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BRE has appointed Bay Area life science agents Mary Hines and Jennifer Vergara as vice chairs, the company's top title for producers. Both women have extensive experience in commercial real estate, with over 45 years of combined experience and more than $12 million square feet of life science transactions under their belt.

    Hines and Vergara aim to leverage their new roles to promote visibility and representation for women in commercial real estate, creating a supportive environment that empowers the next generation of female leaders. They cited CBRE's integrated services as a key factor in their decision to join the company, which they believe offers a strong platform beyond brokerage.

    The life science market is currently facing a glut of available space, with only three major properties sold nationally so far this year compared to 62 in 2022. In the Bay Area, life science vacancy rates reached 24.6% in the second quarter. Despite these challenges, Hines and Vergara have built a reputation for excellence, having been recognized by the San Francisco Business Times as "Deal of the Year" winners twice.

    CBRE's Americas life sciences leader, Matt Gardner, praised Hines and Vergara as "best-in-class" agents who build enduring relationships with clients based on trust and excellence. Their expertise will be crucial in navigating the current market challenges, particularly with their experience working with venture-backed startups, large pharmaceutical companies, and institutional landlords.