Dianne Jones, Board Member, CREW Charlotte

In an interview with Invest:, Dianne Jones, board member of CREW Charlotte, discussed how the organization is strengthening its member network, supporting the next generation of talent, and staying purposeful in programming as the Charlotte region continues to grow. “CREW Charlotte creates a space where people can connect, and especially connect with people who are facing the same challenges,” Jones said.

How would you describe the past year for CREW Charlotte, and in what ways does that reflect the broader state of commercial real estate?

CREW Charlotte had a strong year. We saw growth in membership and sponsorship, and we raised meaningful funds for scholarships that support students at local universities exploring careers in commercial real estate.

If there has been one consistent challenge, it is participation in our luncheons. That is not a reflection of weak engagement, because we still see strong turnout. It is more a reflection of how busy commercial real estate professionals are. Time is the most limited resource right now, and we are aware that we have to compete for it.

We have responded by being intentional about how, when, and why we bring people together. People are back to full schedules, and the industry is moving quickly.

What recent successes or milestones are you most proud of, and how are those wins shaping CREW Charlotte’s impact in the region?

Scholarships are a major point of pride for us. We support students across multiple institutions, including UNC Charlotte, Winthrop, Queens University, and Johnson C. Smith. Those programs matter because commercial real estate is broader than many students realize. It is not only brokerage or property management. It includes design, engineering, construction, law, lending, title, facility management, development, and many other paths.

We also work hard to deliver quality speakers and programming. When we bring in leaders who are shaping the region, it creates value for our members and keeps them informed. That combination of education, access, and relevance continues to strengthen our impact.

What trends are you seeing across the market, and which sectors seem to have the most momentum?

We are continuing to attract younger professionals who are new to commercial real estate. CREW Charlotte functions like a melting pot for the industry. Our membership spans all sectors, which allows people to build relationships across disciplines instead of staying in silos.

Locally, property and facility management and law tend to be two of our strongest membership segments. Those professionals are deeply connected to what is happening in the market, especially as projects become more complex and as owners, tenants, and communities weigh competing priorities.

We also reached record membership recently and achieved our strongest year for sponsorship dollars. That support allows us to invest directly in scholarships, programming, and community impact.

How does CREW Charlotte approach giving back, and what role does philanthropy play in your work?

Philanthropy is central to what we do. Locally, we support students through scholarships and endowments, and we also support other nonprofits that focus on women and opportunity. Sometimes that support is financial, and sometimes it is time, visibility, and volunteer engagement.

We are also committed to the broader mission of CREW Network. Our chapter recently committed significant funding to the CREW Network Foundation, which supports women in commercial real estate through scholarships and industry research, including benchmark studies and work on issues such as the gender pay gap.

For us, giving back is not a side effort. It is one of the ways we strengthen the profession and ensure the pipeline is diverse and sustainable.

With the region growing and the industry staying busy, talent and retention remain top of mind. How is CREW Charlotte supporting the talent pipeline?

We are intentional about creating programming for different career stages. We have an emerging leaders group for professionals 35 and under, along with targeted events designed to help them build relationships and confidence in the industry.

We also create opportunities for more seasoned professionals to engage in smaller, focused settings where they can share real insight and perspective. Those conversations often deliver the most value.

We do not struggle to attract young members. CREW Charlotte is a good space for them. It is a place to learn, to connect, and to meet mentors who have navigated similar challenges.

CREW Charlotte creates a space where people can connect, and especially connect with people who are facing the same challenges.

We provide education, but just as importantly, we provide a network where people can share what is working, what is not, and how they are adapting.

What does purposeful programming look like in practice, and how are you thinking about engagement going forward?

We are realistic about time constraints. When we put something on the calendar, it needs to matter. That means offering a mix of event types, sizes, and times of day so members can engage in ways that fit their schedules.

We also focus on creating opportunities for one-on-one connections. That is often where the strongest professional relationships form.

We have grown beyond purely transactional networking. Initiatives like our book club have created space for deeper conversations that blend professional and personal growth. That trust translates directly into stronger professional relationships.

How does CREW Charlotte approach membership quality and balance?

We are intentional about membership. You must be in the commercial real estate profession to be part of the organization. If someone transitions out of the industry, they typically complete their membership cycle and then move on.

We also manage the balance between core industry professionals and affiliate members. Affiliates bring valuable expertise, but we cap their percentage to ensure the organization remains focused on the profession rather than sales activity.

That balance protects the integrity of the network and strengthens the member experience.

Stepping back to the region, what makes Charlotte and the Carolinas so attractive right now?

Connectivity plays a major role, particularly access to the airport. The ability to reach so many markets directly is a significant advantage for corporate decision-makers and site selectors.

Industry diversity is another key factor. Charlotte’s strength in banking and finance provides access to capital and decision-makers, which supports development and investment across sectors. Manufacturing and industrial activity have also gained momentum, supported by workforce development and educational investment.

Charlotte is also an accessible business community. Leaders here are reachable, and that matters when companies are deciding where to invest long-term.

Looking ahead, where do you see the next phase of commercial real estate opportunity?

In the city core, demand for class-A space remains strong, driven by companies prioritizing quality environments and amenities that support talent retention.

Regionally, growth will continue along key corridors and into surrounding communities, shaping housing, industrial development, and infrastructure investment.

What are CREW Charlotte’s top priorities over the next few years?

Our focus is not growth for growth’s sake. We want to retain strong, engaged members and deliver purposeful programming that provides real value.

Sometimes that means industry-focused discussions. Sometimes it means topics that support people as leaders and as humans. We want to respect our members’ time and make every interaction worthwhile.

The market will continue to evolve, but CREW Charlotte is ensuring that our members are connected and prepared for any changes that are to come.