(SeaPRwire) –   NEW YORK, March 19, 2026 — The CRE Finance Council (CREFC) today disclosed that its President and Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Pendergast, has informed the organization’s Board of Governors of her intention to retire around August 3, 2026, concluding a decade of her leadership.

“Under Lisa’s exceptional leadership, CREFC has solidified its position as the commercial real estate finance industry’s primary platform for discussion, advocacy, and market intelligence,” stated Leland F. Bunch III, Managing Director at Bank of America and the Chair of CREFC’s Executive Committee and Board of Governors. “The Board has initiated a thoughtful and comprehensive search process to ensure a seamless transition for the new CEO, thereby continuing CREFC’s achievements.”

Ms. Pendergast navigated CREFC through a period marked by significant expansion and industry transformation. During her tenure, the organization’s membership grew by over 30 percent, firmly establishing it as the leading industry voice representing the entire spectrum of commercial and multifamily real estate finance participants.

Under Ms. Pendergast’s guidance, CREFC has enhanced its role as a trusted, nonpartisan resource for market participants, policymakers, and regulators. She championed initiatives aimed at improving market transparency, strengthening industry standards, and expanding the organization’s research, education, and member engagement platforms, while fostering collaboration among lenders, investors, issuers, servicers, and other stakeholders. With more than 30 years of experience in commercial real estate capital markets, Ms. Pendergast is widely recognized for her profound market expertise and leadership. Before her role at CREFC, she held senior positions at Jefferies, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Prudential Securities, and was consistently ranked as a top research analyst. She served as CREFC’s Chair from 2010–2011 and was a member of its Board of Governors for over nine years.

“Leading CREFC has been one of the most significant honors of my career,” Ms. Pendergast remarked. “I am incredibly proud of what we have collectively built; a robust, collaborative organization that serves as the voice of the commercial real estate finance industry both in the markets and in Washington, D.C. I remain fully dedicated to CREFC and to ensuring a smooth and orderly transition.”

About CREFC

The CRE Finance Council (CREFC) is the trade association for the commercial real estate finance industry, which exceeds $6 trillion, with a membership comprising approximately 400 companies and 19,000 individuals. Member firms include balance sheet and securitized lenders, loan and bond investors, private equity firms, servicers, rating agencies, and borrowers. For over 30 years, CREFC has promoted liquidity, transparency, and efficiency in the commercial real estate finance markets and acts as a legislative and regulatory advocate for the industry, playing a vital role in setting market standards and best practices and providing education for market participants. For more information, visit www.crefc.org

SOURCE CRE Finance Council