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Executive Vice President, CBRE Chicago



In her role as Executive Vice President at CBRE – the world’s largest commercial real estate company - Lisa Konieczka is a trusted strategic advisor who helps corporate, professional services, and financial industry clients navigate complex real estate decisions. Over her 35+ year career, she has left her imprint on the skyline of Chicago, advising her clients in anchor tenant transactions that were the impetus for several new office buildings around the city. Warm, strategic, and deeply mission-driven, Lisa brings passion and purpose to every aspect of her work—helping organizations thrive while championing the advancement of women and inclusive leadership across the industry. Known for her calm leadership and collaborative style, Lisa partners closely with executive teams to translate their visions into thoughtful occupancy solutions—always grounded in sound strategy and a deep understanding of P&L impact.


Lisa’s long-standing client relationships are a testament to her passion for exceptional outcomes and commitment to excellence. Throughout her career, Lisa has led deals covering over 38 million square feet with transactions totaling over $4.1 billion. Her contributions have earned numerous industry and CBRE honors, including the McCarthy Award—CBRE’s highest recognition, celebrating integrity, loyalty, knowledge, and leadership by example.


Beyond the day-to-day, Lisa is deeply committed to advancing opportunities for women in commercial real estate. In 2000, she founded the CBRE Women’s Network with a mission of Advancing the Success of Women. Under her leadership, as Chair for 23 years, the Network grew to 8,500 members in the Americas (10,000 globally).


Reporting directly to the CEO in this role, Lisa helped shift CBRE’s culture and leadership focus by championing pathways for women into senior roles. The Women’s Network continues to be a cornerstone of belonging at CBRE, grounded in its four pillars: Growth, Connection, Mentorship, and Advocacy. Members consistently experience stronger career support and a 30% higher average tenure—reflecting the enduring impact of the community Lisa built.


Lisa also serves on the board of the Mara Elephant Project USA, a nonprofit organization focused on conservation activities that allow for peaceful human-wildlife coexistence. She earned an MBA from Loyola University Chicago and a BA from Marquette University. She is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago and has served on several other not-for-profit Boards.

 

Kate Davis

Managing Director,
Senior Portfolio Manager

Harrison Street Real Estate Capital LLC


Marissa Rose

Associate Director,

Occupier Services

Avison Young

 

Kim Adams

Managing Director

Clarion Partners

2025 Goldie Gala Shero


Jess Brown

Principal

Sterling Bay


Sarah Cannella

Managing Director

Head of Strategy & Development

NAI Hiffman | Hiffman National


Karen Case

Vice Chair

CIBC

2019 Goldie Gala Shero


Shawn Clark

Chief Executive Officer, CRG

Chief Strategy Officer, Clayco


Jen Clune

Managing Director

National Business Development

Clune Construction


Kevin Collins

Executive Managing Director- Chicago

CBRE

Jamey Dix

Vice President

Telos Group


Ryan Hesch

President &

Chief Executive Officer

ML Realty Partners


Blake Johnson

Executive Managing Director

Transwestern


Nathaniel Marrs

Partner

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP


Ellen May

Managing Director

Tishman Speyer


David and Suzu Neithercut


Vicki Noonan

Executive Regional Director, Midwest

Cushman & Wakefield


Julie O'Shea

Principal & Sr. Director

of Client Services

IA


Penny Pritzker

Chairman

PSP Partners


Sheli Rosenberg

Principal, Roselin Investments

2018 Goldie Gala Shero


William R. Rolander, Jr.

Vice Chairman

Newmark


John Schreiber


David Schwartz

Chief Executive Officer & Chairman

Waterton


Adam Sichol

Chief Executive Officer

Longfellow Real Estate Partners


Tony Smaniatto

Director, Business Development

Pepper Construction




Goldie Wolfe Miller

Founder

President

Millbrook Corporate Real

Estate Services


Julie Thick

President

Managing Director &

Central Region Market Manager

JPMorgan Chase & Co


Steve Madden

VP and Secretary

Chief Executive Officer

Libertyville Bank & Trust Company, N.A.

North Region Market Head

Wintrust Financial Corporation


Scott Hirsch

Treasurer

Chief Financial Officer

The Benida Group LLC


Katie Kazas

Managing Director – Capital Markets

Longfellow Real Estate Partners, LLC


Julie Blaikie

Vice President, Human Resources Business Partner

Equity Residential


Eric Fuglsang

Attorney | Partner

Quarles & Brady LLP


Carrie Szarzynski

Executive Managing Director

Hiffman National


Kirsten Ekdahl Hull

Senior Vice President,

Development & Construction

Perform Properties


Carole Jurkash

Member

Boodell & Domanskis, LLC


Suzanne Knoll

Independent Non-Profit Advisor


Cindy Malone

Senior Vice President | Director of Sales

Chicago Title Insurance Company, NCS Chicago


Scott McKibben

Chief Executive Officer

Matterhorn Venture Partners


Robert D. Naso

Managing Partner & Head of

Asset Management 

BGO


Marissa Rose

Associate Director, Occupier Services

Avison Young


Shreya Singh

Senior Development Associate

Related Companies


Jen Sweeney

President

Millbrook Real Estate Company


Stephen Wright

President | Principal

Wright Heerema Architects



Megan Roth Abraham

Chief Executive Officer

The Goldie Initiative


 

Sponsors to date | Sponsorship opportunities are available through September 5, 2026


To learn more, attend, or sponsor, visit goldieinitiative.org/gala.

For a full list of sponsors, please visit the Goldie Gala Chicago 2026 website.

 
 

To learn more, attend, or sponsor, visit goldieinitiative.org/gala.


Sponsorships are available through September 5, 2026.

For more information, view our sponsorship packet online or contact us at:

sponsor@goldieinitiative.org | 847-883-9952


Individual, as well as Student Pricing tickets are available for purchase online.

 

What We Do

The Goldie Initiative prepares women to advance as leaders in commercial real estate by providing financial and professional support.

Who We Support

We support women with high potential who are committed to becoming leaders in the commercial real estate industry.

How We Support

  • Scholarship for Graduate Study
  • Executive Mentorship
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Leadership and Career Development
 

231 S. Lasalle, Suite 2100 | Chicago, IL 60604

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