Kathryn Ditmars holds the dual role of General Counsel and Chief Human Resources Officer at Cresa, where she leads legal strategy and talent operations for a 1,300-person organization. Since 2021, Ditmars has overseen 16 M&A transactions, including the largest acquisition in Cresa's history over the past year. Her leadership was pivotal during a period of major organizational movement, where she led the search and selection process for a new CEO and integrated two major business acquisitions. Ditmars also successfully restructured the firm's capital stack through a new preferred equity partner and formed a long-term alliance with a global partner. Fluent in Spanish, she has unique experience building legal and compliance teams across Latin America. She advises emerging leaders to listen more than they talk, fostering trust and delegation in uncertain times. Ditmars is deeply involved in civic life, serving on the executive committee for the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago and the board of the Princeton Club of Chicago. She also contributes to the USA Swimming Foundation, reflecting her diverse community interests. Her leadership mantra is simple: bring people with you.