
MARKET OPPORTUNITIES TRACK: Navigating Diverse Deal Structures to Adapt to Market Needs
In a shifting commercial real estate (CRE) landscape, lenders and servicers must adapt to a wide array of deal structures and evolving market needs. Learn how various types of lenders, from traditional banks to alternative financing sources, are adjusting their strategies to meet borrower demands and manage risk. Additionally, hear how servicers are pivoting to support complex deals, including increased surveillance, handling transfers and assumptions, and navigating carve-outs. Speakers share the latest trends, challenges, and best practices for successfully managing loans from origination through servicing in today’s dynamic market environment.
Speakers
Moderator

Stefanie Stewart is head of the West Coast Region of real estate finance at Voya Investment Management. Stefanie has been with Voya for 17 years and currently leads a team responsible for producing approximately $2B of commercial mortgages annually across multiple states. Prior to leading a team, she was a top producer among various territories in the region originating all products across Voya’s lending platform including construction/perm, bridge/value-add, CMBS and fixed rate core debt. Stefanie received a BS in Finance and Real Estate from Florida State University.
Speakers

Jeff Davis, senior vice president – director of Portfolio and Asset Management, is responsible for overseeing the asset management functions for all capital sources including life insurance companies, CMBS, agency, bridge, transitional, and construction lenders. Jeff joined Northmarq in 2010 as a loan portfolio analyst and has held various positions within the asset management department. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in business economics from South Dakota State University and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management.

Melissa Farrell is a managing director and head of U.S. Debt Originations with PGIM Real Estate. Based in New York, Melissa leads the originations team and is responsible for overseeing the origination platform of commercial mortgage loans across all major capital sources and property types throughout the United States. She is currently on the U.S. Debt Executive Council. Previously, Melissa managed the originations for the Eastern and Midwestern regions and served as the primary pricing authority in those territories. Melissa has more than 25 years of commercial real estate experience. Since rejoining the company in 1997, Melissa has held a series of management roles. She previously oversaw originations in the Midwest Region and managed the company's Chicago office for 12 years. Earlier, she had worked on the equity side as an analyst in several different areas, including acquisition and dispositions, and the capital markets group with Prudential Realty Group. Prior to rejoining the company, Melissa served a short tenure as an associate in the derivatives marketing group at Scotia Bank in New York. She began her career as a valuations analyst for a hotel valuation and consulting firm. Melissa received her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and earned her master of business administration from New York University Stern School of Business. Melissa holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Mr. Harrison is the Chief Operating Officer at Midland Loan Services, a PNC Real Estate business, where he leads strategy and operations to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. David brings an innovative approach to process improvement and technology integration. He serves on the firm’s executive management team and is a member of the senior leadership group. His background in commercial real estate includes capital markets, workouts, business development and client relations. Before joining PNC, he held positions at Fitch Ratings, Key Bank, and the Archon Group. He is an active member of the MBA and CREFC and holds committee leadership positions in both organizations. He received a BS in Political Science and a Minor in Economics from the University of Houston in 1997.

Based in West Des Moines, IA, Derek is currently a Senior Vice President of Business Development at Grandbridge Real Estate Capital where he focuses on capital markets, third party servicing, new business opportunities, and client relations. Prior to joining Grandbridge in 2020, he worked at Cohen Financial where he held multiple operational and managerial roles within the third party servicing and asset management teams. Derek attended college at the University of Northern Iowa where he majored in both Finance and Real Estate.