Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network announced thatChief Executive Officer and CREW Network Foundation President, Gail Ayers, will retire at the end of 2016 after 11 years of service to CREW Network and more than 25 years as an organizational leader.
A statement released today by the organization stated that it plans to hire an executive search firm in the next few months to search for a successor, however; Ayers will still hold her position until year-end when a new CEO is expected to be hired.
Ayers leaves behind an impressive track record of accomplishments and recognitions during her tenure such as CREW Network becoming a member of the Real Estate Roundtable, and establishing an executive-level mentoring program designed to help high-potential women reach the C-Suite. In addition, she led the development of CREW Network’s thought-leadership white paper initiative, which addresses issues directly impacting the advancement of women in the industry.
In 2016, Ayers launched theCREW Network Certificate in Leadership program, a year-long specialized leadership development, industry training and self-directed mentorship for women in commercial real estate, and an International Agenda sponsored by Cushman & Wakefield to expand the CREW Network mission and business network globally.
As president of the organization’s philanthropic arm, CREW Network Foundation, Ayers developed a Scholarship Endowment, which has benefited more than 90 women to date. She was also inaugurated into the CREW Network Foundation Women of Vision program, which recognizes donors who have reached $10,000 in giving to the foundation.
Prior to leading the organization, Ayers was CEO of Houston READ and president of Ayers Counseling Services, where she led multi-million-dollar development campaigns.
CREW Network stated that in retirement, Ayers plans to spend more time with her grandchildren and travel the world with her husband.
