Keynote

Fort Worth in Focus; Growth, Progress And Momentum

• 

  Robert Allen

  Robert Allen is President & CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (Fort Worth EDP), a premier economic development organization committed to positioning Fort Worth as the most vibrant and sustainable city in the United States. In this role, he leads organizational strategy, drives financial and operational performance, and provides strategic board engagement in support of business attraction and job growth for the Fort Worth region. Robert joined the Fort Worth EDP at the organization’s formation in 2023, and he has already been directly involved in several game-changing economic development projects in Fort Worth including: the $70 million investment from Embraer in new facilities at Alliance, the creation of a new, 51-acre UTA-West Campus in Fort Worth, and the more than $600 million Bell project that will help build the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft in Fort Worth. Prior to being named President & CEO, Robert served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, and most recently served as President and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC). During his six years leading TxEDC, Robert spearheaded initiatives that advanced the organization’s mission to market Texas as the best state for business, including major international business missions to Japan, India, and Europe. His organization’s efforts have helped catapult Texas to a record-breaking number of Governor’s Cups as awarded by Site Selection Magazine. Robert is involved civically in the community and currently serves on the boards of Visit Fort Worth and The Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth. A fifth-generation Texan, Robert earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin. He and his wife, Rachel, have two children.

  Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership

  President & CEO

  Robert Allen

  President & CEO

  Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership

The Future of Tarrant County

Industries, Innovation And Investment

• 

  Worth Wray

  Worth Wray is a macro/geopolitical analyst, investor, and strategic advisor to private technology companies he believes can forge new pillars of American power. Known for his interdisciplinary analysis of macroeconomic trends and geopolitical risks, Worth’s work reflects a commitment to navigating complex global challenges while fostering economic resilience, unlocking new frontiers (particularly in outer space & cyber space), & advancing the cause of human liberty through technological progress. Currently, Worth serves as a thinking partner to macro and venture investor Mark Hart, a board observer at Misapplied Sciences (the world’s first “parallel reality” display company), and an advisory board member at Phantom Space Corporation (a small rocket, satellite, and space services company). Previously, Worth held a variety of investment and publishing roles, including Partner & Macro Analyst at Corriente Advisors (2016-2023), Chief Economist at STA Wealth Management (2016) and Evergreen GaveKal (2015-2016), Chief Strategist to investment writer John Mauldin and guest writer at Mauldin Economics (2013-2015), and Portfolio Strategist at Salient Partners, where he primarily worked on a $5+ billion fund of funds based on the large university endowment model (2009-2013). Worth earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University in 2008 and now lives with his family on the rapidly developing prairie west of Fort Worth, Texas. He is an avid reader, stargazer, & theme park enthusiast, & is currently writing a book on the promise of extending human civilizations into space.

  Macro/Geopolitical Analyst And Investor

  Strategic Advisor to Private Technology Companies

  Worth Wray

  Strategic Advisor to Private Technology Companies

  Macro/Geopolitical Analyst And Investor

• 

  Jennifer Cowley

  Jennifer Cowley is the first female president of The University of Texas at Arlington and the 10th overall. She is also a professor of public affairs and planning in the College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs. Dr. Cowley is an advocate for public higher education and passionate about UTA’s role in developing the Dallas-Fort Worth economy, society, and culture by preparing the next generation of talent. Cowley has dedicated her career to public service through leadership roles at national research universities, where she championed student success, engaged communities, created strategic collaborations, and advanced innovation. Before joining UT Arlington in 2022, she served as the provost and vice president for academic affairs for five years at the University of North Texas (UNT) and 16 years at Ohio State University in a variety of capacities, including vice provost for capital planning and regional campuses, associate dean of the College of Engineering, head of city and regional planning, and a professor. Prior to entering academia, Cowley worked in city government in Amarillo and College Station. She earned a Ph.D. in urban and regional science, master’s degree in urban planning, and bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas A&M University and master’s degrees in interdisciplinary studies and public administration from UNT. She is a fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners and a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administrators. An Arlington native, Cowley and her husband, Jon, have a son, Nathan, who is in college.

  University of Texas Arlington

  President

  Jennifer Cowley

  President

  University of Texas Arlington

• 

  Robert Ahdieh

  Bobby Ahdieh has served as dean of Texas A&M School of Law since 2018, in addition to more recent appointments as Texas A&M University’s Vice President for Professional Schools & Programs and the Chief Operating Officer of the new Texas A&M–Fort Worth innovation campus. A graduate of Princeton University and Yale Law School, he clerked for the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco before serving as a Trial Attorney at the US Department of Justice in Washington. While still a student, Bobby published a book on the constitutional transformation of post-Soviet Russia, entitled "Russia's Constitutional Revolution—Legal Consciousness and the Transition to Democracy." His scholarship on corporate law and financial regulation has been published in many of the top journals in the country. Prior to joining Texas A&M, he was on the faculty and served as Associate Dean and later Vice Dean at Emory Law School in Atlanta.

  Texas A&M University - Fort Worth

  COO

  Robert Ahdieh

  COO

  Texas A&M University - Fort Worth

• 

  Dr. Pam Anglin

  Pamela Anglin became the Chief Financial Officer at Tarrant County College in January 2024. She is a Certified Public Accountant that has spent her career in higher education. She has been a community college president, a Chief Financial Officer and accounting faculty. She began her career at TCU as Assistant Controller before moving to the community college. She has chaired the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Community College Formula Funding Advisory Committee, served on the Board of the American Association of Community Colleges, the Board of Trustees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and served on the Coordinating Board’s Advisory Committee for Community College Finance to implement the new funding model based on performance outcomes approved by the Legislature in 2023. She has focused on student success, workforce training and economic development throughout her career. Education: Ed.D. Baylor University MBA Texas Christian University BBA Texas A&M University

  Tarrant County College (TCC)

  CFO

  Dr. Pam Anglin

  CFO

  Tarrant County College (TCC)

• 

  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

Lifestyle And Local Identity

Creating Culture and Community through Mixed-Use And Retail

• 

  Darin Turner

  Darin Turner is President of Goldenrod Capital Advisors and has over 20 years of institutional investment experience involving each segment of the real estate capital markets including public, private, debt, and equity. In his prior role as Chief Investment Officer of Invesco Real Estate, he provided strategic planning and execution for the $90 billion real estate asset manager which encompassed over 550 employees globally across 21 offices. Additionally, he was directly responsible for the management of approximately $20 billion in real estate assets including the entirety of the investment process and client relationships. His experience has spanned almost all property types, in multiple regions, comprised of both direct asset and entity level investments. He has also been an active undergraduate and graduate lecturer in portfolio theory and capital markets for schools such as Southern Methodist University and Georgetown University.

  Goldenrod Capital Advisors

  President

  Darin Turner

  President

  Goldenrod Capital Advisors

• 

  Amber Calhoun

  As M2G’s Vice President of Leasing, Amber Calhoun leads the leasing department, focusing on prospecting, tours, drafting proposals, and lease negotiations. Amber works directly with both tenants and brokers to ensure the deal gets done in a timely manner. During her almost decade long tenure in commercial real estate as a broker, Amber is most passionate about creating a customized and unique experience for her clients. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Marketing from Texas Wesleyan University then joined Transwestern’s Retail Team in 2015 which sparked her career in hospitality and retail brokerage focusing on urban mixed-use projects and emerging concepts in the market. She has a passion for assisting clients in creating a strategic growth plan for success. Amber lives in Fort Worth, TX where she enjoys everything outdoors. Whether that be on a lake or a mountain with her chocolate Labrador named Bear.

  M2G

  VP of Mixed Use Leasing

  Amber Calhoun

  VP of Mixed Use Leasing

  M2G

• 

  Moody Younger

  Moody Younger serves as co-managing partner for Younger Partners where he is responsible for the overall performance of the company. In 2012, Moody and Kathy Permenter co-founded Younger Partners, which has grown from its original partners into a full-service commercial real estate firm providing investment, leasing and management services to clients in North Texas. Younger Partners currently employs over 100 professionals. Moody’s experience spans more than three decades in senior management positions with Grubb & Ellis, CBRE, Trammell Crow Company, JLL and Transwestern Commercial Services. He has completed over 1,400 leases representing more than 8.1 million square feet. Moody holds an MBA from Southern Methodist University, a bachelor’s from Texas Tech University and a Texas Real Estate Broker license. He is also active in many professional organizations including TREC, ULI, NTCAR and ICSC.

  Younger Partners

  Partner

  Moody Younger

  Partner

  Younger Partners

• 

  John Carruth

  John has been an indispensable member of the MAA team since graduating in 2004. His contributions as a designer, director, and leader have been instrumental in developing and advancing MAA's architecture, interior architecture, marketing, and graphic finesse since its inception. John remains actively involved in the local architecture community, and his nomination and completion of the Emerging Leaders program at the Dallas chapter of the AIA are a testament to his expertise and leadership in the field. John's work is not limited to his own designs. He also provides a positive learning experience for other team members and clients through each daily process. He is responsible for keeping the firm at the forefront of 3-D and visualization technology and sharing his knowledge and skills with colleagues and clients. John's design and project contributions span the globe, including the United States, Nigeria, and China. His experience includes corporate architecture and interiors, multi-family and single-family residential, retail, mixed-use, and hospitality. Recently, John spent time in China collaborating with other designers in architecture, 3-D imagery, and master planning. His portfolio includes several master plans and architectural designs, including projects in Niamey, Niger, and Abuja, as well as Dallas, Texas. John's experience, client interaction, design skills, and overall understanding have placed him at the forefront of MAA's design progression, determination, collaboration, and vision for the future. He continues to think at all scales and in all areas, inside and outside the box. John's goal is to provide all MAA's clients with the experience of seeing the vision before it becomes a reality.

  Merriman Anderson Architects

  Principal & Director of Design

  John Carruth

  Principal & Director of Design

  Merriman Anderson Architects

• 

  Ryan Goins

  With more than a decade of experience representing owners and investors in complex business transactions, Ryan Goins focuses his practice on the acquisition, development, financing, operation, and disposition of commercial real estate properties. Ryan’s practice encompasses a wide range of high value real estate transactions, including restructuring and distressed asset proceedings. In addition, he served as in-house counsel for a privately held energy and investment company, where he concentrated on realizing the owner and end-user’s vision in mixed-use real estate development matters. Representative Experience Acquisitions and Dispositions: Represents owners and investors in acquisition and disposition transactions, with extensive experience in multifamily, retail, manufactured housing, single family rental portfolio, self-storage, and industrial assets. Real Estate Development: Represents developers and investors throughout the life cycle of mixed-use, multifamily, and industrial properties. Finance: Represents borrowers in mortgage and mezzanine finance transactions, including construction and construction-to-permanent loans. Leasing and Asset Management: Represents landlords in the management and leasing of office, industrial, and retail properties. Distressed Assets: Represents purchasers in the preparation for and implementation of distressed real estate and energy asset acquisitions.

  Winstead PC

  Shareholder

  Moderator

  Ryan Goins

  Shareholder

  Winstead PC

Growth Hubs And Hidden Gems

Unpacking Impactful-Growth And Transformation in Tarrant County’s Fastest-Growing Cities

• 

  John Keeling

  Valencia Hotel Collection specializes in the development and operation of full-service, independent, and soft-branded boutique hotels. In addition to management, the company provides development, branding and repositioning services. Mr. Keeling and the Valencia development team are developing hotel projects in Arlington, TX; Tucson, AZ; Tyler, TX; and Pensacola, FL. Existing properties are in Austin, College Station, Irving, Lubbock & San Antonio, TX, and San Jose, CA. John Keeling is primarily responsible for sourcing and vetting both hotel acquisitions and hotel development projects for Valencia Hotel Collection. Mr. Keeling participates in the management of Valencia Hotel Collection. During his 30+ years of hotel management, consulting, appraisal, brokerage, and development, he has provided hotel development consulting services and managed a diverse assortment of projects including hotel market studies, highest and best use studies and project financing. Prior to joining Valencia he was a Shareholder with PKF Consulting, Partner with Laventhol & Horwath, and Manager with Marriott International. He earned his undergraduate BA from UCLA and MBA in Hotel Administration with Michigan State University. Mr. Keeling has lectured at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston and both lectures on hotel design and serves on the student project review panel at the Rice University School of Architecture. He serves on the Real Estate & Development Advisory Council for The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University. His current memberships include: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (retired member) The Appraisal Institute (MAI) The Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) (Past Chairman of the Houston Chapter) Forensic Expert Witness Association Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston (Past Chairman and current member of the Board of Directors) The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University, Real Estate & Development Advisory Council

  Valencia Hotel Collection

  EVP

  John Keeling

  EVP

  Valencia Hotel Collection

• 

  Monica Luera

  Monica Luera joined Trademark in June 2010 and currently serves as Vice President – Development, bringing over 18 years of experience in commercial real estate development, due diligence, and project management. Throughout her career, she has led a wide range of development activities, including entitlements, public-private partnerships, incentive negotiations, and full project execution. Known for building strong, collaborative relationships with owners, municipalities, and partners, Monica has played a key role in advancing Trademark projects across multiple markets. Her project portfolio includes the $70 million redevelopment of Victory Park in Dallas, TX, where she managed $16 million in city incentives, as well as leading predevelopment and entitlement efforts for several of Trademark’s projects. These include regional mall, mixed- use, and retail developments in Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Austin, Houston, and North Texas. Currently, Monica is leading the redevelopment of Lincoln Square in Arlington, TX, while also supporting a range of active pursuits in key growth markets across the country. Beyond her core responsibilities, Monica is actively engaged in both community and industry leadership. She serves on the boards of the Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth (RECGFW) and Goodwill North Central Texas, and holds the role of Foundation Champion Director for the CREW Network Foundation. Monica is also an active member of Innovating Commerce Serving Communities (ICSC) and the Fort Worth chapter of CREW Network, where she is a Past President and continues to contribute through ongoing committee involvement. Her accolades include the CREW Fort Worth 2020 Susan A. Halsey Excellence in Leadership Award, RECGFW 2018 Outstanding Young Leader of the Year, and CREW Fort Worth 2014 Member of the Year. Monica holds a B.A. in History from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a graduate of the 2019 CREW Network Leadership Certificate Program, focused on leadership development, industry training, and mentorship. In June 2022, she also completed the CRE Analyst FastTrack Program.

  Trademark Property Company

  VP, Development

  Monica Luera

  VP, Development

  Trademark Property Company

• 

  Kelsi Robinson Couture

  Texas native Kelsi Robinson Couture approaches every real estate transaction with enthusiasm and integrity. She is attentive to her clients’ needs and is dedicated to making their experiences both positive and successful. Kelsi prides herself on her listening skills, personalized service and attention to detail. In her role as Realtor and Chief of Staff for Zang | Adams Real Estate, Kelsi exceeds her clients’ expectations by connecting them with the perfect new home or selling their existing property. She is passionate about her work and thrives in the exciting and fast-paced world of real estate. Kelsi is actively engaged in the Dallas-Fort Worth community through a variety of non-profits. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas Tech University and is a member of the Texas Tech Alumni Association. In her free time, she enjoys playing and watching sports, reading and spending time with her family. Kelsi and her husband, Kyle, reside in Arlington with their 7-year old son Kolton, 5-year old daughter Karter and dog, Murphy

  Zang Adams Real Estate

  Realtor, Chief of Staff

  Kelsi Robinson Couture

  Realtor, Chief of Staff

  Zang Adams Real Estate

• 

  Seth Carpenter

  SVP, Development

  Republic Property Group

• 

  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

• 

  Howard Altshuler

  Howard brings more than 30 years of experience in accounting, audit and assurance, including more than two decades at a Big Four accounting firm. He 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. Howard has experience with all major real estate classes, including office, multifamily, industrial, retail and hotels. Howard also has worked with property managers, land developers and construction companies. In addition to real estate operators and developers, Howard also has extensive experience working with funds, including real estate and other private equity funds, as well as with portfolio companies. He has assisted clients with fund formation, structuring, ongoing accounting and reporting. Howard has assisted clients with strategic operating and financial decisions regarding company formation, market analysis, tax structuring and planning, accounting systems, financing, investor relations, compliance and financial reporting. He has extensive experience working with REITs, partnerships and LLCs. He has also advised companies regarding SEC accounting and reporting standards, business combinations, valuation, consolidation, stock compensation, leasing and sales, internal controls, compliance and corporate governance. Howard also has international experience, having worked for four years in Shanghai, PRC, where he served multinational clients who invested in Chinese real estate. While there, he served as the lead partner for a United States IPO of a local Chinese real estate company. Howard is an active member and has held leadership roles in several industry organizations, including the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth (REC of FW). He has served his community as a board member for the Dallas Mayor’s Committee for the Employment of People with Disabilities and the Arts District Friends, as well as a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters in Irving. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from the University of Houston.

  Weaver

  Real Estate Industry Leader

  Moderator

  Howard Altshuler

  Real Estate Industry Leader

  Weaver