CRG, the real estate development and investment arm of Chicago-based Clayco, has hired Ciere Boatright as vice president of real estate and community development. Boatright will help oversee planning and development of CRG’s high-impact real estate projects, including securing land entitlements and public and private financing, negotiating terms of agreements with government, working closely and engaging with community organizations, developing feasibility studies, and contributing to the full scope of CRG’s real estate development efforts.
“Ciere has an impressive track record delivering winning real estate projects to underserved communities and she shares CRG and Clayco’s core values,” said Shawn Clark, president of CRG. “Her extensive experience negotiating and structuring complex developments, along with her proven ability to forge positive relationships with community stakeholders, will be a tremendous asset to CRG as we continue to grow our portfolio. We are honored to have Ciere on our team.”
Boatright will work closely with the Chicago Business Unit of CRG’s parent company Clayco to advance real estate and construction opportunities and oversee the successful execution of its high-profile pursuits. Boatright will also collaborate with Clayco and CRG leadership teams to develop and launch a program to mentor and support aspiring commercial developers of color, as well as help establish a national CRG Cares philanthropic program in the numerous markets where CRG is active.
“With her expertise in community and economic development and award-winning efforts in helping partners and organizations establish a diverse workforce on transformative projects, Ciere brings a skillset and vision that will enhance Clayco’s overall seamless approach to real estate development, construction, design and planning and further our commitment to strengthening the communities where we work,” said David Reifman, CRG partner and president of the Chicago Business Unit for Clayco.
Boatright joins CRG from Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, Inc. where she was vice president of real estate and inclusion and managed significant projects over her 8 years with the organization, including the 180-acre Pullman Park development that generated over $400 million of new investment and nearly 1,800 jobs.
“I’m excited to join the dynamic teams at CRG and Clayco, especially at a point when the firm is growing its investments in Chicago and nationally, while raising the bar for how developers engage with community and civic stakeholders,” said Boatright. “I’ve long been impressed with the accomplishments and values of the Clayco enterprise and I look forward to bringing my passion and experience to continue the great work already in progress.”
Boatright holds a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Illinois, Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Hamilton College in New York. She serves on the executive board of ULI’s Women’s Leadership Initiative and is a board member of Chicago Community Land Trust, Metropolitan Planning Council, and Landmarks Illinois. Boatright also serves as a commissioner for the Roseland Medical District and a Link Unlimited volunteer and sponsor.
Boatright was recognized as one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ 40 Under 40 for 2020 and she was named one of its Notable Women in Commercial Real Estate in 2019. She was also honored in 2020 as a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow.
