CRE + The Macro Picture

In today’s challenging financing and regulatory climate, explore how evolving policies and economic forces shape the path to successfully closing projects

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  John DiVall

  John DiVall is Panattoni Development Company’s Partner for the Phoenix market. As a partner, John will be responsible for all aspects of development of industrial, office, and retail projects, as well as the supervision of staff personnel within the region. In addition, he will oversee all phases of real estate development of commercial real estate projects. Prior to joining Panattoni, John served as the principal and regional head of acquisitions and leasing for Exeter Property Group after a 20 year tenure with Liberty Property Trust. Other positions include Senior Vice President for Liberty Property Trust and Senior Vice President of real estate development for Ryan Companies US, Inc. John has more than 30 years of experience in commercial real estate, as well as more than $2 billion in commercial transactions. John has served on NAIOP’s corporate board of directors, as an Arizona NAIOP board member, on the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), and on the Arizona Chamber of Industry and Commerce. He was named Developer of the Year in 2014 and 2016 by the Arizona NAIOP.

  Panattoni Development Company

  Partner

  John DiVall

  Partner

  Panattoni Development Company

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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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  Adam Finkel

  Adam Finkel joined Marcus & Millichap Capital Corporation (MMCC) in July 2025 as Senior Managing Director of the Phoenix office. Mr. Finkel is responsible for securing commercial debt and equity financing for an array of property types including multifamily, office and industrial, retail, senior housing, and hospitality. He is well connected with national, regional, and local funding sources including, but not limited to, agency lenders (e.g., Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac), commercial banks, CMBS lenders, life insurance companies, private and public funds, and hard money lenders. He specializes in capital advisory for transitional and stabilized commercial real estate assets and brings a deep understanding of structured finance, private capital, and institutional funding sources. Prior to joining MMCC, Mr. Finkel served as Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Tower Capital, a Scottsdale-based capital advisory firm he launched in 2015. Under his leadership, the firm built a regional presence, adding offices in Denver, Los Angeles, and Dallas. The company originated more than $3.5 billion in debt and equity across asset classes and was consistently ranked among the fastest-growing private companies by Inc. 5000. Before founding Tower Capital, Mr. Finkel was a Vice President at Johnson Capital, where he arranged over $360 million in bridge and permanent financing for property owners nationwide. He also held leadership roles at Travers Realty Corporation, including serving as Designated Broker and Managing Director of the firm’s Phoenix office, and began his career at Levrose Real Estate, where he negotiated more than 300 commercial transactions. Mr. Finkel is a graduate of Arizona State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Communication. He holds a real estate broker’s license in Arizona and is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). He is actively involved with Urban Land Institute (ULI), National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), and the Arizona State University Real Estate Counsel. Additionally, he has supported various philanthropic efforts through organizations such as Brokers for Kids, C4 Foundation, Teen Lifeline, Jewish National Fund and Child Crisis Arizona. Mr. Finkel is also deeply engaged in the Jewish community, serving as a member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet for the Jewish Federations of North America.

  Marcus & Millichap

  Senior Managing Director

  Adam Finkel

  Senior Managing Director

  Marcus & Millichap

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  Allyson Calvert

  Current Responsibilities Allyson leads the Project and Development Services (PDS) team in Arizona. With over 25 years of industry experience, Allyson has successfully contributed to a wide range of projects including law firms, medical office buildings (MOB), call centers and corporate headquarters. She has represented both Occupier and Institutional clients, bringing a well-rounded perspective to each project. Allyson specialized skills include: Project Management, Construction Management, General Advisory, Cost Management, Capital Planning, Project Monitoring, and Program Management. Previous Experience Prior to joining JLL, Allyson served as a Senior Director and Player/Coach at CBRE. She provided Occupier clients with a comprehensive range of services, including pre- lease advisory, strategic planning, program management, design and construction oversight and move coordination. Allyson was responsible for developing and maintaining broker and client relationships, while also leading a team of seven professionals.

  JLL

  SVP

  Allyson Calvert

  SVP

  JLL

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  Matt Leivian

  Commercial Real Estate Relationship Manager with 20 years of experience in real estate loan originations, structuring, credit review/analysis, and other related loan production and portfolio management operations. Expertise and focus are primarily on large-scale commercial real estate transactions on various types of commercial real estate, including multifamily, industrial, office, retail, hospitality and homebuilding.

  National Bank of Arizona

  Senior Vice President

  Matt Leivian

  Senior Vice President

  National Bank of Arizona

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  Drew Murray

  Drew is a CPA and trusted advisor with more than 12 years of experience providing accounting, outsourced CFO services, tax and consulting services to real estae industry owners, operators, developers and family offices. Drew has a track record of knowing and helping his clients to achieve desired results, both from a overall business efficiency perspective and capital retention due to effective tax planning strategies. Drew also consults with high net worth individuals, large family groups, and owners of closely-held businesses on all aspects of tax planning, estate planning, and retirement planning. His real estate technical experience focuses on opportunities related too: 1031 Exchanges - Delayed, Reverse and Construction/Improvement Tiered Partnership Structuring and waterfall calculations

  CLA

  Managing Principal of Office

  Moderator

  Drew Murray

  Managing Principal of Office

  CLA

Next-Gen Industries Driving Arizona’s Economy

From Aviation to Advanced Manufacturing: How Emerging Sectors and Infrastructure Are Positioning the Valley as a National Innovation Hub

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  Wil Hogue

  Managing Partner

  ARID Partners

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  Alex Boles

  As Managing Director Alex leads the Development Team in all efforts in the Phoenix market. His responsibilities include sourcing investments, due diligence, acquisition, and creation and execution of development business plans. Alex oversees all points in the development process from initial concept and site selection through construction and, ultimately disposition. During his time at ViaWest he has developed over 4 MM square feet of industrial product, one retail build-to-suit, and played a key role in +/- 1.5M SF of value-add office and industrial projects. In addition, he has a background in multifamily and single-family residential projects with 12+ years of real estate investment, development, and construction management experience. He earned a B.A. in Business Administration with an emphasis in economics from Middle Tennessee State University as well as a Masters of Real Estate Development from Arizona State University (graduated Beta Gamma Sigma). He is involved with NAIOP and ULI. Originally from Nashville, TN, he now resides in Phoenix, AZ with his wife Ellen and two sons (Brooks and Lucas).

  ViaWest

  Managing Director

  Alex Boles

  Managing Director

  ViaWest

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  Jeffrey Maas

  Jeffrey Maas is a Studio Director and Regional Practice Area Leader for Critical Facilities at Gensler Phoenix. With over 30 years of experience, Jeffrey combines a deep passion for technical design with a people-first approach to leadership. His expertise spans advanced technology facilities, data centers, and workplace projects. Recent notable work includes the ASM Headquarters, Comarch Data Center, and XNRGY’s first U.S. Headquarters and Manufacturing Facility. A committed industry advocate, Jeffrey remains actively involved with the local 7x24 Exchange. Outside of work, he enjoys camping, hiking, and playing beach volleyball.

  Gensler

  Project Director

  Jeffrey Maas

  Project Director

  Gensler

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  Kirk McClure

  Kirk McClure is an accomplished and results-driven leader with more than 25 years of experience in business development, client relations, and operations across the construction and commercial development industries. He currently leads Client Solutions for JE Dunn Construction’s Southwest Division, where he partners with local operations teams and national vertical markets to cultivate and strengthen relationships that drive growth and align with JE Dunn’s strategic goals. Recognized for his strategic mindset, high energy, and collaborative leadership style, Kirk has built his career on integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to relationships. He is known for transforming opportunities into successful projects through vision, teamwork, and a results-oriented approach. A strong believer in JE Dunn’s maxim of “Building Authentic Partnerships,” Kirk exemplifies professionalism, authenticity, and purpose in every interaction. Before joining JE Dunn, Kirk served as Vice President of Business Expansion for the Arizona Commerce Authority and as Director of Business Development for two major construction firms, where he played key roles in regional growth and strategic client engagement. A proud Arizona State University alumnus, Kirk holds both his undergraduate degree and MBA from ASU. He serves on the Board of Directors for the ASU Alumni Association and the Fighter Country Foundation Board, and is an active member of the Fiesta Bowl Committee, where he earned his Yellow Jacket and was recognized as Outstanding Member of the Year (2018–2019). Kirk has also served as an Honorary Commander for the 310th Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base and previously held board positions with Arizona Association for Economic Development, the Maricopa Community College District Foundation, and CoreNet Global. Dedicated to giving back, Kirk channels his passion for service and community impact through The Stadium Classic, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit golf tournament he founded, held annually immediately following the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, benefiting local and national charitable organizations. Last year’s beneficiary was the Michael Phelps Foundation. He also leads JE Dunn’s annual charity golf tournament, which has raised close to half a million dollars over the past four years in support of many local charities around the valley.

  JE Dunn Construction

  Vice President

  Kirk McClure

  Vice President

  JE Dunn Construction

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  Shane Doherty

  Shane Doherty’s entrepreneurial spirit and customer centric approach are excellent complements to his role as Vice President, Commercial National Accounts. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Shane facilitates and oversees transactions while cultivating and fostering intentional relationships with local, regional and national brokers, lenders, principals, developers, attorneys, and other industry stakeholders. As part of the National Commercial Services division, his talents are backed equally by an expert team of title, escrow, and due diligence professionals on a local and national level. Shane seamlessly transitioned to the commercial title arena after a 23+ year career in hospitality, commercial & tribal gaming enterprises, customized distribution & supply chain, and procurement services industries. Shane’s clients have willingly admitted that he is a charismatic leader and brings a high level of change management expertise that help organizations be better and more efficient. He possesses an outstanding ability to develop meaningful connections with people: to build report, ask insightful questions, understand how best to help, and follow through. Shane’s peers will flat out tell you he is useful, intentional, and authentic. Shane grew up in Palos Verdes Estates, CA and attended the University of Arizona (Bear Down!). He moved to Phoenix in 2004, where he resides in North Central Phoenix with his wife Shawnee of 25 years and son, Rhett (17). Outside of the office, Shane enjoys watching Rhett play football at Sunnyslope HS and lacrosse, travelling, golfing, hiking, “Front Yard Fridays”, home improvement, and chairing, advocating and cure seeking for pediatric brain cancer research through the Hope Through Hollis Foundation, created in honor and remembrance of his son Hollis.

  Commonwealth Title

  VP

  Moderator

  Shane Doherty

  VP

  Commonwealth Title

Developing the Desert’s Identity

Discover how teams are blending design, culture, and placemaking to create standout projects rooted in Phoenix’s character

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  Tim Brislin

  Tim serves as President of Harvard Investments. He joined Harvard Investments in 2007, overseeing new acquisitions including project identification, funding, negotiations, legal, entitlement and closings. As President, Tim actively leads the team in navigating the future of Harvard Investments while overseeing acquisitions, development pre-construction and construction, and ongoing growth responsibilities. Tim got his start in real estate in his hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Upon relocating to Arizona, he worked at Grubb & Ellis, a national brokerage firm, and later became the director of acquisitions, covering the southwest market area for the active adult division of Meritage Homes. A long-time member of Valley Partnership, Tim serves on the the Board of Directors. He is a full member of the Urban Land Institute, serving on a Community Development Council, serves on the 2023 Executive Leadership Team for the West Valley Heart Walk, is a member of Pinal Partnership, the National Association of Home Builders, and the Arizona Chapter of the Villanova Alumni Association. Tim is involved with the Luke Air Force Base Honorary Commanders Program, a civic volunteer organization supporting the base while engaging airmen in the local community. When not working, Tim enjoys time with wife Annie, coaching his kids’ sports teams and running marathons.

  Harvard Investments

  President

  Tim Brislin

  President

  Harvard Investments

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  Jeffrey LaPour

  Jeffrey S. LaPour is founder and President of LaPour Partners, a commercial real estate and hospitality development firm, active in the western US. Over the past 25 years, he has led development ventures as a principal on over 7M SF of office, industrial, and hospitality space. The firm has a specific focus, and successful history on complicated transactions. LaPour began his career at Hilton Hotels, followed by a tenure in commercial brokerage before launching the development firm. Mr. LaPour studied Liberal Arts at the University of Nebraska, serves on the Board of Directors of NAIOP Southern Nevada and is a member of Urban Land Institute (ULI).

  LaPour Partners

  Founder & President

  Jeffrey LaPour

  Founder & President

  LaPour Partners

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  Betty Guardado

  Betty Guardado grew up in south central Los Angeles. Her father worked as a butcher until Betty was 11 years old, when he had an accident that left him disabled. At that time, Betty's mother went to work cleaning houses and Betty took care of the household – cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her two younger brothers. While working as a housekeeper at the Century Plaza Hotel, Betty became involved in the hospitality workers union. After much success as a union organizer for hotel workers in Los Angeles, Betty moved to Arizona in 2007. As the director of organizing in Phoenix, Betty has conducted campaigns and negotiated contracts for thousands of hotel and food-service workers around Maricopa County. She also helped to lead successful independent voter turnout campaigns to elect several Phoenix City Council members, developing young leaders, and empowering working-class families. In 2018, Betty decided to run for Phoenix City Council. In May of 2019, she won her election by 25 percentage points, sweeping every precinct in the District. Today, Betty represents Phoenix District 5, one of the most diverse districts in the city. She is working to raise living conditions in those neighborhoods, while helping to bring responsible economic development to all of Phoenix. Betty is the chair of the Community and Cultural Investment Subcommittee and serves on the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Planning Subcommittee. She has previously served as a member of the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee, the Land Use and Livability Subcommittee, the Transportation, Infrastructure and Innovation Subcommittee and Co-Chaired the Latino Cultural Arts Center Ad Hoc Committee. Betty also served as Vice Mayor of Phoenix from November 2019 to January 2021. She and her husband have lived in the Maryvale neighborhood for twelve years – where they raise their two children.

  City of Phoenix

  Councilwoman, District 5

  Betty Guardado

  Councilwoman, District 5

  City of Phoenix

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  Vicente Ruiz

  Vicente (Vince) Ruiz serves as Development Manager within Trammell Crow Company’s Phoenix Business Unit. In this role, Vince oversees all aspects of commercial property design, due diligence, municipal approvals, and construction. Specific responsibilities include working with internal and external clients in selecting, managing, and contracting with design and construction teams together with third-party consultants, developing construction cost estimates for project budgets, and administrating projects from site selection through preconstruction, construction completion and closeout, and tenant improvement activity during lease-up. Vince brings more than 17 years of experience in civil engineering design and construction to the TCC team. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Trammell Crow Company – Phoenix, Arizona – 2019 to Present • Development Manager David Evans and Associates – Phoenix, AZ – 2013 to 2019 • Civil Engineering Project Manager, P.E. Wood Patel and Associates – Phoenix, AZ – 2012 to 2013 • Civil Engineering Designer, E.I.T. Durrant Group, Inc. – Phoenix, AZ – 2008 to 2012 • Civil Engineering Designer, E.I.T. Brooks Engineers and Surveyors, Inc. - Phoenix, AZ - 2006-2008 • CAD Designer, E.I.T. PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) Trammell Crow Company Community Impact Initiative CBRE HOLA, Phoenix Chapter Leader CBRE DEI Steering Committee Wildcat Dad’s Club EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS Florida State University, Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering LEED Green Associate

  Trammell Crow Company

  Sr. Development Manager

  Vicente Ruiz

  Sr. Development Manager

  Trammell Crow Company

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  Benjamin Ayers

  Benjamin Ayers, AIA, NCARB is an award-winning architect with more than 22 years of experience leading civic, cultural, workplace, healthcare, and education projects. His work has received over 30 design awards including three National AIA Design Awards. Known for his process-driven design approach, he excels at integrating innovation, sustainability, and client vision to deliver transformative projects that enrich communities. A leader in both practice and community, he currently serves as Chair of the City of Mesa’s Planning and Zoning Advisory Board and has held multiple leadership roles with the American Institute of Architects. Beyond practice, he has taught design studios at Arizona State University and participated as a juror and lecturer nationally, shaping the next generation of architects. He is committed to building lasting partnerships, advancing design excellence, and contributing to the growth of vibrant, resilient communities.

  Mancini

  Principal

  Benjamin Ayers

  Principal

  Mancini

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  David Bohn

  With more than 24 years of experience as a civil engineer, real estate developer, and entrepreneur, David has built a distinguished career shaping communities and delivering transformative projects across multiple sectors. His career reflects a rare blend of technical expertise, visionary leadership, and entrepreneurial drive—qualities that have established him as a trusted leader in both development and business innovation. Trained as a civil engineer, David began his career with a strong foundation in design, infrastructure, entitlements, and project management. His technical background instilled a meticulous approach to planning and execution, ensuring that every project is not only structurally sound but also optimized for long-term value and sustainability. Over the years, he leveraged that engineering discipline into broader leadership roles, overseeing complex projects that required coordination between architects, municipalities, investors, and contractors. His experience was not only local to the Phoenix market, but included several markets throughout the country as well as international. Over the course of his career, David has built a reputation for integrity, perseverance, and results. He has navigated multiple real estate cycles, adapting strategies to changing market conditions while maintaining a forward-thinking outlook. Colleagues and partners value his ability to distill complex technical and financial details into actionable insights, making him a reliable decision-maker in high-stakes environments. Recognizing the intersection between engineering and opportunity, David transitioned into real estate development. From high-density residential subdivisions and land development ventures to mixed-use development projects, he has consistently demonstrated the ability to identify undervalued opportunities and turn them into thriving assets. His projects are known not only for their economic returns but also for their thoughtful integration into surrounding communities, respecting both environmental and social context. Beyond the numbers, David is passionate about mentorship and legacy. He believes that real estate is not just about buildings or returns, but about shaping communities and creating spaces where people can thrive. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, education, and long-term impact. He has worked with many including mentorships with Arizona State University Senior Capstone projects to share his experiences and consistently offers his time to those wanting to leverage his experience.

  Matrix

  Director

  Moderator

  David Bohn

  Director

  Matrix