Beth Burke

Meet Beth Burke

What is your role at Avison Young?

Finance Director for Midwest Markets. I have oversight of financial reporting and budget process for the Midwest, as well as day-to-day management of revenue, commissions and expenses.

How did you get into commercial real estate?

I started out working at a residential real estate development, but can remember that I felt really limited in my role at that time. I applied at JLL on a whim and started there in a junior role as a Finance Associate. I ended up spending 15 years at JLL, and moved through various positions while watching the company grow like crazy. Four years ago, JLL moved me to the Philadelphia area, where I maintained financial oversight of the market there. I liked my role, but really missed being in the Midwest and close to family. About a year ago, an old JLL colleague reached out and told me she had made the move to AY and loved it here. I ended up visiting Chicago to meet the team there and the rest is history. I just celebrated one year at AY!

Who has been the most influential woman in your life?

There are so many amazing women in my life, but the most influential is absolutely my mother. She is 4'10 tall and we affectionately call her "the general." She has done so many amazing things - mom to 4 children, pursuing a degree in Biochemistry, catering/writing a cookbook, and many years working in local and national political campaigns.

What advice would you give women starting out in real estate?

Be ready for a challenge, but know that you are so valuable in changing the landscape of what we are doing today.

This year's IWD theme is Choose to Challenge. What do you choose to challenge or celebrate to help create more inclusion in your community?

I very much believe that women cannot be successful unless we learn to support each other. This year, I would like to look for new ways to be a supporter of other women, so we can succeed together.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I have short legs, but I love to run. I've completed 12 half marathons and 5 full marathons, though I've gotten a lot slower in recent years.

What women’s organizations would you recommend other women get involved with?

Since I'm new back to the area (and Covid), I have not been able to get involved yet locally in Chicago. This is one of my goals for 2021, now that we have settled here and I've adjusted to my role here. I have been an active members of Women's Network organizations - both at JLL and AY. At JLL, I was the Treasurer for the Chicago network and the lead for the Women's Network in Philadelphia. I was part of the planning committee for our first local AY Chicago Women's Network, and I'm very excited to see where we can take this group.