A champion for Houston and beyond

The IREM Houston chapter is proud to have many distinguished members who go above and beyond in contributing to their local industry. Among these is Lillie Norton, CPM^®, AcoM^®, a senior property manager at Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services, one of Houston’s Top Brokerage Firms, according to the Houston Business Journal.

Lillie Norton, CPM^®, AcoM^®

Norton got involved in real estate by chance, serving as a temporary receptionist for a real estate company in 1996. Throughout her career, she has had the pleasure of working for several real estate companies, allowing her to experience many different property sizes and vintages throughout almost every submarket in Houston. She has had extensive exposure to construction and project management, distressed properties, and multi-property portfolios consisting of up to 1.4 million square feet of office product simultaneously.

Norton credits her mentors, training, education, and experience with her growth and ability to climb the ladder and increase her portfolio. With the assistance of scholarships, she earned her AcoM in 2022 and CPM in 2023. She is a recent addition to the Lee & Associates team and is excited to work with a leadership team that offers a refreshing and exciting environment.

Passionate about the next generation

Along with her work at Lee & Associates, Norton is incredibly passionate about the future of real estate and, most importantly, the newer generations joining the industry. “The future leaders and mentoring anyone who I can is where my heart is,” she said. “Getting to be a part of the IREM Foundation has brought that full circle for me.” She recognizes that these colleagues are future leaders and desires to give back some of what was given to her at the beginning of her career. 

The IREM Foundation has given her the ability to earn her certifications and cheer on the next generation at both the local and national levels. Working with Shawn Harvey, CPM^®, of Lee & Associates, an IREM Houston past president and former member of the IREM Foundation Board of Directors, has been a highlight for her. Harvey and his entire team have prioritized IREM, and specifically, the Houston chapter. She emphasizes that his support and encouragement elevate the success of everyone around him.

Foundation work

Norton acknowledges IREM’s importance and its positive impact on individuals within the real estate industry. This has inspired her extensive involvement in the Foundation. She has served on the IREM Foundation Grant Committee and as an IREM Foundation Associate Board Member since 2023. She led the IREM Houston CIC Committee and the Public Policy Committee for three years and has been a board member since 2021. She currently serves as the 2024 IREM Houston Treasurer, as well as an IREM Governing Council member, Designations and Certifications Committee member, and DISI Mentor.

Regardless of her titles and positions, Norton is a hands-on leader for the Houston Chapter. She participates in various committees, attending meetings, calls, and events while providing guidance and advice at every step. As an officer of the board, she works directly with the management team and fellow board members to ensure the Houston Chapter is serving its members’ needs, building great industry relationships, and continuing to foster growth and excitement among the chapter. 

In our industry, few individuals stand out as truly remarkable, but Lillie Norton is one of them. As a motivational leader and mentor, she has achieved great success and inspired countless others to reach their full potential. Her unwavering dedication, wisdom, and compassion have made a lasting impact on CRE and everyone fortunate enough to work with her. Thanks to her guidance and example, we are all better professionals and people.

The Houston Chapter is proud to support Norton’s participation in the IREM Foundation’s Impact Icon: A Charitable Challenge, raising critical funds for the Foundation’s mission. In alignment with her steadfast generosity and enthusiasm, Norton signed on, knowing the impact it could have in helping other members reach their career goals through financial aid. She is an incredible cheerleader for Houston, as we are for her!

Norton is proud to share her deep commitment to IREM and hopes to support the industry and the organization for many years. She envisions herself one day holding a regional position and maybe even serving on the IREM Board of Directors. As Lillie says, she is “all in with IREM!”