16B — October 2025 — Women in Business — M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal
www.marej.com
W omen in B usiness
SVN | Miller advisor expands in busy US storage market Meredith Mears joins National Storage Partners
Becker Morgan Group celebrates staff licensures
DOVER, DE — Becker Mor- gan Group is proud to announce that Christine Smith, AIA,
generation of architects. She serves as the Board Chair for the Wicomico Chapter
S
NC ARB , and Megan Kelly, AIA, NC ARB , LEED AP BD+C , have successfully passed the Architect Registration
lowing me to advocate fiercely for my clients while maintain- ing the professionalism and composure necessary to suc- ceed in a competitive industry. What is the funniest, most unique situation you have faced/conquered during your business career? One of the most memora- ble—and unusual—situations I’ve faced was when my client was on the verge of not receiv- ing their Certificate of Oc- cupancy. To secure it, I found myself listening to the inspec- tor deliver an impassioned lecture on religion, complete with a full “hell and damna- tion” sermon. After navigating that unexpected tirade, I was able to secure the CO for my St. John Properties, Watsic manages all facets of the de- sign and permitting processes for projects across Maryland and Pennsylvania. She works closely with third-party design and planning firms, as well as the company’s in-house engi- neering and landscape design teams. Among her current responsibilities is the over- sight of Swatara Exchange, a new mixed-use community replacing the former one mil- lion s/f Harrisburg Mall in and individual investors, suc- cessfully executing transac- tions ranging from $100,000 to over $23 million and has sold approximately $38 mil- lion of storage in the last two years. Her expertise includes complex acquisitions, dis- positions, and joint venture partnerships, with a focus on delivering strategic value to storage owners and operators. “National Storage Partners is building something incred- ibly unique – backed by real relationships, best-in-class operators, and a national platform built to scale,” said Meredith Mears. “I’m honored to join as senior advisor for the Mid-Atlantic and excited to continue helping clients grow, exit, or expand their portfolios with confidence.” “Meredith has a rare ability to combine high-level strategy with a track record of deal ex- ecution,” said Hans Hardisty ,
client. It’s a perfect example of how far I’ll go to advocate for those I represent. What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time? Since returning from Ecore in 2024, an injury shifted my exercise routine, but my dedication to staying active re- mains unwavering. I primarily play tennis, which I find both challenging and energizing, and I also incorporate Pilates, barre, and spinning into my regimen. Staying physically active keeps me focused, en- ergized, and centered, and I’ve found that maintaining a regu- lar fitness routine is essential to thriving both personally and professionally. MAREJ Harrisburg, PA. Watsic also supports St. John Properties’ Regional Partners nationwide by collaborating on the due diligence process for emerging development projects. Watsic has more than 31 years of commercial real es- tate experience and earned her Bachelor of Science de- gree in Civil Engineering and her Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineer- ing from Johns Hopkins University. MAREJ managing director of National Storage Partners. “She brings an outstanding reputation, national perspective, and deep roots in key Mid-Atlantic mar- kets. We’re proud to welcome her to the team.” Mears is an active member of the National Self Storage Association and the Mary- land Self Storage Associa- tion . Her leadership also ex - tends beyond real estate – she previously served as a Regent for the University System of Maryland , and held board roles with Leadership Mary- land, the Maryland Eco- nomic Development Asso- ciation, Maryland Capital Enterprises, and the Lower Shore Land Trust . In 2020, she was named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by The Daily Record , a recogni- tion of her professional excel- lence, community leadership, and mentorship. MAREJ
ALISBURY, MD — Meredith Mears , a nationally recognized
of the ACE Mentor Pro- gram , inspir- ing students to explore ca- reers in ar- chitecture, construc- tion, and en- gineering.
leader in self- storage real estate bro- kerage, de- velopment and consult- ing, and se- nior advisor with SVN | Miller
Christine Smith Megan Kelly
Examination (A.R.E.) and achieved the distinguished milestone of becoming licensed architects. Both Smith and Kelly earned their Bachelor of Architecture degrees from Virginia Tech in 2020 and have since been integral members of the Becker Morgan Group team, contributing to a wide range of architectural projects across the region. Smith has been with the firm for four years and is recognized not only for her professional accomplish- ments but also for her dedi- cation to mentoring the next
Kelly, a valued member of Becker Morgan Group for the past five years, is also actively involved in the ACE Mentor Program’s Wicomico Chapter. Her passion for de - sign and mentorship reflects the firm’s commitment to cultivating future leaders in the architecture industry. Becker Morgan Group con- gratulates Christine and Me- gan on this accomplishment, looks forward to watching their continued growth and success, and applauds their commit- ment to both the profession and the community. MAREJ
Meredith Mears
BALTIMORE, MD — St. John Properties, Inc. has promoted Karen Watsic to senior vice president, d e v e l o p - ment. For- merly vice president, development, Watsic has worked for the company since 2013. In her continuing role with Karen Watsic needs, and deliver results that exceed expectations. What challenges and/or obstacles do you feel you needed to overcome to be- come as successful as you are today? The last several years have presented an es- pecially challenging economic environment, and navigating those fluctuations has re- quired adaptability,. Over the past 15 years, I’ve learned that while I care deeply about my clients—approaching every relationship as I would with family or close friends—I also needed to develop a thicker skin to thrive in this business. Balancing empathy with resil- ience has been essential, al- Commercial Real Estate , has joined National Storage Partners as senior advisor for the Mid-Atlantic Region. While expanding her reach within one of the most active regions in the U.S. self-storage market, Mears also continues to serve as co-chair of the SVN National Self-Storage Product Council . Mears serves a global client base that includes private equity groups, REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts),
St. John Properties promotes Karen Watsic to senior vice president, development
continued from page 9B Catherine Goski-Vasque . . .
how it would be received, we were able to get off the start- ing line and have entered into negotiations. MAREJ
with my client to come up with an offer substantially be- low asking. Without knowing
Jennifer Harrison, Vice President and to trust my instincts. continued from page 9B
in Union, coordinating both deals for a seamless transition. What steps do you believe CRE needs to take to increase representation of women in senior brokerage roles? In my experience, CRE has been welcoming. As a young woman, I was trusted early and judged by results. We should continue encouraging capable people to pursue bro- kerage and stay long enough to build meaningful careers. Suc- cess depends on work ethic, consistency and value deliv- ered. As more women advance on the merit of performance, balanced senior representa- tion will follow naturally. What qualities or person- ality do you feel make you most successful in your profession? Attention to detail and strong follow-through are my core strengths. In CRE’s fast-paced, high-stakes envi- ronment, they ensure noth- ing is missed and clients get accurate, timely information. Being organized and thorough lets me manage complex trans- actions and anticipate chal- lenges before they arise. MAREJ
Can you share an example of a time when a mentor provided crucial advice? Early in my career, seasoned professionals in our office advised me to shape my ap- proach: “Focus on a specific area, learn everything about it and make it yours. Know who owns what, who’s leasing space, what’s coming up – and become the expert people turn to.” That guidance helped me see the value of deep, local knowledge. I began by focusing on a small territory, building relationships and learning the market inside and out. What has been your most significant transaction in 2024/2025? One of my most significant recent transactions was sell- ing 1260 North Ave. in Plain- field, a 12,500 s/f warehouse, for a repeat client who had quickly outgrown the space. We’d helped him purchase it just four years earlier, so it was rewarding to come full circle and support his next phase of growth. We then se- cured a 24,000 s/f warehouse
Julie Gralla, Executive Vice President at Kislak . . . continued from page IC-B
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