Managing Director - Chicago
Avison Young
Damla Gerhart joined Avison Young as Principal and Managing Director of Avison Young’s Chicago office in 2022. She brings more than 15 years of experience in commercial real estate, with a specialization in transaction team formation, talent recruitment and occupier solution strategy development. Prior to joining Avison Young, she served as Senior Managing Director with CBRE where she led the Occupier teams for the downtown and suburban offices. Prior to that, she was the Americas Lead for CBRE’s Workplace Strategy, Design & Engineering advisory business where she focused on business development, team expansion, revenue growth and thought leadership. Damla worked closely with global clients to develop and implement innovative workplace and change management solutions that supported their overall business objectives while also improving the employee experience. Damla will focus on the strategic growth of the Chicago office by developing new business and recruiting additional talent to enhance the firm’s service offerings in Chicago and its neighboring cities. Damla has strong roots within Chicago and is actively involved in professional organizations including Leadership Greater Chicago as well as the Chicago chapters of: CoreNet Global, NAIOP, CREW and the International Women’s Forum. She is also a member of The Executives’ Club of Chicago. Damla was also recognized as one of GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum’s 2020 Women of Influence in the consultant/advisor category.