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Debra Stevens ~ In Memoriam

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Founded in 1980, The Stevens Group is a Boston-based commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm with more than four decades of experience helping companies make informed real estate decisions. Today, our practice is centered on Corporate Real Estate Advisory & Tenant Representation, providing independent, conflict-free guidance to tenants and occupiers throughout Greater Boston and beyond.

We advise clients on site selection, negotiations for new leases, renewals, relocations, expansions, consolidations, and specialized office, R&D/lab, industrial and flex requirements. As the Boston affiliate of the International Tenant Representative Alliance (ITRA Global), we can also support clients across the U.S. and internationally while maintaining the senior- level, hands-on service of an independent firm.

The Stevens Group has been certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) since 2011 and is proud to celebrate 15 years of certification in 2026.

What inspired you to start your company, and what has shaped your journey woman business owner in CRE?

The Stevens Group was founded by my parents, Mark and Debra Stevens, in 1980, and I joined the firm in 2013. My mother had a remarkable career in commercial real estate and showed me firsthand what was possible for a woman in the industry, while my father was an equally important mentor and supporter. Since Debra’s passing last year, carrying forward what they built has taken on added meaning. I am proud of our history and committed to positioning The Stevens Group for the future while preserving the integrity, reputation, and client focus that define us.

What are you most proud of about the company you’ve built? 

I am most proud of the trust we have earned and the long-standing relationships we have built with clients over more than four decades. Our size and independence allow us to stay closely involved, be responsive, and give objective advice. I also value that we have continued to evolve and stay current while remaining true to how we do business.

Celebrating 15 years as a certified women business enterprise is another milestone I am especially proud of.

What are you most excited about for your company and its future? 

I am excited to continue expanding the ways we support clients as their real estate needs become more complex. We have the advantage of being nimble, experienced, and highly personal in our approach, while our ITRA Global affiliation gives clients broader reach when they need it. I see the next chapter as thoughtful growth, interesting assignments, and continuing to strengthen our reputation as a trusted advisor to corporate occupiers.

What does being a woman-owned business mean to you, and what perspective would you share with women considering starting a business of their own? 

Being a woman-owned business is meaningful to me because it reflects how far opportunities for women in commercial real estate have come. CRE Brokerage is a demanding career, but I believe women can build successful businesses and careers in this industry without having to choose between professional growth and the other priorities in their lives. My advice is to seek out strong mentors and advisors, trust your expertise and create a culture that values high performance and flexibility. The right environment can make a meaningful difference in sustaining a rewarding career over time.

FOUNDED:  1980

HEADQUARTERS: Boston, MA

SPECIALTIES: Corporate Real Estate Advisory & Tenant Representation; Office, R&D/Lab, Industrial & Flex Requirements

MARKETS SERVED: Greater Boston/Massachusetts; and national and international supportand consulting

WOMAN-OWNED SINCE: 2011

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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.