very proud of Bank of America’s role in sponsorships of various sports organizations around town. They just recently announced their partnership and sponsorship for the Men’s World Cup in men’s soccer for 2026 and spoke of ACC moving their headquarters to Charlotte. He understood that Charlotte needs a strong center city with entertainment and shopping districts.

He concluded the discussion saying that his family is his biggest accomplishment and his children are his legacy. His career advice is to go deep: learn as much as you can and put everything into it.

December 2024 Luncheon: “Cultivating Prosperity: Development Insights from Cabarrus and Iredell Counties”

Submitted by Julie Pruett, Marlboro Development Team

Grant Miller, Executive Vice President at Colliers, moderated an engaging panel discussion on economic development and key projects in Cabarrus and Iredell Counties during CREW Charlotte’s final luncheon of 2024. Miller was joined by Jay Blanton, Managing Partner at Insite Properties, LLC; Jenn Bosser, President & CEO of the Iredell County Economic Development Corporation; and Irene Wong, Economic and Community Development Director for the City of Kannapolis.

The panel highlighted the recent growth in the thriving northeastern communities within the Charlotte MSA. Jenn Bosser shared how Iredell County has prioritized industrial product development over the past five years, noting that they were “in the right place at the right time” with strong support from elected leaders. Similarly, Irene Wong emphasized that Kannapolis has experienced its most significant economic development project announcements in history within the last few years. With major additions like Eli Lilly and Red Bull, Cabarrus County is flourishing. Meanwhile, Jay Blanton detailed how his team at Insite Properties capitalized on this growth by acquiring property surrounding The North Carolina Research Campus and proposing substantial residential development on many of the adjacent parcels.

A common theme among the panelists was the importance of collaboration in making communities attractive for development. They emphasized strong relationships with governmental bodies, including economic development organizations, permitting offices, and elected officials. Additionally, they discussed how existing and planned infrastructure improvements—including utilities—have been and will continue to be a key driver of growth in these communities.

The insights shared by the panel underscored the importance of strategic planning, collaboration, and visionary leadership in shaping the future of these vibrant communities. Cabarrus and Iredell Counties hold tremendous potential for continued growth, further strengthening the Charlotte Region as a dynamic hub for business and development.