Marquette’s Vieth Institute for Real Estate Leadership will host the annual Commercial Real Estate Leadership Breakfast on Thursday, Oct. 1 from 8–10 a.m. at the Union League of Chicago. The 2026 event will feature Michelle Herrick, head of commercial real estate with JPMorgan Chase, the nation’s largest commercial real estate lender.
Drawing over 200 attendees each year, the breakfast welcomes students, alumni and industry professionals to connect with nationally renowned leaders who are innovating across the real estate industry.
“I am thrilled to welcome Michelle to this year’s event,” says Andrew Hunt, executive director of the Vieth Institute for Real Estate Leadership. “Her deep industry experience will fuel an impactful discussion about the lending market today, opportunities and challenges ahead, and what it takes to close deals in today’s rapidly evolving environment.”
During the Commercial Real Estate Leadership Breakfast, Herrick will lead a discussion titled “Debt is dead. Long live Debt! CRE financing enters a new era.” Moderated by Hunt, Herrick will discuss the capital decisions shaping the industry’s next chapter and share her perspective on where capital is flowing, what lenders are looking for, and how the strongest borrowers and projects are separating themselves.
As the managing director and head of commercial real estate for JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking, Herrick leads the largest commercial real estate portfolio in the United States. With over two decades of industry experience, including prior roles at Bank of America and LaSalle Bank, she also serves as a global trustee of the Urban Land Institute and a board member of The Real Estate Roundtable.
Learn more, view the schedule of events and register to attend here.
For inquiries about sponsorship, please contact Lexie Epperson at lexie.epperson@marquette.edu.
