Bisnow Annual Student Housing South

William Talbot

EVP, Chief Investment Officer
American Campus Communities

illiam W. Talbot has served as ACC’s Chief Investment Officer/EVP since November 2012 and currently oversees all of the company’s investment activity – including mergers and acquisitions, dispositions, and on and off campus development as well as the company’s market research. During his time at the company, Mr. Talbot has been involved in transactions totaling more than 200 communities and more than $7.0 billion of student housing product, including the public merger with GMH as well as several of the largest portfolio acquisitions in the sector. Mr. Talbot joined ACC in August 2001 as Director of Acquisitions and has since served in increasing capacities – including Director of Asset Management, Vice President of Investments, Senior Vice President of Investments and Executive Vice President of Investments. Prior to joining ACC, Mr. Talbot worked as an Acquisition Analyst for Lend Lease Real Estate Investments. Mr. Talbot currently serves as Chairman of ULI’s Student Housing Council, member of the NMHC Finance Committee and as Chair-Elect of the Boys and Girls Club of Austin and Travis County, Inc. Mr. Talbot is a graduate of Vanderbilt University.

Amber Rao

VP, Senior Multifamily Mortgage Banker
Keybank

Amber Rao is a Vice President with KeyBank Real Estate Capital in Dallas, Texas. In her current role, Amber is responsible for all Multifamily Loan Production with KeyBank’s Texas based clients. As a member of the Multifamily Capital Markets Team, Mrs. Rao provides her clients financing options through Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, CMBS and Life Company Placements. She joined KeyBank upon graduation from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio in 2006. Over the last 12 years, Amber’s experience with KeyBank spans syndications, debt capital markets portfolio management and balance sheet lending. Amber has been directly involved in loan production totaling over $2 Billion. She is an active member of The Real Estate Council, Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) and earned the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation in 2012. Amber was a founding member of the Mortgage Banker’s Association MPact Advisory Committee.

Doug Kligman

Chief Investment Officer
Vesper Holdings

Doug Kligman has served as Chief Investment Officer since joining Vesper in January 2010. Mr. Kligman is responsible for the growth of the company's student housing portfolio and has personally sourced over $500mm in off-market transactions for Vesper. Prior to joining Vesper, Mr. Kligman lead acquisitions for The Scion Group for nearly ten years where he was responsible for Scion’s student housing investment strategy, deal sourcing and evaluation, and sourcing debt and equity.Mr. Kligman later gained national recognition for forming a first-of- its-kind consortium of leading authorities on higher education finance including Moody’s Investors Service, RBC Capital Markets, and Brailsford Dunlavey, to implement real estate optimization strategies for colleges and universities. Mr. Kligman is an attorney with experience representing clients from startups to publicly traded companies in new business ventures and commercial and real estate transactions. Mr. Kligman holds a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from the UCLA School ofLaw.

Brian Thompson

EVP, Investments
CA Ventures

Jeff Githens

President, Development
Peak Campus

Jeff joined the Company in 2008. In his role as President of Development, he is responsible for all aspects of sourcing, underwriting, and executing of new development opportunities for the Company. Jeff has been directly involved in the development of over $500 million of student housing apartment properties including all product types – garden-style, mid-rise, high-rise, and historic redevelopment. He has successfully conducted complex land acquisitions, redeveloped environmentally sensitive Brownfield properties, as well as qualified projects for tax credit programs, including historic, and led difficult rezoning and entitlement efforts. Prior to joining the Company, he held several senior management positions in the development, construction, and technology industries. Jeff earned his MBA from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University, and his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology where he graduated with honors.

Matthew Marshall

Vice President of Development
RISE

Rise: A Real Estate Company, is a national development firm specializing in both on and off campus student housing, market rate development and acquisitions. Mr. Marshall has over 20 years of experience developing both student and market rate transactions throughout the country. A current focus is developing market rate transactions in Florida while also pursuing off campus student developments throughout the southeast, mid-west and mid-Atlantic regions.

Sean Studzinski

Principal
Stantec

Sean serves as a lead Principal in the national residence life practice for Stantec Architecture. With a focus on the study and design of student life facilities, Sean's 20+ year career includes working with both universities and private developers. His portfolio features the design, management and production of extensive residence life facilities across the nation with national residence life developers and prime institutional clients. Sean’s leadership, attention to detail and knowledge of multiple facility types make him a valuable asset to any project. Sean is well known in the Student Life sector and is regularly requested to write and present educational lectures on quality student housing and student life facilities at BizNow, NMHC, ACUHO-I, SWACUHO, TCUF, NAA Student Housing, Interface and SCUP. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, Texas Society of Architects, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and Association of College and University Housing Officers International.

Bryan Kent

Project Executive
DPR Construction

Bryan is a 20-year veteran of the commercial building industry, with a range of experience as a field engineer, estimator, developer, manager and builder, primarily for the commercial office, higher education and hospitality markets. In his 3 ½ years with DPR, he has worked on over 20 commercial office projects totaling approximately $600MM. His diverse background allows him to look at projects from many perspectives and provides clients with a well-rounded and informed source of project leadership. As a Project Executive for DPR Construction, Bryan has ultimate responsibility for the success of projects and provides top-level commitment. He serves as an adjunct professor teaching Project Management and Scheduling at Texas State University in the Construction Management program and is a past Board of Directors member for Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.- Central Texas Chapter. Bryan holds a Master of Business Administration from St. Edward’s University and is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Science. He is a LEED® Accredited Professional by the US Green Building Council.

Mark Hart

CEO & Founding Member
Mark Hart Architecture

Mark Hart, AIA, NCARB is the founding member and CEO of Mark Hart Architecture (MHA). He received his degree in Architecture from The Ohio State University and moved to Austin in 1997. His experience in multifamily / high-rise/ high-density mixed use architecture spans 20 years and is largely focused in the central Texas area. In addition to the artistic expression he finds in architecture, Mark also sees the profession as a means to connect with people. Positively affecting people is the strongest muse of the architect. As a result, Mark’s strongest commitment with MHA is to make the vision of its clients a reality. As CEO, Mark is at the center of MHA’s business development, strategic planning activities, and company/client relations. He also oversees architecture production from early site studies, to completion of construction documents, and construction administration. When not running a company, Mark enjoys running the trails of Town Lake and spending time with his wife and two sons

Nate Paul

CEO
World Class Capital

Nate Paul is the Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of World Class. As World Class’ President and CEO, Mr. Paul directs the firm’s investment strategy. World Class is a holding company that owns a diverse portfolio of real estate assets and operating companies. World Class creates, acquires, and operates businesses that benefit from its flexible capital, extensive global network, operational expertise, and long-term investment horizon. The firm implements a process-driven approach in pursuit of long-term value creation. Since 2007, Mr. Paul has overseen over 100 completed transactions in building the company’s diverse portfolio of business and real estate assets. World Class Property Company, the firm’s real estate investment business, is one of the largest privately-owned real estate investors in the country. Mr. Paul has been featured as a guest speaker at many colleges, universities, and conferences speaking on the topics of entrepreneurship, real estate, private equity, and investment management. He has been recognized by Forbes Magazine in their “30 under 30” list, and by Real Estate Forum Magazine on the “Fifty under 40” list of top real estate professionals. Mr. Paul is an active member of the Pension Real Estate Association, NAREIT, NAIOP, ACG, TEXPERS, International Council of Shopping Centers, National Multifamily Housing Council, the Urban Land Institute, and the Turnaround Management Association. Mr. Paul serves on the board of the National Psoriasis Foundation, and is actively involved with philanthropic efforts with numerous organizations focused on youth, education, and environmental conservation. Mr. Paul attended the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas

Dani Tristan

Broker
McAllister & Associates

Donna Preiss

CEO
The Preiss Company

Donna Preiss is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Preiss Company. For nearly 30 years, The Preiss Company has specialized in the development, acquisition, and management of off-campus student housing and is currently the 3rd largest privately owned student-housing provider in the country. The company employs over 500 team members and is one of the largest and fastest growing student housing providers in the United States—currently owning and/or operating properties in 16 states. The Preiss Company is the leader in the development of new technologies, tools, and strategies for the student housing industry. Donna received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MA Degree from the University of Maryland at College Park. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of the NMHC, the Board of Trustees for Ravenscroft School & the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. Donna also serves on the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board and is a member of the NAA National Student Housing Committee, the NMHC National Student Housing Committee, and the Women President’s Organization.

Andy Feinour

President and CEO
Student Quarters

Andy is an authority in student housing with more than 15 years of experience. As President and CEO of Student Quarters, Andy is responsible for generating high yield returns for investors by transforming underperforming, non-institutional units into prime, yet affordable student housing. Utilizing deep industry knowledge and consulting experience he has been able to assess, acquire and improve properties while keeping student needs a priority. He built the Student Quarters portfolio to approximately 4,230 beds. Prior to starting Student Quarters, Andy was Senior Vice President of Carter (2009-2012) and Vice President of Holder Properties (2001-2008). Andy also spent four years with the Boston Consulting Group before getting into real estate. Andy earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the University of Virginia in 1992 and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia in 1997.

Ryan Lang

Vice Chairman, Student Housing
Newmark Knight Frank

Ryan Lang, vice chairman and head of Newmark Knight Frank’s Student Housing division, spearheads best-in-class investment sales, capital markets and advisory services on behalf of the firm’s clients. He has represented many of the largest global institutional, public and private real estate companies and has completed approximately $10 billion in real estate transactions. Prior to joining Newmark Knight Frank, Ryan was vice president with CBRE’s National Student Housing Group, where he helped lead their team to number one market share position in the country. Before that, Ryan worked as director of multifamily investments for New Orleans-based Stirling Properties, where he specialized in the sale of conventional and student housing assets. While there, he was recognized as the top investment sales broker at Stirling Properties for both 2011 and 2012. Ryan began his real estate career in New York City at Marcus & Millichap, where he gained experience in seller representation, acquisitions and investment underwriting. During his first year there, his investment team was recognized as the number one top-earning team in the office. He was also awarded the Pace Setter award for 2008. Ryan was named to the NKF Chairman’s Circle in recognition of being one of the top producing brokers in the entire company and he regularly speaks at acclaimed student housing events throughout North America and Europe. Ryan has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and on National Public Radio for his expertise and leadership within the sector. Ryan serves on the board of directors of the National Brain Tumor Society, the largest non-profit brain cancer organization in the world. Professional Achievements NKF Chairman’s Circle, 2017-Present Top Five Producer, Newmark Knight Frank Top Producer, Stirling Properties, 2011-2012 Connect Media Top Broker Award, 2019 Co-Star Power Broker Award Pace Setter Award, Marcus & Millichap, 2008

Greg Eden

Chairman, President &CEO
National Campus and Community Development Corporation

Greg Eden, founder of NCCD, began his career as a bond lawyer with the national law firm of Kutak Rock. After becoming a partner in the law firm and with his development of the concept of tax-exempt leasing, Mr. Eden opted to become a registered broker dealer specializing in public private partnerships. Mr. Eden was a founder of the Association for Governmental Leasing and Finance, an industry-leading organization that provides guidance to those actively engaged in the government and non profit leasing and financing. For the last thirty five years Mr. Eden has served as an advisor, consultant, and developer of projects serving K-12 institutions, higher education, and state and local governments. In the course of this time period he has become nationally recognized as an expert on the subject of tax-exempt project finance. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College where he received an AB degree and the University of Virginia School of Law.

Roger Phillips

CEO
Texla Housing Partners

Roger Phillips has over 25 years of experience in the acquisition, development and management of multi-family and student-housing properties throughout the U.S. He spent his early career working with national student- housing firms JPI, American Campus Communities, and CLV, and during his tenure has acquired, developed and sold approximately $750 million in conventional and student housing real estate. As CEO of Texla Housing Partners, a firm he started with his wife and business partner 10 years ago, he is responsible for leading their value-add acquisition platform while managing relationships with their joint venture partners, lenders and investors.

Daniel Armitage

Associate Vice President Auxiliary Services
University of North Texas

Responsible for Center for Student Affairs Discovery Park, Coliseum and Gateway Center, Dining Services, Housing and Residence Life, University Union

Brent Little

CEO
Fountain Residential Partners

Brent has been instrumental in the development and construction of well over $2 billion of multifamily rental and condominium properties, as well as office, retail, and commercial properties, in a career spanning over 20 years. He has led various divisions of JPI Luxury and JPI Student Living Development and Construction, as well as with other major developers such as Echelon Residential, The Related Group of Florida, Trammel Crow Residential, and First Worthing. Before co-founding Fountain Residential Partners, Brent served as Executive Vice President and National Development Partner at Place Properties where he opened the Dallas office and was responsible for over $900M of the company’s development activities across the country over a four year period. Brent is a frequently requested speaker at national multifamily and student housing conferences and is active in many professional organizations. Brent majored in Electrical Engineering at Rice University and UT-Arlington.

Andrew Wiedner

CIO
Core Spaces

As CIO of Core Spaces, Andrew Wiedner is responsible for identifying and evaluating new development and acquisition opportunities for the company. His role includes site selection, due diligence, analyzing the company’s investment strategy, and managing debt and equity relationships. Prior to joining Core Spaces, Andrew spent 13 years sourcing debt and equity for a broad-reaching client base, ranging from small family shops to billion-dollar pension funds. In his mortgage banking role, Andrew arranged more than $3 billion of financing for all property types, including office buildings, shopping centers, student housing developments, single-tenant buildings, hotels, industrial warehouses and land development. Andrew graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and minor in Italian. He is currently the President of the Illini Real Estate Forum and Chairman of the Memory Rock Committee benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association.

Jonathan Reyes

Assistant Vice President
Harrison Street Real Estate

Mr. Reyes currently works at Harrison Street Real Estate where he joined the firm in 2014. As an Assistant Vice President in the Transactions group, he assists in the sourcing, analyzing, and closing of transactions and venture relationships within the student housing sector. Prior to joining Harrison Street, Mr. Reyes served as Director of Capital Markets for American Campus Communities, where he assisted in the development and implementation of capital market strategies and sourcing capital for growth. He also served as an acquisitions analyst within the Investments Group. Before joining American Campus Communities, Mr. Reyes was an Analyst at UBS Investment Bank where he focused on debt, equity and M&A transactions for public and private financial institutions. Mr. Reyes holds a BA in Finance from Texas A&M University.

Mike Paluga

Vice President of Development
Peak Campus

Accomplished real estate executive with over nineteen (19) years of diverse development experience on over $2 billion of varying real estate asset product types, including for-sale and rental multi-family, student housing, and senior housing/skilled nursing facilities. Extensive knowledge of all phases of real estate development and well versed in development oversight. In addition, over eleven (11) years of architectural experience on large profile design-build projects. A proven leader with strong work ethic, and excellent organizational and communication skills.