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2026 Women In Real Estate Awards
National
- Brenda Barrett Leads AMC to Its Highest-Ever National Ranking
- Elizabeth Burnett Oversees Slatt Capital’s $5B Portfolio
- Cass McFadden Turns Sustainability Into Metrics at Cortland
- Kristie Jacobson Kimnach Grows the REMAX Commercial Brand Worldwide
- Shawna Knyal Generates Over $1B in Transactions Since Joining Paragon
- Gantry’s Sara Litton Upgrades Servicing for $23-Billion Loan Portfolio
- Tina Quirin Co-Founds Arcus Harbor
- Susan Rounds Strengthens BKM’s Operations and Leadership Pipeline
- Ursula Sage Adds AI Tools to Dealpath’s Investment Activities
- Whitney Burns with Hines Helps Establish Hospitality Standards for CRE
- Vanessa Howes Modernizes Lument’s Multifamily Loan Operations
- Sairah Burki Leads Regulatory Advocacy, Sustainability Platform at CREFC
Cass McFadden Turns Sustainability Into Metrics at Cortland
Cass McFadden is vice president and global head of sustainability at Cortland, where she has built an enterprise-wide program connecting environmental performance with investment strategy, property operations and resident experience. Her work spans nearly 80,000 apartment homes nationwide.
Since joining Cortland in 2022, McFadden has integrated sustainability into investment decisions, climate-risk assessments and operational planning. In 2025, she led environmental, social and governance integration for Cortland’s acquisition of 19 multifamily properties and nearly 6,000 apartments from Elme Communities.
She also helped Cortland’s Core Plus and Value-Add funds improve their Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) ratings from two stars in 2023 to five stars in 2024 and 2025.
McFadden’s assistance has delivered measurable operational results. She has helped lead more than 150 energy and water audits and 150 ENERGY STAR certifications, while advancing more than 60 renewable-energy contracts covering 100% green energy and generating nearly $2 million in annualized savings.
Her efforts contributed to Cortland’s receipt of the 2025 PREA ESG Momentum Award. The company’s funds also earned top GRESB ratings.
McFadden is active in NAREIM’s Sustainability Council and mentors emerging professionals. She also supports Atlanta-area organizations focused on food security, environmental stewardship and community services.
These are just a few reasons Cass McFadden is among the National Connect CRE 2026 Women in Real Estate Award winners. The award honors the achievements and inspirational stories of women who have reached respected leadership positions and taken on mentorship roles.