Cafaro has served since 1999 as CEO of Ventas, one of the nation's largest healthcare real estate investment trusts, and as board chair since 2003. When she joined Ventas, Cafaro had plenty of experience in real estate and corporate finance, but none in healthcare. The company was struggling, with a market capitalization of about $200 million. She is largely credited with turning operations around, increasing that figure to about $26 billion last year. Before joining Ventas, Cafaro was president and a board member of another REIT, Ambassador Apartments. She also was a practicing attorney for 13 years and a judicial clerk in the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
 

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"Skepticism is crucial to being a successful lawyer, but in a company, you have to be more affirmative and positive."

Read the complete Furst Group interview with Debra Cafaro