The National Real Estate Tenants Association (NRTA) proudly recognizes the inaugural graduates of its exclusive Certified Commercial Lease Administrator (CCLA) Certificate Program — the only certification of its kind in the industry.
Designed to elevate industry standards and enhance operational excellence, the program provides commercial real estate professionals with critical expertise in lease administration, compliance, and financial accountability—key factors that drive profitability and risk mitigation in today’s complex market.
PRESS RELEASE FROM NRTA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LISA KRIZEK:
A Commitment to Excellence
NRTA Executive Director Lisa Krizek commended the dedication of the CCLA program’s first graduates: Janick Dessire-Lovence and Michael Fedee of Grow Resources, and Shayla Kiser of Mohr Partners. “This certification is more than an academic achievement — it’s a strategic asset,” said Krizek. “Lease administration is a cornerstone of financial performance, and the CCLA Certification ensures professionals are equipped to safeguard tenant interests, optimize portfolios, and strengthen industry relationships.”
A Rigorous, Results-Driven Curriculum
Launched in April 2023, the CCLA Certification Program delivers a structured, high-impact curriculum that integrates both theoretical frameworks and real-world applications. Over four intensive quarters, participants master essential topics, including:
- Strategic Lease Administration & Compliance
- Advanced Lease Abstracting & Risk Assessment
- Technology & Systems Integration
- Financial Modeling, Budgeting & Accounting
To earn certification, professionals must complete all coursework, pass comprehensive mid-term and final exams, and demonstrate mastery of industry best practices.
Position Your Organization for Success
With leasing obligations accounting for a significant portion of corporate expenditures, investing in certified lease administrators can drive operational efficiencies, enhance financial oversight, and mitigate risk exposure.
Graduate Janick Dessire-Lovence said the most rewarding aspect of her two-year CCLA educational investment was gaining critical knowledge. “Learning how the industry operates and understanding the dos and don’ts was truly eye-opening.”
“The content was clear, thorough, and aligned with the curriculum. The tutors were always accessible whenever we had questions or needed clarification,” she said, noting, “Feedback was regularly given throughout the course, particularly after submitting our assignments.”
Dessire-Lovence strongly encourages future students to enroll.
“The CCLA Certificate program offers a comprehensive and valuable body of knowledge developed by industry pioneers, which will enhance your understanding of the real estate world and provide you with deep insights into its dynamics.”
Lease Abstractor Michael Fedee said he enrolled in the CCLA course to gain insights on his role and its relevance to the real estate industry. His goal was to further sharpen his skills in order to continue providing high quality service to his clients.
Fedee said NRTA’s CCLA education has already had a positive impact on him personally and professionally. “This course has equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to foster career growth. I have been provided with the necessary information and tools to increase my knowledge base and skill set which will aid me in delivering top notch service to my clients. I am also able to deliver high quality performance in various capacities throughout the industry.
“The theoretical as well as the practical aspects of the course made it easy to retain the information which ultimately allowed for seamless integration into my day-to-day work.”
Graduate Shayla Kiser offered positive feedback when asked about the course instruction, curriculum content, and overall program support.
“The instructors were exceptional, offering a wealth of firsthand knowledge and experience. The curriculum content was highly informative, incorporating relevant examples that greatly aided in the comprehension of the material. Additionally, the overall support provided was outstanding; whenever I had questions, I consistently received thorough and insightful feedback.”
Kiser also said the faculty’s collaborative approach, and the engagement from fellow participants was very effective. “The faculty created a supportive atmosphere that encouraged open discussions and teamwork. The involvement from other participants was strong, leading to valuable conversations, improving the overall learning experience through various viewpoints and shared ideas.”
She advises others to “Take the plunge and enroll. The flexibility of on-demand learning allows you to balance your studies with work and personal commitments.”
EARLIER THIS YEAR the Certificate Program became available on-demand for increased flexibility. Krizek noted several students are currently enrolled in on-demand course work.
Is your team ready to lead the future of lease administration? Secure your spot in the next CCLA cohort today.