Why Arizona?

Uncovering the unique advantages that make this state a prime market

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  Ryan Norris

  Ryan Norris serves as a Vice President in Trammell Crow Company’s Phoenix Business Unit. In his role, he is responsible for sourcing and executing new development and investment opportunities in the Greater Phoenix marketplace. Ryan applies more than 10 years of experience developing and acquiring over 3 million square feet of product in the market to his pursuit and execution of new and existing projects. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Trammell Crow Company – Phoenix, AZ – 2013 to Present Senior Vice President, Development and Investment Services US Airways – Phoenix, AZ – 2012 to 2013 Senior Revenue Analyst Alaska Airlines – Seattle, WA – 2010 to 2012 Yield Analyst PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) Arizona State University SDC Young Professionals Group EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS Gonzaga University, Bachelor of Science, Economics and Finance

  Trammell Crow Company

  SVP

  Ryan Norris

  SVP

  Trammell Crow Company

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  Leo Divinsky

  Mr. Divinsky joined Stockdale Capital Partners in 2019. He is responsible for asset management with an emphasis on commercial office and mixed-use developments, new acquisitions and existing assets throughout major West Coast markets. Mr. Divinsky joined Stockdale after nearly 25 years in development and asset management with Worthe Real Estate Group in Santa Monica, California, well-known for owning and managing institutional-grade high profile media and technology focused assets. Mr. Divinsky is a former Chairman of the Board of BOMA - Greater Los Angeles and has served on the Boards of BOMA-CAL, the Burbank Chamber of Commerce and the Red Cross Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness. Currently, Mr. Divinsky serves as a Board Member of the Downtown San Diego Partnership, the Horton Plaza Theatres Foundation, the Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate and member of the Biocom Facilities Committee. He holds a dual Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California in Business Administration and Real Estate Development along with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Cal State University Northridge.

  Stockdale Capital Partners

  Managing Director, Asset Management

  Leo Divinsky

  Managing Director, Asset Management

  Stockdale Capital Partners

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  Josh Tracy

  With his nuanced knowledge of the region and encompassing skill set, Josh provides valuable, highly strategic leadership as Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development. He is charged with pursuing local and national development opportunities, leading the pursuit of potential development sites and projects, developing and maintaining effective marketing and sales strategies, building client and brokerage relationships, and identifying and controlling potential project sites. Josh also collaborates with capital markets to sell completed and stabilized projects, and collaborates with other leaders to secure regional projects and lead all sales activity and client negotiations for those projects. A former entrepreneur with 15 years of small business and development experience, he understands the owner’s perspective and is adept at finding solutions that meet the needs of multiple stakeholders. Josh finds it rewarding to work with a diverse team of experts throughout the development and construction process and has built a reputation for his tenacious attention to detail and thoughtful planning and execution.

  Ryan Companies

  SVP

  Josh Tracy

  SVP

  Ryan Companies

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  Brian Cassidy

  Brian Cassidy, AIA is the President of CCBG Architects, Inc. with studios in downtown Phoenix and San Diego. He has been involved in many adaptive reuse, and mixed-use high-density housing projects in greater Phoenix, including more than 12,000 new apartment units. This work includes a diverse body of warehouse renovations that are breathing new life into our city. Brian passionately advocates to build Phoenix into a world class city in which to live, work, worship and play. He is a graduate of Arizona State University, and is the Chair of the Phoenix Warehouse District Council, which promotes and brands the District in concert with a series of creative volunteers and businesses.

  CCBG Architects

  President

  Brian Cassidy

  President

  CCBG Architects

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  David Mettler

  David Mettler was born and raised in Michigan and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit. His lifelong interest in the arts and ongoing technical journey has framed his extensive 3D VDC (Virtual Design Construction) background of combining the “art” of design, construction, and the “art” of fabrication into today’s construction technology frame. During the last 18 years, David has been on the forefront of applying his BIM (Building Information Modeling) expertise throughout the pre-construction and construction processes as the manager of Comfort Systems Southwest MPE Division and the manager of VDC at Hayden Building Corporation. In 2017, he joined Renaissance Construction and is the Director of Pre-Construction. At Renaissance, David has been an integral part of incorporating various technologies leveraging 3D design data to applying construction driven data using the latest Power BI dashboards. His groundbreaking work has helped company team leaders better understand complicated projects including Ball Corporation’s can manufacturing facility in Goodyear and Red Bull’s first manufacturing facility outside of Austria in Glendale.

  Renaissance Construction

  Director of Pre-Construction

  David Mettler

  Director of Pre-Construction

  Renaissance Construction

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  Tonya Lively

  As Vice President of Escrow & Sales Operations at Commonwealth Land Title National Commercial Services, Tonya Lively utilizes her 20 plus years of Escrow experience to provide the best in class closing services to clients in Arizona and across the country. Her leadership has resulted in increased market share through providing education and data-based knowledge to both her escrow and sales staff but also to her clients.

  Commonwealth Land Title

  VP

  Moderator

  Tonya Lively

  VP

  Commonwealth Land Title

Greater Phoenix-Area Developments

Highlighting the latest and most significant beyond just Phoenix

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  Bob Micera

  Bob leads Silver Creek Development’s industrial development and construction program. He also spearheads efforts to expand the firm’s platform by identifying new capital and debt sources as well as joint venture development partners.

  Silver Creek Development

  Director

  Bob Micera

  Director

  Silver Creek Development

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  Thomas Maynard

  Thomas Maynard, the GPEC Senior Vice President of Business Development, has been with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council since August 2013. Thomas co-manages the Business Development team and oversees GPEC’s international business attraction efforts. Over the years, Thomas has worked with hundreds of companies evaluating Greater Phoenix, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to startups. Thomas is currently serving as an Honorary Commander, a unique program that pairs community members with leaders from Luke AFB. He also serves on NAIOP’s Developing Leader Steering Committee. Thomas was named to the 2020 list of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers and was recognized a 40 under 40 Economic Developers Class of 2021. Thomas is an Arizona native, grew up in Tucson and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in journalism with a focus in public relations. He lives in Phoenix with his wife Mo and French Bulldog, Hugo.

  Greater Phoenix Economic Council

  SVP

  Thomas Maynard

  SVP

  Greater Phoenix Economic Council

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  Brad Miner

  Senior Managing Director, Capital Markets

  JLL

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  Mike Krentz

  Mike leverages over 30 years of well-rounded architectural and design experience to his role of President of DAVIS. He is responsible for the leadership of a multi-dimensional architectural practice that is passionately committed to enriching the human experience. Mike’s varied background allows him to provide both guidance and mentorship to staff, young and experienced alike, in a wide variety of design milieus. Mike’s responsibilities range from writing and negotiating complex performance contracts to promoting an unparalleled standard of excellence in the design of all of DAVIS’s architectural endeavors, from small tenant improvements to large master planned communities. Having been a part of the evolution of DAVIS since 1987 and having served in leadership roles in Phoenix, California and Austin, Texas offices, Mike has always believed that seeing the ‘big-picture’ in development and architecture is critical in the genesis of every good project design. And under the guidance of a seasoned team, excellence happens in the perfect storm that includes attention to the big picture, attention to detail, and intense consideration of the Client’s needs.

  DAVIS

  President

  Mike Krentz

  President

  DAVIS

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  April Morris

  April Morris is the Vice President of Hotwire Communications’ Southwest Region, covering Arizona and Nevada. With more than 15 years in the telecom industry, she brings extensive expertise in residential and multifamily properties. April is well-versed in managing business development and account management teams, having managed a multi-billion-dollar portfolio across three million homes. April develops and implements strategic sales visions to increase market penetration and drive sales initiatives throughout the region. She also supports her team of Business Development Executives through education and motivation, fostering a passion for promoting Hotwire’s services. Her efforts not only impact the Southwest Region but also contribute to company-wide initiatives through local leadership.

  Hotwire Communications

  VP, Southwest

  April Morris

  VP, Southwest

  Hotwire Communications

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  Cade Rowley

  President

  Sundt Construction

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  Rusty Kennedy

  Rusty Kennedy is the Managing Director and Leader of Stream’s Phoenix Industrial division. Rusty is responsible for leading the strategic direction of Stream’s industrial business in the Phoenix market, including overseeing operations, business development, recruiting, and the execution of industrial transactions, including project leasing, tenant representation, acquisitions, dispositions, and development services. Before joining Stream, Rusty served as an Executive Vice President at CBRE in Phoenix where he has specialized in industrial landlord and tenant representation across the Phoenix market for over 15 years. His ability to engineer and implement integrated real estate solutions to solve the unique needs of real estate owners, businesses, and corporations has established him as one of Arizona’s most respected industrial brokers. Rusty served as the Chairman of NAIOP’s Arizona Chapter in 2022, was a Member of the Super Bowl LVII Host Committee in 2023, is a Board Member of the AZ Sports & Tourism Authority and is a Member of the Phoenix Thunderbirds. A native of Phoenix, Rusty entered commercial real estate after two years competing as a professional golfer on the Gateway and Canadian Tours. Rusty and his wife, Alyson, live in Phoenix with their four children.

  Stream Realty

  Managing Director

  Moderator

  Rusty Kennedy

  Managing Director

  Stream Realty

Asset Class Performances

Exploring the performance and trends of different commercial real estate asset classes

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  Danny Swancey

  Danny is involved in all aspects of ViaWest Group with primary emphasis on company strategy, culture, deal-sourcing, and operational performance, as well as, cultivating strategic relationships. Danny co-chairs the company’s investment committee and serves on the senior management committee. He has over 18 years’ experience working in senior management positions for both public and private real estate investment companies. Prior to joining ViaWest in 2011, Danny served as Vice President for two publicly-traded REITs: Parkway Properties and Pacific Office Properties. Danny has been involved with the acquisition/disposition, repositioning, and management of over $2 billion of commercial real estate transactions. As a former military officer, Danny also brings a wealth of operational and leadership experience. While in the Army, he served throughout Europe and the Americas for five years, achieving the rank of Captain. Danny is a graduate of The United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. He subsequently received an MBA from Yale University. Danny serves on the board for NAIOP (AZ Chapter) and REIAC (Southwest), is a former Board Chairman for NAIOP AZ, and actively participates in numerous civic and charity endeavors. He is also a past recipient of the Phoenix Business Journal’s Forty-Under-40 (Class of 2015). Danny resides in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife Danielle and three children.

  ViaWest Group

  Partner

  Danny Swancey

  Partner

  ViaWest Group

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  Kimberly Choukalas

  BIOAs Senior Vice President of Leasing for Macerich, Kimberly Choukalas is instrumental in setting leasing and merchandising strategies for the Arizona region and other dominant assets in the portfolio. Ms. Choukalas establishes and manages the leasing strategy for eight Arizona properties, including Scottsdale Fashion Square, Chandler Fashion Center and Kierland Commons, as well as properties in Missouri and Texas. She builds strategic relationships with several key retailers throughout the portfolio, in addition to executing deals. Ms. Choukalas has extensive experience in ground-up leasing and redevelopment leasing of key regional shopping centers, including the 2018 development of the luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square and its 2023 redevelopment. In addition, she directs redevelopment leasing at Chandler Fashion Center and South Plains Mall and has led ground-up merchandising and leasing for Twenty Ninth Street in Colorado and Chandler Fashion Center and SanTan Village, both in Arizona. Ms. Choukalas holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Arizona State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. She has served as a faculty member for ICSC’s John T. Riordan Schools for Retail Real Estate Professionals and as an ICSC panelist, teacher and presenter supporting professional growth in the retail real estate industry.

  Macerich

  Senior Vice President, Leasing

  Kimberly Choukalas

  Senior Vice President, Leasing

  Macerich

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  Gretchen Cobb

  With a passion for numbers and strict attention to details, Gretchen began her career in public accounting as a CPA specializing in corporate taxes. This comprehensive experience prepared her well for her position at Royal Oaks in 1998. As an accountant, she served the residents of Royal Oaks as the Assistant Controller, Controller and Chief Financial Officer and continues to be a resource for the organization’s financial needs. Her outgoing personality and unwillingness to stay stagnant, though, led her to attain a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix in 2009. She completed additional coursework to obtain a certified emphasis in Health Care Management which strengthened her business acumen to prepare her to play a critical role in a growing industry that hinges on forward thinking and effective leadership. She represented Royal Oaks well during her education, as she attained the honor of valedictory speaker and spoke in front of nearly 10,000 at the Arizona Cardinal Stadium. This accomplishment resulted in a promotion to Chief Operating Officer, where her dual expertise provides value to the company through a better understanding of how complex operations affect money. During her tenure as COO, she also leads the charge for land acquisitions, business acquisitions and spearheads growth opportunities for the organization.

  Royal Oaks

  COO

  Gretchen Cobb

  COO

  Royal Oaks

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  Dan Brusnahan

  As Director of Senior Living, Dan provides leadership to further the firm’s reputation, relationships, experience, and expertise in the area of senior living communities and worship communities. While participating in establishing a vision and direction for projects, Dan builds consensus with and inspires team members to optimize performance through a positive and innovative approach to the firm’s projects. As an industry leader, Dan has presented at several senior living and religious conferences such as Arizona ALFA, LeadingAge, and the National Association of Home Builders.

  Todd & Associates

  Principal

  Dan Brusnahan

  Principal

  Todd & Associates

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  Diego Ahumada

  Diego is a Tax Manager in the CLA Phoenix office. He has been with the firm since 2014. His primary focus areas are partnership taxation and working with Real Estate Developers and Private Equity clients to build and retain capital by implementing tax saving strategies. Areas of experience include tiered partnerships, closely held business entities, S-corporations, C-corporations and high-net worth individuals. Diego has a BSBA in Accounting and BA in Italian Language and Literature from the University of Arizona. Diego is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants, and NAIOP AZ-Commercial Real Estate Development Association.

  CLA

  Tax Manager

  Moderator

  Diego Ahumada

  Tax Manager

  CLA