Deborah Lukan
LS3P
Summary of your role in the company: Commercial Workplace Practice Leader
How I chose my occupation: Architecture has been a passion of mine since an early age. I was fascinated by buildings and the significant role they play in our daily experiences.
Years in the business: 24
My specialization is: Mixed-use complicated projects, repositioning and corporate headquarters.
A good lead for me is: New opportunities – big and small – all provide an opportunity for a unique discovery and solution.
The most satisfying part of my job is: Finding a creative solution. I enjoy complex challenges and finding a creative solution.
Best leadership advice I have been given: Lead by example, share your processes and encourage questions
Greatest professional achievement: I was fortunate enough many years ago to participate in an international competition for the new ExxonMobil Campus in Houston, Texas. Our team won the competition, and I spent several years leading a team that focused on designing and building the campus, working with a great team. The project was truly unique and a project of a lifetime and consisted of 14 office buildings on a 385-acre wooded site bringing together 10,000 employees. The project was a labor of love that I worked on for over 7 years and two pregnancies.
Number of years with CREW: 2
Most significant CREW connection: I’ve enjoyed meeting many colleagues in CREW CLT, especially the ladies who join me in the Student Outreach Committee. The smaller group allows for more meaningful connections as we share a focus on supporting the next generation of professionals.
Place of birth/hometown: Born in Jacksonville, FL, but grew up in Columbia, SC.
Number of years in Charlotte: 2
Family: My husband and I have two children, a 13-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son.
My ideal vacation spot: Japan or Egypt. Two places that I have always wanted to visit
Hobbies/Interests: Being outside – I love being outside for various activities, including family outings, hiking, or running. I’m also trying to get back into playing tennis again.
Other professional organizations I belong to: AIA, and ULI
I wish I could: No wishes at the moment, just try to celebrate the wins and find paths forward.
Scarlet Powell
Cenero
Current job: Senior Sales Engineer
Summary of your role in the company: AV technology consultant with over 20 years of experience helping businesses transform the way they integrate and utilize audio-visual solutions. Having worked extensively in Real Estate, Healthcare, Defense, Banking, and Financial Services, Scarlet brings a deep understanding of industry-specific challenges and delivers tailored AV strategies that enhance collaboration, efficiency, and digital innovation. Passionate about technology’s role in business transformation, Scarlet partners with organizations to create seamless, future-ready AV experiences.
How I chose my occupation: I didn’t choose it – It chose me!
Years in the business: 20+
My specialization is: AV Consulting
A good lead for me is: Companies relocating, up fitting current space, or new construction.
The most satisfying part of my job is: Getting engaged in the beginning planning and design stage.
Best leadership advice I have been given: Be Intentional
Greatest professional achievement: Top 25 Charlotte Business Journal’s Women in Business Award Recipient
Number of years with CREW: 15
Most significant CREW connection: There are unlimited connections that have been significant – some are lifetime connections.
Place of birth/hometown: Richmond VA
Number of years in Charlotte: 36
Family: A Husband of 33 years, Two Daughters, and Three grandchildren
My ideal vacation spot: Anywhere with a beach far away!
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, outside events, Golf for fun, and Chilling
I wish I could: Retire early
Brenda Murray
Dynamic Real Estate Services
Current Job/Role in company: Owner/Manager, Dynamic Real Estate Services, LLC. As the owner, I am able to focus on business development as well as my companies’ goal of furthering our corporate mission to support survivors of domestic violence and bring continued awareness of domestic violence.
How did you choose your career: I chose my career path after serving in an entry level position with a condominium management company in the Washington, DC area. I loved the fast paced and challenging work and went on to obtain a BS Finance degree from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. my Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation, and Virginia and North Carolina Broker’s Licenses.
In this field for more than 40 years working with commercial, residential, retail and HOA portfolios
My specialization is: Property Management with a focus on Client and Tenant Appreciation events, awards and gifts.
A good lead for me is: A company looking to elevate their focus on programs to honor and show appreciation for their tenants, employees and clients.
The most satisfying part of my job is: The opportunity to use a high level of creativity in identifying and creating unique client satisfaction programs for each client I work with.
Best leadership advice I have been given: Don’t be afraid to pivot while staying in for the long game.
Greatest professional achievement: The many opportunities to work with amazing real estate talent in Charlotte and forge lifelong relationships with such a diverse range of people…from owners, tenants, fellow CREW members, service providers, co-workers, and trade organizations.
Number of years with CREW: 30 years with CREW CLT this year! Held various board positions; President 1995.
Most significant CREW connection: I have found that anytime I reach out to fellow members, there is rarely a hesitancy to become engaged and to offer a willingness to collaborate! So, it’s that NEXT connection!
Birth/Hometown: Sewanee, Tennessee; 31 years in Charlotte; Family: Married, 3 sons, 3 daughters-in-law (daughters), and 7 beautiful grandchildren
Ideal vacation spot: Has to be Hilton Head Island with Oak Island being a close second
Hobbies/Interests: Anything our grandchildren are involved in. Hiking, TRAVEL!, honing my skills as a Foodie.
Other professional organizations: Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM)
I wish I could: Fill the ongoing need for non-trackable phones/minutes for the survivors of domestic violence. Currently working with Jamie Sellers; Domestic Violence Healthcare Project (DVHP) to supply these phones to victims whose injuries require medical intervention. If interested, please contact me (704) 953-6520 or bbmurray@outlook.com
Annie Turner
McMillan, PLLC
Current job: Attorney
Summary of your role in the company: I handle transactional commercial real estate and commercial lending matters, including acquisitions, dispositions, financings, leasing, and title work. I advise clients through every stage of their transactions, working to protect their interests and ensure a smooth closing process.
How I chose my occupation: I wanted to practice transactional law and was drawn to commercial real estate because of its tangible, impactful nature and the opportunity to shape the physical landscape of cities.
Years in the business: 3
My specialization is: Commercial real estate transactions, representing buyers, sellers, landlord, tenants, and borrowers, & commercial lending, representing lenders
A good lead for me is: Introductions to brokers, lenders, buyers/sellers of commercial real estate, commercial landlords/tenants
The most satisfying part of my job is: Driving around Charlotte and getting to see projects I worked on that have been completed – in other words, knowing I’m shaping the city I’m in
Best leadership advice I have been given: Empower those around you, lead with integrity, and be willing to invest in others’ success – a rising tide lifts all boats!
Greatest professional achievement: Becoming licensed to practice law in two states (NC & SC)!
Number of years with CREW: <1
Most significant CREW connection: Lisa Vogel! She is one of the most connected people I know in Charlotte, and I consider her both a mentor and friend
Place of birth/hometown: Greenville, SC
Number of years in Charlotte: 1
Family: My dog, Monty, and cat, Olive
My ideal vacation spot: A mountain cabin with a view and good book
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking in western North Carolina, exploring Charlotte’s neighborhoods, cooking, and reading
Other professional organizations I belong to: North Carolina Bar Association, South Carolina Bar Association
I wish I could: Spend a month hiking through the Alps or take a cross-country road trip to visit all the national parks.
