BOSTON—There is never a dull moment in commercial real estate. Whether the market is going up, down or standing still, it always pays to be intentional, consistent and be able to pivot when opportunities arrive or created. These core values drive Kate Crosby, Senior Vice President of Portfolio Management at The Davis Companies, a Boston-based vertically integrated real estate investment, development, and management firm.
“I attribute my success to a combination of consistency, perseverance, and the ability to pivot when opportunities arise,” says Ms. Crosby. “Early in your career, it’s easy to try to fit yourself into a box. As I’ve advanced, I’ve found my greatest points of success have come from acknowledging where I might have shortfalls and leaning into areas of strength.”
In her role at Davis, Ms. Crosby oversees the end-to-end investment process for the company’s value-add funds, including the sourcing of deals, negotiating purchases and sales, joint venture opportunity assessment, and monitoring ongoing portfolio performance. She also plays an active role in maintaining stakeholder relationships by ensuring the proper valuation, reporting, and integrity of each of the firm’s active funds.
On March 12, 2025, Ms. Crosby will be honored with the Outstanding Women of 2025 award at the annual Women of the Year awards gala at Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA.
To buy a ticket for the gala, please click here.
Davis’s extensive portfolio has over $12.9 billion in gross asset value invested through real estate equity, debt, and fixed-income securities. Today the firm owns a real estate portfolio of approximately 13.9 million square feet of healthcare and life science, industrial, retail, office and hospitality properties, and more than 5,900 residential units across the United States.
Since joining Davis in 2016, Ms. Crosby had the privilege of working with a team that shares a collaborative approach to navigating complex real estate opportunities and transactions. As the firm continues to expand, she has taken on a larger role in developing systems and databases to streamline workflows and portfolio management.
Recently, Davis completed the development of 66 Galen Street, a 220,000 Class A life science building in Watertown, MA, and secured two leases a to occupy over 50% of the building, a tremendous feat within the current oversupplied market. Additionally, Davis completed 1515 Commonwealth Avenue, a luxury multifamily rental and condominium housing development in Brighton, MA, with first move-ins and sales currently ongoing. Her role with respect to both projects, was to oversee stakeholder relationships and implementing asset management processes to ensure a smooth transition from development to operational success in alignment with Davis’ strategic goals.
Prior to joining Davis in 2016, Ms. Crosby worked as an Associate for Spear Street Capital, based out of New York, NY. In her previous role with Spear Street Capital, she led several multi-million-dollar capital improvement programs, participated in lease negotiations and underwrote new deals across the U.S. and Canada, and oversaw the dispositioning and sale negotiation process across several markets.
Her further background experience includes investments, financial analyst, and architecture roles with Beacon Capital Partners, Columbia National Real Finance, and Perkins & Will Architecture & Planning.
Ms. Crosby received her MBA from Columbia, with a Real Estate Concentration and received her BA from University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Architecture.
Here is a Q/A with Ms. Crosby:
Boston Real Estate Times: 1. What do you enjoy most about your work?
Kate Crosby: I have always sought out environments that are dynamic and require a certain level of strategic planning, and Davis certainly offers that. We have an incredible team of talented and creative people who thrive in this type of environment and are passionate about working toward a collaborative end goal. Together, everyone plays an integral role in connecting the dots and working together to optimize outcomes.
While it is always rewarding when things go as planned, I find it equally engaging to problem solve and ask, “how do we solve this?” when assumptions prove different than reality. Over time, my role has evolved to focus more on portfolio strategy rather than individual investment. This shift allows me to focus more on the broader vision of the firm and play a larger, more people-focused role in our overall strategy.
BRET: What is the one thing you attribute your success to?
KC: I attribute my success to a combination of consistency, perseverance, and the ability to pivot when opportunities arise. Equally important has been the mentorship and encouragement I have received from individuals that I have great respect for. Their guidance has been invaluable in shaping my career trajectory.
BRET: To which charitable, community and professional groups do you belong and why?
KC: Earlier in my career, I was previously involved with CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) in Boston, Washington D.C., and New York, where I found the organization’s focus on advancing women in real estate to be incredibly impactful. I also support Dress for Success and plan to dedicate more time to this organization in the coming years.
In addition, I like to think of myself as a mentor for the young professionals on my team at Davis. I find it deeply rewarding to help young professionals develop their career paths, and I spend a lot of time talking to them 1-1 about what they need to be successful at the firm.
BRET: In what way do you feel you have most positively influenced or served the local community, your company/organization or professional field?
KC: A key area where I bring value to Davis is through internal guidance and mentorship, particularly in the development of junior staff. I try to be very intentional in advocating and investing in their growth.
When I started at Davis, I started in a traditional role. Over time and as the firm evolved, my role developed to bridge gaps that would naturally arise within the asset management team. This allowed me to bring a unique set of problem-solving skills to the team, which is now reflected across the firm. By focusing on enhancing internal systems and databases to better track our deals, we aim to position the firm for future success while ultimately strengthening our portfolio management capabilities.
BRET: What are your hobbies and interests?
KC: As a family-oriented individual, my hobbies revolve around spending time with my family, especially my two young children, who are 3 and 5, and my husband. One of my favorite activities is taking my kids to museums, blending my passion for art with quality family time. I have always had a love for the arts having grown up dancing throughout school. Whether it’s exploring art or dance, I find fulfillment in nurturing my children’s creativity while indulging in my own love for the arts.
BRET: Your favorite books?
KC: The Goldfinch. It’s a beautifully written and captivating story. However, right now I am also diving into Unicorn Academy with my 5-year-old daughter. We are on book 6!
BRET: Your favorite quotes?
KC: My favorite quotes usually focus on persevering against the odds, and the idea that it is never over until it’s over. I love the sentiment that no matter how hard things get, there is always a reason to keep going. It is all about pushing through the challenges and staying hopeful, especially when the odds are stacked against you.
BRET: The one person you would like to meet and why?
KC: Hilary Clinton. I am drawn to multifaceted female figures who have their own set of challenges and flaws yet continue to push for positive change. I deeply admire her resilience and drive to continue to make a difference despite so many obstacles.
BRET: Your core values you try to live by?
KC: To be honest and true to yourself. Early in your career, it’s easy to try to fit yourself into a box. As I’ve advanced, I’ve found my greatest points of success have come from acknowledging where I might have shortfalls and leaning into areas of strength. There is also often a right answer. Follow your gut. Do the right thing and don’t give up. It’s a long game, take a break to reset when you need to.
BRET: What inspires you?
KC: In an oddly poetic way, beauty does. My roots are in the built space studying architecture and design in college. So much of what I do is identifying a framework to solve a problem or ideally improve and transform something. I find that whole, often messy, process beautiful. There’s beauty in everything, even mundane details.
