Hurd/CCIM Look to Grow Network of Professionals, Expand Benefits

BOSTON–The 2019 CCIM New England president, Karen Hurd, is spreading the word about the CCIM designation and has set goals of growing its membership and increasing benefits to existing members as her main objectives during her tenure.

Hurd said her CCIM ( Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation, and being an active member in the organization has helped her develop both her business and her career. She said it even played a part in her getting her new position, Managing Director, National Business Development Real Estate and Construction Services at BakerTilly.

“As a CCIM, you’re recognized as a leader in commercial real estate,” Hurd said. “It gives you information and tools to help you serve your clients better. It’s a rich member roster locally, regionally and globally, so it also gives you access to people you can work with and network with.” CCIM is a global institute with 13,000 members who transact $200 billion annually. “If you want to advance your career, you want a CCIM designation,” she advocates.

CCIM New England recently announced registration is open for the organization’s upcoming June CCIM C1 102 Market Analysis for Commercial Investment Real Estate. The organization’s Summer Social will be held in July at the Hotel InterContinental Boston.

Hurd said the organization surveyed the membership last year and identified a need for more educational and networking events. In response, they’ve added 3 new advisory board members from different disciplines, including new membership and program subcommittee members. They’re also planning more events.

“I believe in the value of relationships and connections,” she said. “When you surround yourself with forward-thinking, positive, educated, motivated professionals it gives you the platform to be the best you can be.”

Hurd said earning the CCIM designation gained her access to fellow CCIMs to learn from and network with. “It generates new business and networking opportunities for all,” she said. “It connects you to referrals and thought leaders. It helps me be a resource to others.”

She said she sees her leadership role as an opportunity to give back after having received so much from the organization. “I want to promote rising leaders,” she said. “Being in a leadership role has allowed me to offer increased scholarship opportunities and educational opportunities. I get excited for board meetings because we’re talking about what’s next, what’s on the horizon.”

Karen Hurd