Mary Lou Fiala

Taking a chance on real estate seven years ago has paid off handsomely for Mary Lou Fiala.

After a total of about 18 years with Macy’s/Federated Department Stores — in positions ranging from executive trainee to regional director to senior vice president and director of stores — Fiala was ready for a change.

“Bill Sanders of Security Capital Global Strategic Group felt that he needed someone in retail REITs,” she said. “I had nothing to lose, so I spent two years with Bill learning the real estate business.”

In 1998, Fiala joined Regency Centers Corp. in Jacksonville, and since then the numbers tell the story.

As president and chief operating officer, Fiala is responsible for the operational management of Regency’s retail centers nationwide. As of Dec. 31, 2003, the company owned 265 retail properties, including those held in joint ventures, totaling 30.3 msf in 50 of the largest retail markets. The holdings represent assets exceeding $4.1 billion.

In 2003, the company’s total revenues increased from $416,085,000 to $423,972,000. Earnings per share went from $1.84 to $2.12.

In addition to her membership on the board of Regency Centers, Fiala is a member of the board of trustees for the International Council of Shopping Centers and serves on the foundation board of the University of North Florida.

She also finds time each year to join HabiJax construction crew members as they build a home in the Jacksonville community. HabiJax is the local affiliation of Habitat for Humanity International and is a leader in providing affordable housing for low income families.

Fiala sees an increase in the number of women in commercial real estate, but not necessarily in her specialty. “There are a significant number of women entering the industry,” she said. “But they are primarily in support, leasing and operations. I see almost no women on the investment side.”

What’s next for Fiala? More of the same. “I’m going to stay where I am,” she said. “It’s a great company and I love my job.”

She is married to Gerald Fiala and has three daughters. Jennifer is married, lives in Orlando and is a nurse practitioner; Susan is married, lives in Boston and works for G.E. Supply; and Sarah, who also lives in Orlando, is a manager at Burdines and a singer.