Renee Lewis
Managing Principal of VAR Capital Advisors, Inc
Ms. Lewis formed VAR Capital Advisors in 2014 to provide due diligence, asset management and consulting services, as well as targeted middle market investment opportunities.
The formation of VARCAP follows nearly 10 years at Hudson Realty Capital LLC where she was a principal and managing director. Ms. Lewis spearheaded the Portfolio Investment Department where she oversaw the sourcing, diligence and acquisition of loan portfolios including over 1,000 assets with UPB of nearly $900MM. Her position included work in developing the oversight and asset management systems for the small balance portfolios from underwriting through disposition. She also structured joint ventures and managed complex financing vehicles for the purchased portfolios.
Her previous roles at Hudson included head of the Due Diligence where she developed the firm’s well-regarded underwriting process for middle market loan and equity positions, and later head of Asset Management where she improved operational functions for the firm’s debt and equity portfolio valued at more than $2 billion.
Prior to joining Hudson, Ms. Lewis was the founder and president of Questor where she led due diligence and underwriting services for more than $30 billion in non-performing and performing real estate loans on behalf of institutional investors. In addition, Questor provided adjunct asset management services for numerous clients, and real estate consulting services to institutions and government clients including HUD, GSA and U.S. Army.
A graduate of Duke University with a B.A. degree, Ms. Lewis is an acknowledged industry leader recognized for her due diligence, underwriting, and analytical expertise. She has twice been named a “Woman of Influence” by Real Estate New York and is a frequent speaker at industry events.
Ms. Lewis has served as president or board chair of Avesta, the largest not-for-profit affordable housing development firm in Maine; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine; and the Maine Real Estate Development Association. She currently serves as an Incorporator for Gorham Savings Bank. She lives in Maine with her husband and son.