Dallas Construction & Development

Phil Crone has been with the Dallas Builders Association since 2006 and has served as its Executive Officer since 2013. Previously he was the Association's Director of Government Affairs. He manages one of the largest local home builders associations in the nation with more than 1,000 members. He has an undergraduate degree from Purdue University and a law degree from SMU.

As Vice President of Real Estate Development in the South Central Region, Paul is responsible for building relationships and sourcing development opportunities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and focusing on office, industrial, corporate build-to- suit and mixed use, as sites and customers dictate. He has extensive development experience throughout the Dallas area, with a focus on large, high-profile development projects. As one who is deeply embedded in the community in which he works, Paul brings unparalleled market knowledge, product experience and connections in his region. He specializes in relationship-driven, tenant-driven development opportunities, and seeks to partner with customers in finding the real estate solutions that will build their businesses and help them achieve their objectives. He is creative and attentive to detail, bringing the full- spectrum knowledge of development and deals that helps customers get their projects done right.

As President of Thakkar Developers, Sam is responsible for strategy development, investor relations and project financing on the firm’s major real estate holdings. He has nearly 40 years’ experience in senior management of large corporations with revenues in excess of $1 billion and employee bases of over 20,000. A serial entrepreneur with an MBA in marketing and finance and an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering, Sayanihas been involved in business dealings all over the globe in real estate, technology, aviation, and hospitality. Most recently, he helped broker business dealings with U.S. aerospace and aviation industry leaders in the burgeoning markets in the United Arab Emirates.

Mike Kennedy is a Principal with Avison Young and a Principal with Altera Development, providing innovation and leadership in land brokerage, strategic analysis and development. Mike blends his unique background in real estate and architecture to create unique, financeable real estate and development and brokerage solutions. Recent activity includes brokerage and advisory services on the 160 acre Indigo Ridge Mixed Use Development in Cedar Park, sale of the 100 acre Collin Creek Mall property in Plano, and development of the Marriott Delta Hotel and Convention Center in Allen. Mike received his Masters Degree in American Urbanism from The University of Virginia.

Wildcat president Tanya Ragan is an entrepreneur, activist, and leader of the movement to redevelop downtown Dallas. Her company, Wildcat Management, focuses on scaled, locally financed projects in up-and-coming urban areas. Ms. Ragan has led numerous efforts to revitalize downtown Dallas, including privatizing the city-owned Farmers Market, and relocating the Liberty State Bank building to a more business-friendly location. She is currently rehabilitating the Historic Purse Building; Dallas West End’s last undeveloped historic structure into a destination for retail, dining, and business. Ms. Ragan is committed to helping entrepreneurs achieve their full potential. Altogether, Ms. Ragan’s diversified experience, undeniable work ethic and disruptive energy has made her a go-to industry expert and a visionary leader in commercial real estate for the past 14 years. Ms. Ragan also takes great pains to practice responsible development and stewardship. A resident of Downtown Dallas herself, she is a tireless community activist and works to both understand and maintain the delicate balance between transforming and preserving the character of the city.

Corbett Nichter was named regional leader for A&P's Gulf States region in January 2013. Prior to joining A&P, Corbett held senior management positions with Turner Construction Company and CF Jordan Construction. In these roles, Corbett was responsible for business development, marketing, contract negotiations and operations, and for the overall performance of market verticals and geographic business units. Corbett serves on the boards of directors for the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center and Helping Restore Ability and has been active in the community through organizations such as the Happy Hill Academy & Home and the Presbyterian Night Shelter. He also served on the Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate, helping to secure financial commitments in excess of $2M annually to support the agricultural youth of Texas. In 2002, Engineering News-Record recognized Corbett with the prestigious Newsmaker of the Year Award, and in 2007 he graduated from Leadership Dallas, a program of the Dallas Chamber of Commerce. Corbett earned his undergraduate degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University in College Station, TX and his MBA from Houston Baptist University in Houston, TX. He and his wife, Heather, have two children, reside in Grapevine, TX and are members of St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, TX.

As CEO of VCC, Derek Alley is the senior officer responsible for implementing the strategic plan for the Company. After growing up in Little Rock and learning many roles on jobsites and projects, Derek went to Stanford University to earn his BS in Management Science and Engineering, Derek then started his career in investment banking. Afterwards he moved to BlackRock, Inc in their Private Equity Real Estate Acquisitions Group based in San Francisco, CA. Under his guidance, VCC is consistently listed in the top 100 contractors by the Engineering News Record, largest contractor in Arkansas, a top 15 multifamily contractor, and recognized as the largest retail contractor in the Country. Derek is a member of the Young Presidents Organization, ICSC, ULI, the Texas Real Estate Council and sits on multiple boards including the Encore Bank Board of Directors and the Variety Charity of Texas.

Jeff is a Project Executive at DPR Construction in the Dallas-Fort Worth office, with over 24 years of construction industry expertise. His background provides a balance of private and public sector residential, hospitality and commercial developments, including The Union Dallas, Factory Six03, and Capital One. In his role, Jeff delivers projects successfully by combining strategy, direction and highly motivated leadership with experience, organization, passion and dedication. He oversees commercial and corporate office projects, and guides ongoing preconstruction process and strategic client partnerships. This scope of work encompasses supporting regional growth strategies and administering business development best practices. Prior to joining DPR Construction, Jeff was an integral team member at a large general contractor, where he worked on many iconic projects in the Dallas area such as the Perot Museum, the Gaylord Texan Resort, the Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel and One Arts Plaza. He recently served on the Real Estate Council Foundation Board and chaired its Professional Services Committee.

Brian Ward is a Structural Steel Specialist serving the Dallas/Fort Worth market for the American Institute of Steel Construction. His primary role at AISC is to serve as a resource to the AEC community in the DFW area on the latest innovations and information on all facets related to the design and construction of structural steel. Before joining AISC, Brian worked for a steel fabricator as a design engineer and regional sales manager in the DFW area for 16 years. Additionally, he served as a senior project engineer for a local general contractor for two years. Brian earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University in College Station.

Kurt Hansen began his career working in a sheet metal fabrication shop and installing duct work, setting equipment, and performing TAB while attending high school and subsequently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Bradley University. In 2005 Kurt’s knowledge of Mechanical Contracting led him to join a mechanical contracting start-up that quickly grew to over $30M in annual volume. Kurt is an expert in HVAC specializing in hi-rise commercial, healthcare, datacenter, and sports venues. Today Kurt is an experienced Business Development Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry. He is a strong sales professional skilled in Budgeting, Construction, Management, Procurement, and Engineering.