Senior Real Estate Portfolio Strategist
Deann Daniel
Ferguson Enterprises LLC
Newport News,VA
Summary
Strategic management professional with proven track record in driving business growth and optimizing performance. Skilled in developing and implementing innovative strategies, leading cross-functional teams, and adapting to evolving market conditions. Known for strong analytical abilities, effective communication, and fostering collaborative environments that achieve results. Prepared to deliver impactful solutions and drive organizational success.
Work History
Senior Real Estate Portfolio Strategist
9 Months- Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day direction across complex portfolio initiatives, establishing priorities, coordinating work, removing roadblocks, and driving accountability for key deliverables.
- Lead development of enterprise, regional, and market real estate strategies, aligning portfolio decisions with business growth, operational requirements, capital priorities, and long-term financial objectives.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior business and Real Estate leaders, translating market intelligence, financial analysis, location analytics, and portfolio data into actionable recommendations.
- Lead complex renewal, relocation, expansion, consolidation, acquisition, disposition, and portfolio optimization strategies, influencing decisions and building alignment across Finance, Operations, Transactions, and business leadership.
- Coach and mentor Portfolio Strategy team members, providing guidance, sharing expertise, establishing consistent standards, and strengthening overall team capability and execution.
- Drive proactive portfolio optimization through Manage-to-Market, location intelligence, capital planning, capacity analysis, and continuous process improvement to reduce risk, improve financial performance, and position the portfolio for future growth.
Real Estate Portfolio Strategist
9 Months- Developed and executed portfolio and market strategies aligning real estate decisions with business growth, operational requirements, and financial objectives.
- Led strategic evaluations for renewals, relocations, expansions, consolidations, acquisitions, renovations, and dispositions, providing data-driven recommendations to leadership.
- Conducted market, financial, and location analysis using market rents, demographics, lease data, portfolio KPIs, and location intelligence to identify opportunities and mitigate risk.
- Partnered cross-functionally with Finance, Operations, Transactions, and business leadership to evaluate real estate alternatives, capital requirements, and financial feasibility.
- Developed executive-level Real Estate Strategy Assessments, business cases, and portfolio recommendations, translating complex data into actionable strategies.
- Proactively evaluated lease expirations, market exposure, facility capacity, and utilization to optimize the portfolio, reduce occupancy costs, and position the network for future growth.
Senior Transaction Manager
2 Years 5 Months- Streamlined transaction workflows to minimize errors and improve operational efficiency.
- Oversaw development of transaction management policies and procedures, ensuring best practices across organization.
- Oversaw development of transaction management policies and procedures, ensuring best practices across the organization.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive database of transaction histories, supporting strategic decision-making.
- Developed financial models to support disposition and financing decisions, driving optimal portfolio growth.
- Manage and execute dispositions of properties no longer needed by East Blended.
- Negotiate lease renewals for 107 locations and manage new facility agreements or relocations for 433 locations in the East region.
- Assist with strategic planning and aligning business goals. To help oversee the execution of long-term real estate goals for the East region.
- Partnered with internal organizations to execute real estate growth strategies. Including but not limited to: Finance, Legal, Construction, District Leadership, and Design.
- Conducted analysis of market and financial data to identify the real estate landscape for our District teams to provide the most optimal solution.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive database of transaction histories to support strategic decision-making.
- Supported development of strategic planning initiatives and aligning business goals. Helped oversee the execution of long-term real estate goals for the East region.
- Oversaw management and execution of property dispositions of properties no longer needed by East Blended.
- Served as liaison with Finance for rent reviews and Real Estate for the Owned Locations rent review each Fiscal Year.
- The field liaison for the Facilities department for all projects in the east region. Overseeing projects from inception to opening for business to ensure a speedy delivery and scope goals are met.
Transaction Manager III
1 Year 1 Month- Enhanced deal closing rates by effectively negotiating terms that met both client and company needs.
- Streamlined contract execution processes for complex transactions, reducing turnaround time and enhancing overall transaction efficiency.
- Collaborated closely with other departments within the organization such as finance, legal, and operations to ensure seamless end-to-end transaction execution.
- Resolved conflicts between parties involved in transactions through effective mediation and negotiation techniques, ensuring successful outcomes for all parties involved.
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Managed 3rd party broker relationship to deliver value by negotiating favorable economic and flexible lease terms, reviewing and providing input for real estate documents.
- Evaluated financial viability of real estate deals and negotiated contracts, safeguarding organization against potential legal incidents.
Real Estate Analyst II
2 Years 3 Months- Utilized Accurent, Lucernex, and Oracle software to enhance project efficiency.
- Effectively maintain budgets for large scale projects including ship hubs, MDCs, and DCs.
- Reconciled project budgets, CAM charges, and general construction contracts to ensure financial accuracy and compliance.
- Reconcile project budgets, CAM charges, and general construction contracts.
- Construct purchase orders and change order for submission to vendors.
- Process one-time payments for projects and leases including consolidated billing and bill out.
- Built and maintained high-level reports for executive review, enabling informed decision-making.
- Lead department meetings and training sessions.
- Mentored and guided junior analysts, fostering collaboration and supporting their professional development.
Accounting Coordinator II/Accountant II
3 Years- Reconcile budgets monthly and close out daily in MS Excel
- Entered journal updates to balance general ledger accounts.
- Reviewed accounts, resolved coding areas, and tracked recurring expenses for accrual entry.
- Answered the department phone line and transferred calls to the appropriate employees.
- Managed distribution of project-related packages and department mail
- Develop agendas as well as meeting minutes for various office meetings
- Coordinated scheduling and updates for MS Outlook calendars of VP of Facilities and Construction Manager
- Coordinate travel for 3 offsite Coordinators and 8 Project Managers
Customer Service Representative
6 Years- Establish electric and gas services for commercial and residential locations
- Delivered exceptional customer service in person and over the phone, enhancing customer satisfaction
- Processed cash, check, and credit card payments for SCE&G utility and non-utility accounts, ensuring accurate and efficient transactions
- Utilize Customer Information System (CIS), MS Office, and IE for all business transactions
- Participated in training pilots for SCE&G
- Assisted at Columbia Metro Business Offices and Customer Contact Center
Customer Service Representative
2 Years- Assisted customers with gas orders, emergencies, and payment arrangements to ensure satisfaction and resolve issues promptly
- Promoted monthly products and services to enhance customer experience and drive engagement
- Mentored and coached new hires in the Customer Retention Department
- Worked diligently to retain customers in a deregulated market by addressing concerns and providing tailored solutions
- Negotiated and provided competitive rates to commercial and residential customers
Education
Bachelor of Science - Real Estate
- 4.0 GPA
- summa cum laude graduate
Bachelor of Science - Finance
- 4.0 GPA
- summa cum laude graduate
Associate of Science - Accounting
- 4.0 GPA
- summa cum laude graduate
Skills
Portfolio management
Market feasibility analysis
Sales negotiations
Closing facilitation
Deal structuring
Strategic forecasting
Financial reporting
Microsoft Excel
Issue resolution
Time management skills
Timeline
Senior Real Estate Portfolio Strategist
Ferguson Enterprises LLC
02.2026 - Current
Real Estate Portfolio Strategist
Ferguson Enterprises LLC
04.2025 - 01.2026
Senior Transaction Manager
Ferguson Enterprises LLC
10.2022 - 03.2025
Transaction Manager III
Ferguson Enterprises LLC
08.2021 - 09.2022
Real Estate Analyst II
Ferguson Enterprises LLC
04.2019 - 07.2021
Accounting Coordinator II/Accountant II
Ferguson Enterprises LLC
03.2016 - 03.2019
Customer Service Representative
South Carolina Electric and Gas
01.2010 - 01.2016
Customer Service Representative
Scana Energy
01.2008 - 01.2010
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science from Real Estate
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science from Finance
Southern New Hampshire University
Associate of Science from Accounting