Ann Hambly

Founder & CEO
Chair – Counselors of Real Estate DFW Chapter

Executive Profile

A visionary leader with 35+ years of distinguished experience in commercial real estate, pioneering the borrower advocate space and driving transformative growth across major institutions. Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams, manage multi-billion-dollar portfolios, and navigate complex market dynamics. Recognized industry authority, consistently shaping industry standards and influencing critical decisions.

• Strategic Leadership: Founded and scaled 1st Service Solutions, establishing the preeminent borrower advocacy firm. Managed 100+ employees across multiple locations, directing servicing groups at Prudential, GE, Nomura, and Bank of America.
• Industry Influence: Holds prestigious designations including Chair of the Board of Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) and induction into the Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. Recognized as a leading authority through numerous publications, speaking engagements, and advisory roles.
• Expert Witness & Litigation Support: Provides expert testimony in high-profile commercial real estate litigation, offering deep industry knowledge and analysis.

Key Achievements & Recognition

• Pioneered the Borrower Advocate Space: Revolutionized commercial real estate servicing by creating 1st Service Solutions, addressing critical inefficiencies.
• Leadership Excellence:
  • Led the consolidation and growth of Prudential Asset Resources, overseeing a $45B+ portfolio.
  • Established and scaled commercial real estate servicing operations at Nomura Capital (later BNY Asset Solutions) and GE Capital.
  • Directed large-scale servicing operations at Bank of America and Farwest Savings.
• Industry Recognition:
  • Chair of the Board of Counselors of Real Estate (2023).
  • Inducted into the Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame (Real Estate Forum, 2015).
  • Multiple “Woman of Influence” and “Legend” awards from Real Estate Forum.
  • Top 10 Most Distinguished Women in Commercial Real Estate (Mortgage Bankers Association).
  • Featured on William Shatner’s ‘Moving America Forward.’
• Published Author & Thought Leader: Authored and contributed to multiple books and publications on commercial real estate, including CMBS 911.

Professional Experience

1st Service Solutions, Grapevine, TX | Founder, CEO & President | 2005 – Present

• Established and led the company, creating the borrower advocate space within commercial real estate.
• Drove growth and established the firm as the industry’s leading borrower advocacy provider.

Prudential Asset Resources, Dallas, TX | CEO & President | 2000 – 2005

• Consolidated five national offices, streamlining operations and improving efficiency.
• Implemented the company’s first servicer rating system.
• Managed a $45B+ commercial real estate portfolio with 120+ employees.

BNY Asset Solutions (formerly Nomura Capital), Irving, TX | CEO & President | 1997 – 2000

• Built the commercial real estate servicing operation from inception, managing a $17B+ portfolio.
• Led the successful sale of the company to Bank of New York.

GE Capital, Houston, TX | Managing Director | 1995 – 1997

• Directed a $20B+ commercial real estate servicing operation with 100+ employees.
• Generated $4B+ in new servicing business within a year.

Bank of America, Los Angeles, CA | Senior Vice President | 1991 – 1995

• Managed a $15B+ commercial real estate servicing operation across six locations with 200+ employees.

Farwest Savings, Irvine, CA | Senior Vice President | 1987 – 1991

• Oversaw the entire commercial real estate servicing operation.

Earlier Career: Various Mortgage Companies and Banks | Commercial Real Estate Servicing Positions | 1975 – 1987

Industry Leadership & Board Positions

• Held prominent roles including Chair of the DFW Counselors of Real Estate, Chair of the MBA Commercial Board, and Editorial Advisory Board Member, and served on the board of the Commercial Mortgage Securitization Association. Widely recognized as a thought leader and speaker, shaping industry discourse and policy. Inducted in the Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame, recipient of multiple “Women of Influence” awards, and consistent placement among the industry’s top figures.

Publications & Authorship:

• Author & Contributor: Authored “CMBS 911” and contributed to seminal works on commercial real estate and CMBS, including “True Leaders,” “Trends in Commercial-Mortgage-Backed Securities,” and “The Law of Distressed Real Estate.”
• Prolific Industry Writer: Published extensively in leading industry publications (e.g., Scotsman Guide, GlobeSt.com, Real Estate Forum) on CMBS, loan servicing, and market trends, providing expert analysis and insights.

Expert Witness & Litigation Support:

• Commercial Real Estate Litigation Expert: Provided expert witness testimony and reports in numerous high-profile commercial real estate litigation cases, offering specialized knowledge on loan servicing, CMBS, and industry standards.

Education

• USC Graduate School of Business Management | Attended 1985