CHICAGO (October 6, 2021) – Leading real estate management association IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management) has retained M. Bernadette Patton, CAE, to serve as interim Chief Executive Officer. Patton is the principal of her own firm, Leadership Liftoff, providing association consulting and leadership consulting to non-profit organizations.
“On behalf of the IREM Executive Committee I would like to express our enthusiastic support for Bernadette as our interim CEO,” said Chip Watts, CPM®, 2021 IREM President. “She has a deep understanding of association management and demonstrated experience in interim/transition leadership. We look forward to working with her during this transition period.”
Patton, a seasoned executive, brings non-profit leadership expertise in governance, relationship management and business development, strategic planning and innovation, and volunteer/member engagement. She’s previously held CEO, President and Executive Director positions with the Human Resources Management Association of Chicago and Smith-Bucklin Corporation. She has also held leadership roles with the American Hospital Association, the Financial Managers Society, and the Illinois Bankers Association. Recognized as a leader in her field, she’s been profiled in local and national trade publications and has served as an author, speaker, and subject matter expert.
“I am honored to serve as IREM’s interim CEO,” said Patton. “IREM has an outstanding Leadership Team, Executive Committee, and HQ team and I look forward to continuing the great work that is in progress to advance the mission and goals of the institute.”
Patton was retained following the departure announcement of Denise LeDuc Froemming, their current CEO/EVP. Froemming will leave the organization on October 14 and will work with Patton and Watts to ensure a smooth transition. IREM’s Leadership Team is leading the search for IREM’s next CEO/EVP during Patton’s interim assignment.
About IREM
For over 85 years, our members have made us the world’s strongest voice for all things real estate management. Almost 20,000 leaders in commercial and residential management call this home for education, support, and networking. Our CPM®, ARM®, ACoM, and AMO® certifications are internationally recognized symbols of ethical leadership and a well-managed property. And, our tools deliver decades of on-the-job know-how to help members get even better at what they do. Put simply – IREM and its members are here to elevate the profession. If you know real estate management, come get to know us. irem.org