Creative Office & The Growth of Tech (as Tenants!)

Zach Wade has over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate investment and project leasing and has led the company in over $500 million of office acquisitions since joining MRP Realty in 2006. During this time, he also played a major role in MRP’s coworking affiliate company, MAKE Offices, where he served as CEO and treasurer until April 2020. Prior to joining MRP, Zach was Director of Acquisitions for the Mid-Atlantic region of NPV/Direct Invest, an operating partner of Lehman Brothers, and was directly responsible for the acquisition of office and warehouse properties valuing over $120 million. While at Trammell Crow Company, Zach leased over two million square feet of office space in Northern Virginia. He is an Executive Committee Member for the Washington Real Estate Group. Zach received a B.A. in Economics and Communications Studies from the University of North Carolina and a Master of Real Estate from Johns Hopkins University.

Tom focuses on asset management, portfolio management, and development activities at Meridian, and has over seven years experience in development, asset management, and office investment. Formerly with JLL, he underwrote and marketed office assets as an associate with the firm’s Chicago-based capital markets group. Before joining JLL, Tom was an associate with Clark Realty Capital, a diversified real estate development, construction, and investment company based in the Washington, DC area. There he was responsible for the design, development, construction, and asset management of Washington DC area assets. Tom is a LEED AP and received his B.A. from Harvard College and his M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Michael Burke is the Director of Business Development for the Washington DC Region at WiredScore. As part of the company’s national expansion, he is leading the effort to grow participation in the Wired Certification program throughout the DC Metro Area. Michael has been actively involved in the commercial office market in Washington for over eight years. Most recently, he managed business development within the commercial office sector for Arlington County's Economic Development office. His specific strength lies in the future of space utilization and emerging trends in commercial real estate. Michael studied for his Masters in Real Estate at Georgetown University and holds a BA in Economics from Villanova University.

With almost 20 years of experience, Mark Ramirez was responsible for the design and project management of numerous multi-million dollar projects including some of the city’s most notable development projects. Mark earned his Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, which included two years of graduate school at the Virginia Tech Center for European Studies and Architecture located in Ticino region of Switzerland. He joined Hickok Cole in 1998 and spent 8 years with the firm, where he managed large-scale mixed-use projects, Class A commercial office buildings, parking structures and medical office buildings. In 2006 he co-founded the Architecture firm Square 134, which specializes in mixed-use, office, multi-family and single-family projects. During this time, Mark also taught at the University Maryland as a Guest Lecturer, where he furthered his passion for digital media, digital fabrication, and all things associated with the future of the design and construction industry. Mark returned to Hickok Cole Architects in July of 2011 as Director of Corporate Office and Associate Principal where he continues to focus on futurist ideas and the changing nature of the office and work environment. Most recently and as Director of the Corporate Office, his group was responsible for the winning entry in the National NAIOP Office of the Future Design competition. Mark is a devoted husband and father of two intelligent, but generally adventurous, children. It is easy to see that the apple does not fall far from the tree.

Christopher Gorthy is a Project Executive supporting the Interiors/Special Services Group for the Mid-Atlantic region and the East Coast Sustainability Manager for DPR Construction, a national general contractor that focuses on highly technical and collaborative projects. Christopher graduated with a Bachelor of Professional Studies (Architecture) from the State University of New York at Buffalo. With fourteen years of experience in preconstruction, estimating, business development and project management, he has developed knowledge of the design and construction industry from multiple perspectives. Combined with his architectural degree Christopher is able to bring project teams together to find sustainable and cost effective solutions for his clients. With extensive expertise in green building, in particular cost benefit and life cycle analysis, Chris has been instrumental in the planning and execution of numerous LEED targeted and certified projects, helping clients realize all their sustainability goals.

Ezra Z. Weinblatt is a Vice President in the Washington, DC office of The Ezra Company. He focuses on tenant representation and advocacy. Ezra has assisted organizations from numerous industry sectors including nonprofits, associations, tech start-ups and creative agencies as well as financial and legal firms. Ezra began his career in real estate after Co-Founding and fundraising for a nonprofit devoted to the procurement of bulletproof vests for unprotected soldiers serving on the front lines. Ezra launched the fund after completing his military service. Ezra brings the same passion from the nonprofit world to advocating for his clients. Clients benefit from Ezra’s expert guidance through the strategic planning and procurement process, analysis and negotiations. This methodical approach results in a concerted effort to align the client’s real estate with their business objectives.

With more than 35 years of leadership experience in commercial real estate, Mitchell Schear ran two of Washington’s most influential real estate companies owning and developing some of the most iconic office and residential projects in DC. Today, Mitchell has turned his focus to “PropTech”, the dynamic intersection of the burgeoning new creative/tech sector and traditional brick and mortar. From 2019 - 2023 Mitchell was an Executive Partner at Camber Creek, effectively combining his passion for PropTech with his wealth of commercial real estate experience. Camber Creek is the longest standing real estate technology venture capital firm with a proven and successful track record of investing in emerging real estate technology market leaders, catalyzing growth for those companies, and achieving outsized returns for its investors. In his role at Camber Creek, Mitchell focused on selecting portfolio companies to invest in, and then cultivating and growing them. He brought investing, operating and leadership experience and expertise across a broad range of real estate verticals, including development, leasing, construction and property management. From 2003 until 2017, Mitchell was President of Vornado/Charles E. Smith, the DC division of Vornado Realty Trust, a $20 billion real estate investment trust. In that role, he directed the strategy, performance and growth of Vornado’s extensive 20+ million square foot portfolio in the Washington DC region. In Arlington, VA, his forward-thinking, placemaking vision transformed Crystal City (now “National Landing”) into a vibrant, creative community that became home to a growing innovation hub and great restaurants/retail concepts. From 2017 – 2020, Mitchell served as a board member for JBG SMITH, a successor company and the largest real estate company in the Washington metropolitan area. Prior to joining Vornado in April 2003, Mitchell spent 15 years at The Kaempfer Company, where, as President, he oversaw all of the company’s development, leasing, and management activities. In 2021, Mitchell was appointed to the Smithsonian Institution’s Board of Regents Facilities Committee where he will work to provide leadership and oversight for the revitalization and maintenance of the vast real estate holdings of Smithsonian. He is also involved in a variety of organizations and charities, including Higher Achievement where he rallied the real estate and business community to raise more than $1 million annually for this organization dedicated to helping at-risk middle-school kids excel and succeed. In 2016, Mitchell was honored by Higher Achievement for his extraordinary leadership and commitment. For many years, Mitchell has been a value-add member of numerous private and public boards, task forces, and advisory committees. In 2015, he was honored by Transwestern as Trendsetter of the Year in recognition of his legacy of innovation, quality and many contributions to the Washington community. In 2007, Mitchell was recognized by the District of Columbia Building Industry Association (DCBIA) with its highest honor, the Achievement Award.

Jonathon's newest project and startup is LifeFuels, a wearable technology company with the goal of optimizing human performance. LifeFuels will officially launch their product this June. Jonathon has teamed up with co-founder Maxim Wheatley as they envision a healthier future in which people live longer, happier, and healthier lives. Inspiration for Fortify Ventures and Distilled Intelligence came from Jonathon’s 18 years as an entrepreneur and angel investor. As a native Washingtonian, Jonathon is a key player in the thriving startup technology ecosystem in our nation’s capital. He is dedicated to and passionate about startupland. Jonathon is a proud graduate of Virginia Tech and alumnus of UUNET.

As Founder and CEO of the hospitality software company Social Tables, Dan has been described as a “relentless and focused entrepreneur” and recognized 40 Under 40 in the meetings industry by Collaborate Magazine and Connect Meetings, Event Innovator by BizBash, and named to Successful Meetings Magazine's "Most Influential" list. Dan's technology career started at a young age, first at a digital agency where he worked with clients such as MTV Networks and Glaxosmithkline and then through his web consultancy. After graduating from New York City's Hunter College in 2004, he became a Special Assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives where he was described as "bright, energetic and hard-working" by the Congressman he served. Parallel to this role, Dan ran a 15,000 member association where he organized 30 special events per year. He got his MBA from Georgetown in 2010, did a short stint as a management consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, and started Social Tables in 2011. Social Tables has raised $10 MM in venture capital (Bessemer, Thayer, 500 Startups, Fortify) and has 3,000 customers, including Hyatt Hotels, The Venetian-Palazzo, Goldman Sachs, Live Nation, Harvard, and The State Department. The company has 65 employees and is headquartered in Washington, DC's Chinatown. The company has won numerous industry awards, including Best Industry Innovation from ISES, an Honorable Mention from EIBTM, and People's Choice Award from Canadian Special Events.

Brittany Heyd is Managing Director and General Counsel at 1776. As part of 1776’s founding team, Brittany has been a critical part of taking the organization from inception of idea to initial execution to scaling into the global brand it is today. She currently leads the incubator, operations, media, events, and Challenge Cup teams, setting direction for the company’s main operational components and driving value for startups around the world. Before 1776, Brittany worked on business community initiatives and outreach at the White House, led event strategy for Startup DC, and held positions at Latham & Watkins, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and Mark IV Capital. Brittany holds a Juris Doctor / Masters of Public Policy from Georgetown University and a Bachelor’s of Arts from the University of San Diego, and is also licensed to practice law in the State of Maryland.

Dominique Taylor is EverFi’s Vice President of Talent Management and is responsible for all things related to attracting and retaining the incredible people that make EverFi an amazing company and special place to work. She focuses her energies and talents on uncovering and cultivating progressive corporate strategies that support the company and the team’s growth. Dominique joined EverFi from the Advisory Board Company where she developed a passion for Workforce Management and for using overly complex, multi-syllabic words to discuss both complicated and mundane subjects. At the Advisory Board Company, Dominique managed client recruiting and retention process improvement efforts, helping hospitals and health systems implement best-in-class workforce management practices. She also worked with the Advisory Board Company’s internal Career Management team where she focused on corporate recruitment initiatives. Prior to the Advisory Board Company, Dominique launched her career as a Strategy Consultant with the Monitor Company in Boston where she honed Excel, Powerpoint and Googling skills that she applies in her professional and personal life. Dominique was drawn to EverFi because of the company’s mission, its people and its proximity to Georgetown University and the Tombs. Dominique graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Technology Management from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business in 2000 and has earned her PHR and SHRM-CP.

Andrew Chang is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Eastern Foundry, where he assists startups around the country tackle the challenges of the federal procurement market. He is a frequent speaker and contributor to publications such as the Federal Times, Federal Technology Weekly and Defense One. He is also an active angel investor in early stage technology companies. Andrew comes from a Intelligence and Cybersecurity background including stints as a Counter-Intelligence Company Commander in the US Army, Lead Intelligence & Cyber Analyst at venture backed cybersecurity firm, Endgame and as a consultant to cyber-analytics firm Novetta. Andrew holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs and Political Science as well as a MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. Andrew currently serves on the Board of Advisors for Sandboxx and ARMR Systems.

Jordan Goldstein, Gensler’s Global Director of Design and a member of the firm’s Board of Director, is an award-winning architect who uses design to help clients unravel complex problems and craft relevant solutions that evolve their businesses and brands. Gensler is widely recognized as the world’s leading collaborative design firm, with 50 locations and more than 5,000 professionals networked across the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. Throughout his 25-plus-year career, Jordan has been involved in further defining the skyline of global cities with projects like Beijing’s twin 725-foot CP Towers and Bangkok’s 60-story Magnolias Ratchadamri Tower. Jordan has also provided design vision and leadership on projects that range in scale from China’s Duke Kunshan University campus to Marriott’s new global headquarters outside of Washington, DC. Jordan’s projects have won numerous national and local awards from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), International Interior Design Association (IIDA), and NAIOP, among others. His work has also appeared in various periodicals, including Architect, Interior Design, Contract, Fortune, US News & World Report, Washington Business Journal, and The Washington Post. In addition to being recognized for his design skills, Jordan has also been honored for his leadership. In 2017, 2015 and 2013, he was included on the Washington Business Journal’s “Power 100” list of the most influential area business leaders and was recognized as one of the top 25 innovators in the Washington, DC area. Jordan is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and the International Interior Design Association. An advocate of helping the next generation of architects prepare for tomorrow, Jordan has taught at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his Master in Architecture, and has been the Kea Professor at the University of Maryland, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture.

Phil Dumas is the president and founder of UniKey Technologies Inc. Mr. Dumas first started developing phone-controlled locks while working on his senior design project in college, which involved an access system for a car door. Fresh out of college, Dumas worked for biometric access control company Sequiam Corp. After working his way up to vice president of product development, Dumas left the company and spent a few years in the private equity field before founding UniKey Technologies Inc. Mr. Dumas took his idea on ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ in 2011 before the smart lock category existed. He was the first entrepreneur ever to get offers from all five sharks, including Mark Cuban and Kevin O’Leary. Mr. Dumas is a graduate from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.

Angela Fox was hired as the first President/CEO of the Crystal City BID in November of 2006. Under her leadership, the Crystal City BID has grown in both size and scope, dramatically changing the way the people see and perceive Crystal City. The Crystal City BID is also become a pioneer in the industry, with many of the programs and methods created by Ms. Fox being adopted by other organizations throughout the region. Prior to working at the Crystal City BID, Ms. Fox served as Executive Director and CEO for Cultural Tourism DC. While at Cultural Tourism, she expanded the capacity, visibility, viability, and reach of the organization in every area from membership and funding, to program delivery. She either initiated and/or delivered creative and innovative marketing programs including three Heritage Trails, WalkingTown Spring/Fall, Warm Up to a Museum, and Culture Cool. Though Ms. Fox now works in the non-profit sector, her background is primarily corporate. She has run her own consulting firm providing business strategy, marketing and executive coaching services to individuals, corporations, and non-profits, including ESPN, Bank of America, Association for Education Development, and more. She was also VP for Product and then Strategic Development at Simplexity, and she began her career in the Executive Development Program at Bell Atlantic (now Verizon). While at Bell Atlantic, she launched Bell Atlantic.net, the company's Internet Access product, and, as CIO for Consumer Services, their first e-commerce application for their consumer base; as well as appearing in two Bell Atlantic commercials and facilitating Diversity Management training throughout the organization. Graduating from Georgia Tech with Highest Honors in electrical engineering, Ms. Fox has honed a deep and meaningful commitment to her community. She currently serves and has on several boards, including the Arena Stage Corporate Board, Synetic Theater (as Chair), Georgia Tech, and the FotoDC Advisory Board. She is a past chair for the Capitol Fringe Festival and the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company's board, which raised more than $9M and built a new theatre during her tenure. She also served on the Arlington Arts Commission. A 29 year, Prius-driving vegetarian, avid traveler, runner, and active yogi, Ms. Fox lives in Arlington and is the proud mom of an amazing middle schooler at Gunston Middle School.