LAURIE MAHOWALD
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
Accomplished executive with over 15 years of leading and executing one of the largest retailers' real estate portfolio strategy and 30 years of real estate experience. Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management, and team leadership. Skilled at implementing operational improvements to drive productivity and profit growth. Demonstrated abilities in fostering positive relationships with stakeholders, and partners, while delivering high-impact business results. Known for problem-solving acumen, innovative thinking, and strong communication skills.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Real Estate
Target Corporation
Minneapolis, MN
03.2015 - Current
- Lead the strategy and execution for Target's retail, supply chain, and corporate real estate portfolio across the globe (over 2,000 buildings in 24 countries).
- Responsible for a team of just under one hundred high-performing real estate and facilities experts.
- Oversee Target's new store growth strategy, with an active pipeline of 25 to 35 new stores annually.
- Managed the opening of over 275 new stores across the U.S. in the past ten years (small format leased locations, large box retrofits, and ground-up development).
- Responsible for the real estate portfolio strategy for over forty corporate offices across the globe, including the evolution of office space to maximize hybrid work, an office expansion in Bangalore, India, and the delivery of over fifteen new supply chain facilities.
- Oversee the strategy and optimization for nearly 2,000 existing stores across the U.S. (including lease portfolio optimization, remodel real estate strategy, store closures, excess property sales, and public incentives).
Sr. Director, Property Development for Target Canada
Target Corporation
Toronto, CA
06.2012 - 03.2015
- Acted as the U.S. property leader and liaison in Toronto between the U.S. properties teams and the Target Canada leadership team.
- Supported the conversion of 120+ vacant retail stores to Target stores.
- Hired and led the Canadian Target property development team, which included a small group of construction and facilities leaders at HQ, Canadian property management field leaders, and approximately 130 property technician roles for each store across Canada.
- Supported the on-the-ground closing of the business, including office spaces, store assets, and team.
Sr. Director, Real Estate
Target Corporation
Minneapolis, MN
01.2010 - 06.2012
- Oversaw the new store growth strategy and execution for the southeastern U.S. to support Target's aggressive growth.
- Led a team of 20 high-performing real estate experts.
- Led real estate market strategy and optimization for over 400 existing stores.
Sr. Real Estate Manager/Real Estate Manager
Target Corporation
Minneapolis, MN
04.2003 - 01.2010
- Drove real estate market strategy to identify which trade areas Target should prioritize to open new stores.
- Sourced, secured, and opened 45+ new Target stores in Chicago, Florida, and the northeastern U.S. This included managing approximately 15 deals per year at various stages of development.
- Executed the expansion or remodel for over 30 existing Target stores.
- Partnered internally and externally with key stakeholders to drive site strategy and execution to open and remodel stores on time and on budget.
Real Estate Manager
Nash Finch Company
Minneapolis, MN
09.2000 - 04.2003
- Negotiated and executed all types of real estate transactions, including existing store waivers, new store franchise support, supply chain buildings, and closing assets for a regional grocery company.
- Supported strategy and communications to all levels of the company due to being part of a small real estate team.
Real Estate Manager
New York City Economic Development Corp
New York, NY
01.1999 - 07.2000
- Issued and processed requests for proposals for city-owned properties across the five boroughs in New York City.
- Supported private developers to navigate the public approval processes.
Education
Master of Public Affairs -
University of Minnesota
Twin Cities05-1997
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor05-1994
Skills
- Global real estate strategy and transactions
- Portfolio analysis and optimization
- Market strategy and analysis
- Team leadership and development
- Strategic Planning
- Strong communication and stakeholder management
Organizations
- International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) - Executive Board and Trustee (2017-2023)
- ICSC Foundation- Chair of the Board (2021-2023) and Board Member (2016-2024)
- Urban Land Institute (ULI)- Gold Council Member (2016-current)
Timeline
Vice President, Real Estate
Target Corporation
03.2015 - Current
Sr. Director, Property Development for Target Canada
Target Corporation
06.2012 - 03.2015
Sr. Director, Real Estate
Target Corporation
01.2010 - 06.2012
Sr. Real Estate Manager/Real Estate Manager
Target Corporation
04.2003 - 01.2010
Real Estate Manager
Nash Finch Company
09.2000 - 04.2003
Real Estate Manager
New York City Economic Development Corp
01.1999 - 07.2000
Master of Public Affairs -
University of Minnesota
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Michigan