Bert Selva
Shea Homes
President & CEO
Homebuilding Panel
Bert Selva is president and CEO of Shea Homes, one of the largest homebuilders in America operating in nine states. Shea Homes was awarded Builder of the Year Award by Professional Builder Magazine and named one of America’s Best Builders by Builder Magazine. Bert holds a Business degree from the University of Southern California and an MBA from UCLA. He is also fluent in Spanish. Bert was inducted into the California Homebuilding Foundation Hall of Fame in 2010 and received CEO of the Year by Builder and Big Builder magazines. Bert also received the Hearthstone Humanitarian Lifetime Achievement Award, which included a $100,000 donation to the charity of his choice. Bert is currently an Executive Committee member of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate. He previously served as a member of St. Ignatius College Prep Board of Regents in San Francisco, National Vice President, MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association)/Augie’s Quest and Chairman of the Board for HomeAid America.
Shea Homes
President & CEO
Homebuilding Panel
Bert Selva is president and CEO of Shea Homes, one of the largest homebuilders in America operating in nine states. Shea Homes was awarded Builder of the Year Award by Professional Builder Magazine and named one of America’s Best Builders by Builder Magazine. Bert holds a Business degree from the University of Southern California and an MBA from UCLA. He is also fluent in Spanish. Bert was inducted into the California Homebuilding Foundation Hall of Fame in 2010 and received CEO of the Year by Builder and Big Builder magazines. Bert also received the Hearthstone Humanitarian Lifetime Achievement Award, which included a $100,000 donation to the charity of his choice. Bert is currently an Executive Committee member of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate. He previously served as a member of St. Ignatius College Prep Board of Regents in San Francisco, National Vice President, MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association)/Augie’s Quest and Chairman of the Board for HomeAid America.
Brad Berning
Zillow Group
VP Strategic Affairs & Investor Relations
Mortgage and Real Estate Services Panel
Brad Berning is the VP, Investor Relations at Zillow Group. Brad brings more than 23 years of experience in the financial services industry and oversees all investor relations and financial communications at the company. Most recently, Brad was a senior research analyst at Craig-Hallum Capital Group, LLC, where he covered Zillow Group and several other large real estate and financial technology companies. Previous to Craig-Hallum, he was the Senior Equity PM at Pine River Capital and helped grow the firm from $3 billion to $15 billion under management, and directly led a nine-person financial sector investment team that grew to manage $3 billion of capital. Brad is a Certified Public Accountant and earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.
Zillow Group
VP Strategic Affairs & Investor Relations
Mortgage and Real Estate Services Panel
Brad Berning is the VP, Investor Relations at Zillow Group. Brad brings more than 23 years of experience in the financial services industry and oversees all investor relations and financial communications at the company. Most recently, Brad was a senior research analyst at Craig-Hallum Capital Group, LLC, where he covered Zillow Group and several other large real estate and financial technology companies. Previous to Craig-Hallum, he was the Senior Equity PM at Pine River Capital and helped grow the firm from $3 billion to $15 billion under management, and directly led a nine-person financial sector investment team that grew to manage $3 billion of capital. Brad is a Certified Public Accountant and earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.
Nicholas Fink
Fortune Brands Innovations
CEO
Building Products Panel
Nick is Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the company’s Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Board’s Executive Committee. He leads the overall business and its core portfolio strategy to ensure the company delivers on its next phase of growth. Nick’s focus is on broader opportunities to create incremental shareholder value, including deploying capital, investing in consumer-driven innovation to further differentiate the company’s industry-leading brands, and developing high-performance teams. Nick served as president and chief operating officer (COO) of the company from March 2019 until he was promoted to CEO in January 2020. As COO, Nick oversaw what then were the Plumbing, Cabinets, and Doors & Security businesses and focused on identifying opportunities to maximize the company’s growth potential. He also led the strategic planning process with segment presidents, and partnered with supply chain and operations to explore the continued evolution of supply chains in a dynamic environment. He served as president, Global Plumbing Group (GPG), now Water Innovations, from April 2016 until his promotion to COO in March 2019. Under Nick’s leadership, the GPG grew from a single brand, Moen, into Fortune Brands’ highest margin business and acquired Rohl, Riobel, Perrin & Rowe, Victoria + Albert, and Shaws, which it brought together under the House of Rohl. Nick joined Fortune Brands in June 2015 as senior vice president – global growth and development. In that position, Nick focused on partnering with senior leaders across Fortune Brands to identify, assess and execute opportunities to grow our businesses around the world. He has more than 20 years of international and consumer brand experience with an expertise in business leadership, mergers and acquisitions, and strategy. Prior to coming to Fortune Brands, Nick worked at Beam Suntory, Inc., where he held several key management positions, including president of Asia Pacific and South America, where he led eight operating units in 45 markets. In that role, Nick led the return of the business to market share growth in its core Australian business, as well as across all other measured markets, while also leading the integration of the Suntory operating units in the region into the legacy Beam business. Nick first joined Beam Global Spirits & Wine as its associate general counsel in 2006, after having been partner in the corporate practice group at Bell, Boyd and Lloyd. Nick sits on the Board of Directors for Constellation Brands and is a member of the New York Stock Exchange Advisory Council. Nick has a Juris Doctor degree from Northwestern University and an undergraduate degree from the Institut d’Etudes des Relations Internationales, in Paris, France.
Fortune Brands Innovations
CEO
Building Products Panel
Nick is Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the company’s Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Board’s Executive Committee. He leads the overall business and its core portfolio strategy to ensure the company delivers on its next phase of growth. Nick’s focus is on broader opportunities to create incremental shareholder value, including deploying capital, investing in consumer-driven innovation to further differentiate the company’s industry-leading brands, and developing high-performance teams. Nick served as president and chief operating officer (COO) of the company from March 2019 until he was promoted to CEO in January 2020. As COO, Nick oversaw what then were the Plumbing, Cabinets, and Doors & Security businesses and focused on identifying opportunities to maximize the company’s growth potential. He also led the strategic planning process with segment presidents, and partnered with supply chain and operations to explore the continued evolution of supply chains in a dynamic environment. He served as president, Global Plumbing Group (GPG), now Water Innovations, from April 2016 until his promotion to COO in March 2019. Under Nick’s leadership, the GPG grew from a single brand, Moen, into Fortune Brands’ highest margin business and acquired Rohl, Riobel, Perrin & Rowe, Victoria + Albert, and Shaws, which it brought together under the House of Rohl. Nick joined Fortune Brands in June 2015 as senior vice president – global growth and development. In that position, Nick focused on partnering with senior leaders across Fortune Brands to identify, assess and execute opportunities to grow our businesses around the world. He has more than 20 years of international and consumer brand experience with an expertise in business leadership, mergers and acquisitions, and strategy. Prior to coming to Fortune Brands, Nick worked at Beam Suntory, Inc., where he held several key management positions, including president of Asia Pacific and South America, where he led eight operating units in 45 markets. In that role, Nick led the return of the business to market share growth in its core Australian business, as well as across all other measured markets, while also leading the integration of the Suntory operating units in the region into the legacy Beam business. Nick first joined Beam Global Spirits & Wine as its associate general counsel in 2006, after having been partner in the corporate practice group at Bell, Boyd and Lloyd. Nick sits on the Board of Directors for Constellation Brands and is a member of the New York Stock Exchange Advisory Council. Nick has a Juris Doctor degree from Northwestern University and an undergraduate degree from the Institut d’Etudes des Relations Internationales, in Paris, France.
Jim Kirkpatrick
Shaw Industries Group
EVP & CEO
Building Products Panel
Since joining Shaw in 1996, Jim has held several positions including Director of Contract Finance of Shaw, Treasurer of Spectra Contract Flooring, Director of Internal Audit of Shaw and Assistant Controller of Shaw. Prior to joining Shaw, Jim spent nine years Arthur Andersen, LLP as an Audit Division Manager primarily focusing on small and emerging businesses in the financial service, trucking, manufacturing and retail industry segments. During his time at Andersen, he was a member of the firm’s Regional Financial Services Industry Team and also spent time on special assignment in Valdez, Alaska during the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. Jim currently serves on the FM Global Advisory Board and has previously served on the Board of Directors of the Carpet and Rug Institute as the Treasurer. Jim is a CPA and a graduate of Auburn University and lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee with his wife and daughter.
Shaw Industries Group
EVP & CEO
Building Products Panel
Since joining Shaw in 1996, Jim has held several positions including Director of Contract Finance of Shaw, Treasurer of Spectra Contract Flooring, Director of Internal Audit of Shaw and Assistant Controller of Shaw. Prior to joining Shaw, Jim spent nine years Arthur Andersen, LLP as an Audit Division Manager primarily focusing on small and emerging businesses in the financial service, trucking, manufacturing and retail industry segments. During his time at Andersen, he was a member of the firm’s Regional Financial Services Industry Team and also spent time on special assignment in Valdez, Alaska during the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. Jim currently serves on the FM Global Advisory Board and has previously served on the Board of Directors of the Carpet and Rug Institute as the Treasurer. Jim is a CPA and a graduate of Auburn University and lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee with his wife and daughter.
Tom Koos
PrimeSource Building Products
President & CEO
Building Products Panel
Tom Koos joined PrimeSource Building Products as the President & CEO in April of 2018. He became the President and CEO of PrimeSource Brands which was formed in 2020 and is the combination of PrimeSource Building Products, Wolf Home Products and Dimora Brands. PrimeSource provides the building industry’s premier customer experience with the highest value products, brands and services.
He has more than 35 years of global supply, distribution and consumer brand experience and he leads PrimeSource to a new level of excellence in distribution services and expands the reach of our industry leading Grip-Rite, Pro-Twist and other product brands.
Tom was formerly CEO of Weber-Stephen Products LLC, the world’s largest manufacturer of outdoor gas, charcoal and electric grills and accessories. At Weber, he was the company’s strategic and global operations leader. He developed and implemented consumer marketing programs, revitalized R&D and new product development, and expanded the company’s global footprint. Prior to Weber, he was President and CEO of Jacuzzi Brands Corp.
Tom built a long track record of success in the consumer durable products industry working for top brands including Black & Decker where he served as Group President for Consumer Products Worldwide, and Newell Rubbermaid, where he held the posts of President of Goody Products and President of BernzOmatic.
He is a 1986 graduate of Central College (Pella, IA) and has his MBA from the University of Iowa. He has been married to his wife Debbie for 34 years, and they have three children – Ashley (30), Kyle (28), and Trevor (26).
PrimeSource Building Products
President & CEO
Building Products Panel
Tom Koos joined PrimeSource Building Products as the President & CEO in April of 2018. He became the President and CEO of PrimeSource Brands which was formed in 2020 and is the combination of PrimeSource Building Products, Wolf Home Products and Dimora Brands. PrimeSource provides the building industry’s premier customer experience with the highest value products, brands and services.
He has more than 35 years of global supply, distribution and consumer brand experience and he leads PrimeSource to a new level of excellence in distribution services and expands the reach of our industry leading Grip-Rite, Pro-Twist and other product brands.
Tom was formerly CEO of Weber-Stephen Products LLC, the world’s largest manufacturer of outdoor gas, charcoal and electric grills and accessories. At Weber, he was the company’s strategic and global operations leader. He developed and implemented consumer marketing programs, revitalized R&D and new product development, and expanded the company’s global footprint. Prior to Weber, he was President and CEO of Jacuzzi Brands Corp.
Tom built a long track record of success in the consumer durable products industry working for top brands including Black & Decker where he served as Group President for Consumer Products Worldwide, and Newell Rubbermaid, where he held the posts of President of Goody Products and President of BernzOmatic.
He is a 1986 graduate of Central College (Pella, IA) and has his MBA from the University of Iowa. He has been married to his wife Debbie for 34 years, and they have three children – Ashley (30), Kyle (28), and Trevor (26).
Cameron Dawson, CFA
NewEdge Wealth
Chief Investment Officer
Keynote Presentation
As Chief Investment Officer, Cameron helps lead the development of NewEdge Wealth’s investment themes, strategies, and market views, while also working closely with the firm’s advisors and clients. Prior to joining NewEdge Wealth, Cameron was the Chief Market Strategist at Fieldpoint Private Securities and a Senior Equity Analyst at Bank of America. Throughout her career, she has developed extensive experience in macroeconomics and implementing forward-thinking investment themes and asset allocation strategies. She is widely known for her differentiated and thoughtful financial commentary and frequently appears on Bloomberg, CNBC, and Fox Business, among many others. Additionally, Cameron is a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) and a former board member of the CFA Society® of Orlando. A Florida native, Cameron earned her bachelor’s degree and MBA from Rollins College in Orlando. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing yoga, reading and dabbling in her previous talents as a professional ballet dancer.
NewEdge Wealth
Chief Investment Officer
Keynote Presentation
As Chief Investment Officer, Cameron helps lead the development of NewEdge Wealth’s investment themes, strategies, and market views, while also working closely with the firm’s advisors and clients. Prior to joining NewEdge Wealth, Cameron was the Chief Market Strategist at Fieldpoint Private Securities and a Senior Equity Analyst at Bank of America. Throughout her career, she has developed extensive experience in macroeconomics and implementing forward-thinking investment themes and asset allocation strategies. She is widely known for her differentiated and thoughtful financial commentary and frequently appears on Bloomberg, CNBC, and Fox Business, among many others. Additionally, Cameron is a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) and a former board member of the CFA Society® of Orlando. A Florida native, Cameron earned her bachelor’s degree and MBA from Rollins College in Orlando. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing yoga, reading and dabbling in her previous talents as a professional ballet dancer.
Rick Haase
United Homes Group
President
Mortgage and Real Estate Services Panel
Rick Haase, President of United Real Estate and Chief Operating Officer of United Real Estate Group, has led real estate brokerage strategy and operations for over 30 years. Since joining United, the company has improved its standing from 139th to 8th largest real estate brokerage nationally. Organizational growth and development have been hallmarks of Haase’s leadership. He has accomplished dozens of real estate mergers and acquisitions and led companies to tremendous organic growth. Haase is a frequent lecturer throughout the industry and has operated both traditional and transaction-based models for residential and commercial brokerages in addition to mortgage, insurance, title and settlement operations. He has held senior leadership positions with market share-leading companies in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio and Connecticut.
United Homes Group
President
Mortgage and Real Estate Services Panel
Rick Haase, President of United Real Estate and Chief Operating Officer of United Real Estate Group, has led real estate brokerage strategy and operations for over 30 years. Since joining United, the company has improved its standing from 139th to 8th largest real estate brokerage nationally. Organizational growth and development have been hallmarks of Haase’s leadership. He has accomplished dozens of real estate mergers and acquisitions and led companies to tremendous organic growth. Haase is a frequent lecturer throughout the industry and has operated both traditional and transaction-based models for residential and commercial brokerages in addition to mortgage, insurance, title and settlement operations. He has held senior leadership positions with market share-leading companies in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio and Connecticut.
Scott Eisen
Invitation Homes
EVP & CIO
Single-Family Rental Panel
Scott G. Eisen has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Invitation Homes since August 2023. Eisen has more than 26 years of experience in experience in real estate investment banking, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and business development. Prior to joining Invitation Homes, he was Head of North American Real Estate Investment Banking for Citigroup from 2016, responsible for business planning, client interaction, and transaction execution for multiple real estate sectors. Previously, he was Director of Real Estate Banking at Merrill Lynch & Co. and Special Assistant to the Secretary of Commerce at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Mr. Eisen is a member of the ICSC Board of Trustees, the NAREIT Board of Governors, and the Urban Land Institute. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.
Invitation Homes
EVP & CIO
Single-Family Rental Panel
Scott G. Eisen has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Invitation Homes since August 2023. Eisen has more than 26 years of experience in experience in real estate investment banking, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and business development. Prior to joining Invitation Homes, he was Head of North American Real Estate Investment Banking for Citigroup from 2016, responsible for business planning, client interaction, and transaction execution for multiple real estate sectors. Previously, he was Director of Real Estate Banking at Merrill Lynch & Co. and Special Assistant to the Secretary of Commerce at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Mr. Eisen is a member of the ICSC Board of Trustees, the NAREIT Board of Governors, and the Urban Land Institute. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.
James Howley
Quinn Residences
Chief Investment Officer
Single-Family Rental Panel
James Howley brings more than a decade of institutional real estate and financial experience. Prior to joining Quinn, he served as a Director of Strategic Planning and Investments for QTS Realty Trust (NYSE: QTS), where he supported QTS’ corporate and strategic finance function including financial planning and analysis, budgeting, capital markets, investor relations and strategic initiatives. Prior to QTS, he was a Senior Investment Analyst at Real Estate Management Services Group, where he was responsible for originating and underwriting investments in publicly traded real estate, with a focus on the residential and hospitality spaces, among others. Mr. Howley leverages his extensive financial and real estate experience to streamline processes and execute on the momentum of Quinn’s rapidly growing portfolio.
Quinn Residences
Chief Investment Officer
Single-Family Rental Panel
James Howley brings more than a decade of institutional real estate and financial experience. Prior to joining Quinn, he served as a Director of Strategic Planning and Investments for QTS Realty Trust (NYSE: QTS), where he supported QTS’ corporate and strategic finance function including financial planning and analysis, budgeting, capital markets, investor relations and strategic initiatives. Prior to QTS, he was a Senior Investment Analyst at Real Estate Management Services Group, where he was responsible for originating and underwriting investments in publicly traded real estate, with a focus on the residential and hospitality spaces, among others. Mr. Howley leverages his extensive financial and real estate experience to streamline processes and execute on the momentum of Quinn’s rapidly growing portfolio.
Josh Pristaw
Pretium
Senior Managing Director & Head of Real Estate
Single-Family Rental Panel
Joshua Pristaw is a Senior Managing Director and Head of Real Estate at Pretium, where he plays a leadership role in Progress Residential, the Firm’s single-family rental platform, as well as for its single-family rental funds and separately managed accounts. Mr. Pristaw joined Pretium in February 2022 and brings more than two decades of real estate experience across acquisitions, asset management, portfolio development, and capital markets. Prior to joining Pretium, Mr. Pristaw co-founded GTIS Partners, a real assets investment firm, where he worked for 17 years and most recently served as a Partner, Co-Head of GTIS Brazil, Head of Capital Markets, and a member of the firm’s Investment Committee. Previously, he was a Principal and Co-Head of Acquisitions for Coventry Real Estate Advisors and was also a member of Coventry’s Investment Committee. Mr. Pristaw is a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. He previously served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Brazil Hospitality Group, one of the largest owners and managers of hotels in Brazil, and on the Board of Directors of GTIS Brazil Logistics FII, an externally-managed real estate vehicle listed on the Bovespa in Brazil. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Dartmouth College.
Pretium
Senior Managing Director & Head of Real Estate
Single-Family Rental Panel
Joshua Pristaw is a Senior Managing Director and Head of Real Estate at Pretium, where he plays a leadership role in Progress Residential, the Firm’s single-family rental platform, as well as for its single-family rental funds and separately managed accounts. Mr. Pristaw joined Pretium in February 2022 and brings more than two decades of real estate experience across acquisitions, asset management, portfolio development, and capital markets. Prior to joining Pretium, Mr. Pristaw co-founded GTIS Partners, a real assets investment firm, where he worked for 17 years and most recently served as a Partner, Co-Head of GTIS Brazil, Head of Capital Markets, and a member of the firm’s Investment Committee. Previously, he was a Principal and Co-Head of Acquisitions for Coventry Real Estate Advisors and was also a member of Coventry’s Investment Committee. Mr. Pristaw is a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. He previously served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Brazil Hospitality Group, one of the largest owners and managers of hotels in Brazil, and on the Board of Directors of GTIS Brazil Logistics FII, an externally-managed real estate vehicle listed on the Bovespa in Brazil. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Dartmouth College.
Ken Balogh
Ashton Woods Homes
President & CEO
Homebuilding Panel
Ken joined Ashton Woods in 2009 as Executive Vice President – Operations for Dallas, Houston and Phoenix, and was soon promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer for the entire company. Prior to Ashton Woods, Ken worked for 16 years with Centex Homes, serving in every financial position up to Vice President of Finance, along with other senior executive roles in Land Acquisitions, Entitlement and Development, Division President and Regional Executive Vice President. Ken graduated from the University of Central Florida with a BS in Finance. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for HomeAid, one of the nation’s leading non-profit providers of housing for the homeless population.
Ashton Woods Homes
President & CEO
Homebuilding Panel
Ken joined Ashton Woods in 2009 as Executive Vice President – Operations for Dallas, Houston and Phoenix, and was soon promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer for the entire company. Prior to Ashton Woods, Ken worked for 16 years with Centex Homes, serving in every financial position up to Vice President of Finance, along with other senior executive roles in Land Acquisitions, Entitlement and Development, Division President and Regional Executive Vice President. Ken graduated from the University of Central Florida with a BS in Finance. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for HomeAid, one of the nation’s leading non-profit providers of housing for the homeless population.
Phillippe Lord
Meritage Homes
President & CEO
Homebuilding Panel
Mr. Lord became the CEO of Meritage Homes on January 1, 2021 and was appointed to the Board at that time. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Meritage Homes from 2015 to 2020. From 2012 to 2015, Mr. Lord was President of the West Region at Meritage Homes. Mr. Lord began his Meritage Homes career in 2008 by creating the Company’s strategic operations and market research department, which analyzes land acquisitions, product and pricing. Prior to joining Meritage Homes, Mr. Lord held leadership positions with Acacia Capital, Centex Homes and Pinnacle West Capital. Mr. Lord received a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business from Colorado State University and completed his master's coursework in Economics at the University of Arizona. As CEO of the Company, Mr. Lord is uniquely qualified to serve as a member on our Board.
Meritage Homes
President & CEO
Homebuilding Panel
Mr. Lord became the CEO of Meritage Homes on January 1, 2021 and was appointed to the Board at that time. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Meritage Homes from 2015 to 2020. From 2012 to 2015, Mr. Lord was President of the West Region at Meritage Homes. Mr. Lord began his Meritage Homes career in 2008 by creating the Company’s strategic operations and market research department, which analyzes land acquisitions, product and pricing. Prior to joining Meritage Homes, Mr. Lord held leadership positions with Acacia Capital, Centex Homes and Pinnacle West Capital. Mr. Lord received a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business from Colorado State University and completed his master's coursework in Economics at the University of Arizona. As CEO of the Company, Mr. Lord is uniquely qualified to serve as a member on our Board.
Travis D'Amato
Walker & Dunlop
Managing Director
Multifamily Rental Panel
With over 15 years of diverse real estate experience, Travis D’Amato, managing director, joined Walker & Dunlop Investment Sales in March 2018. Mr. D’Amato is responsible for the origination and execution of investment sales and equity capital raise assignments for multifamily assets in the Greater Boston area. Prior to joining Walker & Dunlop, Mr. D’Amato served as a managing director with JLL and participated in over 60 sales, land, and equity transactions throughout the New England region with an aggregate value in excess of $3 billion. Earlier in his career, he accumulated nine additional years of real estate experience with CBRE, Apartment Realty Advisors, and WinnCompanies. Mr. D’Amato holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College. Beyond the company, Mr. D’Amato is a licensed real estate broker in the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. He is President-elect of the Real Estate Finance Association (REFA), and a member of Urban Land Institute (ULI), National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and NAIOP. He also serves on the board of trustees for the Greater New England Chapter of The Multiple Sclerosis Society and is co-chair of the Outreach Council for Heading Home.
Walker & Dunlop
Managing Director
Multifamily Rental Panel
With over 15 years of diverse real estate experience, Travis D’Amato, managing director, joined Walker & Dunlop Investment Sales in March 2018. Mr. D’Amato is responsible for the origination and execution of investment sales and equity capital raise assignments for multifamily assets in the Greater Boston area. Prior to joining Walker & Dunlop, Mr. D’Amato served as a managing director with JLL and participated in over 60 sales, land, and equity transactions throughout the New England region with an aggregate value in excess of $3 billion. Earlier in his career, he accumulated nine additional years of real estate experience with CBRE, Apartment Realty Advisors, and WinnCompanies. Mr. D’Amato holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College. Beyond the company, Mr. D’Amato is a licensed real estate broker in the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. He is President-elect of the Real Estate Finance Association (REFA), and a member of Urban Land Institute (ULI), National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and NAIOP. He also serves on the board of trustees for the Greater New England Chapter of The Multiple Sclerosis Society and is co-chair of the Outreach Council for Heading Home.
Thad Palmer
GID Investment Advisers
CIO & EVP
Multifamily Rental Panel
Thad Palmer is the Chief Investment Officer and Executive Vice President of Real Estate Acquisitions for GID Investment Advisers LLC (“GID”) and a member of its Executive Committee. He currently oversees all multifamily acquisitions made nationwide on behalf of GID’s three multifamily co-investment funds, its open-ended core plus fund and its joint venture development equity placement program. GID has $30B of AUM and over 50,000 multifamily units within its various funds. From 1990 until 1998, he worked as an acquisition officer of Berkshire Realty Company, Inc. and was responsible for both the acquisition and disposition of multifamily assets within the Southeast and Southwest regions. Mr. Palmer joined GID in 1998 and served as an Acquisitions Vice President responsible for multifamily investments in the Midwest and Southwest regions until 2003. He is currently responsible for overseeing all multifamily acquisitions made nationwide on behalf of GID’s three multifamily co-investment funds and GID’s joint venture development equity placement program. Mr. Palmer graduated from the University of Rochester in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and is a member of the National Multifamily Housing Council.
GID Investment Advisers
CIO & EVP
Multifamily Rental Panel
Thad Palmer is the Chief Investment Officer and Executive Vice President of Real Estate Acquisitions for GID Investment Advisers LLC (“GID”) and a member of its Executive Committee. He currently oversees all multifamily acquisitions made nationwide on behalf of GID’s three multifamily co-investment funds, its open-ended core plus fund and its joint venture development equity placement program. GID has $30B of AUM and over 50,000 multifamily units within its various funds. From 1990 until 1998, he worked as an acquisition officer of Berkshire Realty Company, Inc. and was responsible for both the acquisition and disposition of multifamily assets within the Southeast and Southwest regions. Mr. Palmer joined GID in 1998 and served as an Acquisitions Vice President responsible for multifamily investments in the Midwest and Southwest regions until 2003. He is currently responsible for overseeing all multifamily acquisitions made nationwide on behalf of GID’s three multifamily co-investment funds and GID’s joint venture development equity placement program. Mr. Palmer graduated from the University of Rochester in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and is a member of the National Multifamily Housing Council.
Mike Byrne
AEW Capital Management
CIO - Head of Private Equity & Debt
Multifamily Rental Panel
Mike Byrne is AEW’s Chief Investment Officer and Head of Private Equity and Private Debt in North America. He has been with AEW since 2003. He is responsible for overseeing all of AEW’s commingled strategies, separate accounts and direct investments in North America. In this capacity he is responsible for the strategic direction and oversight of the Firm’s portfolio management, acquisitions, capital markets and asset management functions in addition to managerial responsibility of the Private Equity Group resources. Mr. Byrne also serves on AEW’s Investment Committee and Risk Management Committee in North America. Prior to joining AEW, he was a member of the real estate team at the Pension Reserve Investment Management Board (“Mass PRIM”), where he managed the pension fund’s real estate and timber portfolios. Prior to that he worked at Citigroup in the real estate investment banking group. Mr. Byrne is a member of the Urban Land Institute (U.L.I.) and NAREIM, and a graduate of Dartmouth College.
AEW Capital Management
CIO - Head of Private Equity & Debt
Multifamily Rental Panel
Mike Byrne is AEW’s Chief Investment Officer and Head of Private Equity and Private Debt in North America. He has been with AEW since 2003. He is responsible for overseeing all of AEW’s commingled strategies, separate accounts and direct investments in North America. In this capacity he is responsible for the strategic direction and oversight of the Firm’s portfolio management, acquisitions, capital markets and asset management functions in addition to managerial responsibility of the Private Equity Group resources. Mr. Byrne also serves on AEW’s Investment Committee and Risk Management Committee in North America. Prior to joining AEW, he was a member of the real estate team at the Pension Reserve Investment Management Board (“Mass PRIM”), where he managed the pension fund’s real estate and timber portfolios. Prior to that he worked at Citigroup in the real estate investment banking group. Mr. Byrne is a member of the Urban Land Institute (U.L.I.) and NAREIM, and a graduate of Dartmouth College.
Al Mistysyn
Sherwin Williams
SVP, Finance & CFO
Building Products Panel
Mr. Mistysyn began his employment with Sherwin-Williams in 1990. Over his 30-year career span, Mr. Mistysyn has held a variety of operational and corporate finance leadership positions. Prior to his appointment as Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller, he served as Vice President, Corporate Controller from May 2010 to October 2014. Past roles have included Vice President, Assistant Corporate Controller for the Paint and Coatings Division and Consumer Division. Additionally, Mr. Mistysyn served in various roles in our Paint Stores Group and Product Finishes Division. Mr. Mistysyn is an active member of his community, alumni associations and various professional organizations. He is a director of the Alzheimer’s Association – Cleveland Chapter, Cleveland Zoological Society, Team Northeast Ohio & Sherwin-Williams Foundation. Mr. Mistysyn is also a member of The 50 Club and is executive sponsor of the SW Future Leaders club. Mr. Mistysyn holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance, with a minor in Economics, from The Pennsylvania State University, and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University.
Sherwin Williams
SVP, Finance & CFO
Building Products Panel
Mr. Mistysyn began his employment with Sherwin-Williams in 1990. Over his 30-year career span, Mr. Mistysyn has held a variety of operational and corporate finance leadership positions. Prior to his appointment as Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller, he served as Vice President, Corporate Controller from May 2010 to October 2014. Past roles have included Vice President, Assistant Corporate Controller for the Paint and Coatings Division and Consumer Division. Additionally, Mr. Mistysyn served in various roles in our Paint Stores Group and Product Finishes Division. Mr. Mistysyn is an active member of his community, alumni associations and various professional organizations. He is a director of the Alzheimer’s Association – Cleveland Chapter, Cleveland Zoological Society, Team Northeast Ohio & Sherwin-Williams Foundation. Mr. Mistysyn is also a member of The 50 Club and is executive sponsor of the SW Future Leaders club. Mr. Mistysyn holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance, with a minor in Economics, from The Pennsylvania State University, and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University.
Dan Peña
loanDepot
EVP - National Joint Ventures
Mortgage and Real Estate Services Panel
An industry veteran with nearly 30 years of experience, Dan began his career as a top-producing originator and held a number of sales leadership positions before moving into the operations arena.
In 2015, Dan was promoted to EVP of National Joint Ventures, taking charge of loanDepot’s joint venture and national builder account relationships. Since then he has nurtured multiple exceptional partnerships, including Meritage Homes, LGI Homes, Michael Saunders and Company, TRI Pointe Group, and Brookfield Residential. Dan’s laser focus on building successful teams that deliver exceptional customer service to the company’s partners has cemented loanDepot’s position as the ‘partner of choice’ for joint ventures.
Dan graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and has participated on the business school’s sales advisory board for the last several years. He is committed to his community, supporting organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, War Heroes on Water, and Compassion Center Chandler. Dan’s son Marcus is his top priority, but he also enjoys staying active and competing in Triathlon sprints throughout the year.
loanDepot
EVP - National Joint Ventures
Mortgage and Real Estate Services Panel
An industry veteran with nearly 30 years of experience, Dan began his career as a top-producing originator and held a number of sales leadership positions before moving into the operations arena.
In 2015, Dan was promoted to EVP of National Joint Ventures, taking charge of loanDepot’s joint venture and national builder account relationships. Since then he has nurtured multiple exceptional partnerships, including Meritage Homes, LGI Homes, Michael Saunders and Company, TRI Pointe Group, and Brookfield Residential. Dan’s laser focus on building successful teams that deliver exceptional customer service to the company’s partners has cemented loanDepot’s position as the ‘partner of choice’ for joint ventures.
Dan graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and has participated on the business school’s sales advisory board for the last several years. He is committed to his community, supporting organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, War Heroes on Water, and Compassion Center Chandler. Dan’s son Marcus is his top priority, but he also enjoys staying active and competing in Triathlon sprints throughout the year.
Willy Walker
Walker & Dunlop
Chairman & CEO
Walker Webcast
Willy Walker is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Walker & Dunlop. Under Mr. Walker’s leadership, Walker & Dunlop has grown from a small, family-owned business to become one of the largest commercial real estate finance companies in the United States. Walker & Dunlop is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and in its first ten years as a public company has seen its shares appreciate over 800%. The firm was also #17 on Fortune’s 2017 list of “Fastest Growing Public Companies” and has been named a Best Workplace for eight of the last eleven years by the Great Place to Work® Institute. Mr. Walker received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2011 and was named “Financier of the Year” in 2017 and 2020 by Commercial Property Executive. Mr. Walker received his master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University. Mr. Walker serves on the board of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation. He formerly served on the boards of St. Albans School, the Mortgage Bankers Association, and Children's National Medical Center. Mr. Walker is also a member of the Real Estate Roundtable. Mr. Walker is an avid runner, skier, and cyclist, and has run the Boston Marathon in 2:36.
Walker & Dunlop
Chairman & CEO
Walker Webcast
Willy Walker is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Walker & Dunlop. Under Mr. Walker’s leadership, Walker & Dunlop has grown from a small, family-owned business to become one of the largest commercial real estate finance companies in the United States. Walker & Dunlop is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and in its first ten years as a public company has seen its shares appreciate over 800%. The firm was also #17 on Fortune’s 2017 list of “Fastest Growing Public Companies” and has been named a Best Workplace for eight of the last eleven years by the Great Place to Work® Institute. Mr. Walker received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2011 and was named “Financier of the Year” in 2017 and 2020 by Commercial Property Executive. Mr. Walker received his master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University. Mr. Walker serves on the board of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation. He formerly served on the boards of St. Albans School, the Mortgage Bankers Association, and Children's National Medical Center. Mr. Walker is also a member of the Real Estate Roundtable. Mr. Walker is an avid runner, skier, and cyclist, and has run the Boston Marathon in 2:36.
