New Member Spotlight: Alexis Kurtz
Please join us in welcoming Alexis Kurtz as a new member to CREW Northern Virginia!
1. Describe your current position.
I am the Director of Cerami’s Washington, DC office, where we provide Acoustical, Audiovisual, IT, and Security consulting services. In my role, I oversee a team of professionals and manage a diverse portfolio of projects across various sectors, ensuring that our solutions meet the highest standards of performance, sustainability, and client satisfaction.
2. Describe your career history (years of experience, previous employment, etc.).
I began my career in 1997 as a junior acoustician for a firm in New York that focused on the design of concert halls and opera houses. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with four distinguished consulting firms in New York, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC. My experience spans a wide range of projects, including office fit outs, performing arts venues, government buildings, airports and subway stations, academic facilities, museums, and even the Air Force Memorial. (Can you figure out why the Airforce Memorial in Arlington may have needed an acoustician’s input?)
3. What attracted you to CREW NoVA?
I was first introduced to CREW NoVA through a couple of events and was immediately impressed by the organization’s welcoming atmosphere and the caliber of both the speakers and attendees. I was drawn to the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, share insights, and support CREW NoVA’s mission of advancing the professional development and visibility of women in commercial real estate.
4. Name a woman that inspires you and why.
My mother has always been my greatest inspiration. Born into an immigrant family in New York, she was the first to graduate from high school and later earned a Master’s degree from an Ivy League university. As a true trailblazer, she broke societal norms—returning to work after the birth of her child, and even wearing slacks to work, both of which were considered unconventional at the time (and almost got her fired!). She instilled in me the conviction that neither my education nor my career should ever be constrained by gender. Her strength, determination, and unwavering resilience continue to guide me, both in my professional journey and in my personal life.
5. Tell us about your family.
I live in Northern Virginia with my husband, our two children, and our rescue dog. My daughter is a freshman at the Savannah College of Art and Design, pursuing a degree in Cinematography, while my son is a sophomore in high school and an avid percussionist.
6. Fun fact.
Although I am by far the least athletic person I know, I competed as an NCAA Division I athlete. While studying at the University of Miami, I served as the coxswain for both the men’s and women’s Crew teams, which was an incredible experience that taught me valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and discipline.
Connect with Alexis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexiskurtz/