Anusha Alapati Davis has built a career around more than square footage and leases — she has built it around people, vision, and community.

A Huntsville native and Vice President of Retail at Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate Group, Davis is helping to shape some of North Alabama’s most notable retail destinations.

Her leadership, innovative approach, and commitment to collaboration have made her one of the state’s rising leaders in commercial real estate.

A career in building communities

With more than a decade of experience, Davis specializes in adaptive-reuse projects, mixed-use developments, lifestyle concepts, and high-end food and beverage.

She has played a central role in transforming key projects such as Twickenham Square, The Garage at Clinton Row, Stovehouse, The Avenue, Times Plaza, Lincoln Mill, Stadium Commons, and Front Row.

Her ability to align local, regional, and national brands with thriving retail environments has created spaces that are more than shopping centers — they are community hubs. Whether representing landlords or tenants, Davis brings a deep understanding of merchandising strategies and market trends that ensure long-term success for her clients.

Looking back, Davis says it is impossible to choose just one project that has defined her career. “Being able to see several things I’ve worked on, one of my very first redevelopment projects that I helped lease was the Garage at Clinton Row, where we took a parking garage in downtown Huntsville and turned it into retail space.

That, along with the Avenue downtown, was kind of like the catalyst for all the retail growth in downtown,” she reflected.

Projects like Stovehouse, which helped transform a once-overlooked side of Governors Drive, are also deeply meaningful to her.

“Growing up, you never crossed that side of Governors, but now I’ve been able to be a part of Stovehouse and the foundry and the range that have been so transformational to that area,” she said.

For Davis, revitalization is both professional and personal. She recalls redeveloping a property where she and her friends spent time in high school, and another project in Hazel Green tied closely to her husband’s childhood memories. “It’s hard to say just one project because I feel like everything is so transformative in a way,” she explained.

“Being able to help people along the way is the best part of it.”

Trusted by national and regional brands

Davis’s portfolio includes work with a wide range of industry leaders, including DGX, Amazing Lash Studio, European Wax Center, HealthSource, Massage Envy, ChopChop Salads, Barre 3, 4Top Hospitality, Scooter’s Coffee, Rock and Roll Sushi, DryBar, Spitz, Grain & Berry, and Chop n Fresh Salads.

Her track record reflects not only her skill in negotiation and strategy but also her ability to foster synergy across diverse businesses.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities—they bring character, heart, and opportunity to neighborhoods. When you help someone take that leap, you don’t just sign a lease; you become part of their story, and often, part of their family,” Davis explained.

Recognized leadership

In 2022, Davis was selected to join the International Council of Shopping Centers’ (ICSC) Next Generation Leadership Network, a distinction reserved for top emerging leaders in the retail industry nationwide.

She also serves as the ICSC Gulf-South NextGen Chair, guiding and mentoring professionals in the region while helping shape the future of retail development.

Her leadership extends beyond her industry. Davis is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) and is active in organizations such as the Women’s Economic Development Council, the Committee of 100, and the Junior League of Huntsville.

She also devotes significant time to mentoring women through ICSC.

“The advice that I always give the females that I mentor, really anyone, is don’t wait for permission to take up space. Be humble enough to learn, but be confident enough to know you. And then turn around and hold the door open for the woman coming behind you,” Davis said.

Inspired by resilience and family

Much of Davis’s drive comes from her family, particularly her mother.

“My greatest inspiration has always been my mom. She came to this country from India and faced challenges that I can only admire from afar—adjusting to a new culture, raising us, and then later going back to school,” she said.

“She worked incredibly hard to build a career where she became a respected leader in her organization. She did it all selflessly, always putting her family first. She instilled in me the values of perseverance and faith.”

Her husband, Matt, has also been a source of pride and inspiration. Together, they navigated the demanding process of launching a bank from the ground up, all while raising their two young daughters.

“Supporting my husband in his journey has also been a source of pride. Building something from the ground up is never easy, but walking alongside him has reminded me that resilience, partnership, and faith are what make the hard days worthwhile,” she reflected.

Balancing career and family

While her professional accomplishments are significant, Davis says one of her greatest achievements is balancing a demanding career with motherhood.

“It is so hard. And you know, sometimes you’re just like, how can I even do this? But on a personal note, I do believe that one of my biggest accomplishments is balancing this busy career while raising two young girls, while also supporting my husband,” she said.

She acknowledges the challenges but sees them as part of her mission. “It truly is the greatest privilege to be able to show them what it looks like to build this career while still putting family first. I want them to know they can chase big dreams without having to give up the joy of family life,” she added.

Her daughters, ages two and three-and-a-half, are a constant reminder of what matters most. “Just knowing like on a hard day when I’ve had a hard day, I get to go home to my girls… it truly makes it all worthwhile,” Davis said.

Leading with empathy and vision

Davis believes that great leaders lead with empathy, humility, and resilience.

“Empathy allows you to understand and connect with people. Humility keeps you grounded and willing to listen, adapt, and grow. Resilience gives you the strength to keep showing up in the face of challenges,” she explained.

Adaptability and vision, she says, are also essential.

“It’s about seeing opportunities where others see obstacles, and helping people believe in what’s possible. And finally, humor. A leader who can bring warmth and levity creates an environment where people feel safe to grow and do their best work.”

A Woman of Impact

For Davis, her work is about much more than retail. It’s about strengthening Alabama communities and leaving a legacy for the next generation. “Purpose for me comes from helping shape communities that make Alabama stronger,” she said.

“Whether it’s bringing in major retailers, working on large developments, or walking alongside small business owners as they open their very first store, my purpose comes from building communities where people feel proud to live.”

That mission is what makes Anusha Alapati Davis a Yellowhammer News Woman of Impact.

She is a builder in every sense of the word—of spaces, of businesses, of opportunities, and of people.

Through her leadership and vision, she is helping transform Alabama’s landscape while showing that true success lies in the balance of professional achievement, community service, and family.