Bonnie Boden
Executive Vice President – Midwest Asset Services Operations
Transwestern
Chicago
Bonnie Boden has been a prominent figure in commercial real estate for over 20 years, successfully leading numerous properties through redevelopments, dispositions, acquisitions, receivership and seamless management transitions.
Since joining Transwestern in 2019, Boden has become an integral part of the company, consistently exceeding her regular job duties every day. Boden has mentored numerous rising stars throughout her career and collaborates closely with each property team member to develop and execute meaningful goals aligned with the client’s strategy for each asset.
She has also enhanced the regional educational programs for Transwestern’s property teams by creating the TW Academy, which focuses on property tours, vendor partner learning sessions, and networking opportunities among junior property team members and engineers.
“The most enjoyable part of my career has been collaborating with and learning from so many amazing people in this industry,” Boden said. “This includes clients, my teams, service partners, mentors, peers, and so many on the other side of the table in deals.”
Boden facilitated several classes for the Midwest team, including Construction Drawings Review, Receivership 101, and Disaster Response. Boden also believes in recognizing the exemplary work Transwestern’s employees do every day. In 2024, she led the development of a quarterly award to honor Midwest building engineers for their hard work and dedication in various areas.
Much of Boden’s success can be traced to her willingness to continue learning. As Boden says, it’s important to listen to others in the industry, no matter how many years these peers have logged in the industry.
“Every team member in every position can and should share their ideas and solutions,” Boden said. “Some of the greatest and most creative solutions come from the places you least expect. As a manager, I am determined to give every teammate a safe environment to share. There are no bad ideas, and the solution is always more successful if we work together and all buy in.”
Another key? Boden is a firm believer in continuing her CRE education and networking.
“Never closing the door on an opportunity to learn, whether through reading, taking a course, attending a lecture, or taking part in any kind of training class keeps us open-minded and constantly adapting. Take every opportunity to meet with people in this industry; you never know who will become part of your story down the road,” Boden said.
In response to the current economic climate, Boden has distinguished herself through her work with distressed assets. Boden and her teams have had to significantly pivot to rethink these properties. When taking on a new assignment involving a distressed building, Boden provides extra attention and support to this historically neglected property type.
Boden’s teams identify and resolve financial and administrative issues, such as missed charges, incomplete leases, and outstanding violations. These efforts help maintain and even add value to the properties. Through this elevated service, Boden and her teams have become trusted partners to lenders. Today, her successful work with distressed Chicago properties has led to many new assignments across the country.
As one of the leaders of the Midwest Belonging Committee, Boden is also instrumental in many of Transwestern’s community and philanthropic efforts, such as Make-A-Wish fundraisers, Greater Chicago Food Depository volunteer days, high school student tours, and City College of Chicago internships.
