More Regions
2025 Next Gen Awards
Chicago & Midwest
Melissa Jahnke
Launched the WD Innovation Lab and was the first to use Power BI
Helped lead SBG’s internal rebrand and external launch
Melissa Jahnke is the senior vice president and director of operations for Walker & Dunlop’s Small Balance Group, based in Milwaukee. She is responsible for managing the division’s operations and strategy, which includes the origination, underwriting, and closing of small balance multifamily loans. Jahnke also serves on Walker & Dunlop’s Revenue and Compliance Committees.
In her history with WD, Jahnke launched the WD Innovation Lab and became the first person in the company to use Power BI for business insights and analytics. She led the internal rebrand and external launch of SBG and has since spearheaded the development of several key programs, including the WD Inbound Lead Program and SBG’s Proprietary Capital Program.
Jahnke views community engagement as both a personal passion and a professional responsibility, consistently finding ways to contribute her time, skills, and energy to causes that make a meaningful impact.
These are just a few reasons we chose Melissa Jahnke as one of Connect CRE’s Chicago & Midwest 2025 Next Generation Award winners. Connect CRE’s annual Next Generation Awards recognize young leaders who will have a strong influence on the commercial real estate industry.