Jacqueline (Jackie) Barlow
President, US Commercial Real Estate Banking
CIBC Bank USA
Chicago
During her career of more than 35 years, Jacqueline (Jackie) Barlow has become one of the most trusted and respected names in the commercial financing industry.
Today, she ranks as one of the key leaders of commercial financing giant CIBC, serving as the president of US Commercial Real Estate Banking out of the firm’s Chicago office. She is also a member of the U.S. Region Executive Committee and the CIBC Global Leadership Team.
Barlow is one of the fortunate few: She not only excels in her career, she is also passionate about it.
“I decided on a career in commercial real estate finance because of the satisfaction it brings to see the impact on our communities of the properties I help bring to life,” Barlow said. “As I progressed in my career, I discovered the joy of providing opportunities for team members to reach their full potential and achieve their personal ambitions.”
Barlow says that CIBC’s focus on building relationships has also proven to be a boon to her career. She says that the strong team relationships at CIBC help her and her team members find ways to meet the needs of their clients.
Despite her love for her work, Barlow has faced challenges during her career. In fact, she’s faced several since stepping into the role of president of U.S. commercial real estate. This includes the uncertain economic landscape as the Federal Reserve Board raised its benchmark interest rate at an unprecedented pace.
Then there was the COVID pandemic’s role in accelerating a slowly emerging shift in the way people work, leading to substantial changes in the demand for office space and the value of office buildings across the United States.
“To guide my team through these turbulent times, I relied on the strategies that proved most successful to me during prior difficult times in my career,” Barlow said. “I encouraged my team members to maintain close relationships with our clients, having open dialogue about our concerns, allowing us to work together and address emerging issues. By staying adaptable and proactive, we were able to overcome these challenges and continue providing the best possible service to our clients.”
Barlow joined CIBC in 2014 as senior credit officer for the commercial real estate and healthcare banking teams. Before taking on her current position, she served as head of Regional Commercial Real Estate Banking, overseeing teams in eight U.S. markets. She also serves as a member of CIBC’s US Region Inclusion and Diversity Action Committee and the CRA Investment Committee.
Why has Barlow been so successful for so long? She points to her ability to solicit and listen to the advice of people with varying perspectives and her willingness to adapt to change and guide others through it.
“One of my mantras is that no one should ever need to question my intelligence or integrity,” Barlow said. “Focusing on these two characteristics enables me to build the trust needed to accomplish everything else.”
When not working, Barlow focuses on her family and giving back to her community. She also devotes time and resources to building diversity within her community. She has served on several nonprofit boards, often taking on the role of treasurer, utilizing her financial skills to make a difference.
Some of the organizations on which Barlow has served include the Oak Park Regional Housing Center, Hephzibah Children’s Association, Oak Park Economic Development Corporation and the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Barlow also enjoys travel, cycling and cooking.
