Steve Benson
Founder & CEO
Essential Housing
M&A and Capital Markets Deal Activity
Steve Benson is a senior executive with extensive leadership experience in both publicly traded and privately held homebuilding companies. Over the last 25 years, Steve has led the operations of the nation’s largest land banking organizations. His career includes spearheading land banking efforts at Acacia Capital (2001–2010), Blackstone’s Community Development Capital Group (2010–2021), and most recently, TPG’s Essential Housing Company (since 2021). Steve is responsible for the origination, underwriting, and asset management of land banking investments. Under his leadership, these organizations have originated over $25 billion in residential land bank transactions, partnering with many of the nation’s top public builders across 28 states. Steve holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Eastern Michigan University and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Development from Fielding Graduate Institute, where he also completed postgraduate studies in Human and Organizational Systems. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Integral Coach.
Founder & CEO
Essential Housing
M&A and Capital Markets Deal Activity
Steve Benson is a senior executive with extensive leadership experience in both publicly traded and privately held homebuilding companies. Over the last 25 years, Steve has led the operations of the nation’s largest land banking organizations. His career includes spearheading land banking efforts at Acacia Capital (2001–2010), Blackstone’s Community Development Capital Group (2010–2021), and most recently, TPG’s Essential Housing Company (since 2021). Steve is responsible for the origination, underwriting, and asset management of land banking investments. Under his leadership, these organizations have originated over $25 billion in residential land bank transactions, partnering with many of the nation’s top public builders across 28 states. Steve holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Eastern Michigan University and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Development from Fielding Graduate Institute, where he also completed postgraduate studies in Human and Organizational Systems. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Integral Coach.
Brad Berning
Vice President - Strategic Affairs & Investor Relations
Zillow
Mortgage & 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.
https://www.zillow.com
Vice President - Strategic Affairs & Investor Relations
Zillow
Mortgage & 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.
https://www.zillow.com
Bill Boor
President & CEO
Cavco Industries
Homebuilding & Manufactured Housing Panel
William (Bill) C. Boor was appointed President and CEO of Cavco Industries, Inc. on April 15, 2019 . In this role, he is responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the company. Mr. Boor joined Cavco as an independent member of the Board of Directors in July 2008 and continues to serve on the Board as an executive member. He is also currently serving as Chairman of the industry association, MHI. Mr. Boor has held a number of executive positions with large public companies, including Cliffs Natural Resources, Inc. (NYSE: CLF), where he served in roles including Execut ive Vice President for Corporate Development, Chief Strategy & Risk Officer and President of Ferroalloys. Previously, Mr. Boor held key leadership roles at Eagle Materials (NYSE: EXP), Centex Corporation, Weyerhaeuser Co. (NYSE: WY) and Procter & Gamble Co.
(NYSE: PG). Most recently, Mr. Boor was CEO of Great Lakes Brewing Company, a large craft brewery in Cleveland, Ohio.
Mr. Boor earned an engineering degree from Penn State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder.
https://www.cavcohomes.com
President & CEO
Cavco Industries
Homebuilding & Manufactured Housing Panel
William (Bill) C. Boor was appointed President and CEO of Cavco Industries, Inc. on April 15, 2019 . In this role, he is responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the company. Mr. Boor joined Cavco as an independent member of the Board of Directors in July 2008 and continues to serve on the Board as an executive member. He is also currently serving as Chairman of the industry association, MHI. Mr. Boor has held a number of executive positions with large public companies, including Cliffs Natural Resources, Inc. (NYSE: CLF), where he served in roles including Execut ive Vice President for Corporate Development, Chief Strategy & Risk Officer and President of Ferroalloys. Previously, Mr. Boor held key leadership roles at Eagle Materials (NYSE: EXP), Centex Corporation, Weyerhaeuser Co. (NYSE: WY) and Procter & Gamble Co.
(NYSE: PG). Most recently, Mr. Boor was CEO of Great Lakes Brewing Company, a large craft brewery in Cleveland, Ohio.
Mr. Boor earned an engineering degree from Penn State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder.
https://www.cavcohomes.com
Sean DeJulia
Chief Innovation Officer
loanDepot
Mortgage & Real Estate Services Panel
As chief innovation officer, Sean DeJulia drives innovation throughout the loan manufacturing process across all of loanDepot’s production channels. In this role, Sean leads cross-functional initiatives aimed at accelerating automation, improving system reliability, and integrating cutting-edge capabilities across loanDepot’s proprietary platforms.
Sean is a seasoned mortgage technology innovator who began his career with Empower (now Dark Matter Technologies), where he developed enterprise software solutions and deepened his expertise in financial services technology. He then joined loanDepot and spent a decade in progressively senior roles, including lead developer, senior software architect, and director of applications architecture. He was instrumental in developing loanDepot’s groundbreaking and proprietary mello® platform and played a key role in scaling the company during its first decade of growth.
Following his initial tenure at loanDepot, Sean founded Lodasoft, a business process automation platform that works with top mortgage lenders to streamline manufacturing workflows, improve operational efficiency, and reduce both cost and risk for its clients. He also worked as a mortgage originator, gaining invaluable insights into loan origination and processing challenges, as well as the customer experience, all of which inform his development of intuitive, compliant, and scalable solutions.
Sean earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Robert Morris University.
https://welcome.loandepot.com
Chief Innovation Officer
loanDepot
Mortgage & Real Estate Services Panel
As chief innovation officer, Sean DeJulia drives innovation throughout the loan manufacturing process across all of loanDepot’s production channels. In this role, Sean leads cross-functional initiatives aimed at accelerating automation, improving system reliability, and integrating cutting-edge capabilities across loanDepot’s proprietary platforms.
Sean is a seasoned mortgage technology innovator who began his career with Empower (now Dark Matter Technologies), where he developed enterprise software solutions and deepened his expertise in financial services technology. He then joined loanDepot and spent a decade in progressively senior roles, including lead developer, senior software architect, and director of applications architecture. He was instrumental in developing loanDepot’s groundbreaking and proprietary mello® platform and played a key role in scaling the company during its first decade of growth.
Following his initial tenure at loanDepot, Sean founded Lodasoft, a business process automation platform that works with top mortgage lenders to streamline manufacturing workflows, improve operational efficiency, and reduce both cost and risk for its clients. He also worked as a mortgage originator, gaining invaluable insights into loan origination and processing challenges, as well as the customer experience, all of which inform his development of intuitive, compliant, and scalable solutions.
Sean earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Robert Morris University.
https://welcome.loandepot.com
Sean Dobson
Chairman, CEO, & CIO
Amherst
Walker Webcast - Housing’s Next Chapter
Sean Dobson is the Chairman, CEO and CIO of Amherst. In this role, Sean leverages his 30+ years of expertise in U.S. real estate, mortgage and securitized products to lead the firm’s investment strategy and oversee day-to-day strategic direction for the platform.
Sean has been leading Amherst for over 20 years, transforming the regional broker dealer into a market leading real estate investment, management and operating platform. As of 12/31/2023, the firm manages US$18.5 billion and focuses on some of the most fragmented pockets of U.S. real estate, including single-family rentals, mortgage-backed securities and commercial real estate.
Sean was one of the few mortgage specialists to anticipate the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). Leveraging Amherst’s proprietary data and technology capabilities, Sean and Amherst had an active role in briefing the White House, Senators, Congressmen, the Federal Reserve Board, and investors as they navigated a historic market.
Post-GFC, Sean recognized the securitization markets were dysfunctional, borrower credit was impaired, and tightening loan standards meant that many former or would-be homeowners were unable to purchase a home. In 2012, this led Amherst to establish and develop Amherst Residential, a platform with the resources necessary to acquire, repair, lease and manage single-family rental properties across the country. By 2013, Sean and Amherst’s leadership team launched Main Street Renewal, a vertically-integrated property management company, to directly service the single-family residents on the Amherst Residential platform. Today, Main Street Renewal serves over 100,000 residents in 32 markets across the U.S.
Sean currently serves as a governing trustee for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, and is co-founder of CapCityKids, an Austin based organization helping at risk children in their educational endeavors.
https://www.amherst.com
Chairman, CEO, & CIO
Amherst
Walker Webcast - Housing’s Next Chapter
Sean Dobson is the Chairman, CEO and CIO of Amherst. In this role, Sean leverages his 30+ years of expertise in U.S. real estate, mortgage and securitized products to lead the firm’s investment strategy and oversee day-to-day strategic direction for the platform.
Sean has been leading Amherst for over 20 years, transforming the regional broker dealer into a market leading real estate investment, management and operating platform. As of 12/31/2023, the firm manages US$18.5 billion and focuses on some of the most fragmented pockets of U.S. real estate, including single-family rentals, mortgage-backed securities and commercial real estate.
Sean was one of the few mortgage specialists to anticipate the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). Leveraging Amherst’s proprietary data and technology capabilities, Sean and Amherst had an active role in briefing the White House, Senators, Congressmen, the Federal Reserve Board, and investors as they navigated a historic market.
Post-GFC, Sean recognized the securitization markets were dysfunctional, borrower credit was impaired, and tightening loan standards meant that many former or would-be homeowners were unable to purchase a home. In 2012, this led Amherst to establish and develop Amherst Residential, a platform with the resources necessary to acquire, repair, lease and manage single-family rental properties across the country. By 2013, Sean and Amherst’s leadership team launched Main Street Renewal, a vertically-integrated property management company, to directly service the single-family residents on the Amherst Residential platform. Today, Main Street Renewal serves over 100,000 residents in 32 markets across the U.S.
Sean currently serves as a governing trustee for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, and is co-founder of CapCityKids, an Austin based organization helping at risk children in their educational endeavors.
https://www.amherst.com
Scott Eisen
EVP and Chief Investment Officer
Invitation Homes
M&A and Capital Markets Deal Activity
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 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.
https://www.invitationhomes.com
EVP and Chief Investment Officer
Invitation Homes
M&A and Capital Markets Deal Activity
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 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.
https://www.invitationhomes.com
Dave Feldman
Co-President
Pretium
Single-Family Rental Panel
Dave Feldman is the Co-President at Progress Residential, where he leads the company's growth and strategic initiatives and helped scale the Firm's single-family rental platform. Prior to joining Progress in 2014, Dave was Head of Real Estate for Haven Realty Capital, a joint-venture partner of Apollo Global Management. Prior to Haven, Dave spent nearly 10 years in an executive management position with Marcus & Millichap. Dave received a Bachelor's from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business and Lloyd Grief Center for Entrepreneurial Studies.
https://pretium.com
Co-President
Pretium
Single-Family Rental Panel
Dave Feldman is the Co-President at Progress Residential, where he leads the company's growth and strategic initiatives and helped scale the Firm's single-family rental platform. Prior to joining Progress in 2014, Dave was Head of Real Estate for Haven Realty Capital, a joint-venture partner of Apollo Global Management. Prior to Haven, Dave spent nearly 10 years in an executive management position with Marcus & Millichap. Dave received a Bachelor's from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business and Lloyd Grief Center for Entrepreneurial Studies.
https://pretium.com
Jonathan Gertman
Senior Vice President of Development
The NRP Group
Multifamily Rental Panel
Jonathan Gertman joined The NRP Group in 2009 as an Assistant Developer and now serves as Senior Vice President of Development for the New York City office.
His primary responsibilities include originating and overseeing both market rate and affordable development efforts in New York, , New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. During his previous role in the San Antonio office, he was involved with the origination of 900 units of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit projects.
Between his two positions at NRP, Gertman worked for Forest City Realty Trust in New York. He was responsible for originating and managing multifamily and mixed-use projects in the greater tri-state area. During his tenure, he worked on the development of 980 units of luxury multifamily housing and ancillary retail.
Gertman is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and holds a bachelor’s degree in urban studies with a minor in real estate finance from The Wharton School. He is a member of the board of Neighbors Together, a Brooklyn based food bank. He is also a Trustee of Congregation Beth Elohim of Brooklyn. He lives with his wife and son in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn and enjoys walking their adopted schnauzer-terrier, Babka.
https://nrpgroup.com
Senior Vice President of Development
The NRP Group
Multifamily Rental Panel
Jonathan Gertman joined The NRP Group in 2009 as an Assistant Developer and now serves as Senior Vice President of Development for the New York City office.
His primary responsibilities include originating and overseeing both market rate and affordable development efforts in New York, , New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. During his previous role in the San Antonio office, he was involved with the origination of 900 units of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit projects.
Between his two positions at NRP, Gertman worked for Forest City Realty Trust in New York. He was responsible for originating and managing multifamily and mixed-use projects in the greater tri-state area. During his tenure, he worked on the development of 980 units of luxury multifamily housing and ancillary retail.
Gertman is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and holds a bachelor’s degree in urban studies with a minor in real estate finance from The Wharton School. He is a member of the board of Neighbors Together, a Brooklyn based food bank. He is also a Trustee of Congregation Beth Elohim of Brooklyn. He lives with his wife and son in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn and enjoys walking their adopted schnauzer-terrier, Babka.
https://nrpgroup.com
Peter Jackson
President & CEO
Builders FirstSource
Building Products Panel
Peter Jackson is the president and chief executive officer of Builders FirstSource. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Jackson served as chief financial officer, where he was instrumental in the development, execution, and achievement of the company’s growth strategy, including overseeing capital allocation and M&A, leading digital transformation and architecting the business intelligence platform.
Mr. Jackson has over 30 years of leadership experience, including 18 years in the building products industry and 9 years with Builders FirstSource. Before joining Builders FirstSource, he held leadership roles at Lennox International, Inc., including Global Refrigeration Segment CFO, and worked with SPX Corporation, General Electric, and Gerber Scientific, beginning his career in public accounting.
Mr. Jackson earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bryant University and a master’s in business administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He also serves on the advisory board for Dedman Law's Rowling Center for Business Law & Leadership at Southern Methodist University.
https://www.bldr.com
President & CEO
Builders FirstSource
Building Products Panel
Peter Jackson is the president and chief executive officer of Builders FirstSource. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Jackson served as chief financial officer, where he was instrumental in the development, execution, and achievement of the company’s growth strategy, including overseeing capital allocation and M&A, leading digital transformation and architecting the business intelligence platform.
Mr. Jackson has over 30 years of leadership experience, including 18 years in the building products industry and 9 years with Builders FirstSource. Before joining Builders FirstSource, he held leadership roles at Lennox International, Inc., including Global Refrigeration Segment CFO, and worked with SPX Corporation, General Electric, and Gerber Scientific, beginning his career in public accounting.
Mr. Jackson earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bryant University and a master’s in business administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He also serves on the advisory board for Dedman Law's Rowling Center for Business Law & Leadership at Southern Methodist University.
https://www.bldr.com
Jordan Kabbani
Managing Director - Investment Strategy & Research
Greystar
Multifamily Rental Panel
Jordan Kabbani is a Managing Director and leads Greystar’s US Investment Research & Strategy efforts. He is responsible for the formulation, capitalization, and deployment of the company’s US investment strategies, pursuit of enterprise strategic opportunities, and data strategy. He also provides ongoing macro research, including monitoring markets and investment performance across asset classes in the US.
Prior to joining Greystar in 2019, Jordan worked in the mergers and acquisitions division of Citigroup’s Investment Bank. Jordan began his career in real estate consulting, concentrating on engagements focused on urban infill development, land use planning, and affordable housing.
Jordan holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Tulane University and a Master of Business Administration from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.
https://www.greystar.com
Managing Director - Investment Strategy & Research
Greystar
Multifamily Rental Panel
Jordan Kabbani is a Managing Director and leads Greystar’s US Investment Research & Strategy efforts. He is responsible for the formulation, capitalization, and deployment of the company’s US investment strategies, pursuit of enterprise strategic opportunities, and data strategy. He also provides ongoing macro research, including monitoring markets and investment performance across asset classes in the US.
Prior to joining Greystar in 2019, Jordan worked in the mergers and acquisitions division of Citigroup’s Investment Bank. Jordan began his career in real estate consulting, concentrating on engagements focused on urban infill development, land use planning, and affordable housing.
Jordan holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Tulane University and a Master of Business Administration from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.
https://www.greystar.com
Jim Kirkpatrick
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Shaw Industries Group
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.
https://shawinc.com
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Shaw Industries Group
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.
https://shawinc.com
Kenny Larson
CEO
Slumberland Furniture
Consumer Panel
Kenny Larson is President & CEO of family owned Slumberland Furniture. Slumberland is a top 30 home furnishing’s company with 125 corporate and franchise stores throughout the mid-west. The Larson family is also heavily involved in commercial real estate with close to 4 million square feet owned and managed.
Kenny graduated from Wheaton College with a BA in Economics and Theology and then Arizona State with an MBA in Marketing. He joined Slumberland the fall of 1990 and held many positions before becoming President in 2008. Slumberland continues to focus on developing strong people who understand the company’s mission, live out the values and execute on an excellent customer experience every day.
In addition to Slumberland, Kenny has served on several not-for-profit boards and passionate about the family foundation 40 Winks. 40 Winks provides mattresses to kids without a bed and to date has donated over 60,000.
Kenny has been married to Monica (a very talented artist who teaches, collaborates & creates her own work) for the past 38 years. They have two boys, Walker who is an amazing chef in St. Paul, MN and Britt who joined the Slumberland Marketing team in 2025.
https://www.slumberland.com
CEO
Slumberland Furniture
Consumer Panel
Kenny Larson is President & CEO of family owned Slumberland Furniture. Slumberland is a top 30 home furnishing’s company with 125 corporate and franchise stores throughout the mid-west. The Larson family is also heavily involved in commercial real estate with close to 4 million square feet owned and managed.
Kenny graduated from Wheaton College with a BA in Economics and Theology and then Arizona State with an MBA in Marketing. He joined Slumberland the fall of 1990 and held many positions before becoming President in 2008. Slumberland continues to focus on developing strong people who understand the company’s mission, live out the values and execute on an excellent customer experience every day.
In addition to Slumberland, Kenny has served on several not-for-profit boards and passionate about the family foundation 40 Winks. 40 Winks provides mattresses to kids without a bed and to date has donated over 60,000.
Kenny has been married to Monica (a very talented artist who teaches, collaborates & creates her own work) for the past 38 years. They have two boys, Walker who is an amazing chef in St. Paul, MN and Britt who joined the Slumberland Marketing team in 2025.
https://www.slumberland.com
Phillippe Lord
CEO
Meritage Homes
Homebuilding & Manufactured Housing Panel
Mr. Lord has served as CEO of Meritage Homes and a Board director since 2021. 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.
https://www.meritagehomes.com
CEO
Meritage Homes
Homebuilding & Manufactured Housing Panel
Mr. Lord has served as CEO of Meritage Homes and a Board director since 2021. 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.
https://www.meritagehomes.com
Tim Milam
CEO
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
Mortgage & Real Estate Services Panel
Tim Milam is the CEO of Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage located in Wilmington, North Carolina. Tim and his wife, Vicki, have been married 41 years and have two children, Joey & Sara.
After purchasing Coldwell Banker Sea Coast in 1997, Tim has, with hard work and perseverance, created one of the top performing companies in the Coldwell Banker system. For 26 consecutive years, his company has been the #1 market leader in Southeastern North Carolina, and a member of the Coldwell Banker International Chairman’s Circle. Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage was named the #1 affiliate company in North America for Coldwell Banker and in 2025 achieved over $3.4 Billion in closed sales volume and over 8,200 closed transactions in the NC Coastal region, and over $6.6 Billion in closed sales volume and over 16,500 closed transactions across all regions in North and South Carolina.
https://cbseaside.com
CEO
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
Mortgage & Real Estate Services Panel
Tim Milam is the CEO of Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage located in Wilmington, North Carolina. Tim and his wife, Vicki, have been married 41 years and have two children, Joey & Sara.
After purchasing Coldwell Banker Sea Coast in 1997, Tim has, with hard work and perseverance, created one of the top performing companies in the Coldwell Banker system. For 26 consecutive years, his company has been the #1 market leader in Southeastern North Carolina, and a member of the Coldwell Banker International Chairman’s Circle. Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage was named the #1 affiliate company in North America for Coldwell Banker and in 2025 achieved over $3.4 Billion in closed sales volume and over 8,200 closed transactions in the NC Coastal region, and over $6.6 Billion in closed sales volume and over 16,500 closed transactions across all regions in North and South Carolina.
https://cbseaside.com
Karl Mistry
CEO
Toll Brothers
Homebuilding & Manufactured Housing Panel
Karl Mistry was named Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Toll Brothers in March 2026.
He joined Toll Brothers in 2004 as an Assistant Project Manager in the Company’s executive training program. In 2012, he was named Division President for the Houston division, and in 2016 he was promoted to Group President overseeing homebuilding operations in Metro Washington, D.C. In 2019, Karl was named Regional President of the Mid-Atlantic region and in 2021 he became Executive Vice President managing the Company’s homebuilding operations throughout 15 states in the East.
Karl holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Texas A&M University and a Master’s degree in Real Estate Finance & Development from Cornell University.
https://www.tollbrothers.com
CEO
Toll Brothers
Homebuilding & Manufactured Housing Panel
Karl Mistry was named Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Toll Brothers in March 2026.
He joined Toll Brothers in 2004 as an Assistant Project Manager in the Company’s executive training program. In 2012, he was named Division President for the Houston division, and in 2016 he was promoted to Group President overseeing homebuilding operations in Metro Washington, D.C. In 2019, Karl was named Regional President of the Mid-Atlantic region and in 2021 he became Executive Vice President managing the Company’s homebuilding operations throughout 15 states in the East.
Karl holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Texas A&M University and a Master’s degree in Real Estate Finance & Development from Cornell University.
https://www.tollbrothers.com
Richard Ross
CEO
Quinn Residences
Single-Family Rental Panel
Richard's career spans four decades in the real estate industry and his journey is rooted in a profound family legacy. His father, a highly successful homebuilder, instilled in him an innate passion for the field. Richard spent some of the earlier part of his career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and soon returned to his family roots in the real estate industry. This detour helped Richard gain valuable knowledge that would later prove to be a cornerstone of his success, allowing him to approach real estate with a unique financial perspective and strategic insight.
Richard earned experience working at prominent real estate organizations, including Branch Properties and Trade Street Residential (NYSE:TSRE). During those tenures, he was able to hone in on his leadership style characterized by fairness, integrity, and collaborative team and work environments.
As an industry leader, Richard has years of experience serving on the board for several public companies. Over his career, Richard has served as a Director at various NYSE-listed companies, including Plymouth Industrial REIT, Independence Realty Trust, and Cedar Realty Trust. Through serving on these public boards, Richard learned the intricacies of navigating complex public markets and balancing the interests of diverse shareholders to ensure growth and success within the competitive real estate industry.
https://live-quinn.com
CEO
Quinn Residences
Single-Family Rental Panel
Richard's career spans four decades in the real estate industry and his journey is rooted in a profound family legacy. His father, a highly successful homebuilder, instilled in him an innate passion for the field. Richard spent some of the earlier part of his career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and soon returned to his family roots in the real estate industry. This detour helped Richard gain valuable knowledge that would later prove to be a cornerstone of his success, allowing him to approach real estate with a unique financial perspective and strategic insight.
Richard earned experience working at prominent real estate organizations, including Branch Properties and Trade Street Residential (NYSE:TSRE). During those tenures, he was able to hone in on his leadership style characterized by fairness, integrity, and collaborative team and work environments.
As an industry leader, Richard has years of experience serving on the board for several public companies. Over his career, Richard has served as a Director at various NYSE-listed companies, including Plymouth Industrial REIT, Independence Realty Trust, and Cedar Realty Trust. Through serving on these public boards, Richard learned the intricacies of navigating complex public markets and balancing the interests of diverse shareholders to ensure growth and success within the competitive real estate industry.
https://live-quinn.com
Jessica Thorsheim
Head of Real Estate Management, SFR
Amherst
Single-Family Rental Panel
Jessica Thorsheim, CFA, is Head of Real Estate Management, SFR, for Amherst’s vertically integrated real estate manager Main Street Renewal. She oversees key strategies for all real estate operations centrally and in the field. She also leads consumer marketing, technology, and Latin American operations for Main Street Renewal. Jessica previously served as Head of Portfolio Management, SFR, and was responsible for joint venture and fund performance, investor connectivity across operations and capital markets, and investor relations.
Prior to joining Amherst, Jessica was the CFO and Executive Vice President of Finance and Business Development at Everest Healthcare Properties, a Fosun International company and private equity firm focused on healthcare commercial real estate investments. Prior to that, Jessica was in key leadership positions across capital markets, business development, strategy, and investor relations at Healthcare Trust of America, Cole Real Estate Investments, and realtor.com. Jessica started her career in institutional equity sales at Goldman Sachs in New York. Jessica graduated from the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business summa cum laude and is a CFA Charterholder.
https://www.amherst.com
Head of Real Estate Management, SFR
Amherst
Single-Family Rental Panel
Jessica Thorsheim, CFA, is Head of Real Estate Management, SFR, for Amherst’s vertically integrated real estate manager Main Street Renewal. She oversees key strategies for all real estate operations centrally and in the field. She also leads consumer marketing, technology, and Latin American operations for Main Street Renewal. Jessica previously served as Head of Portfolio Management, SFR, and was responsible for joint venture and fund performance, investor connectivity across operations and capital markets, and investor relations.
Prior to joining Amherst, Jessica was the CFO and Executive Vice President of Finance and Business Development at Everest Healthcare Properties, a Fosun International company and private equity firm focused on healthcare commercial real estate investments. Prior to that, Jessica was in key leadership positions across capital markets, business development, strategy, and investor relations at Healthcare Trust of America, Cole Real Estate Investments, and realtor.com. Jessica started her career in institutional equity sales at Goldman Sachs in New York. Jessica graduated from the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business summa cum laude and is a CFA Charterholder.
https://www.amherst.com
Doug Townsend
President
Magnussen Home
Consumer Panel
Doug Townsend is President of Banner House (formerly Magnussen Home), the holding company for 5 furniture brands. In addition to the Magnussen brand, Mr. Townsend led the organization in acquiring four other premium brands in the furniture space: Pulaski Furniture, Samuel Lawrence Furniture, American Drew and Kincaid.
Prior to joining Magnussen, Mr. Townsend had over 30 years of executive leadership positions in the furniture industry. He has extensive experience in strategic planning, global supply chain operations, financial management, mergers and acquisitions and eCommerce. Most recently, he was COO of Parker House Furniture, a mid-size importer of motion upholstery and wooden casegoods based in Los Angeles, CA.
Prior to that, he was President of Home Meridian International (HMI), a $400 million division of publicly traded Hooker Furniture, which specialized in residential and hospitality furniture. In his 14 year career at HMI, besides President, he was COO of the eCommerce, hospitality and mass merchant divisions, EVP of US and Asian Operations (and lived in Vietnam for 3 years), and CFO. He was instrumental in leading the post-Great Recession strategic and organizational changes that grew the company from $150 million to $400 million in sales, and ultimately led to the successful sale of HMI to Hooker.
Prior to joining HMI, he was CFO and COO of Samuel Lawrence Furniture, which after helping turn it around and transforming it from an unprofitable domestic manufacturer to a successful design, sourcing and marketing importer, was sold to a private equity backed furniture company, which became the foundation for HMI.
Early in his career, Mr. Townsend held CFO and COO positions at several other furniture companies, including the largest furniture factory in Los Angeles in the late 90’s, a startup factory in Mexico that he co-founded and grew to $30 million, and an eCommerce furniture startup during the “dot com” boom of 1999. He began his career in investment banking in Boston and San Francisco, graduated from Harvard University with a B.A, and attended UCLA’s Anderson School of Business.
https://www.magnussen.com
President
Magnussen Home
Consumer Panel
Doug Townsend is President of Banner House (formerly Magnussen Home), the holding company for 5 furniture brands. In addition to the Magnussen brand, Mr. Townsend led the organization in acquiring four other premium brands in the furniture space: Pulaski Furniture, Samuel Lawrence Furniture, American Drew and Kincaid.
Prior to joining Magnussen, Mr. Townsend had over 30 years of executive leadership positions in the furniture industry. He has extensive experience in strategic planning, global supply chain operations, financial management, mergers and acquisitions and eCommerce. Most recently, he was COO of Parker House Furniture, a mid-size importer of motion upholstery and wooden casegoods based in Los Angeles, CA.
Prior to that, he was President of Home Meridian International (HMI), a $400 million division of publicly traded Hooker Furniture, which specialized in residential and hospitality furniture. In his 14 year career at HMI, besides President, he was COO of the eCommerce, hospitality and mass merchant divisions, EVP of US and Asian Operations (and lived in Vietnam for 3 years), and CFO. He was instrumental in leading the post-Great Recession strategic and organizational changes that grew the company from $150 million to $400 million in sales, and ultimately led to the successful sale of HMI to Hooker.
Prior to joining HMI, he was CFO and COO of Samuel Lawrence Furniture, which after helping turn it around and transforming it from an unprofitable domestic manufacturer to a successful design, sourcing and marketing importer, was sold to a private equity backed furniture company, which became the foundation for HMI.
Early in his career, Mr. Townsend held CFO and COO positions at several other furniture companies, including the largest furniture factory in Los Angeles in the late 90’s, a startup factory in Mexico that he co-founded and grew to $30 million, and an eCommerce furniture startup during the “dot com” boom of 1999. He began his career in investment banking in Boston and San Francisco, graduated from Harvard University with a B.A, and attended UCLA’s Anderson School of Business.
https://www.magnussen.com
Willy Walker
Chairman & CEO
Walker & Dunlop
Walker Webcast - Housing’s Next Chapter
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 and internationally. 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 recognized by Great Place To Work for 9 years, and is on Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For® 2026 list.
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. He serves on the board of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation and Harvard Business School Board of Deans Advisors and previously 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.
https://www.walkerdunlop.com
Chairman & CEO
Walker & Dunlop
Walker Webcast - Housing’s Next Chapter
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 and internationally. 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 recognized by Great Place To Work for 9 years, and is on Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For® 2026 list.
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. He serves on the board of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation and Harvard Business School Board of Deans Advisors and previously 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.
https://www.walkerdunlop.com