Elaine Wall, U.S Data Team Lead with Avison Young in Boston, Massachusetts, has been selected by CRE Insight Journal as one of the 10 to Watch in commercial real estate. The CRE Insight Journal 10 to Watch program recognizes the commercial real estate industry’s top early career professionals and showcases how emerging professionals are shaping the real estate industry through a variety of career pathways.

Data-Driven Excellence

At Avison Young, Wall is responsible for leading a team of seven analysts across the U.S. using Scrum and Agile methodologies. Through her work, she has developed data-oriented semi and fully automated systems to evaluate and validate internal and external data on leases, sales, properties, and companies, increasing capture rate of external sales by approximately 19-percent.

In 2023, she led the establishment of Avison Young’s Offshore Data Team based in Manila, Republic of the Philippines. This expansion resulted in a year-over-year increase of 10 percent in the square footage of external deals added to the Avison Young database. She also executed the creation of and currently manages the generation of market and submarket reports through Avison Young’s AVANT market intelligence platform, capturing 98-percent of all office properties over 20,000 square feet across more than 50 tracked U.S. markets, and led the improvement of data quality used by her department.

“I initiated department-wide goals aimed at enhancing data quality and data governance,” Wall said. “I also worked closely with key stakeholders within the team and external stakeholders to raise critical field completeness for property records from 68-percent to over 93-percent within a single quarter. This achievement significantly improved data reliability and usability.”

Mentorship and Impact

Wall’s work also affords her numerous mentorship opportunities for her team across the country, and she has found immense value in this experience.

“My current role has given me the opportunity to manage several young analysts and foster their growth in the commercial real estate industry,” Wall said. “I have the privilege of guiding and shaping the careers of these talented individuals, helping them navigate the complexities of the real estate landscape. It’s a chance to share knowledge, provide mentorship, and instill the essential skills and insights required to thrive in this dynamic field.”

“Watching these young analysts develop into skilled professionals and witnessing their contributions to our team and the industry at large is not only professionally satisfying but also a testament to the positive impact effective leadership can have on the future of the commercial real estate sector.”

Wall has also made significant contributions through community service. She serves as District Director for Delta Sigma Pi – Lamda Tau Chapter at Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts. Delta Sigma Pi is the nation’s largest and first co-ed professional business fraternity that encourages personal and professional development of individuals pursuing careers in business through professional, service, scholastic, and social events.

“I have had the privilege of making a positive difference in the lives of young business professional college students and contributing to the growth of our organization,” Wall said.

In her work with Delta Sigma Pi, she has contributed to building a culture of inclusivity and mentorship in her chapter through programs and events celebrating the chapter’s diverse membership. She has also led her chapter in engaging in open dialogue to discuss member’s different perspectives and experiences.

“I firmly believe that diversity of thought and background enhances the learning experience and prepares our members for the complex, global business world,” Wall said.

In addition, she serves as Vice President of Professional Activities for the Pi Rho chapter of Delta Sigma Pi, and previously served on the Natural Disaster Relief Committee with Eaton Vance.

A Career of Growth

Before serving as the U.S. Data Team Lead, Wall served as the Northeast Data Team Lead and Senior Data Analyst for Avison Young. As Northeast Data Team Lead, she led a team of eight analysts and interns and additional contractors while managing and generating quarterly and annual reports, developing new strategies to enhance data collection and integrity, and cleaning and maintaining Northeast real estate data for Avison Young.

Prior to Avison Young, Wall served as a Real Estate Portfolio Analyst with John Hancock/Manulife, where she developed and executed portfolio strategies for a $2 billion-dollar Singaporean REIT with a portfolio of nine Class A and Trophy office buildings throughout the United States.

Wall graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Massachusetts, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business with a concentration in commercial real estate. She has studied at The London School of Economics and Political Science, in London, England, with an international business concentration. And she has earned a Master’s Degree in Real Estate, with a concentration in real estate development, from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

Wall also received the Scrum Master certification from Scrum Alliance in May 2022.

During her CRE career, Wall has gained a global perspective of the real estate industry, and she is focused on continuing to make a significant impact on the industry.

“The real estate industry has the potential to make a profound and positive impact on the lives of people, communities, and the environment,” Wall said. “One significant way in which the real estate industry can make a positive impact is through the development of green buildings. These structures are designed with a focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and the well-being of their occupants. Green buildings have the potential to improve the health of individuals and the environment simultaneously.”

“Real estate can be a catalyst for positive change, fostering healthier and more sustainable lifestyles. As environmental concerns become increasingly pressing, the industry has a crucial role to play in creating a greener and more sustainable future.”

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Read about all of the 10 to Watch class of 2023 award recipients and the positive impact they are making through their company, community service, real estate associations, and more. Interested in learning more about next year’s 10 to Watch program or applying for recognition? Complete this short form.

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