Tonya Brandon
TIAA
Current job: COO, Global Real Estate
Summary of your role in the company: Tonya is a results-driven executive and as COO, Global Real Estate within TIAA’s Global Corporate Services team, she drives operational excellence across integrated functions – utilizing predictive data analytics, AI enabled and integrated processes to create impactful outcomes for associates within the workplace.
How I chose my occupation: Accidentally – as a career in CRE wasn’t my intention – but the various and diverse chances to provide solutions and outcomes that optimize use of the workplace are complementary to my unique skill for maximizing team talents and complex problem solving.
Years in the business: 27+
My specialization is: Organizational/operational efficiency and effectiveness
The most satisfying part of my job is: Bringing diverse teams together to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes
Best leadership advice I have been given: Lead w/character – our current TIAA CEO reminds us that we “rent our titles; but we own our character”
Greatest professional achievement: 2025 recipient of CREW Network Distinguished Leader award
Number of years with CREW: 15
Most significant CREW connection: Connections made as committee member of the Athena Leadership Program
Place of birth/hometown: Greensboro, NC
Number of years in Charlotte: 52 (lived also in Raleigh, NC for 10-year period during and just after graduation from NCSU)
Family: Married 26 years to Stanton, (1) son, Hayden, 24-years old; parents live in Charlotte NC; and (1) brother and sister-in-law who live in Santa Clara, CA.
My ideal vacation spot: Wherever there is white sandy beach and crystal clear (blue) water.
Hobbies/Interests: Dancing, Audiobooks, Attending sporting events and concerts with my husband and son.
Other professional organizations I belong to: CoreNet; Globe Street Women of Influence Advisory Board; CHIEF; The Conference Board CRE Council; CCIM; WREIN
I wish I could: Read minds
Chandler Roten
McMillan, PLLC
Current job: Commercial Real Estate and Lending Attorney at McMillan PLLC
Summary of your role in the company: I represent lenders, borrowers, buyers, and sellers in commercial real estate transactions, with a particular focus on real estate financing. My practice includes drafting and negotiating loan documents, reviewing title and survey matters, and helping clients navigate acquisitions, sales and other transactional matters.
How I chose my occupation: I was introduced to commercial real estate during law school and quickly realized I enjoyed the transactional side of the practice and getting to see a deal come together from start to finish.
Years in the business: 2 years as a practicing attorney; I first began working in commercial real estate when I interned with McMillan in 2022.
My specialization is: Commercial real estate and real estate finance, particularly representing financial institutions in acquisition, construction, and other commercial real estate lending transactions.
A good lead for me is: A bank or other lender looking for counsel for a commercial loan, or a business owner, developer, or investor who needs assistance with a commercial real estate transaction.
The most satisfying part of my job is: Helping clients work through complicated issues and getting a transaction across the finish line. I especially enjoy finding practical solutions when an issue comes up late in a deal that could otherwise delay closing.
Best leadership advice I have been given: Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need or advocate for yourself.
Greatest professional achievement: Building a practice in commercial real estate in the city where I grew up.
Number of years with CREW: 2 years.
Most significant CREW connection: Serving on the Special Events Committee and being part of a group of young commercial real estate professionals that Lisa Vogel brought together through CREW, which she dubbed “Next Gen.” Both have been great ways to get more involved and build relationships with women across the commercial real estate industry.
Place of birth/hometown: Waxhaw, North Carolina
Number of years in Charlotte: 25 (my whole life, minus the years I spent in Columbia for law school!)
Family: Soon-to-be husband, Harrison, and Puff (our Pomeranian).
My ideal vacation spot: Anywhere warm!
Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, trying new restaurants, and attempting to learn how to golf.
I wish I could: Travel somewhere new every month.
Joanna Church
A&K Painting Company
Current job: Vice President of Estimating
Summary of your role in the company: I oversee all estimating for our company which includes working with our sales team to determine which projects and customers are a good fit, managing our bidding schedule and coaching/training our estimating team. I am also a member of A&K’s management team, where I help develop and refine our company processes, help drive sales for the company and assist with special projects so that we are continually improving what we do.
How I chose my occupation: I’ve loved architecture since I was a small child and did CAD drafting through high school and college. I got a Construction Management major and a Business minor, with the intention of getting a Masters in Architectural Design. But I fell in love with the construction industry and changed career paths. After working with a homebuilder for a couple of years out of college, I started with A&K Painting in 2004 as an estimator and have been with the company ever since.
Years in the business: 23
My specialization is: Developing people and processes.
A good lead for me is: A person or company that needs quality commercial/industrial painting work done, values relationships and has a need for a long-term partner.
The most satisfying part of my job is: When everything is chaos, we have tons to do, customers are calling and we don’t know how we will get it all done. But then we DO manage to get to it all, the customer is thrilled, and we’re all exhausted but satisfied with a job well done.
Best leadership advice I have been given: Two things…you have to protect your time and you must listen to your people (what they’re actually saying and also what their actions tell you).
Number of years with CREW: I’ve been a member for almost a year and a half but have been attending events for a few years since our company has been a sponsor for quite a while.
Most significant CREW connection: Being a part of the Communications Committee this year has really helped me feel more involved and connected with the people and events that CREW is involved with.
Place of birth/hometown: Morehead City, NC but I’ve lived all over the country.
Number of years in Charlotte: 23
Family: I live in Tega Cay with my husband, daughter who is 15 and a son who is 12.
My ideal vacation spot: The beach or an amusement park (we all love roller coasters)
Hobbies/Interests: I love the lake, the beach and the mountains; I absolutely love history and will enjoy any random tour or museum you put me in. I also love reading and playing games. One of my favorite days of the year is when I go to the Southern Christmas Show and buy more Christmas things I do not need.
Other professional organizations I belong to: I’m a member of the CPIA (Commercial Painting Industry Association) and am a part of a peer group with painters from around the country.
I wish I could: Find more time in the day to get more done.
Laura Huckaby
Old Republic Exchange Company
Current job: Vice President, Manager at Old Republic Exchange Company, a national 1031 Qualified Intermediary.
Summary of your role in the company: I am responsible for business development in the Carolinas and Tennessee in addition to managing the east coast operations team.
How I chose my occupation: It chose me! After working as a loan officer for a few years in the early 2000s, I was introduced by a family friend to the President of Old Republic Exchange Company when the company was expanding its footprint in the Carolinas. It was a perfect match.
Years in the business: 20
My specialization is: All things 1031 exchange! Educating investors and real estate professionals about 1031 exchanges, consulting with clients on the exchange process, and managing an amazing operations team.
A good lead for me is: Anyone selling investment real estate (commercial, land or residential). Often the ‘investor’ connection is made through a broker, attorney, title agent, CPA, financial advisor, or lender.
The most satisfying part of my job is: Most would think that just one section of the tax
code seems dull but, it is exciting to me because I deal with individuals, small-scale investors up to major institutional commercial investors. There are many quirks and questions in this business, but the most satisfying part is hearing someone say “you made the 1031 exchange process seem so easy”!
Best leadership advice I have been given: Lead by example and build trust through clear communication, listening, and treating people with respect.
Greatest professional achievement: Building the east coast operations team from 1 to 10 as the company experienced growth. Managing an incredible group and continuing to expand my role as a leader in our company.
Number of years with CREW: Member since 2006 minus a year that I lived in Austin, TX during a storm deployment for my husband.
Most significant CREW connection: There are many, but most notable based on the lasting impact, was a coffee meeting with Lisa Gallimore about 8 years ago that led to an introduction that has become one of my shining star employees!
Place of birth/hometown: Charlotte, NC (Unicorn!)
Number of years in Charlotte: Consider it a lifetime other than time away during college and year in Austin, TX.
Family: Rodney “Huck” Huckaby my wonderful husband of 22 years and 3 active kids, Wilson a freshman at Providence High School and identical twin girls, Hollis & Reagan embarking on middle school years at J.M. Robinson.
My ideal vacation spot: Any beach with clear water and beautiful sunsets! To date, a trip to Malta and the Greek Isles is at the top of the list but Cabo is also a favorite.
Hobbies/Interests: Mom-fan and supporter of sports my kids are involved with! Exercise, time outdoors, and travel.
Other professional organizations I belong to: Federation of Exchange Accommodators, NC CCIM, NC Land Title Association, TN Land Title Association
I wish I could: Travel more (maybe in retirement)!
