GlobeSt.com Featured Melissa Cantrell in 2022 Women of Influence
CDH Partners is pleased to announce that Melissa Cantrell, CEO and President of CDH Partners, has been named to the GlobeSt.’s 2022 Class of Women of Influence. She is one of 11 architectural/design professionals from around the country being honored in her category. Each year, GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum recognizes commercial real estate female professionals for their remarkable achievements, personal impact on the market, and their outstanding successes.
“I am honored to be among the illustrious women recognized in the 2022 GlobeSt. Women of Influence Class for their efforts in this field. At CDH Partners, we improve lives through design and that mission is lived through our business practices, as we continue to grow and design the company’s future.”
– Melissa Cantrell, CEO of CDH Partners
The GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum’s July/August issue features the honorees, who are also recognized on GlobeSt.com. The GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum honors the 2022 Women of Influence in Park City, Utah. Click here for coverage of that event and Melissa’s spotlight.
Cantrell is a 23-year veteran of the firm and has held a succession of important leadership roles including principal of the Education + Research studio, President, and owner. As the first female executive, Melissa moved the dial to garner more than 50% female ownership and leadership in less than two years in her position at CDH Partners – an often-unheard-of feat in a predominantly male-led industry. With this move, she was able to create a more inclusive culture all while experiencing the disruptive pandemic.
Since taking over the role of CEO, Melissa has created a diverse ownership team and managed 30% of the projects. She also led 15% staff growth, steady increase in revenue, and ensured pay equitability and career paths. Additional goals met were:
- Define corporate values and redefined review processes
- Establish competitive benefits
- Created a leadership and mentoring structure
- Implemented a full-time hybrid work policy
Additionally, the Georgia governor appointed her to the Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers. She is a recognized Author, Speaker, and Thought Leader in the development of Future Ready Schools in the Georgia Education Market, having won multiple design awards in this market segment.
