The Future of Ft. Lauderdale

Gloria Fernandez has enjoyed a productive career in commercial real estate and currently serves as Managing Director of Asset Management for Elion Partners, a private equity fund specializing in commercial real estate. Her responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of the management process for the Elion portfolio, including coordinating with the acquisitions group to qualify assets, executing asset performance plans and overseeing leasing and property management teams.   Previously, Gloria was Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Finance for Ross Realty Investments, an established South Florida based developer. In that role, she was active in the acquisition, disposition, financing, development and management of retail centers, office buildings and commercial land. Prior to Ross Realty Investments, Gloria served in a financial capacity at Swerdlow Real Estate Group (a private Real Estate Investment Trust).   Gloria is involved in various community and professional organizations, including Nova Southeastern University (Real Estate Advisory Board Member) and Broward College (Board of Trustees Member). She is a long term resident of Broward County and is a graduate of the University of Miami. Gloria is a licensed broker-associate in the State of Florida.

J. David Armstrong, Jr. brings more than 32 years of experience as a state and national leader in higher education and economic development. In July 2007, he was appointed the sixth president of Broward College, and now oversees one of the largest and most diverse institutions in America, with more than 63,000 students across 12 campuses and centers in South Florida. Under President Armstrong’s leadership, Broward College has consistently been recognized among the top community colleges in the country. The college has been named one of the top ten community colleges in the nation by the Washington D.C.-based Aspen Institute twice, having first been given the recognition in 2012 and again in 2016. Broward College also ranks as one of the top ten associate degree producers in the country by Community College Week, this year ranking second in the nation. Under his leadership, the College has conferred nearly 475,000 bachelor’s and associate’s degrees, certificates and industry certifications. With a strong commitment to the community, and a true understanding of the ever-evolving workforce landscape and the changing role of higher education, President Armstrong has guided the College toward better addressing the persistent skills gap concern, providing career opportunities to students, and contributing skilled workers to local industry and business. The annual economic impact of Broward College is $1 billion – representing 1.5% of the total regional economy or roughly 23,340 average-wage jobs. In 2016, Broward College was named the “Economic Development Partner of the Year” by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance for initiatives such as aligning its curriculum with skills needed by targeted industry companies, including aviation and technology. In 2009, President Armstrong helped initiate the introduction of several baccalaureate program offerings. Today, the College offers 14 different options in a variety of high-demand fields that are a direct result of local workforce needs, including information technology, nursing, supply chain management, education and more. The most recent addition, a bachelor’s program in aerospace sciences, was recently approved by the State Board of Education in November, 2016. Under his leadership, Broward College has supported the thriving and vibrant student community by expanding access to higher education with several new locations, including the Coral Springs Academic Center, the Miramar West Center, the Health Sciences Simulation Center and the Academic and Laboratory Science Building at Central Campus, and Broward College’s fourth campus – Broward College Online. In addition, the College has continued to form international educational partnerships with other centers and affiliates located in Sri Lanka, Spain, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and several locations in China. During the most challenging state budget reductions in the College's history, President Armstrong managed to balance the budget while adding new programs. While most colleges and universities implemented significant cost increases to students, Broward College kept tuition flat for three consecutive years. President Armstrong has also helped pioneer a revolutionary change to the way students approach and interact with higher education. In 2015 Broward College was selected as one of 30 institutions nationwide to participate in the Pathways Project, led by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Within each of the eight pathways are a multitude of suggested degrees which lead to a range of careers, helping change the way students connect their college experience to future careers. President Armstrong serves in a variety of positions with non-profit, workforce and educational organizations. He is a past Chair of Leadership Florida and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and currently serves as the Alliance’s co-chair for the Six Pillars Economic Program. President Armstrong also serves on the Board of Directors for the Foundation for Florida’s Future, Broward Workshop and Broward College Foundation. He has also been recognized for his influential work and service in the business community, receiving several awards, including the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Southern Region CEO/President of the Year, Symphony of the Americas “Style and Substance” award, the Leadership Broward “Profiles in Leadership” award, the Seafarer’s House “South Florida Business Leader of the Year” award, Leaders in Florida South Florida Business Journal “Diamond Award,” South Florida Business and Wealth “Apogee Award,” Urban League of Broward County’s Margaret Roach Humanitarian Award and recognitions such as South Florida Business Journal’s Power Leader and Gold Coast Magazine “50 Most Powerful People in Broward County.” President Armstrong was previously the Chancellor of the Florida Community College System, where he oversaw the 28 college systems and the State Board of Community Colleges. He is also a graduate of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government, as well as an alumnus of the Leadership Florida Class of 1999-2000. Armstrong received his master's degree from Troy State University in management and graduated with his bachelor's degree in social science from the University of Montevallo in his home state of Alabama. In his spare time he enjoys watching his son play soccer, reading, developing business outside the college, hiking in the mountains and listening to country music on his tractor at his small family farm in Alabama.

Ryan Shear manages the development of a growing real estate portfolio with over $10B in assets, including all acquisitions, financing, construction, design, marketing, sales and operations. Ryan primarily focuses on new construction condo and multifamily high rises in urban cores, including Miami, New York, Orlando, Denver, Atlanta and more. Recent condo projects he’s spearheaded include Echo Aventura, Echo Brickell, Muse Sunny Isles, Sage Longboat Key Residences, E11EVEN Hotel & Residences and the Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami. Recent multifamily projects include X Miami, Society Las Olas, Society Biscayne, Society Orlando and Society Wynwood. Ryan graduated with a BA in Business Administration from the Goizueta School of Business at Emory University in Atlanta.

Lee R. Feldman, ICMA-CM, was appointed City Manager for the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in June 2011. Prior to his appointment as Fort Lauderdale City Manager, Mr. Feldman was employed by the City of Palm Bay, Florida, where he served as City Manager from October 2002 through June 2011. He previously served as the City Manager of North Miami, Florida, from May 1996 to October 2002, and as the Deputy City Manager beginning in 1989. Mr. Feldman’s career also includes serving as an Assistant to the City Manager and Assistant City Manager for the City of North Miami Beach. Mr. Feldman is a graduate of Washington and Lee University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts. He earned a Master’s Degree in Governmental Administration from the Fels Center of Government at the University of Pennsylvania where he has also been appointed as a Distinguished Alumni Fellow. In addition, he is a graduate of the Senior Executive in State and Local Government program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. His numerous professional affiliations include serving as President of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), as a member of the Board of the National Civic League, as a member of the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency National Advisory Council, as a member of the Board of Directors for the Alliance For Innovation, and as a member of the National League of Cities Steering Committee on Public Safety and Crime Prevention and Advocacy. Mr. Feldman previously served as a Vice President (Southeast Region) of ICMA and as President of the Florida City and County Management Association. He is a past recipient of the Florida League of Cities’ "City Manager of the Year" Award. Additionally he has served as the past chair of the National League of Cities’ City Futures Panel on Public Finance, the past chair of the ICMA Governmental Affairs and Policy Committee, the past chair of the ICMA Sustainable Communities Advisory Committee, as well as a member of the ICMA Task Force on Community Tools for Ending Racism. Mr. Feldman teaches newly elected municipal officials the principles of finance and taxation in Florida and is frequently called upon to speak to professional groups on a variety of municipal issues.

Patrick (“Pat”) Ramge is a senior vice president and the State of Florida regional manager of Wells Fargo’s Commercial Real Estate Group. Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, he leads more than 12 team members in a network of two regional lending offices in Florida. As one of the nation's leaders in the real estate industry, Wells Fargo provides a comprehensive platform of banking and financing solutions to regional/national owners, operators and developers, real estate funds and REITS. A 25-year financial services and real estate veteran, Pat joined Wells Fargo in 2003 to open the Commercial Real Estate Group’s office in Fort Lauderdale, FL, covering the South Florida market. In 2005, Pat was promoted to the Florida State Manager position for the Commercial Real Estate Group. Pat began his career at The Chase Manhattan Bank in 1988. He also worked at Comerica Bank from 1999 until 2003 prior to joining Wells Fargo. Active in the community, Pat’s professional affiliations and volunteer time include the International Council of Shopping Center and Urban Land Institute. He is also a board member of Jack and Jill Children’s Center in Fort Lauderdale as well as Alfalit International.

Angelo Bianco assumed the role of Managing Partner for Crocker Partners in January 2017. He previously managed Crocker Partners’ capital market activities and investor relations and directed operations in Florida and Texas, including acquisition and development opportunities, asset management, property management, and leasing functions. Most notably, he led the development of CityPlace Tower. Mr. Bianco joined the Crocker organization in 2001 as Senior Vice President at CRT Properties, Inc while Tom Crocker served as the CEO. During that time, Mr. Bianco was responsible for the acquisition of properties totaling 2.1 million square feet and managing the company’s Florida assets, which consisted of ten office complexes totaling 77 buildings. Previously, Mr. Bianco served as counsel for Tishman Speyer Properties, concentrating on the redevelopment of Rockefeller Center in New York City. He began his career as a real estate attorney in New York City. Mr. Bianco holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from George Washington University.

Jack Stephens was named Executive Director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) in February 2014 after having served as Deputy Executive Director since 2003. As Deputy Executive Director, Stephens was responsible for the day-to- day management of the Authority, with oversight of all functions of the organization. Prior to joining the SFRTA, Mr. Stephens spent a dozen years associated with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) in a succession of managerial positions, including. Deputy General Manager for Administration, Interim General Manager/Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, Customer Development Division, Assistant to the General Manager, Office of Federal and State Relations and Legislative Coordinator. Prior to coming into the transit industry, he was associated with the Orleans Parish Public Schools and the Georgia Department of Offender Rehabilitation. In addition, he served as legislative staff for the State of Georgia Senate and House of Representatives. He has a B.A. degree from the University of the South and a Master’s degree from the University of Georgia. He also studied toward a PhD in Public Administration/Political Science at Georgia State University. He resides in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Since 2015, Lisa Neumayer has emerged as a risk management consultant leader within the Gallagher Real Estate and Construction practice. Working closely with specialty team members throughout Gallagher’s global network, she delivers niche expertise, products and services to real estate developers, contractors and property owners/managers. Her specialty provides experience for large Owner and Contractor Controlled Insurance Programs (OCIP/CCIP) Wrap Ups and Builder’s Risk for construction projects and permanent placement risk management programs involving multiple asset classes ranging in values from $50 million to upwards of $500 million+. In less than 4 years, she has provided the risk financing and security for major real estate developments totaling over $1 billion in values, placing nearly $5 million of premium into the global insurance marketplace. Quickly building a reputation in the market as a creative thinker and problem solver, she has worked with a number of clients to tackle their supply chain trade credit risk domestically and abroad and provided alternative risk solutions for unique exposures worldwide.

Greg T. West is President and Chief Executive Officer of ZOM Living and is responsible for all aspects of the Company with particular focus on development activities nationally. He joined ZOM in 1997 and since been involved with all aspects of the development process including identifying new opportunities, compiling due diligence and underwriting parameters. He is also responsible for project design, permitting, and construction. Mr. West also plays a key role in business development and investor relations. Presently ZOM has under construction 3,700 units in Florida, Texas, Chicago, Carolinas and the Mid-Atlantic. Over the next twelve months the company will start 2,200 additional units bringing active development volume over $1.7 billion dollars. Mr. West received a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Southern Methodist University and has received two Masters of Science degrees from Texas A&M University in Land Development and Construction Management. He serves on the Board of Directors of the National Multifamily Housing Council, is a board member of the Miami Downtown Development Authority and on the Advisory Board of the University of Miami Master of Construction Management program. Mr. West is the current Chair of the ULI Southeast Florida and Caribbean District Council and is a member of the Gold Multifamily Council.

Jean Francois Roy is the founder and president of Ocean Land Investments, Inc. Founded in 1990, Ocean Land Investments acquires and thoughtfully develops prime waterfront property, providing luxury residences and improving the overall aesthetic of previously underutilized sites. With more than four decades of entrepreneurial experience, Mr. Roy first achieved success developing Canada’s third largest portfolio of retirement homes and senior care facilities. He moved to South Florida from his native Quebec in the late 1980s, and soon founded Ocean Land Investments’ unsurpassed reputation with the vision to elevate and fulfill the potential of waterfront properties. Having developed numerous luxury condominium projects throughout his career, Mr. Roy continues to play an instrumental role in bringing developments to fruition. Under Mr. Roy’s leadership, Ocean Land Investments acquires approvals for redevelopment and provides the equity needed for builders to obtain construction loans. The company’s long-term investment approach and collaboration with premier builders and sales teams have led to an enviable record of success. Ocean Land Investment’s unsurpassed reputation for integrity is bolstered by Mr. Roy’s commitment to building lasting relationships with property owners, neighbors and civic leaders. Ocean Land Investments has strategically purchased waterfront property throughout South Florida, redeveloping land along the state’s east coast with modern condominium towers. The company’s past projects include 2080 Ocean Drive in Hallandale Beach; Aquazul in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea; Trump Hollywood in Hollywood Beach; The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Singer Island, Palm Beach; and Lake Place Condominiums in West Palm Beach; among others. “Today, Ocean Land Investments is revitalizing waterfront property in the East Las Olas Isles of Fort Lauderdale with the development of luxury condominium projects. Situated on Hendricks Isle and Isle of Venice just off of Las Olas Boulevard, the contemporary developments introduce modern architecture and upscale amenities to complement the isles’ natural beauty and waterfront lifestyle. Low-rise condominium tower AquaVita opened in 2015, AquaLuna was completed in 2016, and AquaMar was completed in 2017. Additional projects, AquaBlu and AquaVue are presently under construction. Recently, Jean Francois has announced plans for Riverwalk Residences of Las Olas, a first-of-its-kind luxury senior living facility in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Joel L. Altman is the fourth generation of a family with extensive and diversified experience in the development industry. As founder of Altman Development Corporation, he has developed, constructed, acquired and managed more than 25,000 multi-family units in Michigan, Illinois, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and North Carolina. It is Joel's absolute commitment to quality that has served as the backbone of success for The Altman Companies for over 49 years. Altman communities have won awards for excellence in the industry and, furthermore, have passed the ultimate test of resident satisfaction as evidenced by the high occupancy levels at Altman managed properties. The success of Altman Management Company has been widely recognized in the industry. Approached by owners of other properties concerning their own management needs, Joel has further expanded the scope of Altman Management Company to provide the same degree of management talent and expertise to a growing portfolio of properties under the Altman umbrella.

As Vice President of Finance at The Related Group, Tony Del Pozzo is responsible for obtaining, negotiating and closing on financing for all of Related’s affordable and workforce housing projects across South Florida. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, he works directly with equity investors and lenders, and spearheads the risk management for the company’s entire portfolio. Mr. Del Pozzo was involved in Related properties such as New River Yacht Club, Icon Las Olas, Auberge Fort Lauderdale, Flagler Village, and is currently working on a mixed-income/mixed- use project in downtown Fort Lauderdale with Broward County. During his tenure at Related, he has arranged the financing for all Related Urban Development Group (RUDG) projects, totaling over $400 million in loans and $200 million in tax credit equity, and over $1 billion in total financing. His duties also include working with TRG Management Company to provide property and portfolio management on over 40 assets reflecting over 10,000 residential apartment units and one million square feet of office and retail space. Mr. Del Pozzo holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Miami and is a licensed Florida appraiser.

Jennifer Drake is a highly accomplished real estate attorney and a Vice Chair of Becker’s Public, Private Partnerships (P3) practice group. Jennifer’s practice focuses on commercial transactions which range from planned project development, including creation of condominiums, mixed used developments, townhome developments and single family developments, condominium conversions, public-private partnership transactions (P3), which includes representing municipalities, higher education institutions and private parties; real estate contract negotiation, mortgage and asset based financing for both financial institutions and borrowers, commercial leases, ground leases; preparation of joint venture agreements for real estate transactions, as well as real estate workouts and liquidation of real estate owned (REO) properties for financial institutions. Jennifer has extensive real estate experience and has represented clients in many high profile projects throughout the state of Florida as well as nationally. Jennifer is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest professional rating based on years of experience and endorsement by Florida lawyers in the areas of professional ability, ethics and conduct. Jennifer’s practice emphasizes handling all aspects of planned project development (including the acquisition stage, which may entail negotiation of purchase contract, DRI, zoning issues, and environmental due diligence); planning stage of the project, drafting of the project documents, and State registrations as necessary, supervising the closings on the sale of the end units, the representation of the developercontrolled boards and representation of developer through turnover of control of the association; the purchase and sale of fractured condominiums, and termination of condominiums. Additionally, her real estate experience emphasizes P3 transactions which runs the spectrum of negotiating, drafting land leases, management and operating agreements, for higher education institutions, municipalities as well as the private sector. She also handles complex multi-party transactions from negotiating real estate joint ventures to multi-party transactions as to the purchase or sale, financing, and negotiation of commercial leases and title for the private sector. Jennifer represents national, regional and state financial institutions in the areas of documentation for both real estate and asset based financing, loan modifications and in the restructuring/refinancing of multi-million dollar loan transactions, as well as disposition of REO properties. EXPERIENCE Acted as co-lead counsel for the Louisiana State University Property Foundation’s public/private partnership development (P3) called the Nicholson Gateway Project, the largest development project in the history of LSU, featuring a multi-phased bundled package of facilities with a total estimated development budget of $400 million. Representing Premier Water Parks, Inc. in a P3 transaction with the City of Fort Lauderdale in the redevelopment of the Lockhart Stadium and surrounding property to include, but not be limited to, a refurbished stadium and water park. Representing Nova Southeastern University in Student Housing Project. Represented Carrie Meek Foundation in formation of a joint venture with Foundry to develop property subject to a ground lease from Miami-Dade County located at the Opa-Locka Airport, on which an Amazon Distribution Center is being constructed. Represented Bethune-Cookman in P3 type transaction involving the sale/leaseback of land for the construction of a new student housing project on campus. Represented the City of South Miami in P3 matters. Represented KB Holdings Inc., in the negotiation of a ground lease with the City of Hollywood for beach front property to be developed as a hotel. Represented high end fashion designer in lease negotiations in Miami Design District. Represent Rogers International, Inc., in drafting of condominium documents for two mixed-used developments in Coral Gables, Florida Represent private developer in the development of a large mixed-use project in central Florida consisting of retail space, hotel space, condominiums, rental apartments and parking facilities developed in multiple phases. Represented TD Bank in construction loans, real estate based loans, asset based loans, loan modifications, and loan workouts to various borrowers. Represented purchaser of a beachfront home for $17 million. Represented purchaser/borrower in $6.3 million purchase of hotel property in Broward County, obtaining franchise agreement and loan transaction. Represented purchaser/developer in purchase of hotel condominium in Orange County, Florida. Drafted Condominium Documents and Interstate Land Sales Act (ILSA) filing for Turnberry Ocean Club. Represents hotel unit owner at Fontainebleau. Represents regional banks Florida Community Bank and Banco Do Brazil in real estate and asset-based loan transactions. Represents Willton Properties LLC in the negotiation of a joint venture agreement with Bainbridge for the development of a rental housing apartment complex in Tampa, FL. Represents developer in bulk purchase, loan modification and termination of large condominium development. Represented owner in purchase of Universal Music building in Miami Beach. Represented Epic West Condo LLC in the sales, closings for units and developer-controlled board at the Epic in Miami, Florida. Represents Lynx Zuckerman Holding Company, LLC in acquisitions of properties, sales of properties, drafting bulk contracts, homeowner documents and other general developer-related representation. Represented developer in termination of a 186-unit condominium on the West Coast of Florida. Negotiated ground lease sites for client Simoes Properties, with CVS, McDonalds and Wawa. Represents Penn Dutch Foods in commercial leases. RECOGNITION Ms. Drake was recognized by the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Alliance for outstanding community leadership and featured in the 2018 “Real Estate Opportunities” chapter of its annual Economic Sourcebook and Market Profile. Jennifer has also been named to the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers in Legal Ability and Ethical Standards as well as being AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell. PROFESSIONAL / COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Ms. Drake is a regular speaker at national and regional P3 conferences, is a member of the American Bar Association, the Florida Bar, and The Real Property, Probate and Trust Sections of both the Florida Bar and the American Bar Association and the International Council of Shopping Centers (“ICSC”). Jennifer is on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, she is also a member of Leadership Committee; past President of Leadership Broward Foundation and currently sits on the Board of Directors, is a member of Broward Women’s Alliance, and sits on the Advisory Board of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. She has also served on the Board of Directors for Kids Crusaders for Abused Children, One Room Schoolhouse and Cancer Research Network.