Denise Dexter
JLL
Current job: JLL – Executive Managing Director, Project and Development Services
Summary of your role in the company: I lead regional leadership teams across the Texas, West and Southern California regions, alongside national business line leaders for Integrated Portfolio Solutions, RPM & Furniture, and Senior Living.
How I chose my occupation: I think it chose me. I started my career in residential property management while in college and I have served in many capacities across commercial real estate.
Years in the business: 30
My specialization is: Project Management, Brokerage, Asset & Property Management
A good lead for me is: Organizations planning significant build-outs, renovations, portfolio repositioning, or complex real estate transactions across our regional markets.
The most satisfying part of my job is: Being a part of a person’s career journey and solving complex projects that directly impact our business in a positive way.
Best leadership advice I have been given: Your best is good enough. It freed me to focus on authentic leadership rather than perfectionism.
Greatest professional achievement: Leading JLL’s corporate office re-entry efforts in response to COVID-19. Collaborated closely with executive leaders of the firm to safely return over 11,000 employees to 160 corporate offices across the Americas.
Number of years with CREW: 20+
Most significant CREW connection: Continuing to build relationships with members from my early days in CREW. These relationships matter and are so important throughout your career in Charlotte’s commercial real estate industry.
Place of birth/hometown: Miami, Florida
Number of years in Charlotte: 26
Family: Husband Dave and twin daughters, Claire and Alden
My ideal vacation spot: Cashiers, NC
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, playing tennis, hiking and being outside with my family and our dog, Maisy.
Other professional organizations I belong to: Florida State University’s Real Estate Center, CoreNet, and JLL’s Women’s Business Network
I wish I could: spend more time mentoring emerging leaders in our industry to help them accelerate their careers and amplify their impact on our communities.
Jamie Smith
Pinnacle Financial Partners
Current job: Commercial Financial Advisor, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Summary of your role in the company: I personally provide loans and deposits for small business and middle market companies, and I work with an amazing team that can provide additional banking services such as insurance, wealth management, merchant and treasury services, health and benefits, 401ks, mortgages, etc.
How I chose my occupation: It kind of fell upon me. My dad worked in the mortgage industry, and I interned with BB&T Mortgage the summer going into my senior year of college. From there, I went through BB&T’s Leadership Development Program and have been in banking since.
Years in the business: 15
My specialization is: Commercial loans and deposits
A good lead for me is: Any business owner or CFO who isn’t satisfied with their current banking relationship. If you don’t know your banker’s name, don’t have their cell phone number, or have only met them once or twice, you probably need a new banker.
The most satisfying part of my job is: Building relationships, helping my clients achieve financial success, and connecting people.
Best leadership advice I have been given: You can do anything you want, as long as you work hard and be kind.
Greatest professional achievement: Joining Pinnacle Financial Partners 5 years ago. To work at Pinnacle, you must be referred by someone who already works at the organization. As you can imagine, we hire amazing people, because no one is going to put their reputation on the line for someone who isn’t great. I feel honored that I was referred to work here, and I’ve met so many amazing teammates who have become even better friends.
Number of years with CREW: 8 months
Most significant CREW connection: It’s hard to name just one – I’ve met so many wonderful people. One exciting project that came out of CREW connections is one of my clients who is opening a Mahjong studio. I connected them with a CRE broker from CREW, and he connected them with a GC from CREW. We can’t wait for the studio to open later this year!
Place of birth/hometown: Born in Raleigh, NC and grew up in Richmond, VA
Number of years in Charlotte: 10
Family: Been married to my husband, Trey, for 7 years and we have two wonderful little girls: Baker (5) and Haden (2)
My ideal vacation spot: I am dying to go to Italy
Hobbies/Interests: Working out, reading, interior design, real estate (I look at realtor.com every single day), travel
Other professional organizations I belong to: CRExCLT
I wish I could: Have more time!!
Diana Palecek
Fox Rothschild
Current job: Office Managing Partner for the Charlotte office of Fox Rothschild LLP.
Summary of your role in the company: Attorney with a focus on commercial real estate transactions: buying, selling, leasing, and financing.
How I chose my occupation: I’m a first-generation attorney, and I barely knew any attorneys until I was in college. I enjoyed my U.S. Government and Constitutional Law classes in college (for my Government minor). I was deciding between law school and a master’s degree in English literature. My faculty advisor thought I was well suited for law school and encouraged me to try that first, and to switch to an English degree if I decided I did not like law. The rest is history, as they say.
Years in the business: 33 years.
My specialization is: Managing risk for my clients and orchestrating smooth and collegial transaction closings.
A good lead for me is: Anyone in need of a collaborative transactions attorney, or anyone with a tricky real estate title issue.
The most satisfying part of my job is: Seeing my team of young lawyers flourish.
Best leadership advice I have been given: Don’t be intimidated by someone on the other side who may be blustering, over-confident, or even actually accomplished. My first manager (at the old Wachovia Bank) would say, “They put their pants on one leg at a time, just like you.” He also taught me to ask questions and not stop asking until I fully understood that person’s perspective or issue.
Greatest professional achievement: I’ve worked on many complicated real estate finance transactions over the years, and I have developed processes and programs to close transactions efficiently, but my most important accomplishment has been training and mentoring younger attorneys. Some have gone on to other professional roles, and some are with me on my team to this day.
Number of years with CREW: 17 years.
Most significant CREW connection: Janine Miller-Hogue (another attorney) entrusted me with one of her best clients when I was able to assist with a couple of out-of-state real estate transactions because of the geographic scope of my firm. I value that Janine trusted me with her client—not only to do a good job, but also to respect her relationship with the client.
Place of birth/hometown: Sandy Run, South Carolina (an exit off I-26 south of Columbia).
Number of years in Charlotte: 19 years.
Family: Husband (Eric), cat (Gracie), and Auntie to 5 nephews and 1 niece.
My ideal vacation spot: Flat Rock, North Carolina.
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking and gardening.
Other professional organizations I belong to: American College of Mortgage Attorneys, and Board Member of the newly formed ACMA Foundation.
Jaren Wells
Gensler
Current job: Design Manager / Senior Associate
Summary of your role in the company: As a Project Manager, I lead projects through all phases—from strategy, visioning, and programming to space planning, design development, construction documentation, and administration. I also serve as Gensler Charlotte’s Government & Defense Practice Area Leader, where I focus on growing the practice and leading accounts through IDQ and on‑call agreements with local government authority clients, as well as other commercial architecture and design opportunities. My role includes overseeing practice growth, managing project teams and client relationships, and maintaining account leadership. In addition, I participate in coordination and leadership efforts for Gensler’s Government & Defense practice across the Southeast region and firmwide.
How I chose my occupation: I had no idea this profession—or the wide range of opportunities within Interior Design—even existed at first. I was encouraged by my father to explore the Bachelor of Science in Interior Design program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He traveled frequently for work and struck up a conversation with a commercial interior designer on a flight, immediately recognizing it as a great fit for me. After visiting the program at UT, I was hooked.
Years in the business: 35+
My specialization is: I specialize in managing projects, accounts, and teams within Gensler’s Government Practice area. My background also includes experience across athletic facilities, transportation and airports, corporate workplace, and global headquarters projects. This well‑rounded experience has shaped my approach to leadership and led me to become the Government Practice Area Leader for Gensler Charlotte. At the core of my work is a passion for helping clients solve problems—both large and small—by delivering excellent service in a collaborative, team‑focused environment.
A good lead for me is: A good lead for me is any project that involves an Architect or Designer, particularly early in the process. Being engaged when a project is still an idea allows us to be more effective partners from the start. Early involvement gives us the opportunity to align strategy, budget, and design intent while offering guidance through programming, masterplan and preliminary design. It also allows for discussions with clients on challenges and solutions, helping us build stronger relationships.
The most satisfying part of my job is: Becoming a trusted partner to our clients is what I find most rewarding. Helping them solve problems while building meaningful, long‑term relationships is incredibly fulfilling, especially knowing we have the opportunity to positively impact an organization and the daily experiences of its associates. Equally important is the satisfaction that comes from the relationships built within my teams at Gensler. People truly make the difference—the talent, humility, and collaboration of those I work alongside cannot be overstated.
Best leadership advice I have been given:
Some of the best professional advice I’ve received came from John Gaulden, founder of the Gensler Charlotte office: “It’s our job to make our clients look good. Do a good job for them, and you will be rewarded. Work smarter, not harder—and have fun.” That mindset has guided me throughout my career.
Another early piece of advice came from a manufacturer representative who said, “Never burn bridges—you never know how individual careers may develop and change.” That wisdom has proven true—one of my former junior designers is now the Co‑Office Director of Gensler Charlotte and helped me boomerang back to Gensler.
Lastly, my dad always said, “Hire the best and get out of the way.” It is important to build complete trust in team members and empower them to do their best work.
Greatest professional achievement: Being recognized for my proactive approach to community‑building and strategic partnerships across Mecklenburg County and the broader region has been especially meaningful. I’m proud to also be recognized across the Gensler Southeast Region and beyond for growth and account leadership in the Government sector. Over the past 10+ years since returning to Gensler Charlotte, I’ve helped build and grow the Government + Defense Practice Area, partnering with clients across city and county governments, as well as aviation and transportation authorities.
Number of years with CREW: 17
Most significant CREW connection: Over the years, I’ve built many meaningful relationships through CREW Charlotte that have grown into lasting friendships. There’s a shared understanding among the women in this organization—we’re kindred spirits navigating similar careers and challenges, from balancing family commitments to working in a traditionally male‑dominated industry.
One of my most meaningful experiences was serving two years on the CREW Charlotte Board, which gave me a deeper appreciation for supporting the local chapter and the opportunity to engage with incredibly accomplished women in our market. It was a rewarding experience and deepened my gratitude for all that Patty Drummond does for CREW Charlotte.
Place of birth/hometown: Knoxville, TN
Number of years in Charlotte: 37
Family: Husband, Rick (married 37 years); son Rylan (30) and his fiancée, Rebecca; and son Rogan (27) and daughter‑in‑law, Aly.
My ideal vacation spot: My husband and I have two favorite getaways—the mountains of Western North Carolina and the beach. While we love both, the beach is probably my favorite and where I find the most relaxation. Our family also owns a home in Crystal River, Florida, with stunning views of the salt flats. Spending time on the river by boat, spotting manatees, and swimming in Three Sisters Spring are experiences filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories.
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy being outdoors, golfing (especially when my boys let me play with them) and exploring walking and mountain trails. I grew up around horses and hope to become a horse owner again one day. Our family also loves staying connected to football—we may no longer have an athlete, but we now have a coach. With my father having been a football coach and athletic director, we value the importance of family support in athletics.
Other professional organizations I belong to: IIDA
I wish I could: Travel more. I’d love to spend more vacation time exploring new places, and experiences. If I could solve Charlotte traffic on I‑77, I’d happily do that too—providing more time for work-life balance, would be the ultimate win.
