Development
Devco’s Development Team is the company’s forward-looking acquisitions, entitlement, financing, and rehab/resyndication arm. The Development Team takes on new construction, rehabilitation and yield transactions of multifamily assets throughout the United States.
Integrity, respect, collaboration, and trust are at the core of everything the Development Team delivers.
The Development Team
David Ratliff
President, DevCo
David grew up in real estate brokerage and has focused on many aspects of real estate development. He has dedicated his career to providing quality housing for people who need it most. As a leader of DevCo, LLC and DevCo Preservation, LLC he makes this commitment a reality. He is committed to empowering his team with the ability to make a significant impact in the lives of tenants by providing high quality housing throughout the Western United States.
David has over 15 years of experience with real estate brokerage, construction, development, and investment. David has extensive experience managing long term relationships with brokers, development consultants, lenders and syndicators. Since joining DevCo, the company has grown from a portfolio of 3,000 units in 2013, to 10,000 units in 2021
David graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Real Estate and from Arizona State University with a Masters in Real Estate Development. He has also been a licensed real estate broker in the State of Washington.
David enjoys an active lifestyle and is frequently out adventuring. You can find him on the ski hill, backpacking in the mountains or out on the water. He frequently asks anyone he can about travel recommendations and is always planning his next adventure.
Sam Buckingham
President, Devco US Construction
Sam has worked in Commercial Construction and Development for over twenty-five years. He also has an extensive background in design, engineering, reserves, property management, sustainability, construction litigation and organizational operations.
Sam has assisted and served on several Homeowner Association Boards and is a Certified Manager of Community Associations CMCA, Reserve Specialist RS and Association Management Specialist AMS. He has given several industry presentations for the American Resort Development Association ARDA throughout the years.
Sam most recently worked for Wyndham Worldwide for nearly 20 years as Vice President for Strategic Development. This included oversight of construction, development, and design both nationally and internationally in five different countries. Sam also oversaw the Insurance Claims Team as well as Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility.
Sam served 14 years in the US Army. He and his wife Brooke just celebrated their 25-year anniversary. During his “free time”, you can find him boating, hiking, coaching football, helping coordinate food and clothing drives, and cheering his kids from the sidelines in their many sport activities.
Shawna Mori
Executive Assistant to David Ratliff
Shawna joined Devco at the end of 2022 as Executive Assistant to President of Development David Ratliff. Her main responsibilities include providing support to David, working on projects for the development team and other operational items.
Before joining Devco, Shawna spent 7 years working in Seattle’s residential real estate industry. She was Executive Assistant to a top-producing broker in the Greater Seattle area. Shawna has also been a licensed real estate broker in the State of Washington.
Shawna graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. In her free time, Shawna enjoys golf, skiing, pickleball, planning her next trip, and spending time with family and friends.
Alan Maynie
Asset Manager
Alan joined DevCo in 2022 as an Asset Manager with responsibility for DevCo’s multi-family real estate portfolio in Arizona, Colorado, and Texas. He acts as a representative of the owner for each property and is responsible for ensuring that the long-term financial and physical health of the properties meet DevCo’s objectives.
Alan’s previous experience includes Director of Asset Management at Avenue, Real Estate Program Officer at Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Asset & Operations Manager at The Houston Housing Authority, Asset Manager at The Chicago Housing Authority, various positions at US Bank, PNC (National City) & Chase (Bank One), and as a contract consultant for several Municipalities, Nonprofits, and Foundations.
Alan has a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Southern University and A&M College and an M.B.A in Real Estate and Finance from Roosevelt University.
In his free time, Alan enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Andrew Hunt
Director of Development, Southwest
As Director of Development, Southwest Region, for DevCo, Andrew leads a team responsible for all new construction projects across the United States. Under Andrew’s guidance, the development team manages site acquisition, due diligence, design and engineering, entitlement and permitting. The team is committed to delivering high-value housing into markets and neighborhoods that need it most. Residents are the highest priority; it’s also our responsibility to exceed expectations for neighborhoods, planning jurisdictions, state government, and financial partners.
Andrew earned his Master of Science in Real Estate from the University of Washington and Bachelor of Business Administration from Emory University. His diverse experience includes institutional market-rate multifamily and senior housing development with a national multifamily developer across the Pacific Northwest, smaller scale rental and for-sale development in the Puget Sound area with a regional developer, as well as stints in construction management, management consulting, and entrepreneurial ventures.
CHASE HUBER
Development Manager, Intermountain
Chase has been working in the multifamily real estate industry for over 6 years. During his career, he has worked on both market-rate and affordable housing acquisition/rehab projects and has several years of experience in ground-up development. In his prior role, Chase was responsible for overseeing a portfolio of acquisition/rehab projects in the Pacific Northwest where he built experience in managing joint venture partner relationships, creating business plans for renovation projects, implementing new technologies, underwriting, retail leasing, property management relations and oversaw multiple refinances.
In addition to managing acquisition/rehab projects from an asset management perspective, Chase has also worked on multiple dispositions and acquisitions in his career. He has extensive experience in every part of the real estate transaction process and has built many relationships across the markets that he has operated in.
Prior to working in the multifamily industry, Chase graduated from Washington State University with an MBA in Data Analytics and an Undergraduate Degree in Accounting.
Outside of work, Chase enjoys playing golf, skiing, fishing, attending Cougar football games, and long hikes with his dog Cooper.
David Chapman
Sr. Procurement Agent/Manager
David joined DevCo in April of 2023, serving as a Sr. Procurement Agent/Manager. David’s responsibilities include development and negotiation of National Procurement Agreements, building and fostering relationships with suppliers and manufactures representatives in addition to deploying best practices and procedures. With over 20 years of experience in Supply Chain and National Accounts management. Adept at quickly forming long-lasting supplier relations using excellent time-management and multitasking skills. David is a diligent procurement manager proficient at locating and engaging reliable service providers and suppliers.
Before joining DevCo, David led Procurement Program Management and Basis of Design initiatives in vertical construction markets with a focus on Mechanical HVAC solutions. Results-oriented with a proven track record of providing cost-effective and customer-driven services in the construction industry.
David holds certifications with Lake Washington Tech Academy APICS – Supply Chain Management, Institute for Supply Management CPSM – Certified Professional in Supply Chain Management and Mechanical Contractors Association of America IPM – Institute for Project Management
In his spare time David enjoys outdoor activities with family and friends and can be found deep in thought during a chess match.
Melanie Davies
Planning Manager, Intermountain
Melanie is an accomplished real estate and construction professional with 18 years of demonstrated expertise leading the development of highly profitable residential development projects, including single-family homes and townhome/condominium complexes. She has been recognized throughout her career for a comprehensive understanding of real estate development, exceptional strategic, organizational, and management skills, and the ability to expertly guide teams of internal staff and outside vendors, consultants, and contractors.
Melanie lives in Ennis, Montana, with her husband and three dogs. She enjoys traveling, baking, hiking, hunting, fishing, and ATV adventures.
Jay Hanz
Acquisitions Manager, Intermountain
Jay joined Devco as an Acquisitions Manager for the Intermountain Region in March 2023. As Acquisitions Manager, he works to source new land opportunities, as well as underwriting, sourcing debt and equity, and working with state tax credit authorities to secure tax credits for new developments for Devco’s Intermountain portfolio.
He has been in the real estate industry since 2005. During his career, he has worked in commercial office brokerage, multifamily acquisitions, construction, asset management, and now affordable housing development. Prior to Devco, Jay worked as a housing developer for Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, developing, acquiring, and rehabbing over 500 units for individuals experiencing homelessness in the Denver area.
Jay holds a degree in Urban Planning and Finance from Miami University. He is also currently pursuing a Masters of Real Estate and the Built Environment from the University of Denver.
Outside of work, Jay is an avid outdoorsman taking advantage of everything his home state of Colorado has to offer. He enjoys skiing, golf, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, camping, backpacking, and spending time with his wife, son, and their two dogs.
GRIFFIN HITZEL
Development Manager , Southwest
Griffin has over 4 years of Section 42 underwriting experience. Prior to joining the team at DevCo, Griffin worked for CBRE Affordable Housing, the largest broker of Section 42 properties nationwide. Griffin’s work included valuing over $3.5 billion worth of Section 42 assets, as well as managing the valuation pipeline for CBRE Affordable Housing’s top-producing brokers. As a Project Manager, Griffin oversees the sourcing of financing for all of DevCo’s projects. Additionally, he assists the Vice President and Finance Manager with acquisitions underwriting and other tasks related to the acquisition, development, and redevelopment of projects.
Griffin received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Washington. In his free time, Griffin enjoys boating, snowboarding, attending Husky sporting events, and spending time with friends and family. He serves as the alumni treasurer for his fraternity and is an Eagle Scout.
Andy Schock
Finance Manager
DALTON ARNDT
Development Manager, Washington
Dalton may only have 6 years of multifamily housing experience, but was born and raised in the construction industry. His roles within DevCo have extended to project management, pre-construction, jurisdictional relations, owner representative and planning management. Prior to joining DevCo, Dalton worked for a commercial contractor specializing in logistics centers, class A office buildings and tenant improvements.
As the Planning Manager, Dalton’s approach is a multifaceted. His primary focus is land acquisitions and research, coordinating entitlement efforts, as well as the creation and implementation of systems & policies to allow for efficient internal and external processes. On a daily basis he collaborates with team members to ensure each stage of a project is tracking accordingly.
Dalton received a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design from Montana State University.
Outside the office, Dalton leads a very active lifestyle. Spending time with friends and family, traveling and getting lost in the mountains as often as possible. He routinely travels back to Montana for skiing, ice fishing and mountain biking in the Pintler Wilderness.
Jack Jensen
Development Associate, Intermountain
Jack Jensen joined Devco in July 2022 as a Development Associate working across the Midwest and Southwest. His responsibilities include evaluating the feasibility of Section 42 new construction and rehabilitation projects, helping to secure their financing, and supporting them throughout construction.
Prior to joining DevoCo, Jack spent 2 years with a LIHTC developer based in the Southwest, where he helped oversee the construction of approximately 500 units and provided support in the acquisition and syndication of an additional 500 units.
Jack graduated from Marquette University with Bachelor of Science degrees in Real Estate and Finance.
In his free time, Jack enjoys training in Boxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and spending time with his family.
Domenic Spencer
Development Associate, Midwest
Domenic Spencer joined DevCo in April 2023, where he serves as a Development Associate focusing on the Midwest. Spencer is responsible for underwriting new multifamily development and acquisition opportunities, securing financing for new acquisitions and developments, and aiding with projects throughout construction.
Spencer holds a Bachelors of Architecture from Kennesaw State University and a Masters of Engineering in Construction Engineering Management from University of Alabama-Birmingham.
Prior to joining DevCo, Spencer was an Assistant Development Director for Pivotal Housing Partners, where he assisted with the due diligence, entitlement and construction projects in North Carolina and Georgia. Outside of work, Spencer is involved in local and international ministry, teachings others how to discover their purpose in life.
Nick LaCoul
Development Associate, Southwest
Nick LaCoul joined DevCo in July 2022 where he serves as a Development Associate covering the Southwest Region. Nick’s responsibilities include analyzing new multifamily Section 42 development and acquisition opportunities, securing financing for projects, and aiding with projects throughout construction.
Prior to joining DevCo, Nick spent 5 years working at KeyBank Real Estate Capital (NYSE: KEY) where he worked on over $700MM in affordable housing permanent debt transactions, and over $185MM in commercial real estate balance-sheet debt opportunities.
Nick graduated from The University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Science in Finance.
In his free time, Nick enjoys playing lots of bad golf, eating at new restaurants, and spending time with his friends and family.
Nick Storlie
Development Associate, Midwest
Nick Storlie joined DevCo in January 2022 where he serves as an Acquisition Analyst focusing on the Midwest. Storlie is responsible for underwriting new multifamily development and acquisition opportunities, securing financing for new acquisitions and developments, and aiding with projects throughout construction.
Storlie holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from St. Cloud State University. He was a member of the Husky Growth Fund at SCSU.
Prior to joining DevCo Storlie was a Development Analyst for Dominium where he oversaw 3,000 new construction Section 42 units towards completion in Florida, Georgia and Minnesota.
Outside of work, Storlie likes to try new cooking recipes, hiking, attending concerts and spending time with friends and family.
David Wallace
Development Analyst, Southwest
Bio Coming Soon
Katie Newman
Development Coordinator
Bio Coming Soon
Tiffany Knox
Project Manager
Tiffany Knox comes to DevCo as a Project Manager. Her responsibilities include overseeing the construction and renovation of projects. Working with the development team to develop the project scope, and budget by accessing the property conditions. With more than twenty years in the construction industry, with a varied background ranging from more than ten years with Janes Gypsum, then Exxel Pacific to succeeding at APM duties at Heartland. Tiffany’s experiences range from problem-solving for clients and managing not only office, but field staff at Janes, to in field involvement at Exxel and finally, working as a team with Tom Smith, successfully completing ground-up projects for Heartland. Problem-solving, people management, scheduling, scope writing and contract management are areas that she has become proficient at.
Having graduated from the University of Washington Construction Management Certificated program, she understands the mechanics behind essential scheduling and organizational priorities. She has spent a significant amount of time working with dozens of companies, focused on problem-solving and cost-effective solutions. She looks forward to the future of renovation and ground-up projects with the DevCo Preservation Group.
In her free time, she participates in charity runs, paddleboarding, enjoys traveling, and spends time with her family and cats.
Tiffany is very energized and excited about what lies in front of her and the team.
Jaysen Fredriksen
Project Manager
Jaysen joined DevCo in January of 2023, serving as a Construction Project Manager. Jaysen is located in Austin, Texas and brings over 13 years of experience in the construction industry. His responsibilities include coordination of design, scope/budget development, and execution of new construction and acquisition rehab projects in DevCo’s Southwest Region.
Prior to DevCo, Jaysen has held various Project Management positions in the development and construction industry working on both the Owner and General Contractor side. He has completed many residential, multi-family, commercial, and healthcare projects. Through this diverse background he has developed a solution-oriented approach focused on critical thinking, collaboration, and progress. Jaysen’s passion is in bringing all project participants together to utilize their unique abilities and build a successful project.
Outside of work, Jaysen loves spending his time outdoors, whether that’s on the golf course, hiking, or catching live music in the sunshine. Jaysen has 2 dogs and loves spending as much time with them as possible.
Ronen Velarde
Project Manager
Ronen Velarde joined the DevCo family as a Construction Project Manager with nearly 30 years of experience in the construction industry. Ronen oversees a multitude of projects and their teams with a common goal of providing the best quality housing and living experience for everyone. He brings hands-on construction experience along with his MBA and Construction Management from the University of Washington (GO HUSKIES!). Safety, efficiency, and the environment are always at the forefront of Ronen’s project management practices.
In his spare time, Ronen can always be found doing some exciting activity with his beautiful family. Exploring off-trail or hunting gems at the top of a mountain is not at all unusual. He also dedicates himself to his community by volunteering.
Ronen is also a promoter of construction excellence and is a member of ICC as well as the local PMI chapter. He also maintains a multitude of construction-related certifications.
Andrew Saenz
Construction Project Estimator
Hello, my name is Andrew Saenz and I’m a preconstruction estimator from Houston, TX. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Economics from Texas Tech University. From there I went right back to Houston to start working in the construction industry. I’ve been around construction my whole life and got my foot in the door working for a commercial drywall subcontractor. What started as me pushing a broom over the summers while I was still in school evolved into estimating, project management, and everything in between.
From there I pivoted my career to apartment development with Wood Partners. It was here that I gained a complete understanding of the apartment development process. From design meetings, scope/schedule reviews, and creating project budgets, I’ve played a hand in almost every aspect of apartment development from the initial conceptual site plan to the final stamped IFC drawings. I have a great understanding of different design elements and their respective cost impacts.
In my free time, you can find me on the golf course, catching a concert, watching Houston sports, or spending time with friends outside.
Joe Potter
Project Manager
Joe joined DevCo in September of 2022, serving as a Construction Project Manager. Joe’s responsibilities include working closely with development teams to evaluate the condition of acquisition properties, refining and actualizing cost-effective construction budgets, and leading the construction execution phase of projects.
Before joining DevCo, Joe worked as a project manager in various construction markets, focusing primarily on hospitality and multi-family construction and renovations, solar and fuel station canopy manufacturing and fabrication, and residential and commercial tenant improvements. He is passionate about process improvement and is continually looking for innovative solutions to challenging problems.
Joe graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies.
Outside of work, Joe can most often be found spending time with friends and his son Alex, reading, and watching Cougar or Seahawks football games.
James Van Damme
Project Manager
Jim has worked in Commercial Construction management for over ten years including diverse experience including ground-up large-scale commercial construction, condominium high rise to garden variety multifamily projects. He enjoys all aspects of construction and working with owner consultants, development groups, and the construction team to build quality projects. He also brings a unique perspective to the construction team with his background in construction litigation.
Jim enjoys spending time traveling with his family. He is an outdoors enthusiast who enjoys hiking, skiing, snowboarding scuba diving, and foraging. He also has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and ten years at Outdoors for All dedicated to teaching mentally and physically disabled persons to ski and snowboard.
Toni Davis
Assistant Project Manager, Construction
Toni Davis came to DevCo in April 2023 as an Associate Project Manager with the DevCo Preservation team. She has over 18 years of experience in project management from the commercial and residential painting and wallcovering segment of construction. She has run many successful multi-family construction projects and is well-versed in the different areas of a construction business. She is excited to support the construction team with her years of experience and to learn more about acquisition, development, ground-up construction, and passing a completed project on to property management.
Toni can be found going on adventures with her family or teaching yoga when she’s not working. She loves being outdoors and spending time in nature. Hiking, kayaking, and camping are some of her favorite activities. Toni loves to travel and explore new places!
Catlin Blair
Assistant Project Manager, Construction
Catlin Blair joined the Devco family as an Associate Project Manager in June of 2023. Bringing with him 15+ years of experience in the construction industry primarily focused on the MEP trades. Completing various multifamily, mixed use, health care, renovations, and K-12 projects in his prior roles. Catlin’s positive attitude and strong work ethic will ensure he is a valued, contributing member of our team
MAELONNI THOMPSON
Transaction Manager
Maelonni has over six years of multifamily housing and commercial real estate experience. Prior to joining Devco in 2021, she worked on the lending side for commercial real estate market rate loans.
As the Underwriting Manager, Maelonni helps close refinances, sells tax credits, close bridge, construction, and permanent financing for DevCo and DevCo Preservation.
Maelonni graduated with of Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from University of Washington with a focus in Finance (Go Huskies!).
In her free time, Maelonni enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and Australian Shepherd. She also loves travelling, baking, attending concerts, and crafting.
Carrie Horin
Transaction Manager
Carrie has over 20 years of diverse banking, finance, and mortgage experience. Prior to joining Devco in 2022, she held various roles of increasing responsibility with traditional banks, mortgage brokers, a commercial real estate innovative lender, and a REIT. Carrie has experience with both the sales and loan operations side of the business with experience structuring a variety of deal types including, residential, mixed-use, commercial real estate, construction, and bridge financing. She is well accustomed to building relationships and working in a deadline-driven environment reviewing deals, purchase and sale agreements, and with closing a high volume of monthly transactions.
As the Underwriting Manager, Carrie helps sell tax credits, close construction, permanent financing, bridge, refinance and bridge loans for DevCo and DevCo Preservation.
Carrie graduated with of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Management from The University of Illinois at Chicago and was a member of the women’s basketball team.
In her free time, Carrie enjoys spending time with Stephen, and her four teenage children. She enjoys watching her children play sports, attending movies, traveling, cooking, and crafting.
Lindsey Kruse
Transaction Analyst
Bio coming soon!
Lauren Baker
Transaction Analyst
Lauren Baker is one of the newest members of the Devco Development Team in Bellevue, WA! As a Transaction Analyst, Lauren supports the transaction process and lifecycle. Lauren has over ten years of comprehensive leadership experience in compliance & operational support. She prides herself on her analytical, organizational, and communication skills. She is looking forward to the challenge of her new role and expanding her knowledge of commercial real estate.
Lauren enjoys spending time with her partner, Alton, their daughter Lilliana, and her bonus kiddos! She loves spending time with friends and family, going to concerts, traveling, and checking out the latest restaurants in her area.
Ashley Seavey
Transaction Coordinator
Ashley Seavey serves as a Transaction Coordinator on DevCo’s Development Team in Bellevue, Washington. She is responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date comprehensive market research and providing broker support on financial analyses and data analytics. Her day-to-day focus on the details allows our brokers to guide our clients to make the most informed business decisions.
Ashley lives in Orting with her husband and two children. Ashley is originally from Orange County, California, and loves to fly down and visit family, along with having her family travel up to visit her. She loves her boxer and enjoys the river, golfing, and the outdoors.
“The opportunities for personal development at DevCo have been phenomenal, along with my long-term vision to get involved more in overseeing construction projects.”
Gabriela Garcia
Transaction Coordinator
Gaby is one of the newest members of the Devco Development Team as a Transaction coordinator. Her areas of focus are assisting with closing the Company’s existing and future market rate and affordable housing transactions, including bridge financing, and Ensuring that the Company’s pipeline of transactions are on time, on budget, and successfully closed. Gaby has over 9 years of leadership & operational support experience. In her free time, Gaby enjoys being outdoors, Off-roading in the mountains, and camping all year round, rain or shine!