San Diego Power Women: Part 8
Today, we bring you the eighth installment of our 10-part Power Women series profiling the 50 most influential women in San Diego commercial real estate. Then join Bisnow and partner Allen Matkins on June 25 for a cocktail awards reception to honor these amazing leaders at the San Diego Public Library, 6-8pm.
KELLIE HILL, SALES DIRECTOR, CBRE
CBRE sales director Kellie Hill oversees all project management in SoCal and is responsible for tracking projects from site selection to final closeout. But real estate wasn't always the plan, she tells us, and it took a five-hour layover in Seattle for Kellie to realize she didn't want to pursue law school anymore. While stranded in Seattle-Tacoma International on a flight back to college in Arizona, she struck up a conversation with a construction industry exec. “What he said was fascinating about the projects, travel and problem solving,” she tell us. And then he told her that Arizona State University offered a degree in construction. “And the rest is history.” While in her senior year of college, she became friends with a shopping center developer, who hired her out of school. And after five months, “he took a risk on me and hired me as his director of development.” This Pilates and spin instructor (who also is a lover of wine) tells women to never say "no" to new opportunities and take on as many projects as they can to learn all the ins and outs of real estate. “I have had the opportunity to hold many different positions through my tenure in the industry. It has given me invaluable insight in to how our industry works.”
DONNA VARGO, CEO, JOHNSON & JENNINGS
Johnson & Jennings president and CEO Donna Vargo points to her development of the tenant improvement division of Roel Construction as one accomplishment she’s proud. But perhaps more than that, Donna tells us she's proud of her co-ownership of J&J, one of the few 100% woman owned contracting firms in San Diego. Donna discovered her excitement for construction management after college working for Equidon Contractors; she explains, “there was a buzz in the air--an energy I can’t describe.” Currently, she’s particularly passionate about J&J’s construction of the Interfaith Family Resource Center in Escondido--a 10k SF “community changing” project--designed to address veteran homelessness and among the first to specifically address female veteran homelessness. Her advice: You will earn the respect you need to succeed by respecting your mentors, peers, and subordinates. Outside business hours, you’ll find her relaxing with family, friends, and a good book.
BESS WAKEMAN, EVP, JLL
JLL’s EVP Bess Wakeman has worked for a number of major players in the business, including CBRE, EOP and The Irvine Co, before ultimately landing at JLL in 2009. Her current projects include the iconic Aventine--an internationally acclaimed mixed-use project designed by Michael Graves--in the La Jolla/UTC area. An active member of the Downtown Partnership and NAIOP, she’s thankful for the terrific mentors and extensive experiences that have contributed to her “killer broker instinct.” Her advice: “Be open to mentors around you and make yourself available to mentor others.” She encourages young women to diversify and strengthen their expertise by taking on responsibilities outside of their specialty. A mother and wife, Bess is up for anything from fly fishing to hot air balloon riding and enjoys rooting for the Chargers between rounds of golf.
MISTY MOORE, VP, JLL
JLL VP Misty Moore has been tapped to oversee all of UCSD's off-campus leased real estate throughout San Diego. In addition, she co-chairs JLL's San Diego law firm practice group, and has helped some big names throughout her career, including DLA Piper, Morrison & Foerster, Troutman Sanders and Alliant Insurance. Misty broke into the business straight out of UCSD with a small firm called Walsh Chacon, and after four years, the firm made her partner. A decade later, she was recruited by The Staubach Co, which, of course, was consumed into the JLL empire. Misty tells us none of her success would be possible without help and support from her family and brokerage team. “As a woman, your career is upended when you have a kid,” Misty says. She had to work “smarter” and trust and rely on a team who will have your back, she says.
MARJORIE BURCHETT, PARTNER, MCKENNA LONG & ALDRIDGE
McKenna Long & Aldridge real estate partner Marjorie Burchett has been through one national merger and is looking forward to her firm’s upcoming merger with international law firm Dentons. Recognizing that San Diegans are running out of land, she embraces the challenge of land-use optimization and thrives on mixed-use projects where she can “achieve order out of chaos” in smaller footprints. Some of her favorite past projects include America Plaza and Smart Corner (shaped by the complexities of urban transit and a variety of other uses) and Emerald Plaza (subdivided after the fact into three condominiums to permit ownership by two different investment vehicles). Her advice: Try out a variety of things and do what you enjoy. Find a niche, distinguish yourself and stand out. When she’s not working, she winds down by hitting the trails and enjoying the outdoors with her friends and family.
