"It is always difficult to make a decision like this," says Chamberlin, one of the few professionals to remain with the same firm for more than two decades and the only woman to rise and stay atop of the Northwest commercial real estate hierarchy. "It's hard to leave so many colleagues and good friends."

At the same time, however, Chamberlin it's a good time to take a break because the company has successfully implemented a new commission structure. "The Seattle area is well positioned for success, so I am going to take some time off," Chamberlin tells GlobeSt. "I've made some travel plans. (I've got) a stack of books and some unfinished home projects to complete, then I'll see what the future offers."

Chamberlin is one of the pioneering women in the commercial real estate industry. She began her career in brokerage with Coldwell Banker Real Estate in 1979 and spent more than 18 years as one of the area's top brokers. She was named managing director in August 1997 and was promoted to senior managing director 18 months later.

"We have just come off of a very strong year and are looking at an equally strong first quarter," says Chamberlin. "Art Wahl and Mark Alexander are in place as managing directors and we have just hired a very capable human resources director, making this a good transition time for both me and for CB."

Wahl and Chamberlin have worked together for nearly 20 years. "Ann is one of those people who is incredibly good at whatever she does," Wahl said "Our friendship is very important to me and my life is better because she is in it."

During her career at CBRE, Chamberlin worked closely with former CB managers Rob Aigner, now manager at Colliers, and Gary Carpenter, now COO of Bentall US. She teamed with or handled exclusive assignments for several other top Puget Sound salespeople including Tim O'Keefe at Colliers, Mark Houtchens, CEO of Vance Corp., Wally Costello of Quadrant, Bob Wallace of Wallace Properties, William Justen of Samis Company, Peter Truex of The Staubach Company, Mark Weed of Fisher Properties and Mark Nemirow of Benaroya Co.

Prior to joining CBRE, Chamberlin was a public affairs manager lobbying for Intalco Aluminum Corp., a major aluminum producer. Before that, she worked as the first female pharmaceutical representative for Burroughs.