A Visionary Leader, Founding Principal and Unwavering, Trusted Advisor
For over forty years, Debra Stevens was a driving force in Greater Boston's commercial real estate industry. Through her integrity and confident leadership, she guided local, national, and international organizations through some of their most crucial business decisions.
More than just a trusted advisor, Deb developed deep relationships with most of her clients, and many became personal friends to her and her family, celebrating birthdays, graduations and even vacationing together. She had the unique ability to meet someone for the first time and make them feel like they knew her for a lifetime. It was the instant trust she garnered that built her reputation as one of the region's most respected tenant representatives and commercial real estate advisors throughout Greater Boston.
Deb passionately guided hundreds of companies through complex deals, but make no mistake, her loyalty to her clients and ingratiating demeanor was never mistaken as feeble. She was known to most building owners and operators as a tough negotiator, always looking out for her clients’ bottom line. Deb loved a good debate on terms. It was her steadfast belief that real estate decisions could “make or break" a burgeoning company, which shaped her client-first approach, and defined the standard of service that continues to guide The Stevens Group today.
Deb's expertise in office, biotechnology, and research and development properties throughout Greater Boston and the suburban markets led to an extraordinary record of success. Some of her client roster included innovative and cutting-edge organizations such as TraceLink, Aras Corporation, Spectra Medical, Artisan Healthcare, Toole Design, Boston Landmarks Orchestra, Seurat Technologies, Informa, Evaluate Pharma, and many others.
Her love for work and clients, market knowledge, and commitment to advocacy helped countless organizations find opportunities for growth and long-term success.
Deb found her greatest fulfillment in her family. Alongside her partner in both life and business, Mark Stevens, she built a full and meaningful life, raising their son, Mark, and daughter, Amanda, who later had the privilege of working beside Deb at The Stevens Group.
She especially treasured time with her two granddaughters, sharing with them her love of Boston through concerts at the Hatch Shell and Symphony Hall, museum visits, boat rides on the harbor, and culinary adventures all around the City.
She lived with a true work-hard, play-hard spirit, deeply devoted to her work, yet passionate about time spent with family and friends, traveling the world, skiing in the winter, summer trips to Nantucket and enjoying time in Naples, Florida. Deb developed a love for Tai Chi, becoming a certified instructor and joyfully sharing its many benefits with others.
Deb Stevens’ Leadership and Industry Contributions
Deb's influence extended well beyond her client work. For more than two decades, she was an active leader within the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) community, serving in numerous leadership roles and helping shape the future of the organization both regionally and nationally.
Her professional accomplishments include:
- Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)
- CCIM Institute Committee Member (2004–2013)
- CCIM New England Chapter President (2002)
- CCIM Regional Vice President (2004)
- Licensed Massachusetts Real Estate Broker
- Member, Greater Boston Real Estate Board
- Member, Commercial Brokers Association
- Women-Owned Enterprise CEO of 2021
- Served on Mayor Menino’s “Back Street’s” Advisory Committee
- Boston College Club Membership Committee
- Board of the Friends of the Charlestown Navy Yard
- Volunteer for the Center for Women and Enterprise
Notable Career Achievements
Throughout her distinguished career, Deb successfully represented clients in some of the region's most significant commercial real estate transactions, including:
- Representing Aras Corporation in a 70,000-square-foot lease renewal in Andover, Massachusetts, and an additional 16,000-square-foot office lease in Troy, Michigan.
- Representing the buyer in the acquisition of 73 Tremont Street, a historic 304,000-square-foot Class A office building in downtown Boston.
- Advising a private family trust on the disposition of a 36,000-square-foot property involving a complex long-term land lease with the City of Boston.
- Guiding TraceLink through a 70,000-square-foot lease relocation to Wilmington, Massachusetts.
- Serving as a trusted advisor to a Fortune 100 company across 20 separate transactions between 2012 and 2020.
A Lasting Impact
Her love, dedication, professionalism, and commitment to putting clients first continue to inspire our team every day. We are grateful for her leadership, her mentorship, and the lasting impact she has made on our organization, our clients, and the commercial real estate community.
Deb's vision remains an integral part of who we are, and her contributions will continue to shape The Stevens Group for generations to come.