WAHN Member Spotlight

Heather Olson, CCIM – Senior Director at Walker & Dunlop

The Women’s Affordable Housing Network recognizes our members in a new initiative to highlight the women leading the charge in the Affordable Housing industry. Today’s member spotlight is Heather Olson, CCIM. She is a Senior Director at Walker & Dunlop. Heather is based out of Walker & Dunlop’s Atlanta, Georgia office and has assisted with the origination, underwriting, and funding of over $800 million of affordable and market-rate HUD, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac debt finance transactions. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Kennesaw State University and earned her Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation in 2014. Heather has been a member of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Atlanta since 2013 and the Women’s Affordable Housing Network since 2016. 

We invite you now to hear her story and why she joined the Women’s Affordable Housing Network.

Q&A with Heather Olson, CCIM

Q1: Why did you join WAHN? What makes WAHN different? 
A: The Affordable Housing Industry is a wonderful niche within the multi-family industry, and to find an organization that brings our women colleagues together is such a fantastic way to network and build relationships. WAHN also does a fantastic job of keeping members informed on changes in the affordable housing industry, especially the Georgia Affordable Housing Industry.

Q2: How long have you been a WAHN member? 
A: Four years

Q3: What do you want WAHN Members to know about your company and the services you offer? 
A: Walker & Dunlop is a leading finance partner in the affordable housing industry. We offer financing structures for all affordable developments, including financing through HUD, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac.

Q4: What is a good lead for you? 
A: A good lead is a personal introduction from an industry colleague.

Q5: What have you taken away from this pandemic situation? 
A: I truly think we are working together more closely, even though we are apart. I feel more connected to my clients and colleagues since the pandemic began. We might be remote, but I have learned more about and become closer to them. We are all in this fight together.

Q6: What are the benefits of women supporting women in the Affordable Housing Industry?
A: If women continue to open doors and opportunities for each other, there will be a time when there are no glass ceilings for us. We will have a seat at every table.

Q7: What is a project, program, or initiative your company will be working on in 2021? 
A: Walker & Dunlop has committed to financing $10 in Affordable Housing in the next five years. We are committed to being a part of the solution to the affordable housing crisis that the U.S. faces.