Each year, PTK magazine — a publication of AZ Big Media — showcases the top people and projects to know in Arizona’s commercial real estate sector. Pulling from a competitive pool of nominations and the editorial board’s knowledge of the industry, this annual edition highlights 50 meaningful projects across all product types and influential professionals in 23 different categories. The digital sponsor of PTK magazine is Quarles. Over the coming days, meet the individuals making an outsized impact on the built environment. Here are the Arizona lenders to know in 2026:
DEEPER DIVE: Read the latest issue of PTK magazine
Christina Heide
Vice president, commercial loan officer
Background: With 20 years of experience as a loan officer in commercial real estate financing, Heide brings extensive industry knowledge and a hands-on approach providing optimal finance options to business owners, property investors and developers.
Source of pride: “Receiving the 2023 Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce Business Volunteer Award was especially meaningful to me. It represents something deeply personal, the opportunity to give back and support the communities that have supported all of us. That kind of recognition touches my heart and I’m truly honored. I come from a family of volunteers, and I’m incredibly grateful to be part of that tradition.”
Favorite project: “Working with a nonprofit group in Mesa that provides 24-hour specialized medical care to substance exposed newborns. They ensure the babies are given loving and competent care through drug withdrawals. Seeing them in action is so heart-warming and reassuring that there are many angels among us here on earth and nothing short of heroic. Their dedication brings hope and healing to the most vulnerable, and their work truly changes lives. In many ways it changed mine too.”
Surprising fact: “I continued my collegiate studies in Performance Arts in New York City at the American Art Theatre and HB Studios. I am still an active member in the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federations of Television and Radio Artists.”
Ericka LeMaster
Head of institutional commercial real estate finance
Background: Under LeMaster’s leadership, her mid-market and institutional commercial real estate finance team is focused on acquisition, vertical construction, term and bridge financing for core-plus and value-add real estate. With over 20 years of commercial real estate experience, LeMaster is recognized among the Urban Land Institute’s 40 Under 40 and was honored as a Woman to Watch by Az Business magazine.
Source of pride: “The relationship-centered culture of our team and company that empowers our people to be creative in assisting the clients and communities we serve. As a born-and-raised Arizonan, I am proud to be a part of a company that cares deeply about the sense of community and the important role we play in shaping the places where we live and work. When communities thrive, so do the institutions that serve them.”
Key to success: “Our success is driven by embracing modern innovation to provide tailored credit solutions for our clients, while maintaining exceptional customer service. At every level of our organization, we deliver superior value through these strong relationships.”
John Damiris
President, Arizona region
Background: Since relocating to the state in 2005, Damiris has spent nearly two decades building UMB’s Arizona presence from the ground up. During the last 15 years, Damiris and UMB have seen average loan balances in Arizona increase from $57 million to $2.1 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 27.2%, while average deposits in the region rose from $15.5 million to $1.5 billion.
Melissa Carrasco
Vice president — commercial real estate banker
Background: An Arizona native with nearly three decades of experience, Carrasco is hands-on in evaluating deals across all property types, including retail, hospitality, industrial, office and multifamily. Carrasco combines market knowledge and innovative structuring to design solutions that create certainty and long-term value for her clients.
Source of pride: “Being recognized as one of Arizona’s Most Influential Women in commercial real estate. I’ve always believed banking is a people-first business, and this honor validated that approach. What excites me most is the chance to use that platform to mentor and inspire others, ensuring that our industry continues to thrive for generations to come.”
Key to success: “My favorite part of this career is building genuine relationships with clients, understanding what matters most to them and celebrating their successes as if they were my own. Pairing relationships with a passion for continuous learning and a drive to expand my knowledge has allowed me to grow, adapt, and serve clients with both expertise and heart.”
Surprise fact: “I started my career in banking at 15 years old as a teller. At the time, I thought it was just a part-time job, but it turns out it was the opening chapter of a career I’d come to love. I still smile when I think about that teenager counting rolls of quarters — never imagining one day I’d be structuring multimillion-dollar deals across Arizona.”
Natalie Bowers
Vice president, business banking market manager
Background: A 25-year veteran of the banking industry, Bowers acts as a steward of strategic partnerships for entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profits. Her expertise includes cash flow management, accounts receivable and payable, lending and more.
Source of pride: “April 2025 marked my 25th year of banking in the Arizona market after moving here from California back in 1999.”
Favorite project: “The Arizona Dream Team headquarters near Metrocenter. The building is a repurposed bank that is now home to this growing, woman-owned business helping those with developmental disabilities.”
Surprising fact: “My son is a professional fighter and competes in national and international matches.”
