CBRE makes two strategic hires in Chicago

Liz McCleary has been named vice president and Dru Garcia senior associate for CBRE in its Chicago occupier advisory and transaction services group.

McCleary joins CBRE from ConopCo Project Management, where she focused on business development and commercial project management. Prior to this, she oversaw business development for HOK’s commercial interiors practice and she served as a project manager with Bovis Lend Lease, where she was involved in the construction of over two million square feet of buildings in downtown Chicago, representing more than $300 million in construction volume.

She holds a BS in architecture, a MA of architecture and a MS in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a LEED Accredited Professional. Active in the commercial real estate and business community, she is a past president and current chairman of the CoreNet Global Chicago Chapter’s board of directors and she recently served on the house committee of the University Club of Chicago.

Garcia previously served as managing director of business development for Intersect Illinois, where she facilitated business attraction, retention and investment into Illinois within targeted industries. Prior to this role, she held community economic development positions with Lake County Partners and the Village of Wheeling.

At CBRE, Garcia will focus on business development within the Northwest, O’Hare and North Suburban office markets. She is a United Way of Lake County board member and holds a BS in business administration with finance concentration from Wagner College.

“We are fortunate that Liz and Dru have chosen to join CBRE,” said Jamie Georgas, senior managing director for CBRE. “I have no doubt that they will find great success in and be a tremendous benefit to our firm and our clients.”