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Influential Developments

Projects Shaping Dallas' Nothern Suburban Markets

David Craig

David Craig

Owner

Craig International

Kevin Hickman

Kevin Hickman

Principal

Trammell Crow Company

Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith

Vice President & Managing Director

Omni PGA Frisco Resort

Robert Ditthardt

Robert Ditthardt

VP and General Manager

Johnson Development

George Fuller
Moderator

George Fuller

Mayor

City of McKinney

David Craig

Owner

Craig International

David Craig is a visionary and works tirelessly to push the boundaries of his development

projects. The proud son of a retired Air Force colonel, David learned the value of hard work and

dedication at a very young age. He founded Craig International, a commercial brokerage and

development company more than 40 years ago in McKinney, Texas and the company has grown

to control and/or develop well in excess of 10,000 acres in Collin and Grayson Counties since it

was founded.

David’s motivation and passion are evidenced by the success of Craig Ranch, a McKinney, Texas

award-winning master-planned community that he founded more than 20 years ago with a

current ad valorem value in excess of $4 billion. He began with 1,125 acres of farmland and it is

now a thriving, 2,200-acre community with commercial, residential, and mixed-use retail

anchored by the TPC Craig Ranch, which is currently the new home of the AT&T Byron Nelson

Classic. David is the Chairman of the Board of Governors of TPC Craig Ranch and is Chairman of

the TPC Craig Ranch Host Committee for the AT&T Byron Nelson.

Craig Ranch knows no limits and the development has always been on the cutting edge, way

before New Urbanism was embraced. David’s vision has been realized in the 500 acres of parks

and green space, the 270-acre employment district, the McKinney Corporate Center Craig Ranch.

One of David’s current projects is District 121, a destination retail, corporate, and restaurant

development adjacent to Craig Ranch.

The biggest benefit of having David involved in the day-to­day activity of the firm’s development

projects is that he is laser-focused on detail, and he makes sure every project is built in the best,

most innovative and efficient way possible.

David’s passion for business carries over to the many cause-related issues Craig International

supports including the Love Life Foundation, The Boys and Girls Club of America - Collin County;

The Family Place; Habitat for Humanity; The Samaritan Inn; Smiles Charity; and American Heart

Association, only to name a few.

Kevin Hickman

Principal

Trammell Crow Company

Kevin Hickman serves as Principal for TCC within the firm’s Dallas-Fort Worth office. He is responsible for sourcing, shaping and executing new multifamily development opportunities throughout the Dallas area under High Street Residential, TCC’s wholly-owned subsidiary specializing in the development of multifamily housing. Kevin joined TCC in 2022 and brings over 15 years of industry experience in the North Texas real estate industry, with deep knowledge of the Dallas-Fort Worth multi-family market. He has developed a strong network of relationships in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and is involved in several industry and community organizations and boards.

Jeff Smith

Vice President & Managing Director

Omni PGA Frisco Resort

Jeff Smith serves as Vice President & Managing

Director of the Omni PGA Frisco Resort, the largest

resort that was under development in the U.S. of 2023,

which opened its doors on May 2, 2024.

Jeff is a 39-year hospitality industry veteran, and he

has been with Omni Hotels & Resorts for 28 years

serving in multiple corporate and property leadership

positions. He joined Omni PGA Frisco Resort from his

most recent position as Area Managing Director &

General Manager of the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star.

During his time with Omni, he has served as vice

president of special projects, vice president of

operations and loyalty services, vice president of

operations and corporate director of rooms, all at the

brand level. Additionally, he spent two years as the

general manager at the Omni Dallas Hotel.

As the Vice President & Managing Director of the Omni PGA Frisco Resort, Jeff oversees all

marketing, sales, finance, golf, and operational aspects of the resort.

Jeff has led initiatives across several disciplines within the company to ensure memorable

experiences for our guests. He was one of the original champions of both the “Power of

Engagement” and “Moments of Service” programs that are driven across the brand.

Jeff received his Master of Business Administration from Rockhurst College and undergraduate

degree in business administration/hospitality management at Michigan State University. He

resides in Coppell with his wife, Emy, and two children, Daniel and Anna Maria, and Yorkshire

terrier. He enjoys traveling, being outdoors and anything to do with Michigan State University.

Robert Ditthardt

VP and General Manager

Johnson Development

Bob Ditthardt joined Johnson Development Corporation in 2017 to manage the Trinity Falls master-planned residential community in McKinney, Texas and currently serves as Vice President and General Manager for the development. Prior to joining Johnson, Bob was a Senior Project Manager for Newland Real Estate Group where he oversaw the development of master-planned communities in Maryland, Virginia, and Texas. Bob graduated from Louisiana State University and has over 30 years of experience in the private and public sectors of real estate development.

George Fuller

Moderator

City of McKinney

George Fuller was elected Mayor of McKinney in May 2017. He is currently a builder and developer of custom homes and commercial properties with George C. Fuller Contracting.

Mayor Fuller is the managing construction partner for Adriatica, a 46-acre mixed-use development in McKinney. He has developed community infrastructures, retail shopping centers, condominiums, business centers, and some of the most award-winning and decorated homes in North Texas. Mayor Fuller has been honored with the Builder of the Year Award six years in a row by D Magazine while also receiving honors from the National Home Builder Association Awards, including “Best Craftsmanship,” “Best Overall Home,” “Best Floor Plan,” and multiple “People’s Choice” awards.

Mayor Fuller also has had several ventures outside of construction including Body Quest, Inc., an international exercise equipment manufacturing and distributing company. He co-created Everide Automotive Parts, Inc., an automotive heating and cooling parts company with national distribution. He also founded Airtech Heating and Cooling, Inc., a Dallas-based commercial and residential general contracting company. Currently, he owns The Guitar Sanctuary, a high-end guitar and music equipment boutique recently named one of the Top 20 Coolest Guitar Shops in the country by Premier Guitar magazine, along with The Sanctuary Music and Event Center and the Sanctuary Performance Academy.

Mayor Fuller serves as President of the Stonebridge Ranch Commercial Association. He and his wife, Maylee, are co-founders of the Love Life Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing awareness of the many tragedies inflicted upon children and identifying and supporting agencies and groups that bring relief and comfort to the young victims and their families. He is also a member of the McKinney Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and a Board Director for Meals on Wheels. He previously served as Chairman of the McKinney Community Development Corporation.

Mayor Fuller studied Business Management and Business Law at Norwich University, the nation’s oldest private military academy. He and his wife live in McKinney and have four children.

Economic Snapshot and Opportunities

Discussing Capital Markets, Community Growth, and New Construction

Sayres Heady

Sayres Heady

EVP and Partner

Heady Investments

Paul Rowsey

Paul Rowsey

Managing Director

JLL

Maher Maso

Maher Maso

Principal

Ryan

Zach Sams
Moderator

Zach Sams

EVP

Kensington Vanguard National Title

Sayres Heady

EVP and Partner

Heady Investments

Sayres has closed several multi-acreage commercial land sale transactions on the Dallas North Tollroad, and he is currently handling project leasing for several other developments such as Stonebrook Business Park, Frisco Bridges Place, and Headquarters I & II. Sayres places a major emphasis on developing relationships, synergy, and client service. His focus today is in real estate along the Dallas North Tollroad From 190 to US 380 now referred to as the “5 billion dollar mile”. He has also done work in the hospitality sector, and medical projects such as an expansion for Scottish Rite hospital and Heady Investments is developing a new medical office building for Baylor near the intersection of Preston Road and George Bush Freeway. Sayres plans on continuing his path to develop Class A projects, and working to give his clients the best possible locations, amenities, and first class identity to help them flourish and to set them up for success.

Paul Rowsey

Managing Director

JLL

Strategic advisor to family offices and private capital, specializing in equity placement for joint ventures in commercial real estate development and acquisitions across all asset classes, partnering with best-in-class sponsors.

Maher Maso

Principal

Ryan

Since 2018, Maher has been a Principal in site selection and business incentives at Ryan, the largest firm in the world dedicated exclusively to business tax. With more than 20 years of economic development experience in the public sector, Mr. Maso supports Ryan clients to improve profitability through business growth and development. Previously, Maher Maso served as the CEO of the Prosper Economic Development Corporation. Maher Maso also proudly served as Mayor of the City of Frisco from 2008-2017, named by the U.S. Census Bureau as the fastest growing city in the country in the last decade. Under Mayor Maso’s administration, the City of Frisco has received dozens of awards and attributions including Money Magazine “Best Places to Live List” and Allstate’s “Safe and Secure Communities List”

Maher Maso works to represent small and large companies to create public/private partnerships and to create jobs in communities by negotiating incentives and focusing on site selection. His initiatives as Mayor positioned the City of Frisco as a hub of first-class entertainment, sports and sports medicine including the home of the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars, FC Dallas and the world headquarters of the PGA.

He has been interviewed by Newsweek, The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, CNN, MSNBC, and others. Maher is a regular keynote speaker and has spoken globally for government, trade associations and corporations.

Zach Sams

Moderator

Kensington Vanguard National Title

Zach Sams joined Kensington Vanguard in November of 2016 after serving as Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Fidelity National Title’s Dallas/Fort Worth division from 2012-2016. Zach is focused on expanding KV’s footprint in the D/FW, Texas, Arizona and National markets. From selling real estate for to business development roles at prominent local and national title insurance companies, Zach has been active in the in the real estate market since 2005.

Prior to the title industry, Zach attended The Golf Academy of America in San Diego, then spent two years playing professional golf on various mini tours in Southern California. Zach is a Veteran of the US Army. Zach lives in Argyle, TX with his wife Amber and their two boys 11&13. In his free time Zach enjoys playing competitive amateur golf and traveling with his wife and kids.

Great Works in Public Private Partnership

A Case Study on Success with Hall Park and the Collin Creek Mall

Rena Padachy

Rena Padachy

VP of Leasing

HALL Group

Sean Terry

Sean Terry

VP, Entitlements

Centurion American

Peter Braster

Peter Braster

Director of Special Projects

City of Plano

Ross Conway

Ross Conway

Principal

Gensler

Mark Hill
Moderator

Mark Hill

Mayor

City of Frisco

Rena Padachy

VP of Leasing

HALL Group

Rena Padachy is responsible for the leasing and marketing of HALL Group’s 15-office building, 2.2 million-square-foot HALL Park development in Frisco, Texas. With more than 15 years of commercial real estate experience, Padachy has spent her career specializing in office leasing in the DFW market. Throughout her career, she has marketed and leased more than 25 office buildings ranging in class, size, and location, from trophy assets in the Dallas central business district to suburban value-add office buildings.

Prior to her current role, Padachy was a Vice President of Capital Markets at Edge Realty Partners, a leading commercial real estate firm in Dallas. She was previously a Director at Cushman & Wakefield, where she represented over 3.5 million square feet of Class A office product. Padachy was also a Senior Associate at Fults Commercial, where she began focusing on office landlord representation and growing the portfolio of the newly established firm. She began her career as an Associate at Cushman & Wakefield, where she worked on a variety of assignments, including tenant representation, site selection, property disposition, strategic planning, financial analysis, and business development.

Clients represented include RREEF, Brookwood Financial Partners, Capital Commercial, CAPSTAR, Fortis Property Group, and The Hartland-Mackie Family. Rena has completed transactions with tenants such as McKesson, Jacobs Engineering, ACE Cash Express, BMO Harris Bank, Andrews Kurth, Comstock Resources, Reata Pharmaceuticals, Hilton, HQ Global (Regus), and numerous GSA entities.

Sean Terry

VP, Entitlements

Centurion American

Sean Terry, Vice President of Entitlements, has been deeply involved in the North Texas community since moving to the area after graduating from Texas A&M University in 1995. A former member of the Texas A&M Aggies football team, he was named a team captain during his senior year. In 2013, Terry began his tenure as mayor of Celina and was re-elected to his first full term in 2014, serving until 2023. A sixth-generation Collin County resident, Terry lives in Celina with his wife, Angie, and their children, Kylee and Kade.

Peter Braster

Director of Special Projects

City of Plano

In late 2015, Peter Braster was named the City of Plano’s Director of Special Projects. Located

in the Office of the City Manager, the Special Projects position was created to bridge economic

development and real estate development in Plano. Specifically, the goal of the department is

to find and add value in each special project, keeping Plano the city of excellence.

Currently, Mr. Braster oversees the ongoing redevelopment of Downtown Plano; is the

ombudsman for the special projects (i.e. Legacy West, Cotton Belt Regional Rail Corridor

Project, etc.); and leads the City’s retail redevelopment program – the first project being the

Collin Creek Mall. The Collin Creek Redevelopment is a 99-acre mixed-use urban center with

single-family, multifamily, independent living, office, hotel and retail. It is the largest public

private partnership in Plano’s history and uses all the economic development tools available.

Mr. Braster has over 30 years of public and private experience. He began his career in civil

engineering by working on large transportation projects including several highway, airport, and

light rail systems in New York and California.  Peter is a member of the Urban Land Institute,

Co-Chair of the North Texas Urban Land Institute Public-Private Partnership Product Council,

member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and their Texas State Public Chair for

Public-Private Partnerships, and the International Economic Development Council.

Ross Conway

Principal

Gensler

A Principal of Gensler Dallas, Ross is actively focused on developing the Mixed Use Practice Area within Gensler’s South Central Region. He is committed to meaningful placemaking, shaping engaging, inclusive spaces that combine a compelling story with a defined point-of-view. His award-winning portfolio spans more than 30 years in residential, restaurant, retail, and hospitality design. Drawing on this diverse expertise, Ross works to create exceptional mixed-use developments that nurture intuitive internal connectivity and integrate with the existing urban fabric. His projects include Bishop Arts, Hidden Ridge, Toyota Music Factory, Legacy West, and Preston Hollow Village. An active member of the Dallas Urban Land Institute, Ross holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Architecture from The University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Architecture.

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Mark Hill

Moderator

City of Frisco

Mayor Mark Hill was elected in June 2026. As a community leader, Hill was elected in 2023 to the Frisco Independent School District (FISD) Board of Trustees and served as President from 2025 – 2026. Mayor Hill also served on the Frisco Economic Development Corporation board from 2024 – 2026. Previously, Mayor Hill served on the board of the Frisco Education Foundation.

Mayor Hill is a corporate attorney with more than twenty years of legal experience, which includes being a Managing Partner at Henry Hill, PLLC. Hill has the designation of “Texas Super Lawyer”, an honor awarded by his peers and received every consecutive year since 2013. Mayor Hill was also previously President of the Collin County Bar Association (2016 – 17). Mayor Hill is also a member of the Collin County Bar Association.

Hill earned his law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Mayor Hill also graduated from the Mays Business School at Texas A & M University with a BBA in Finance.

Mayor Hill and his wife, Tiffany, have called Frisco home since 2005 and are proud parents of a daughter, Emily.

Insights into the North Dallas Commercial Real Estate Market

  • How is Collin County staying competitive in corporate relocations, residential growth and new developments? How do the county’s submarkets like McKinney, Plano, Allen and Frisco, rank compared to Texas as a whole as well as nationwide, in terms of absorption and vacancies?

  • How is new construction in North Dallas influencing office, residential, industrial, hospitality and mixed-use asset classes within the area? Which projects have been a success and which are facing challenges?

  • How are local leaders priming Collin County for job growth and corporate relocations? Where are people moving to the area from, and what are the current housing and tenant demands?

  • What is the vision for the future of McKinney, Plano, Allen, and Frisco - one, five, or 10 years out? How are local officials and the community going to achieve that vision, and what is being done now?

  • How will regional transportation projects, such as the addition of DART’s Silver Line and the expansion of the Dallas North Tollway, impact job growth and economic development in the region?  
     

How You'll Do More Commercial Real Estate Business in North Dallas: Major corporate moves, building conversions, exponential population growth and consistent delivery of large-scale, innovative developments have driven economic success across commercial asset types in Collin County. Join Bisnow and notable business executives in discussing their plans to maintain this hot streak and get their insights on the forecast for growing areas including McKinney, Plano, Allen, Frisco and surrounding suburbs.
  

Types of Dallas Commercial Real Estate Companies Who Attend: Owners, developers, investors, brokers, city and government officials, business consultants, architects, engineers, lawyers, accountants, bankers, tenants, and more.    

For questions, recommendations, comments or press inquiries please email our Texas & West Coast event producer, Amani Navarrette at Amani.Navarrette@bisnow.com. 

Commercial Development Projects in North Dallas

Agenda

Time Activity
1:00 PM
1:55 PM
Opening Networking
1:55 PM
2:45 PM
Influential Developments

Projects Shaping Dallas' Nothern Suburban Markets

2:45 PM
3:30 PM
Economic Snapshot and Opportunities

Discussing Capital Markets, Community Growth, and New Construction

3:30 PM
4:15 PM
Great Works in Public Private Partnership

A Case Study on Success with Hall Park and the Collin Creek Mall

4:15 PM
5:00 PM
Closing Networking

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR SAFETY

We hosted more than 72,000 attendees live, in-person around the globe in 2021. Our commitment to safety is no different in 2022. Our events follow all local Covid-19 regulations and protocols. In the interest of the safety of all our guests, we recommend taking a rapid or PCR test for proof of negative results before attending any gathering. 

We will update attendees should any regulations be updated before this event is held. We look forward to hosting you soon to do what we do best: network, connect, and engage to do more business.