2026 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Kevin Hanrahan, The Washington Trust Company

What inspired you to pursue a career in commercial real estate, and what path brought you to your current role? My career in commercial real estate began with a college internship at The Washington Trust Company that provided a valuable early experience in the banking industry. I joined the company full time after graduation and progressed through increasingly responsible roles at the bank over the past 16 years. I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to learn and develop professionally throughout my career. 

What trends or opportunities do you see shaping the future of commercial real estate? I am particularly interested in how office demand will continue to recover and evolve as employers reassess space needs and workplace flexibility. At the same time, the growing role of artificial intelligence has the potential to significantly impact underwriting, market analysis, and operational efficiency across the industry. Together, these shifts present both challenges and opportunities that will require adaptability and thoughtful long-term strategy.

What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of? I have been fortunate to work on a wide range of projects including refinances, ground-up construction, and repositioning of properties. Each deal has its own unique journey and being involved throughout the process – from initial structuring to execution – has been especially rewarding. I really enjoy every phase of the commercial real estate lifecycle. 

Who has been a mentor or influential figure in your career, and what is the most valuable advice they have shared with you? My first manager was a particularly influential mentor in my career. She emphasized the importance of clear communication and the need to build trust and long-term loyalty with both new and existing customers. That guidance shaped how I approach client relationships today, reinforcing that responsiveness, transparency, and reliability are essential to delivering strong service and maintaining meaningful, lasting partnerships.