SPS Stories
Faculty Spotlight
From Lender to Leader in Mortgage Finance
Fast Facts
- Transitioned from human resources to commercial real estate banking, spending over 35 years as a lender, credit officer, and workout specialist
- She brings real-world scenarios, industry expert interviews, and hands-on analysis into her courses to replicate the training she received as a commercial real estate professional
- She values the engaged, career-driven students at NYU SPS and enjoys how teaching keeps her connected to the evolving real estate finance industry
<p><span class="p-body">Melissa Green never planned on a career in commercial real estate finance. With a background in psychology, a BA from Vassar, and an MA from NYU, she started her career in human resources. But an unexpected turn changed everything.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">"I fell into commercial real estate banking by accident," she says. "I was designing special compensation programs for real estate lenders at a major bank, and due to a corporate restructure, my job was eliminated. The head of real estate liked the work I was doing and offered me a spot in the credit training program." That opportunity launched a 35-year career as a lender, portfolio manager, credit officer, and workout specialist.</span></p>
Teaching Mortgage Finance for the Real World
<p><span class="p-body">After decades in the field, Green transitioned into teaching—almost by accident as well. "I started teaching at NYU SPS about 13 years ago, initially subbing for someone who had to leave town unexpectedly," she recalls. "I loved the classroom experience and kept going."</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">She was drawn NYU SPS, where students are often working professionals looking to advance their careers. "They bring fresh perspectives to an industry I’ve been in for a long time," she says. "Teaching also forces me to stay current in commercial real estate, which I love."</span></p>
Taking a Practical Approach
<p><span class="p-body">Green’s courses in the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/certificates/mortgage-finance-and-underwriting.html" target="_blank">Certificate in Mortgage Finance and Underwriting</a> program bridge academic fundamentals with real-world applications. "The credit training I received was a combination of case studies and classroom subjects—accounting, financial analysis, special real estate topics—and I try to replicate that in a six-week course," she explains.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">She brings in real-life examples, interviews with industry experts, and case studies on topics like tax incentives and affordable housing. "When discussing tax issues, I bring in changes in the 421a program. We talk about affordable housing, and I’ve added an interview with the former chief credit officer of CPC," she says.</span></p>
I hope students learn to evaluate lending scenarios, understand markets, grasp legal concepts, and see how a developer approaches a new project."
<p><span class="p-body">Mortgage finance is constantly evolving, especially in a city like New York. Green shares, "NYU is a leader in real estate education, and this certificate program has a great deal of credibility in the industry. It offers real education in subjects that might not be available to students on the job."</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Make your mark on real estate finance when you pursue a <a href="/content/sps-nyu/certificates/mortgage-finance-and-underwriting.html" target="_blank">Certificate in Mortgage Finance and Underwriting</a> at NYU SPS.</span></p>
