CCIM SPOTLIGHT
Katie Sentell , CCIM
FROM CHAPTER ADMINISTRATOR TO GEORGIA CCIM CHAPTER PRESIDENT KATIE SENTELL , CCIM , HAS A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON HER CHAPTER
What led you to commercial real estate ? I guess you could say I fell into it . When I first moved to Atlanta , I was doing temp work and wound up at a small brokerage and management company that ultimately hired me as a general “ Gal Friday ,” which was fun because I was able to be involved in all aspects of the business . Commercial real estate seems to speak to both my nerdy , organized side and the part of me that loves architecture and a sense of place .
Since 2005 , Katie Sentell , CCIM , has been a highly respected professional in the Atlanta commercial real estate market , renowned for her expertise in the sales and leasing of office properties . With a dedication to providing top-notch client service , she has garnered recognition for her outstanding contributions to the industry . Sentell achieved her CCIM Designation in 2020 , solidifying her commitment to excellence and proficiency in commercial real estate . As a multi-year member of the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors Million Dollar Club , she has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance in the field .
In addition to her successful career , Sentell is actively involved in industry leadership . After spending 13 years as the Georgia CCIM Chapter ’ s Administrator , she became the President of the Georgia CCIM Chapter in 2024 , further showcasing her dedication to advancing the profession and supporting fellow professionals in the field . With her wealth of experience , accolades , and leadership roles , Katie Sentell continues to make significant contributions to the commercial real estate sector in Atlanta and beyond .
What is the most rewarding aspect of commercial real estate ? It is very satisfying to put your skills and knowledge to use to solve a client ’ s unique problem .
What are some challenges you face within the industry ? One of the biggest challenges I see currently is the increasing crossover from the residential side of the business . Not because I see it as a threat to market share , but because there isn ’ t a minimum standard for training and education . I think this is a real opportunity for The CCIM Institute and its education platform .
How did you learn about The CCIM Institute , and what led you to become a CCIM ? One of the principals of the first firm I worked for was a Designee , so I was aware of CCIM ’ s because of him . When I went on to work in marketing for First Industrial Realty Trust , our eventual Regional Manager , Kent Mason , CCIM , was involved with The Georgia CCIM Chapter , and we would attend their industrial panels . While there , I was able to take CI Intro ( now Fundamentals ) and then CI 101 . In that CI 101 class , I sat next to a broker who had been a third-party agent for the team I supported , and I wound up helping him through the class a good bit . It wasn ’ t long after that I decided to get my real estate license .
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