Megan Creecy-Herman
Senior Director, Leasing & Development, Liberty Property Trust
Years in CRE: 11
Years at company: 1.5
What was it about the industry that attracted you?
The excitement of building a career in an industry where I knew that no two days would be the same. Our industry is dynamic and constantly evolving with the broader economy as companies’ logistics and office needs change and become more sophisticated. It is really the dynamic nature of our industry that first attracted me to commercial real estate, and it has been the excitement of watching our industry evolve that has kept me in the industry for more than 10 years.
How has the industry changed since you started?
I entered the industry in 2003 and to say that things have changed since then would be an understatement. Our industry has evolved in many ways, not only due to the economic downturn we experienced from 2008 to 2011, but also due to changes in the way companies do business. Since the beginning of the last recession in late 2008 we have seen many themes including a flight to quality, tighter lending standards and a sharp decrease in the velocity of new development. With regards to how business has evolved, we continue to see the impact of e-commerce on our industry and how it continues to shrink the footprint of retail big box space. In addition, the needs of e-commerce users are driving the evolution of big box warehouses with a focus on energy efficiency, higher clear heights and more strategically located distribution centers in order to deliver product to the consumer faster. In the office sector, there has been a growing trend toward more open floor plates and increased energy efficiency. These needs are translating into increased productivity, lower build-out cost and higher parking ratios.
Of what professional achievement are you most proud?
I would have to say my Master of Business Administration (MBA), which I received from the University of Arizona. I pursued my MBA through a 20-month accelerated program while working full-time and serving in leadership roles in NAIOP Arizona, NAIOP National and the Junior League of Phoenix. The experience was invaluable.
