Shekar Narasimhan receives top Mortgage Bankers Association award

Indian American Shekar Narasimhan has been honored with the 2024 Commercial Real Estate Finance (CREF) Distinguished Service Award by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).

MBA, a trade group of the real estate finance industry, presented the award to Narasimhan during its Commercial/Multifamily Finance Convention and Expo, held in San Diego, on February 12.

Narasimhan, currently serving as the Managing Partner of the McLean, VA, -based Beekman Advisors, Inc., specializes in providing strategic advisory services to companies and investors in the real estate finance sector.

The award, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by fellow MBA CREF members, highlights Narasimhan’s significant contributions to the commercial real estate finance sector and underscores his ongoing commitment to advancing the industry’s goals and initiatives.

“After 35 years in an industry, it is truly an honor to be recognized by your peers,” Narasimhan told the American Bazaar. “And to be surprised to boot!”

Mark Jones, MBA Chairman and President of Union Home Mortgage, praised Narasimhan’s leadership and advocacy, stating, “Shekar has been a leading voice and passionate leader for MBA and the commercial real estate industry throughout his career, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of being recognized with this prestigious award.” Jones highlighted, in a press release, Narasimhan’s instrumental role in spearheading MBA’s Commercial/Multifamily Board of Governors and his continued commitment to driving industry progress.

Christine Chandler, MBA Vice Chair and Chief Credit Officer at M&T Realty Capital Corporation, echoed Jones’s sentiments, describing Narasimhan as an inspiration. “He has such vast experience and has served our industry so well. We are all better informed and educated after having a discussion with Shekar!”

Narasimhan’s extensive contributions to the MBA include serving as the founding chairman of MBA’s Commercial/Multifamily Board of Governors and the Multifamily Steering Committee. He has also played pivotal roles in various MBA councils, including the Affordable Rental Housing Advisory Council, the Investment Management Committee, the FHA Committee, and the CMB Society. In recognition of his exceptional service, he has previously been honored with MBA’s Burton C. Wood Legislative Service Award.

Before joining Beekman, Narasimhan held key positions, including Managing Director at Prudential Mortgage Capital Company and Chairman and CEO of the WMF Group. Additionally, he co-founded the Remergent Communities Fund, an Opportunity Zone Fund, and currently serves as Chairman of Papillon Capital.

Narasimhan is also the Founder and Chairman of the AAPI Victory Fund, an organization dedicated to rallying eligible voters within the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.