Chatham welcomes capital market expert Sarah Johnson to the Global Real Estate team

Can you summarize your experience within the capital markets space? How do you add value to Chatham clients?

I have broad debt capital markets experience which will add value to the clients I work with. Most recently, I oversaw debt capital markets for EverWest, a Denver-based real estate investment manager and advisor. I was responsible for all new and existing debt transactions as well as financial reporting, loan covenants, and debt valuation for the portfolio. Prior to EverWest, I worked for regional and money center banks in a relationship lending capacity within commercial real estate. I structured and originated new debt financings and was responsible for delivering the entire bank platform, which included capital markets, investment banking, and treasury to clients.

My experience as both a debt capital markets professional and a commercial real estate lender provides a unique perspective to Chatham clients. I understand what CRE investors’ are focused on internally and externally as well as their organizational workflows, and the needs of senior leadership as they raise capital, manage liquidity, communicate to the market, and make fund and portfolio level decisions. I also have a firm understanding and appreciation of the lending side of CRE finance, including institutional lending, debt structures, loan documents, and reporting requirements.

How do you define strategic account management, and how do Chatham’s clients benefit?

I define strategic account management as being a “global quarterback” for our most valuable client relationships. When I think about this function at Chatham, I think of connecting the dots across client business lines and our platform to ensure we are proactively serving clients and providing consistent coverage and an invaluable partnership.

At Chatham, we follow a holistic approach. Part of my role is to flow client feedback on our technology and services to Chatham leadership, and create clear lines of communication with clients on our path forward to innovate and better serve their needs.

What was your impression of Chatham prior to joining the team, and what have you learned since joining?

As a former client, I felt that the Chatham team was the gold standard in hedging and derivatives — they help solve complicated problems facing some of the largest investment managers, as well as aspiring players within the commercial real estate space. I knew that Chatham provided more than just hedging solutions for their clients, and when I joined, I learned that our offering is so much more. This includes world class debt/asset valuation and debt management, all within an enterprise technology platform.

Where do you see opportunities for real estate investors as we approach the end of 2023 and enter 2024?

The slowdown in the market has given investors the time and opportunity to digest the record-breaking growth over the past few years and revisit best practices, refine risk management tools, and improve processes and procedures. Investors need to take advantage of this time and invest in technology and automation to continue to grow and expand as the market shifts.