Oz Erickson founded Emerald Fund in 1979 and has been actively developing projects in the Bay Area since that time. Oz identifies new projects and is involved with the entitlements, financing, project design and sales and marketing. Oz has been recognized with many industry honors including the San Francisco Business Times’ Lifetime Achievement Award for Most Admired CEO in 2013. Oz received a BA degree from Harvard University and a MBA from Stanford University

Dave Hopkins joined Sares Regis Group in 2007. With Todd Regonini, Dave provides the strategic direction for Sares Regis and Regis Homes’ development activities, primarily focused on infill residential within the inner Bay Area. Dave is a member of the firm’s Investment Committee.

BayRock Multifamily continues to own and develop outstanding, in-fill apartment and condominium properties. The principals of BayRock have over 30 years of real estate development and investment experience. This history includes the development of over 8,000 apartment homes in six western states. Using this extensive experience, the principals are truly focused on prudent management of costs, while delivering above-average economic results for its customer partners.

Today BayRock is focused on key, infill, 24 hour urban environments in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our Investment Builder/Developer approach includes the long term ownership and management of extraordinary investments in these great neighborhoods. A BayRock home provides distinct advantages. We only invest in superior locations where it will improve the lifestyle of our residents. Our commitment to quality is unwavering. We strive to provide the best amenities and services that will make the community a vibrant place to live and work with award-winning architects to design homes providing flexible designs for maximum livability.

A sixth generation San Franciscan, Mr. Herzog’s 15-year career in real estate development reflects his passion for the Bay Area and its continuous self-renewal. As Division President of Northern California for Quarterra, he oversees all multifamily development throughout the greater Bay Area. Mr. Herzog received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He is a member of the honorary land economics society Lambda Alpha International.

Buddy Williams is a Senior Project Architect and Director of Studio KDA’s multifamily housing studio. His eight-year history at the firm and focus on multifamily housing have been instrumental in addressing the housing crisis through innovative design solutions. As Housing Director, Buddy leads teams to produce award-winning projects in the areas of student housing, mixed-use housing, micro-units, co-housing, Group Living Accommodations (GLAs), market rate apartments and luxury condominiums. He is highly adept at working with cities, community members, neighbors, and local businesses to build consensus and get projects entitled and built efficiently. As a Senior Project Architect, Buddy provides design solutions that are consistently inspired, practical and informed by principles of sustainability. He has a Master of Architecture from University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor of Architecture from Texas A&M University.

Alexander J. Pugh is a Partner in Lubin Olson's Real Estate, Business, Finance and Workouts, and Construction Law Practice Groups. Mr. Pugh represents clients in a wide range of real estate and business transactions, including debt and equity financing, real estate acquisitions and sales, real estate construction and development, commercial and industrial leasing and ground leases, workouts, mortgage loan repurchase transactions, and UCC and mortgage foreclosures. He represents private equity funds, hedge funds, corporate and individual developers and owners of office, multi-family, retail, hotel, industrial, recreational and high end residential real estate, mortgage and mezzanine lenders, and other public and privately-held companies investing in or using real estate. Mr. Pugh also has particular expertise in matters relating to California broker licensing. Before joining Lubin Olson, Mr. Pugh practiced in the real estate and finance group at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in San Francisco. Mr. Pugh lives with his wife, son and daughter in San Francisco. Mr. Pugh was honored by Thompson Reuters as a Northern California Super Lawyer “Rising Star” in 2016 and 2017.

Jason Pu serves as Regional Administrator for HUD Region IX, covering the great states of Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada and the Outer Pacific Islands. President Biden appointed Mr. Pu to the position on December 27, 2021 and Mr. Pu took office on January 3, 2022. Prior to joining HUD, Mr. Pu was a mayor and councilmember for the City of San Gabriel in Los Angeles County and a business attorney with experience in real estate, finance, corporate and venture capital at Cooley LLP in Silicon Valley. He hopes to utilize his business and local government experience in his role as Regional Administrator to inspire all levels of government – federal, state, local and tribal – as well as the public and private sectors to work together in advancing HUD’s Mission and addressing homelessness and housing affordability throughout Region IX. Mr. Pu holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Stanford University and a Juris Doctor degree from the UCLA School of Law.

Smitha Seshadri is Executive Vice President of Development at BRIDGE Housing Corporation and leads the organization’s real estate development activities in Northern California. Smitha brings 20+ years of experience with a strong background in architecture, community development and real estate finance. She has successfully structured several complex multi-family affordable housing developments and is responsible for overseeing the execution of several mixed-use/mixed-income developments for BRIDGE in Northern California, including new construction and acquisition-rehab over the past 5.5 years. Earlier this year, BRIDGE was honored with the “Nonprofit Developer of the Year Award” from the San Francisco Business Times for delivering approximately 1,000 new and rehabbed affordable housing units in the Bay Area over the past 2 years. Her team is currently working on 7 construction projects with a total of 735 affordable housing units and several new construction projects in predevelopment. Prior to BRIDGE, Smitha served as Vice President of Real Estate at Habitat for Humanity, San Francisco and Director of Development for the Santa Clara Housing Authority.

Ms. Seshadri holds an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates.

Candice Testa is the Director of the Multifamily Rental Division at HouseKeys, Inc. Having joined HouseKeys in December 2021, Candice oversees the Below-Market-Rate and Inclusionary Housing rental programs for 13 municipalities in California, totaling over 5,000 rental units. In addition to working with developers, she works closely with city and county partners to ensure program fidelity and compliance through outreach efforts, community education, and program development. With a passion for affordable housing, this role allows Candice to explore supply-side solutions to the housing crisis, creating a road map to encourage developers to increase production in the state.

Before joining HouseKeys, Candice spent five years as head of the Regulatory Compliance department at First Pointe Management Group. During her time at First Pointe, Candice spearheaded multiple new internal procedures and training programs, emphasizing employee enrichment. From 2006 to 2016, Candice was the Regional Manager at Preservation Partners Management Group. In addition to operations responsibilities, within this role, she completed nine tax credit acquisition rehabs, including in-place tenant relocations and initial tax credit certifications.

Having completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics at Mills College, Candice is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) program at Northwestern University, with anticipated graduation in March 2023. A resident of the Sierra Foothills of Northern California, Candice enjoys outdoor adventures, including hiking, skiing, and camping.

Doug Bevier is a Product Manager for Clark Pacific and helps drive the Products department, create the vision for the burgeoning and highly successful Facades division.

Doug is a professional engineer and precast/GFRC envelope specialist. He received his Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Architectural Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He is a registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) since 2016 in California. He is an experienced project manager with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry. He has worked for Clark Pacific in different capacities since starting as a plant laborer in 2006, he became a field erector in 2010 and then joined the project management ranks in 2014, before moving to his current role in 2021.

Doug also manages the Clark Pacific Foundation which is a charity that provides support to the Yolo, Sacramento, Ontario and Adelanto communities.

As the President for CORE Builders, Chrissie Davis oversees all projects currently under construction and works closely with clients in preconstruction. She prides herself in leading the CORE team to provide quality products and services to all clients. Chrissie has helped grow CORE Builders into a company with $100M annual revenue, building projects for third party clients and in-house.

Chrissie Davis has been building in Southern and Northern California since 2000. She has a Civil Engineering Degree from Loyola Marymount University and a Master’s Degree in Construction Engineering Management from Stanford. She started her career working for commercial builders, but found a home in multi-family construction mostly in the South Bay. Chrissie is a LEED AP and has a passion for giving back to the community. She spent a year dedicating herself to community service in AmeriCorps*NCCC stationed in Washington D.C.

Cyrus Sanandaji is the founder and managing principal of Presidio Bay Ventures, a commercial real estate investment and development firm focused on the design, construction and long-term operation of a diverse set of product types for private and public sector tenants across the United States.

Mr. Kirchofer serves as Senior Vice President of Development for AvalonBay, with responsibility for all of the company’s development activity in Northern California. The company is a leading developer, owner, and manager of multifamily and mixed-use developments in the region. Mr. Kirchofer joined the company in 2013.

Prior to joining AvalonBay, Mr. Kirchofer led complex residential and mixed-use projects in the Bay Area for one of the Bay Area’s top nonprofit affordable housing developers, MidPen Housing.

Mr. Kirchofer is a former member of the Executive Committee of the San Francisco Housing Action Coalition, and a member of the SPUR Housing Policy Board. Mr. Kirchofer received a Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University.

Ken Lowney is the Founder and President of Lowney Architecture, a multidisciplinary practice offering architectural, interior, and master planning services. With locations in Oakland and Honolulu, the firm focuses its practice on residential, mixed-use, hospitality and retail projects. In his hometown of Oakland, Ken leads discussions about community development, affordable housing and off-site construction design methods while serving in leadership roles for the Modular Building Institute, SPUR, the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and the Oakland Land Use Committee. Lowney Architecture first made its mark with expertise in urban retail, specifically grocery store design. The firm is now also synonymous with the design and delivery of innovative, prefabricated projects, having designed over 6,000 modular units.

As Chargie’s Vice President of Business Development, David is responsible for driving growth of the company’s EV charging network through the leadership and mentorship of a national sales team. He also oversees long-term partnerships with some of the largest multifamily and commercial real estate developers in the country. David brings nearly 20 years of experience in operations and management. Before joining Chargie, David led business development efforts at PCS Energy, the largest installer of commercial solar systems in Los Angeles. He also served as a founding partner of Nexcut, a leading provider of document destruction and recycling services. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University.

Wong, the Cloud Apartments CEO, is a former engineer for SpaceX and worked on the spacecraft company's launch pads. He hopes to bring the innovative approach at SpaceX to his new company. “We see ourselves as a product company and a technology company,” Wong stated on his LinkedIn page

Jesse is Airbnb’s Global Head of Real Estate. He joined Airbnb from KHP Capital, a real estate private equity firm focused on investments in boutique and independent hotels.

He has deep expertise in sourcing and executing development projects including hotel, timeshare, residential, and fractional assets.

Jesse oversees Airbnb’s strategy to create new supply and growth opportunities through real estate development projects and partnerships.

Prior to real estate, Jesse was pursuing a career in football and briefly played with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Katelen serves as Kingsbarn’s Regional VP for Central California-Inland Empire. Drawing from her extensive legal background, and prior real estate experience, she provides her clients with comprehensive investments through Kingsbarn’s California Offerings and Managed Direct Offerings.

A Central California local, Katelen comes to Kingsbarn with a unique perspective. She started out leading the business development program at an INC. 500 software company, where she helped it more than quadruple in size. Having worked in both a real estate litigation setting and as a realtor, her past clientele vary between small residential individuals and large corporate agricultural/Industrial owners. Her passion and past transactions show a well rounded take on the Central California Market and her familiarity with trust and asset management means she is no stranger to the creative transactions needed in today’s real estate investment scene.

Katelen received her Bachelors in Political Science and Pre-Law Certification with honors from California State University, Fresno. She also holds a Juris Doctor from the San Joaquin College of Law. Apart from her real estate endeavors, she enjoys traveling abroad with her husband, hiking with her three dogs, and throwing down on the potting wheel.

Jason Fudin is the CEO and Co-founder of the hospitality living platform, Placemakr. He is a well-

respected entrepreneur in the industries of real estate, hospitality, travel, and business. Before co-

founding Placemakr, Jason was the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Vornado Realty Trust. At

Vornado, Jason worked on large asset repositioning and developing innovative commercial real estate

concepts for the organization. Over his career at Vornado, Jason has managed commercial real estate

development projects valued at over $2 billion.

Fueled by a desire for disruption, Jason co-founded Placemakr, an innovative, venture-backed, tech-

enabled real estate company. Here Jason has emerged as a pioneer in the urban, high-rise real estate

space, raising over $350M in capital to develop his vision of a flexible real estate model, one that blends

multifamily and hospitality use into one property.  Throughout his career, Jason has become a voice for

change in the real estate sector, often turning to his vision of the future in institutional real estate

development and investment, proptech, alternative lodging, homes, and hospitality space.

A Principal at AC Martin, Inc., Gilbert brings nearly 30 years of experience working on a rich array of project types, including civic, higher education, and multi-family. His award-winning multi-family experience ranges from 60-unit housing for homeless veterans to 2400 units distributed over more than 40 acres, as well as luxury urban high-rises. In addition, he has worked closely with community groups and stakeholders to ensure that the needs and expectations of the larger community are heard and addressed throughout all phases of projects. Gilbert is known for bringing simple, effective solutions to complex projects while building strong relationships.

Alan E. Dones is a licensed contractor, a long-time entrepreneur, an outspoken advocate of equal opportunity in employment and contracting, and an accomplished musician/producer.

Dones is principal of ADCo, LLC and managing partner and co-founder of SUDA, LLC, a firm specializing in large-scale, innovative, public agency projects and mixed-use development. SUDA has completed several landmark projects in Oakland, CA and is currently pioneering international development projects in Africa.

In 1988, Alan Dones co-founded and served as CEO of Rondeau Bay Construction, Inc. (RBC), an engineering and construction firm based in Oakland, CA. Under his leadership, RBC grew to include offices in five major US cities and completed over $70 million of construction projects.

Alan is active in a number of local and national organizations. He has worked with agencies throughout the United States to revise and enhance their small business and W/MBE policies. Currently, he is a member of the City of Oakland’s Workforce Investment Board; member of the Alameda County Health Care Foundation; and member the East Bay Conversion and Reinvestment Commission. Formerly, Dones served as president of the Northern California Chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors; vice-chairman of the Oakland City Charter Review Committee; board member of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce; delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business; and member of the Legislative Committee for the Engineering and Utility Contractor’s Association.

As a member of the Military Conversion and Reinvestment Commission, Mr. Dones was instrumental in promoting legislation and drafting revisions to the language of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) that enhanced the ability of Women and Minority owned firms to compete for DOD and conversion related contracts.

Mr. Dones has authored several articles on minority business issues in local and National publications. He has co-authored a measure on the 1996 ballot in Oakland, California to amend Oakland’s City Charter mandating Affirmative Action programs, combating disparities in City employment and contracting. This initiative had national significance in that it is one of the first voter responses to counter the impact of the controversial anti-affirmative action California Civil Right Initiative (CCRI).

Alan Dones is executive producer and co-founder of Strategic Media Alliance, LLC (SMI) ― an international production company based in Oakland, CA.

His musical credits are many. Alan co-authored the 1981 hit single, “Be Yourself” with world-renowned bassist, Nathan East. The song appeared on singer Debra Laws’ first solo album, “Very Special” and rose to the top-ten mark on Billboard’s R&B charts [listen]. In 1981, Dones co-authored, “Go For It”, performed by Bill Summers & Summers’ Heat and featured on their classic Jam the Box album.

Alan has produced, written and performed with many of the Bay Area’s top artists, including Rodney Franklin, Ray Obeido, Larry Batiste, Jennifer Johns, Hannibal Means, Patricia Banks, Harvey Scales, David Daniel, and The Nemonics. He performed for more than a year in the award-winning and highly acclaimed San Francisco musical review, “Soul, Style & Sass.”

Regina has spent her entire career working towards housing and economic justice through affordable housing and community development. She has most recently served as Director of Housing Development at First Community Housing, a leading San José-based affordable housing developer. Originally from Richmond, Regina has called San José home for many years after a significant stint working on housing and community development issues on the East Coast.

Previous to joining FCH, Mrs. Celestin was a member of the National Development Council’s East Team providing housing and economic development consulting services to several East Coast municipalities and leading NDC’s green initiatives. She has also worked at the National Housing Trust, structuring the financing for and overseeing the rehabilitation of affordable housing properties while employing green construction features. Regina received her Master of City Planning degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelors in Urban Studies from Stanford University.

As Director of Real Estate Development, Dixie compiles and presents comprehensive deal analysis packages, and underwrites and assesses risk associated with acquisition opportunities for Eden’s Executive Team and selected review committees. Additionally, she participates in high level project structuring and strategic planning, including business plan development and implementation strategies for the Real Estate Development Department. Projects may include new construction, acquisition and rehabilitation, portfolio syndication and joint ventures with other developers.

Dixie joined Eden Housing in 2018, bringing nearly 30 years of real estate industry experience in affordable and market-rate multifamily management, development, compliance, asset management and financing. She has participated in the development process of more than sixty transactions across the states of California, Hawaii, Arizona, Missouri, Texas, Illinois and Florida totaling approximately $2B in total development costs.

Dixie Baus has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and numerous professional affiliations including SV@Home and their Coalition of Housers (COHO) Working Group, the Sacramento Housing Alliance Affordable Housing Committee, and East Bay Housing Organizations (EBHO) Oakland committee member. Previously she was an Affordable Housing Representative for both the City of Gilroy General Plan Advisory Committee and the City of Santa Clara General Plan Steering Committee.

With a PhD from the University of California at Berkeley and over 25 years of professional experience in construction and environmental engineering, Sigrida brings a broad perspective as well as keen insight into the process of sustainable urban redevelopment in California.

Over the course of her career she has focused on managing and supporting technically complex remediation projects, ranging from properties slated for residential or commercial redevelopment to the re-use of large-scale former military bases.

Sigrida’s experience further encompasses the design of gas/vapor mitigation systems for new or existing structures built on closed landfills or brownfield sites, along with system performance and indoor air quality monitoring.

Daria is the founder and principal of Walker Realty Capital. As a premier mortgage broker focused in the San Francisco and Los Angeles commercial real estate markets, she has established a reputation for professionalism, dedication, and leadership.

Since 2013, Daria has been involved in the origination of over a half-billion dollars in debt transactions, and has worked for major firms, including Umpqua Bank, NAI, and Marcus & Millichap Capital Corporation. The vast network of lenders she has built over the years, coupled with a history of successfully navigating the often complex and arduous deal process, ensures the highest level of support and service to every client.

Over the years, Daria has broadened her focus from stabilized assets to include value-add strategies, construction projects, and complicated real estate-based SBA financing for startups. Additionally, she has substantial relationships across all lending platforms, including those from investment banks, CMBS lenders, community banks, credit unions, private equity firms, insurance companies, private money lenders, and various funds. With strategic partnerships, Daria is also able to source equity on select projects.

Daria holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and a Master of Science in financial analysis and investment management from Saint Mary’s College of California. When she isn’t closing deals, you can often find her hosting events and recruiting members for The Women of Real Estate (WRE), an exclusive networking group for young female executives in commercial real estate. On weekends, Daria enjoys golfing with fellow members of the LPGA Amateurs, classical music concerts, and reading non-fiction.

Mr. Witte is Chairman and CEO of Related California, one of the largest developers of urban

and multifamily housing in the state, overseeing both the affordable and market rate

divisions. For the past 33 years, and since the founding of Related California, he has been

responsible for the strategic direction of the company, overall management of the firm,

pursuit of new development opportunities and oversight of planning, financing and

construction of a development portfolio of over 18,000 residential units completed or under

construction totaling more than $8.3 billion in assets, and over 5,200 affordable and 7,600

market rate units in pre-development.

Prior to founding Related California in 1989, Mr. Witte served as Deputy Mayor for Housing

and Neighborhoods under Mayor Art Agnos where he oversaw all housing, development and

redevelopment activities for the City of San Francisco. He was Director of Housing and

Economic Development under Mayor Dianne Feinstein and served as an appointed

Commissioner of the San Francisco Housing Authority.

Mr. Witte previously served as Executive Assistant to Assistant Secretary for

Housing/Federal Housing Commissioner Lawrence B. Simons at HUD in Washington, as

Legislative Director for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials and

with the Philadelphia Office of Housing and Community Development.

Mr. Witte graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in Urban

Studies and a Master in City Planning. He is Chairman of the Lusk Center for Real Estate

Advisory Board at University of Southern California and was a nine year member of the

Board of Overseers of the Graduate School of Design at University of Pennsylvania. Mr.

Witte serves on the Advisory Boards of the Fisher Center for Real Estate and Urban

Economics Policy at the Haas School of Business at University of California at Berkeley and

the Orange County Human Relations Community Partners. In addition, Mr. Witte sits on the

board of the Shelter Partnership in Los Angeles.

Mark Kroll is co-founder and Managing Director of Sares Regis Group of Northern California, LLC, and Regis Homes Bay Area, LLC. Together with Rob Wagner, Mark is responsible for the executive management of all operating divisions in Northern California and is a member of the firm’s Investment Committee.

Hamid grew up in the construction industry by learning the trade in his family’s real estate development business and has pursued a technology-oriented education and professional life in the past 20 years. Prior to founding Zebel in 2019, Hamid led the preconstruction data analytics at Western National Group, a large multifamily development/construction/property management firm, based in Southern California. He now works with large multifamily developers and GC's, such as Irvine Company, Ryan Companies, and Legacy Partners, who share their historical construction cost data anonymously through Zebel, the "Switzerland of Construction Cost Data".

Hamid received a Master of Business Administration from Wharton School of University of Pennsylvania, earned a Master of Science in Construction Management and an Engineer degree in Construction Information Technology both from University of Southern California.