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Speakers and Panels

Master Class in Master Planned Communities

Strategies for Land Acquisition, Development, and More

Carson Nunnelly

Carson Nunnelly

Managing Director

Starwood Land

June Tang

June Tang

VP

Johnson Development Corp.

Harry Dinham

Harry Dinham

CFO

The Signorelli Company

Carter Froelich

Carter Froelich

Managing Principal

Launch Development Finance Advisors

Ziad Kaakouch

Ziad Kaakouch

President

Z&Co., LLC

Omar Izfar
Moderator

Omar Izfar

Attorney

Wilson, Cribbs, & Goren

Harry Dinham

CFO

The Signorelli Company

Harry Dinham serves the company as Chief Financial Officer. In this role, he oversees accounting and finance for the dynamic, multi-faceted development company. With nearly 30 years of combined experience as a senior financial executive and CFO, Dinham has overseen more than $2 billion in real estate transactions and has extensive experience in leading the accounting and finance functions for homebuilding operations, land acquisition, build to rent and property management.

Prior to joining The Signorelli Company, Dinham was vice president of finance at Taylor Morrison Homes, one of the top five single-family homebuilders in the U.S. Previous experience includes serving as vice president of finance at McKinley Homes, chief financial officer of Traton Homes, and as chief consultant at HMBO Consulting, where he led risk management, cash flow, and IOP analyses for privately held companies, equity firms, real estate hedge funds and ultra-high net worth individuals.

Carter Froelich

Managing Principal

Launch Development Finance Advisors

Carter is the Managing Principal of Launch Development Finance Advisors. Prior to the founding of Launch, Carter was the co-founder and Managing Principal of a national real estate consulting firm for 27 years. Preceding this, Carter was a Manager in the real estate consulting department of the national accounting firm of Kenneth Leventhal & Company in both the Phoenix, Arizona, and Newport Beach, California offices. Carter is a Certified Public Accountant in Arizona, California, and Texas, as well as a former State Certified Real Estate Appraiser in Arizona. Carter holds a master’s degree in Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Carter has over forty years of experience in the real estate consulting industry. Carter’s area of specialty is in the formulation and implementation of land-secured financings for large-scale developments and the formulation of development strategies for large-scale master-planned communities.

Carter served as a City of Phoenix’s Camelback Village Planning Committee member. Carter is a full member of the Urban Land Institute, Valley Partnership, and is a member of numerous Building Industry Associations in Arizona, California, Idaho, and Texas. Carter was the author of the 2008 and 2016 National Association of Home Builders’ Impact Fee Handbook.

Communities Catering to Resident Demands

Amenities, Features, Build-to-Rent And More

Uri Man

Uri Man

Principle, UM Development & CEO

The Lagoon Development Company

Peter Barnhart

Peter Barnhart

President & Chief Development Officer

Caldwell Companies

Harry Masterson

Harry Masterson

Managing Principal

EMBER

David Sanders

David Sanders

CEO/President

William David Homes

Vivek Sinha

Vivek Sinha

Partner

Banyan

Todd Blitzer

Todd Blitzer

Founding Principal and Managing Partner

Mirador Group

Gray McCracken
Moderator

Gray McCracken

Senior Project Support Specialist

ProjectIQ

Uri Man

Principle, UM Development & CEO

The Lagoon Development Company

Uri Man is CEO of The Lagoon Development Company, Executive Vice President of Land Tejas, and Uri is the dynamic host of The Uri Man Show, a captivating series that peels back the layers of success for entrepreneurs and real estate moguls. Through insightful interviews with industry leaders, Uri delves into their pivotal decisions and transformative journeys, uncovering the pivotal moments that have shaped their trajectories.

Uri's own narrative is a testament to his prowess in the real estate and business domains. With a career spanning over two decades, developing over 20,000 new apartments, homes and residential lots, Uri has left an indelible mark on the industry. As a visionary real estate developer and entrepreneur, Uri has orchestrated projects across the landscapes of Florida and Texas. His expertise garnered him recognition on major news networks like Fox Business, CNN, CNBC, and NewsNation, where he shared his expert opinions on real estate markets and the broader US economy.

Drawing on his extensive experience, Uri has contributed his leadership to esteemed firms such as The Related Group, Gables Residential, and Ram Development. In these roles, he masterminded the creation of over 3,500 residences, ranging from sprawling single-family communities to chic apartment complexes and retail hubs. His influence even extended to the realm of sports, as he played a pivotal role in developing the Florida Panthers NHL Hockey Team's state-of-the-art training facility.

Uri's ventures extend beyond traditional real estate, as evidenced by his tenure as the CEO of Crystal Lagoons US Corp. Under his leadership, the company's groundbreaking patented technology fused the allure of beachfront living with innovative water-based features. Through strategic collaborations, Uri propelled this technology into the forefront of the US market, partnering with prominent names such as Wynn Resorts and Land Tejas.

Today, Uri Man continues to shape the industry as the CEO of Lagoon Development, a pioneering firm driving the development and ownership of lagoons in Texas and as the Executive Vice President of Land Tejas, the premier developer of master-planned communities in Houston. The Lagoon Development company has 6 lagoons in different phases of Operation, Construction and Planning. The Lagoon Development Company also owns restaurants, festivals, live music venues and the National Sailing Club. Land Tejas is the premier developer of masterplanned communities with 14 projects producing more than 3,000 lots a year. Uri's influence also stretches into the educational arena, where he's shared his insights as a real estate and business instructor at esteemed institutions like FAU and UC Berkeley. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Uri's philanthropic spirit shines through his involvement in charitable endeavors like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, FIDF, and the Miami Dolphins NFL Cancer Challenge.

Uri holds a BBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. His continuous pursuit of excellence, coupled with his passion for innovation and community engagement, cements Uri Man as a trailblazer in both the real estate landscape and the hearts of those he impacts.

Peter Barnhart

President & Chief Development Officer

Caldwell Companies

As the President and Chief Development Officer, Peter Barnhart brings more than 30 years of expertise in the acquisition, development, and sales. His extensive financial, construction, and marketing skills, coupled with a unique combination of experience in both commercial and community development, helps the team create environments that are appealing to live, work, and play.

Within Caldwell Companies, Barnhart plays a lead role in identifying, acquiring, and developing properties across the company’s entire platform. He is highly involved in the acquisition process for all projects.

Peter's broad real estate background includes a six-year tenure with RealtiCorp Commercial Investment Fund in Greenville, SC. Starting as the Director of Sales and Marketing and progressing to Regional Partner, he was part of a team that managed many land development transactions across seven different cities, involving thousands of acres of land. Peter also gained experience with Byzance, Inc. and Plantation Homes.

A Houston native, Peter earned his bachelor's degree in Construction Science and his master's degree in Land and Real Estate Development, both from Texas A&M University. He is an active member of the Urban Land Institute, Texas A&M Real Estate Development Association Professional Advisory Board, and Texas A&M University’s Century Club.

Beyond his professional life, Peter enjoys golfing, fishing, hunting, flying, and various outdoor activities. Residing in Brenham, TX, he and his wife Debra enjoy spending quality time with their daughters, Jordan and Grace

Harry Masterson

Managing Principal

EMBER

A native Houstonian, Harry Masterson is a respected leader in the real estate industry with strong ties

to the local community. With a career dating back to 1994, Harry has built an extensive track record

in real estate, specializing in large land transactions and Quality Planned Developments (QPDs).

As Managing Principal at EMBER, Harry focuses on identifying new business opportunities and

fostering key industry relationships, drawing on his expertise in bringing together the right

stakeholders and developing innovative concepts.

Before founding EMBER, Harry was the principal founder of both the Cernus Group and Concourse

Companies, where he led the successful development of numerous communities throughout the

Houston area. In recognition of his contributions to the industry, the Greater Houston Builders

Association (GHBA) honored him with the "Developer of the Year" award in 2010.Beyond his

professional accomplishments, Harry has dedicated much of his time to leadership roles in various

industry, community, and nonprofit organizations. He served as the GHBA's President of the Board of

Directors in 2013, and has also been a past president of Da Camera of Houston, a committee

member for the Museum of Fine Arts – Houston, and chairman of Scenic Houston's board. He

currently serves on the boards of the West Houston Association and The Orange Show Center for

Visionary Arts.

A licensed real estate broker in Texas, Harry earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of

Texas at Austin in 1989. Outside of his professional life, he and his wife Kathy enjoy spending time at

their farm with their daughter and twin sons.

Vivek Sinha

Partner

Banyan

Vivek Sinha is a Partner at Banyan, a privately held real estate investment firm specializing in upscale retail development across major Texas markets. Vivek leads Banyan's new developments and strategic initiatives, focusing on curating high-end retail destinations within master planned communities (MPCs) across the state. Most recently, prior to Banyan, he was a management consultant at Boston Consulting Group, advising Fortune 500 corporations and retailers on growth strategy and operational excellence.

Todd Blitzer

Founding Principal and Managing Partner

Mirador Group

Todd L. Blitzer is the visionary Founder of Mirador Group, an innovative Architecture and Interior Design

firm established in 1995. A proud alumnus of the University of Texas, Todd earned his Bachelor of

Architecture before honing his skills in Los Angeles, where he gained valuable experience working on a

diverse range of projects. In 1991, he made the strategic move to Houston, Texas, aiming to contribute his

creative and technical expertise to enrich the city’s architectural landscape.

With over 35 years of experience, Todd is licensed in multiple states and has spearheaded architectural

and interior design projects nationwide, including Texas, California, Florida, Ohio, and Illinois. His extensive

portfolio encompasses a diverse range of project types, including luxury condominium buildings, active-

adult living developments, multi-family residences, build-to-rent developments, mixed-use projects,

shopping centers, and restaurants. Notably, his work on the Giorgetti Houston condominium development

earned the prestigious Houston Development of Distinction Award from the Urban Land Institute. He is

particularly known for his expertise in renovating and restoring existing and historic buildings and has been

honored with several Good Brick Awards from the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance.

At the core of Todd's philosophy is a commitment to fostering enduring relationships with clients, helping

them realize and achieve their goals and design objectives. His designs transform environments,

encourage community involvement, and enrich how people interact with their surroundings.

Todd is not just an architect but an active community member. He is currently serving as a commissioner of

the City of Bellaire Building and Standards Commission. His passion for exploration extends beyond

architecture. He is an avid climber and scuba diver and a long-term member of the Cold-Water Dive Team

at Moody Gardens Aquarium

Gray McCracken

Moderator

ProjectIQ

Gray McCracken is a construction management professional with over 20 years of experience, offering a deep understanding of both the owner’s perspective and the development process. A Texas A&M University graduate, Gray has been instrumental in the creation of outpatient catheterization labs across Texas and has managed projects in diverse industries, including healthcare, life sciences, real estate, and municipal infrastructure. With expertise in risk management, policy implementation, and team leadership, Gray has delivered multimillion-dollar projects that align with client goals and exceed expectations. An Eagle Scout and community advocate, he is dedicated to crafting impactful, innovative solutions that drive success

Financing Growth

Investment Strategies and Affordability for Master-Planned Communities

Jimmie Jenkins

Jimmie Jenkins

VP, Master Planned Communities

Toll Brothers

Justine Klinke

Justine Klinke

Texas Region VP and Division President

Forestar Group

Julie Peak

Julie Peak

President

Masterson Advisors

Saud Aziz

Saud Aziz

CEO

Hart Homes

Tripp Davenport

Tripp Davenport

Director, Investment Banking

FMSbonds

Christina Miller
Moderator

Christina Miller

Partner

Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP

Jimmie Jenkins

VP, Master Planned Communities

Toll Brothers

Jimmie Jenkins is Vice President, Master Planned Communities for Toll

Brothers. His duties include strategic planning and development oversight for

Toll Brothers master planned communities. Prior to joining Toll Brothers,

Jimmie served as Senior Vice President of Huffines Communities. Prior to

joining Huffines, Jimmie served as Vice President of Acquisitions for Shea

Homes Active Lifestyle Communities Previously, Jimmie co-founded Newland

Communities and served as President of both its Texas and Arizona divisions,

and later as corporate Senior Vice President of Strategic Acquisitions. Jimmie

holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston Law Center, and a

Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Texas

at Austin. He is licensed by the State Bar of Texas. Jimmie is also a past

president of the Greater Houston Builders Association.

Julie Peak

President

Masterson Advisors

Area of Focus:

Provides municipal advisory services to municipal utility districts, levee improvement districts, water

control and improvement districts. Clients include major master planned communities and other

residential and commercial communities.

Experience

 More than 41 years of experience in the municipal advisory industry

 Formed Masterson Advisors in April 2018

 Joined First Southwest Company (Subsequently Hilltop Securities) in 1996

 Current license held:

o Municipal Advisor Representative, Series 50

Education

 Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, University of Houston, Houston, Texas

Current Affiliations

 Urban Land Institute, Member

 West Houston Association

 Scenic Houston

Past Affiliations

 Annunciation Orthodox School, Board of Trustees

 Master of Land and Property Development Industry Advisory Committee at Texas A&M University

Saud Aziz

CEO

Hart Homes

Saud Aziz is the Chief Executive Officer & Head of Private Capital of Hart Homes, a Houston-based production home building company specializing in innovative residential developments and master-planned communities. With expertise in land acquisition, vertical development, and strategic partnerships, Saud has been at the forefront of delivering exceptional housing solutions that balance affordability and quality. He is passionate about leveraging forward-thinking financing models and streamlined operational processes to create vibrant, sustainable communities. Saud holds a deep commitment to shaping Houston’s housing landscape, providing families with accessible pathways to homeownership, and maintaining close collaborations with investors, municipalities, and public entities to spur economic growth.

Tripp Davenport

Director, Investment Banking

FMSbonds

Mr. Davenport has over 25 years’ experience in public finance covering government issuers in Texas. Over his career, Mr. Davenport has participated in financings totaling over $20 billion in long-term new money and bond refinancing transactions. Mr. Davenport originally served as bond counsel, representing mostly counties, cities and school districts; as well as underwriter's counsel representing national and regional investment banks.

Prior to joining the public finance industry, Mr. Davenport was a legislative assistant to a Member of Congress, and an advisor to multiple Presidential campaigns. He also served as a field attorney for a presidential campaign in 2000 and 2004, in addition to being a campaign manager for multiple successful local candidates in Texas.

In 2004, the Governor of the State of Texas appointed Mr. Davenport to serve as commissioner for the Texas Ethics Commission where he later served as Chairman, the youngest ever to serve at the time. He was reappointed by the Governor to serve a 2nd Term.

In 2005, Davenport became an investment banker with a focus on challenging credits and land-secured financings. Mr. Davenport closed the first four special assessment transactions for residential master planned communities in Texas. Further, Mr. Davenport worked with a group of professionals that successfully revised the PID statute as it relates to Texas’ special assessment law and policies. Mr. Davenport has assisted multiple cities and counties with implementing "PID Policies." Since establishing his current firm’s office in 2015, FMS has been the number one special assessment underwriter in the State of Texas seven years in a row, with an 90% market share over that period.

Mr. Davenport earned his B.A. from the University of Texas at Arlington; and a Doctor of Jurisprudence and M.A. of International Economics from St. Mary’s University as a “Distinguished Graduate.” Most important, Mr. Davenport is married to Sharla Metze Davenport and a proud father of three children: Jack Reagan Davenport (23), Margaret Addison Davenport (21), and Savannah Elizabeth Davenport (18). Mr. Davenport is a registered Municipal Securities Principal and hold Series 53, 7 & 63 licenses.

Christina Miller

Moderator

Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP

Christina’s practice targets the full lifecycle of urban

development, from raw land property acquisition,

negotiation of utility and development agreements,

creation of special purpose districts, and infrastructure

financing through the ongoing governance of a thriving

community.

Christina counsels her clients both in the role of general

counsel and bond counsel. Christina has had the privilege

of representing municipal utility districts, management

districts, water authority, development authority, and tax

increment reinvestment zone clients in Galveston,

Montgomery, Harris, Fort Bend, Waller, Brazoria, and

Chambers counties.

These efforts include projects involving public and private partnerships between developers and

cities and projects involving multiple developers. She has negotiated regional plant agreements,

cost-sharing agreements, economic development agreements, and other agreements

necessary for the responsible development of southeast Texas.

Christina is a graduate of Texas A&M University, received her law degree from the University of

Houston Law Center, and was a member of the Houston Journal of International Law. She is a

member of the State Bar of Texas, the Houston Bar Association, the American Bar Association,

and the National Association of Bond Lawyers.

Why You Should Attend this Houston CRE Event

What You’ll Learn 

  • How do developers approach phasing in large-scale master-planned communities to ensure long-term growth and success?

  • What regulatory hurdles do developers face when building master-planned communities in Houston, and how can these challenges be overcome?

  • How do developers, homebuilders and other stakeholders engage with affordability in master planned communities? 

  • How are demographic shifts, such as aging populations and millennial renters, influencing the development of 55+ and build-to-rent communities?

  • How are public-private partnerships shaping the development of Houston’s most ambitious master-planned communities?

  • What role does land acquisition play in the success of large-scale master-planned communities, and how are developers navigating Houston’s competitive market?

  • How are developers balancing the need for luxury amenities with cost considerations in master-planned communities?

  • What lot sizes, customizations and design trends are resonating with today's consumers? 

  • What role do amenities like wellness centers, outdoor recreation, and community gathering spaces play in attracting residents to build-to-rent and 55+ developments?

  • Some of the most successful master-planned communities are in Houston. What lessons can be learned from these master-planned communities?

  • How do developers determine the right mix of residential, retail and recreational spaces to create vibrant, thriving master-planned communities?

How You'll Do More Business From Attending This Event: As Houston’s master-planned communities continue to grow at an unprecedented rate, developers are seizing opportunities to craft the city’s next premier neighborhoods. With abundant land and a booming market, this event is your gateway to understanding the latest in commercial real estate development. Hear from leading experts on the financial and regulatory strategies that are transforming Houston’s MPC landscape. Explore emerging trends in sustainability, amenities, and community design, and gain a behind-the-scenes look at how developers are delivering innovative, mixed-use developments that cater to the evolving needs of residents. This is your chance to learn how top players are shaping the future of Houston’s master-planned communities.

Who You’ll Meet During Networking: Owners, developers, investors, brokers, city and government officials, business consultants, architects, engineers, lawyers, accountants, bankers, technology companies, and more commercial real estate decision-makers. 

Why You Should Attend: Bisnow events bring together the biggest power players in the industry to identify opportunities, build your network and expand your business. With the largest audience of commercial real estate professionals in the world, no one knows how to help your business more than us. Join Bisnow as we jump into the market to analyze its strengths and strategize on its areas of opportunity. You don't want to miss this event!

Questions about your ticket purchase or interested in sponsoring? Reach out to customerservice@bisnow.com for customer support. 

For questions, recommendations, comments, or press inquiries please email our Texas event producer Ansley Bird at ansley.bird@bisnow.com.

To request disability-related accommodations, please contact ally.ganaway@bisnow.com no later than seven business days prior to the event.

Houston Master-Planned Community News & Projects

Venue

Marriott West Loop Galleria
1750 W Loop S
Houston, TX 77027

Ballroom: Marquis Ballroom

Networking: Diamond Ballroom

Floor: 1st Floor


Valet - $22.00, Self Park - $7.00

Get Directions

Agenda

Time Activity
2:00 PM
2:55 PM
Breakfast and Networking
2:55 PM
3:05 PM
Opening Remarks and Commercials
3:05 PM
3:50 PM
Master Class in Master Planned Communities

Strategies for Land Acquisition, Development, and More

3:50 PM
4:05 PM
Networking Break
4:05 PM
4:50 PM
Financing Growth

Investment Strategies and Affordability for Master-Planned Communities

4:50 PM
5:35 PM
Communities Catering to Resident Demands

Amenities, Features, Build-to-Rent And More

5:35 PM
6:00 PM
Closing Networking

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