Lisa Palmer Fellowship
The Lisa Palmer Fellowship (formerly the Mary Lou Fiala Fellowship) is a yearlong leadership and professional development program designed to prepare bright, talented young women to take their careers to the next level as executives in the Marketplaces Industry.
Applications for the 2026 Lisa Palmer Fellowship will open Fall 2025.
About the Lisa Palmer Fellowship
Offered by the ICSC Foundation in partnership with Regency Centers, the Fellowship honors Lisa Palmer and Mary Lou Fiala’s distinguished careers as prominent industry leaders. This unique leadership and professional development fellowship is designed for women (ages 25–35) who possess Lisa and Mary Lou’s drive, determination and skills to take the next big step in their own careers.
Scroll down or click here for program benefits and eligibility information.
Lisa Palmer is President and Chief Executive Officer of Regency Centers since 2020 and also serves as a director since 2018. Prior to her current role, she served as President and CFO from 2016–2019, Executive Vice President and CFO from 2013 to 2015, and Senior Vice President of capital markets from 2003 until 2013. Lisa has also held various other leadership positions with Regency since 1996. She is a member of the boards of directors of the Jacksonville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and Brooks Rehabilitation. She also serves as chair of the board of directors of the United Way of Northeast Florida, an executive board member of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT) and an ICSC Trustee. Ms. Palmer is also a member of the Urban Land Institute.
We are grateful to Mary Lou Fiala’s contribution to this program. Prior to her retirement in December of 2009, Mary Lou served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Regency Centers, a leading national owner, operator and developer of shopping centers. She formerly was Non-Executive Chair of Build-A-Bear Workshops, Inc., and was on the General Growth Properties Board. Currently, Mary Lou sits on the board of directors of Regency Centers. Mary Lou is a past ICSC Chairman and a past ICSC Trustee.
Fellowship Benefits
- Pairing with 4 inspiring female mentors in senior-level positions
- Participation in a formal, executive leadership education and training program or executive coaching sessions to further professional advancement, with the exact program(s) to be mutually agreed upon by the ICSC Foundation and Fellow
- Complimentary registration and hotel accommodations at ICSC LAS VEGAS and the opportunity to attend high-level networking and leadership events
- Recognition within the industry through the delivery of presentation(s) at ICSC events about the role of women in the Marketplaces Industry and the benefits of this Fellowship Program
Fellow Selection
All applications are confidential and are reviewed by a selection committee. One Lisa Palmer Fellow will be selected annually from the completed, eligible applications.
Eligibility
Lisa Palmer Fellowship candidates must:
- Be ambitious, passionate and committed to career advancement in the Marketplaces Industry, the places and spaces where people shop, dine, work, play, and gather
- Hold one of the following qualifications: (a) at least 5 years of work experience in the Marketplaces Industry or (b) a combination of at least 3 years of work experience in the Marketplaces Industry plus related graduate school study
- Be 25–35 years of age throughout the year of the Fellowship (2025)
- Be comfortable with public speaking
- Be an ICSC Member (with an active Membership)
Requirements
- Submit online application
- Submit a recommendation from an employer (current or previous)
- Be available for a virtual interview with Fellowship Selection Committee if a finalist
- Have the flexibility to attend ICSC events
Meet 2019–2024 Fellows
Alison Johnson • 2024–25 Fellow
Evelyn “Evie” Gross • 2023–24 Fellow
Jasmyn Sylvester • 2023–24 Fellow
Caroline Jenkins • 2022–23 Fellow
Katie Doellman • 2021–22 Fellow
Maegen Akers • 2020–21 Fellow
Grace Lewin • 2019–20 Fellow
Read more about the 2019–25 Fellows in this C+CT article.
For more information, please contact
