KEYNOTE

The Future of North Texas: Capital, Connectivity and Competitive Growth

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  Mohamed Charkas

  Mohamed Charkas serves as Executive Vice President of Infrastructure & Development for Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. He oversees the Airport Development, Design, Code & Construction, Commercial Development, Energy, Transportation & Asset Management, Controls & Analytics, and Planning departments. His responsibilities include directing all aspects of development at DFW, including master planning, engineering, a multi-billion dollars capital improvement program, airport development construction work, and commercial real estate development. More specifically, Mr. Charkas provides key leadership support to help guide the overall strategic planning of the Airport; the development, acquisition, leasing, and commercial property management of the Airport's property and facilities; and the design and construction of facilities in fulfillment of the Airport Master Plan. As an experienced program delivery professional and engineer with three decades of cross-industry expertise in infrastructure operations and construction management, Mr. Charkas was instrumental in the successful negotiations and execution of a new 20-year Use & Lease Agreement between DFW Airport and American Airlines. The agreement includes $7 billion in pre-approved capital investments, including Terminal F's construction, Terminal C's renovation, and other significant modernization projects that will ensure DFW Airport is ready for the future. His professional career includes roles with DFW Airport, including Sr. Vice President of Airport Development, Vice President of Planning, and Program Director for Design, Code, and Construction. In this capacity, Mr. Charkas led the execution of DFW Airport's first Design-Build project, DPS Headquarters, as well as other significant improvements, including the Integrated Operations Center, Terminal D South Expansion, and the completion of a first-of-its-kind-modularly constructed terminal concourse, the High C Gates Demolition and Reconstruction project. Before joining DFW Airport, Mr. Charkas led in delivering programs with Zayed International Airport Terminal and Hamad International Airport. Mr. Charkas holds an engineering degree, is a certified Project Management Professional, and is a LEED Green Associate.

  DFW International Airport

  Executive VP, Chief Infrastructure & Development

  Keynote

  Mohamed Charkas

  Executive VP, Chief Infrastructure & Development

  DFW International Airport

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  Tim Hudson

  As a Cities Sector and Aviation Leader, Tim brings more than 25 years of experience in the planning, design, and delivery of regional, hub, and international airport terminal projects. He has led project teams at some of the world’s busiest airports, such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport, supporting both airport and airline clients, and brings a unique understanding of how to successfully deliver design solutions in active airport environments. A focus of Tim’s career has been an emphasis on automated passenger processing, including check-in, baggage screening, and passenger screening. He is active in the industry through the Airport Consultants Council and served as a member of the Board. Tim earned his Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University.

  Gensler

  Cities Sector Leader, Aviation Leader

  Keynote

  Tim Hudson

  Cities Sector Leader, Aviation Leader

  Gensler

The 2026 World Cup and DFW

How Hosting the World Will Shape DFW’s Built Environment

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  Monica Paul

  As the Executive Director for the Dallas Sports Commission, Monica Paul plays an essential role in implementing bid strategies and marketing programs that enhance Dallas’ acquisition of sports competitions and events, including solicitation of Olympic, professional, collegiate and amateur sports. Paul also works closely with professional leagues, the NCAA, Olympic National Governing Bodies and amateur sports federations, promoting Dallas as a premier destination for events, conventions and meetings. Paul's efforts proved instrumental in Dallas being named a Host City for FIFA World Cup 26 and securing nine matches during the tournament, more than any other market in 2026. Prior to joining Visit Dallas in 2008, Paul was the Associate Director of Events at USA Volleyball, where she oversaw the international events for the USA Women's and Men's National Teams and served as Director of Competition for the 2007 National Senior Games in Louisville, Kentucky. Before that, Paul served as Director of International and Domestic Events for USA Taekwondo, and Director of Events, Marketing and Sponsorships for the Junior Volleyball Association of Austin. Paul earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education at the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts in Sports Administration from the University of Northern Colorado. She currently serves on the SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors, Cotton Bowl Classic Board of Directors, the Jason Witten’s SCORE Foundation Board of Directors, Women in Sports & Events (WISE) DFW Chapter Advisory Board, and the University of North Texas Sports Entertainment Management Industry Advisory Board. She was selected as the DCEO Non-profit and Corporate Citizenship Award Winner in Leadership Excellence in 2023, DCEO’s Dallas 500 in 2022-2024, Women in Business honoree by Dallas Business Journal in 2020, and in 2015 she was honored as one of Connect Sports’ Top IX Women in the Sport Tourism Industry. Paul taught Contemporary Issues in Sport Management at Southern Methodist University and is also a licensed real estate agent and realtor.

  Dallas Sports Commission

  Executive Director

  Monica Paul

  Executive Director

  Dallas Sports Commission

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  Caroline Mays

  Caroline Mays, AICP, serves as director of Planning and Modal Programs. In this role, she is responsible for the management and control of the Aviation, Maritime, Public Transportation, Rail, and Transportation Planning and Programming divisions. Mays is a recognized regional, state, and national leader experienced in multimodal transportation planning and programming, policy, and project development. Mays joined the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in late 2012 and has held several positions including, Statewide Freight Coordinator, Freight Planning Branch Manager, Director of Freight and International Trade/Border Section, and Director of Freight, Trade and Connectivity. She was responsible for TxDOT’s statewide multimodal freight, international trade, and statewide corridor planning programs and was instrumental in establishing the multimodal freight planning program, developing the first multimodal Freight Mobility Plan, and the Texas-Mexico Border Transportation Master Plan. Previously, she worked for the Atlanta Regional Commission MPO where she created the freight planning program, managed the development of an award-winning Atlanta Regional Freight Mobility Plan, and oversaw the Intelligent Transportation System planning program. She also worked as a transit planner for Rockland County, New York. Mays is a member of the Transportation Research Board, where she contributes to technical and research programs. She has been an active member of standing technical committees including the Committee on Agriculture and Food Transportation as chair, the Freight Systems Group, and the Intermodal Freight Transportation Committee. She has served as chair on three National Cooperative Research Program panels. Mays is the chair of AASHTO’s Special Committee on Freight and represents AASHTO and the United States on the World Road Association’s Freight Committee. Mays is a member of the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Certified Planners. She received her bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Waterloo and a master’s degree in science in planning from the University of Toronto.

  Texas Department of Transportation

  Senior Director of Planning and Modal Programs

  Caroline Mays

  Senior Director of Planning and Modal Programs

  Texas Department of Transportation

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  Jonathan Fascitelli

  Jonathan Fascitelli is the Founder and Chairman of Seregh (Sports and Entertainment Real Estate Global Holdings, pronounced "surge"). Seregh is a groundbreaking platform dedicated to investing in and developing large-scale mixed-use real estate around sports and entertainment venues. With backing from Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Delaware North, LionTree, and 17 professional sports teams across its board and investors, Seregh offers full-scale development capability and permanent capital to create long-term value for sports franchises, fans, and the broader community. Seregh is targeting $100 billion in investment in 30 cities globally over the next decade. Fascitelli is the former CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) Real Estate. He led the Philadelphia 76ers' new $1.5 billion arena development as well as significant projects for the New Jersey Devils. This included rejuvenating the Loew’s Theatre in Jersey City and fostering growth in the vicinity of Newark's Prudential Center. He is deeply committed to enhancing neighborhoods, aiming for positive social change through economic growth and job creation. Having been involved in over $16 billion of investments, Fascitelli brings breadth of capabilities including arena redevelopment and development, public private partnership, public relations, large-scale master planning and mixed-use development, complex financing, and sports team acquisitions. In addition to his role at HBSE, Fascitelli worked closely with HRS Management and BOLT Ventures, the family offices of Josh Harris and David Blitzer. On behalf of HRS Management he was an active board member at Mosaic Development Partners, a Black-owned developer with a strong community focus. He played a lead role in the acquisition of the Washington Commanders. In New York, he oversaw the operations of Central Park's Wollman Rink, partnering with Related and Equinox. He also advised on behalf of Bolt Ventures, Vessel Technologies, a firm that is looking at innovative approaches to affordable housing and works closely with the Cleveland Guardians. Fascitelli is a graduate of Brown University and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

  Seregh

  Founder & Chairman

  Jonathan Fascitelli

  Founder & Chairman

  Seregh

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  Marty Wieder

  Marty Wieder became Executive Director of the Arlington Economic Development Corporation in February 2024. Prior to joining the Arlington EDC, he served as the City of Grand Prairie’s Director of Economic Development for almost 8 years—and also previously worked with the City of Colleyville as Director of Economic Development, GSBS Architects as Director of Marketing, Planning & Project Development, as well as either Director, President or in economic development-related positions with the City of North Richland Hills, the Northeast Tarrant and Arlington Chambers of Commerce and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG). Marty grew up in Arlington—where he observed the work of (and early in his career got the opportunity to work with) longtime Mayor and then-Congressman Tom Vandergriff, who is known for attracting the General Motors Assembly Plant and a Major League Baseball franchise that became the Texas Rangers. Marty attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communication (1983) and later a master’s degree in urban affairs (1988). He taught as an adjunct professor in the Master of Public Administration program at UT Arlington’s College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs from 2021 to 2023. Marty is a member of the International Economic Development Council, Urban Land Institute, and the International Council of Shopping Centers and its Community Advancement Advisory Committee. He’s been a Director on the North Texas Commission (NTC) Board of Directors and is a Class 4 (2012-13) graduate of the NTC’s Leadership North Texas program. He served as the first Board Chairman of the North Central Texas Economic Development District. The Fort Worth Business selected Marty to its “Top 40 under 40” List in 1994. The Texas Career and Technology Council & Vocational-Technical Education Foundation of Texas recognized him and other NRH officials in 1999 as "Best in Texas" for supporting the Birdville ISD. The Northeast Tarrant Chamber granted him Chairman’s Awards in 1994 and 2001 for fostering economic development programs (which the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives recognized in 2001 as “Best in the State”) and its Gertrude Tarpley Director of the Year Award in 2003. UT Arlington selected him to be among the Recognized Alumni of the School of Urban & Public Affairs in 2013 and the Colleyville Area Chamber of Commerce granted him their Leadership Award in 2015. Marty and his wife Bonnie have four children and five grandchildren (with the sixth due in the Summer of 2025).

  Arlington Economic Development Corporation

  Executive Director

  Marty Wieder

  Executive Director

  Arlington Economic Development Corporation

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  Jeff Sittner

  Jeff’s passion lies in the art of reinventing existing sports and entertainment venues to better serve their communities. He envisions architecture as a catalyst for community synergy, helping to bridge economic, social, and cultural divides. For the last 30 years, Jeff has been involved in a variety of projects encompassing adaptive-reuse, stadiums, arenas, entertainment destinations, and everything in between. He brings a thoughtful approach to architecture, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that elevates both the client and designer experience. Jeff has played a key role on many recognizable U.S. projects including Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia and the Columbus Crew Training Facility in Columbus, Ohio and the recently completed Texas Health Mansfield Stadium that is a future base camp for the 2026 FIFA games.

  Perkins&Will

  Associate Principal

  Jeff Sittner

  Associate Principal

  Perkins&Will

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  Zach Sams

  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.

  Kensington Vanguard National Title

  EVP

  Moderator

  Zach Sams

  EVP

  Kensington Vanguard National Title

Why People Choose Places

The Role of Hospitality, Activation and Experience-Driven Development in DFW

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  Taryn Anderson

  Taryn is a Managing Partner at Rebees, bringing passionate leadership and vision to all aspects of our operations. After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1999, Taryn joined the management ranks at Consilient, helping to grow the Dallas-based hospitality company from a single restaurant into a well-known collection of dining brands across several states through tenacious growth and authentic community engagement. After serving in various operational roles, Taryn became Consilient's Vice President of Operations before joining Rebees in 2015, where her ingenuity in scaling hospitality experiences laid the foundation for our approach to transforming spaces into destinations. Besides keeping our dynamic organization running smoothly, Taryn channels her lively energy as a dedicated yogi, an outstanding cook who fosters connection through food, and an inspiring super-mom to Romy and Everly.

  Rebees

  Managing Partner

  Taryn Anderson

  Managing Partner

  Rebees

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  Stephen Cummings

  Born in Manchester, England, Stephen began his career in culinary arts before advancing into hospitality leadership roles worldwide. After honing his skills in Australia and England, he moved to the United States in 1991, holding executive roles at prestigious properties including The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis hotels. Stephen joined Loews Hotels & Co. as Executive Chef at Loews Coronado Bay Resort in 1999, where he held many positions including Director of Food & Beverage, Director of Rooms and Executive Assistant Manager. Stephen continued to climb the ranks as he was promoted to General Manager at the former Loews Don CeSar Hotel and Loews Denver Hotel. He moved to Orlando to become Area Managing Director over Universal’s Endless Summer Surfside Resort, Universal’s Endless Summer Dockside Resort, Universal’s Avenutra Hotel and Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort where he led the opening of Avenutra in 2018 and Dockside in 2020. In 2023, he made his way to the lone star state to assume his current role as Complex Managing Director of Live! by Loews - Arlington and Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center. A dynamic leader recognized as Loews Hotels’ General Manager of the Year in 2014 and 2017, Stephen is passionate about team development, guest experiences, and operational excellence.

  Loews Hotels & Co.

  Complex Managing Director

  Stephen Cummings

  Complex Managing Director

  Loews Hotels & Co.

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  Amy Pratt

  Director

  Dallas Cowboys

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  Richard Stockton

  President & CEO

  Braemar Hotels & Resorts

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  Alejandro Guerrero

  As a Principal and Design Director in Gensler’s Dallas office, Alejandro provides practice area expertise to residential, hotel, office, and mixed-use projects. He has worked on award winning projects across Latin America, Asia, Europe, and North America, and has developed an expertise in developments that integrate buildings and public space. Conceived through a rigorous and highly collaborative process, Alejandro’s work integrates and enhances public space, improves communities, and achieves timeless solutions that are inspired in tradition and driven by contemporary culture. Alejandro is a registered architect in Mexico and a member of the American Institute of Architects, holding a professional license in Texas and New York. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Monterrey Institute of Technology in Monterrey, Mexico, and a Master of Science, Architecture & Urban Design, with Distinction from Columbia University.

  Gensler

  Design Director, Principal

  Alejandro Guerrero

  Design Director, Principal

  Gensler

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  Howard Altshuler

  Howard Altshuler, CPA, brings more than 35 years of experience in accounting, audit and assurance, including more than two decades at a Big Four accounting firm. Howard has served as the lead client service partner to a number of public and private real estate companies ranging in size from $10 million to $13 billion in assets, who invested in all real estate types. Howard also has experience working with construction contractors, homebuilders and land developers, as well as private equity and real estate funds. He worked for four years in Shanghai, PRC, where he was responsible for serving multinational clients from around the world who invested in Chinese real estate.

  Weaver

  Partner, Audit – Financial Services

  Moderator

  Howard Altshuler

  Partner, Audit – Financial Services

  Weaver

What Gets Built Now

The Strategies, Market Forces and Deal-Driven Projects Shaping DFW

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  Nathan Golik

  As President of Ryan’s South Central Region, Nathan provides overall leadership for the company’s development and construction platform across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas. Based in Dallas, he is responsible for setting strategy, guiding teams and ensuring projects deliver exceptional value for clients and communities. His role spans multiple sectors, including office, multifamily, industrial and data centers, reflecting Ryan’s diverse expertise in delivering complex, high-profile projects. With more than 25 years in commercial real estate, Nathan is recognized for his ability to navigate every stage of the development lifecycle, from sourcing and capital structuring to entitlements, design and execution. He has successfully led large-scale projects across the country and is regarded as a trusted leader who brings clarity and discipline to complicated assignments. Clients nd partners value Nathan’s market insight, collaborative approach and consistent results. He is known for building authentic relationships that create long-term value, and his leadership reflects Ryan’s enduring commitment to excellence, stewardship and authentic partnerships with clients and communities.

  Ryan

  President, South Central Region

  Nathan Golik

  President, South Central Region

  Ryan

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  Bill Guthrey

  As a senior vice president at KDC, Bill Guthrey’s primary responsibilities include managing and marketing KDC’s Land Ventures, which offers over 500 acres of prime office, industrial and mixed-use land positions nationwide. He establishes joint ventures with landowners who need master planning and development assistance. While with KDC, Guthrey has developed and leased over 2.5 million square feet of industrial and office space and developed or sold over 2,000 acres. Guthrey joined KDC in 1995 from FGB Realty to develop and market Fort Worth’s CentrePort Business Park, formerly Greater Southwest International Airport/Amon Carter Field. The 1300-acre master-planned business park is home to well-known companies including American Airlines, Bank of America and NBC5/KXAS-TV. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Texas Tech University in Lubbock and a master’s in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas. Guthrey is a licensed broker with the Texas Real Estate Commission and a member of CoreNet Global, the North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors, and the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce. His community endeavors include serving on Builders of Hope’s board. Guthrey and his wife live in Dallas. The couple has three children.

  KDC

  SVP/Land Development

  Bill Guthrey

  SVP/Land Development

  KDC

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  Glenn Silva

  Glenn is the COO of Lone Star PACE in charge of day-to-day operations. Lone Star PACE serves as Program Administrator for city and county Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) programs in Texas. C-PACE provides financing for commercial, industrial and multifamily projects that support economic development and resource conservation in Texas communities. C-PACE is designed to overcome the barrier of significant upfront costs for energy efficiency and water conservation projects by offering attractive financing to commercial property owners. Glenn has more than 35 years’ experience in the commercial real estate industry. He holds the Counselor of Real Estate (CRE) designation and is the current chair of the DFW chapter. Glenn is also an MAI Member of the Appraisal Institute and is a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser in Texas. In addition to his role at Lone Star PACE, Glenn is president and founder of KLM Realty Advisors, where his team has underwritten more than $18.8B in loans for B-Piece investors of Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities. Glenn is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University, where he received a master’s degree in Land Economics and Real Estate and a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics. He and his wife Lori (also an Aggie), reside in Plano and have two daughters.

  Lone Star Pace

  COO

  Glenn Silva

  COO

  Lone Star Pace

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  Scott Lowe

  Scott maximizes Beck’s architectural and design-build services across its U.S. and Mexico offices. He is an entrepreneurial leader who excels in landmark, award-winning projects in the hospitality, retail, office, and residential sectors. With a background as an international design professional, Scott has expertise in acclaimed building projects. Before rejoining Beck in 2024, he was CEO of 5G Studio Collaborative and a principal at a Frisco development firm. Scott has received numerous industry awards and speaks on design trends.

  The Beck Group

  Chief Revenue Officer

  Scott Lowe

  Chief Revenue Officer

  The Beck Group

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  Logan McWhorter

  DFW Civil/Site Market Lead

  Colliers Engineering & Design

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  Lauren Kraemer

  Lauren leads the Tenant Solutions team in Dallas, bringing over a decade of experience at ARCO/Murray. She oversees operational consistency and drives design-build strategy across Texas and nationwide. Lauren began her career with ARCO/Murray as a Project Manager, was promoted to Director of Accounts, and now serves in her current leadership role. Her work has earned multiple recognitions, including ENR’s 2025 Top 20 Under 40, ENR Texas & Southeast Top Young Professional, Dallas Business Journal’s 2024 Women in Business honoree, and recognition as one of the Top Women in Real Estate. She is also a graduate of TREC’s Associate Leadership Council Class of 2022. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys playing sports, traveling, and spending time at the lake with her husband and daughter.

  ARCO/Murray Design Build

  Principal & Partner

  Lauren Kraemer

  Principal & Partner

  ARCO/Murray Design Build

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  Clint Williamson

  Clint serves as Vice President at J Street, a third-party property management firm and multifamily developer based in Dallas-Fort Worth, managing assets nationwide exceeding $1 billion AUM. Clint is involved in all strategic growth initiatives for the company. He attended Texas A&M University and holds a B.A. from the University of Texas at Arlington, and an M.B.A. from the SMU Cox School of Business.

  J Street Companies

  VP

  Moderator

  Clint Williamson

  VP

  J Street Companies

Opening Remarks

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  Michael Stefan

  Michael (Mickey) Stefan, Principal at Glenstar, is a seasoned commercial real estate executive with more than 20 years of experience. As a senior leader at Glenstar, he provides strategic direction and oversees the firm’s national portfolio, partnering closely with capital partners, lenders, leasing, marketing, and property management teams to drive performance and maximize asset value. Before joining Glenstar in 2016, Mickey held a key position at Equity Office as Manager of Corporate Finance and Treasury/Capital Markets, where he was instrumental in shaping and executing capital strategies. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to the closing of more than $13 billion in new debt and refinancing transactions, along with $5 billion in acquisitions and dispositions.

  Glenstar

  Principal

  Michael Stefan

  Principal

  Glenstar