#United States #New York City #CREFC #Lea Overby #Toby Cobb

CREFC Celebrates Industry Excellence

The CRE Finance Council (CREFC) recently held its Annual Conference in New York City, where it honored outstanding professionals in the commercial real estate finance sector. This year, the prestigious Woman of Distinction Award was presented to Lea Overby, while the Founders Award was awarded to Toby Cobb.

Lea Overby: Woman of Distinction

Lea Overby, a Managing Director at Barclays, was recognized for her remarkable leadership and dedication to fostering inclusivity within the commercial real estate (CRE) finance industry. With a career spanning over 25 years, she has been a pivotal figure in various segments of commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS). Before joining Barclays in 2021, she served as the head of CMBS research at Wells Fargo Securities and has held influential positions at other major firms, including Morningstar Credit Ratings and Nomura Securities International.

Being a CREFC member since 2010, Overby has made significant contributions to the organization and the broader CRE finance landscape. She is actively involved in the CREFC Women's Network Advisory Board, helping to create a supportive community for women in the industry. "It is a tremendous honor to receive this award and to join the ranks of talented women recognized by CREFC over the years," Overby commented. She stressed the importance of supporting engaging discussions about the CMBS market at various CREFC events, reflecting her commitment to the industry’s advancement.

Lisa Pendergast, President and CEO of CREFC, praised Overby’s dedication and expertise, stating, "Lea has demonstrated a deep commitment to CREFC's membership and the greater CRE finance industry. Her analysis and research provide crucial clarity in an ever-evolving market."

Toby Cobb: Founders Award Recipient

Toby Cobb, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of 3650 Capital, was honored with the Founders Award for his exceptional leadership and contributions over three decades in the CRE finance industry. Since joining CREFC in 1997, he has played a vital role in various capacities, notably in loan origination and capital markets, significantly impacting the industry's growth and stability.

His impressive track record includes key roles at Deutsche Bank Securities, where he oversaw substantial loan originations, and notable involvement in LNR Property LLC's restructuring. Cobb expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, "I am honored to receive this acknowledgment from my peers in the CRE finance industry and CREFC, which has been a cornerstone of the market for over three decades."

Pendergast also spoke highly of Cobb, indicating his innovation and leadership in CRE finance have helped navigate the industry through challenging moments. "Toby has been involved in driving innovation in CRE finance for three decades, and his insights have been indispensable for the market," she emphasized.

CREFC and Its Impact

CREFC serves as the trade association for the nearly $6 trillion commercial real estate finance industry, boasting a membership of approximately 400 companies and 19,000 individuals. The organization has been instrumental in promoting liquidity, transparency, and efficiency within the CRE finance markets for more than 30 years. Through its advocacy and educational initiatives, CREFC continues to set market standards, enhancing best practices across the industry.

As the awards showcased this year's exceptional talents, the conference reiterated CREFC's commitment to recognizing and supporting leaders within the commercial real estate finance arena. The dedication of individuals like Overby and Cobb not only highlights personal achievements but also reflects the collaborative spirit that drives the industry forward.

For those interested in the ongoing developments in commercial real estate finance, keeping an eye on CREFC and its initiatives is essential, as it continues to be a vital player in shaping the future of the industry.