Who We Are

Experience, Integrity, Values
Akridge's leadership possesses a wide range of commercial real estate expertise and is dedicated to providing service, innovation, and results. Our senior management team represents decades of experience transforming the landscape of our cities.

Akridge Leadership

Chip Akridge

Chip AkridgeChip Akridge, founder and chairman emeritus of the commercial real estate firm bearing his name, is an innovator in the industry, a committed advocate of community initiatives in the Washington, DC, region, and a dedicated supporter of philanthropic and charitable organizations.

Chip founded the firm in 1974 to specialize in commercial real estate in downtown and suburban Washington, DC. Since then, Akridge has acquired, developed, or entitled more than 20 million square feet of office, industrial flex, residential, retail, and entertainment space in the metro area.

As Chairman Emeritus of the company, he advises the management team on corporate and strategic planning matters. He continually focuses on developing the highest-quality products and delivering superior Client service.

Chip led the commercial real estate sector in regulatory, legislative, and financial changes in Washington, DC. He was the first to use the “Woodies Act,” which enables developers to lease the air-rights above and below a public area in order to join properties.

Chip was also the first to use the DC Tax Increment Financing Program to build a mixed-use complex that revitalized the city’s downtown core.

He worked closely with the city government to develop innovative legislation that created the housing linkage program, Business Improvement Districts, and regulatory guidelines to improve the water quality of the Anacostia River.

Chip has served as a member of the Economic Development and Executive Committees of the Federal City Council, and as chairman of the Greater Washington Board of Trade’s Emergency Preparedness Task Force.  He has received numerous industry awards.

A strong advocate for the environment, he has served on the Board of Trustees of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Nature Conservancy of Maryland/DC, and various agencies of the city government. Chip testifies frequently in support of environmentally friendly legislation before the DC Council, and the Maryland State House and Senate. He is committed both personally and professionally to sustainable building design – earning numerous Smart Growth awards, more than any other developer, and the LEED Accredited Professional designation. He is also an EPA Energy STAR partner and has been recognized by the Garden Club of America for his environmental work.

Chip is a leader in philanthropic and civic organizations throughout the Washington, DC, area. He is the founder and  chairman of the Trust for the National Mall, a non-profit created to assist the National Park Service to restore and improve The National Mall.

Previous philanthropic leadership initiatives include: chairman of The John Akridge Homeless Foundation, member of the Board of Directors of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, member of the Board of Trustees of The Georgia Tech Foundation, and member of the President’s Advisory Board of the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Chip is a Distinguished Eagle Scout and a Vietnam veteran. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Real Estate Development from Harvard University.

Matthew Klein

Matthew Klein

Matt Klein is the president and chief executive officer for Akridge. He has nearly 40 years of real estate experience and has been the president of Akridge since 2001. Matt is responsible for the strategic and operational direction for all aspects of the company’s business, including property operations, strategic planning, corporate governance, acquisitions, development, finance, and partner relations. Under his leadership, Akridge has been recognized locally and nationally for excellence in project development, customer service, innovation, deal making, business ethics, philanthropy and community involvement. Matt is a trustee of the Federal City Council; on the Board of Directors of the DC Policy Institute; on the Governance Committee of ULI Washington and Executive Committee of the Downtown Business Improvement District. He is past Chairman of ULI Washington, DC Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Business Improvement District. Matt earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wake Forest University.

Thomas Wilbur

Thomas WilburTom Wilbur is executive vice president for Akridge. He manages real estate development projects and the acquisition of properties for development or redevelopment. Among his many development projects, Tom has overseen the development of The Homer Building, Gallery Place, and RiverPoint. Tom has over 30 years of experience in real estate development, engineering, and construction management. He has served as the president of the District of Columbia Building Industry Association and the Penn Quarter Neighborhood Association, and as the chairman of the Downtown Business Improvement District. Tom has a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Notre Dame.

Brian Cass

Brian CassBrian Cass is senior vice president and chief financial officer for Akridge. He is responsible for the fiscal management of Akridge and oversees the firm’s finance, accounting, and asset management functions. Brian has over 25 years of financial and consulting experience, including management positions in corporate finance, management consulting, public accounting, and small business development. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Financial Analyst. Brian has a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Management Information Systems from George Mason University.

Sarah Knutson

Sarah Knutson

Sarah Knutson is the chief operating officer for Akridge. She is a member of the senior leadership team and oversees the company’s Property Operations, Marketing, Human Resources, and Technology functions. Sarah has over 20 years of experience in real estate related fields. She serves on the Executive Committee of the NAIOP DC|MD’s Board of Directors, is the Chairman of the Board for Episcopal High School, and serves on The Foundation Board for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Sarah earned a Bachelor of Science from Duke University, where she majored in both Mechanical Engineering and Economics.

Lavon Butler

Lavon ButlerLavon Butler is a portfolio manager for Akridge. She leads multiple property teams, implements strategic business plans and budgets to maximize property value, and provides an outstanding client experience. Lavon has more than 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry and has managed numerous trophy class buildings during that time. She is a member of the Golden Triangle BID, Downtown DC BID, Apartment and Office Building Association (AOBA), Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), United States Green Buildings Council - National Capital Region, AAREP DC, and the Vice President of Communications for the DC Chapter of the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). Lavon graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in management and earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Pre-Physical Therapy from Morgan State University.

Kristin Connall

Kristin Connall

Kristin Connall is vice president of development for Akridge. She is responsible for coordinating all aspects of commercial real estate development activities from acquisition to completion, including financing, entitlements, design, construction, marketing, and leasing. Kristin has nearly 15 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. She oversees The Stacks, a 2.1 million-square-foot mixed-use development located in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, Buzzard Point. Kristin is an active member of Urban Land Institute (ULI) and National Association for Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP), a former member of ULI’s NEXT program, a past participant in the ULI Young Leaders Mentorship program, and served as both a team mentor and judge for NAIOP’s annual Capital Challenge. Kristin earned her Master of Business Administration in Finance and Economics from The University of Chicago, Booth School of Business and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Boston College with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing.

Kevin Dunmire

Kevin Dunmire

Kevin Dunmire, a vice president of development for Akridge. He is responsible for coordinating all aspects of Akridge’s residential projects in Northern Virginia. Kevin has more than 20 years of real estate and construction related experience. He is an active member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP). Kevin has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business and earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a focus on Project Management from the University of Maryland.

Robert Fauteux

Robert FauteuxRobert Fauteux is a vice president of construction management for Akridge. He is responsible for the management of design, construction, permitting, inspection, and completion of construction for select projects in the Washington, DC region. Robert has over 40 years of experience in the commercial and residential construction industries. He currently oversees the renovation of 1501,1503, and 1505 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Robert is a certified LEED Green Associate, and earned a Masters Certificate in Project Management from Villanova University and a Business Certificate from Georgetown University.

Jim Fowler

Jim FowlerJim Fowler is a vice president of construction management for Akridge. He is responsible for the management of design, construction, permitting, inspection, and completion of Akridge’s multifamily construction projects throughout the Washington, DC region. Jim has over 42 years of experience in the commercial and residential construction and real estate industries. He currently oversees construction at The Arbor at Halley Rise in Reston, VA and he manages preconstruction for Mora and Prose at The Boro, in Tysons, VA. Jim earned a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction from Virginia Tech.

Mike Gill

Mike GillMike Gill is senior vice president and the director of investments for Akridge. He oversees acquisitions of real estate projects and engages in project financing, entitlements, design, construction, leasing, and dispositions. Mike joined Akridge in 2003 and has made significant contributions to a diverse portfolio of Akridge investments. He is a member of the Real Estate Group, the District of Columbia Building Industry Association, and the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP). Mike has a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University and holds both a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois.

Adam Gooch

Adam Gooch

Adam Gooch is the director of development and senior vice president for Akridge. He supervises the day-to-day efforts of the development department and provides strategic guidance for the firm’s development and acquisition projects. Adam has over 25 years of experience in commercial real estate and development. He has served on the executive committee of the District of Columbia Building Industry Association and is a two time Chairman of the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District. He is a frequent guest lecturer for various graduate level real estate programs and an active member of the Urban Land Institute. Adam earned a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Real Estate from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and Geology from Bucknell University.

Conor Jeffers

Conor Jeffers

Conor Jeffers is assistant vice president, general manager of asset services for Akridge. He is responsible for the fiscal performance, operations, and overall management of a portfolio of commercial office assets in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Conor oversees a team of property management professionals and works directly with investors and owners to achieve their investment objectives. In addition, he coordinates with the leasing and development team sto execute asset strategy and enhance overall value. He has over 10 years of industry experience with a background in property management, asset management, investor relations, and leasing. Conor serves on the AOBA Alliance Board of Directors and is a liscenced real estate salesperson in both DC and Maryland. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management from Gettysburg College and earned a Master of Professional Studies Degree in Real Estate from Georgetown University.

Duncan Jones

Duncan Jones

Duncan Jones is a senior vice president of investments for Akridge. He oversees acquisitions and development of residential and mixed-use real estate investments throughout the Washington, DC region and the Carolinas. Duncan joined Akridge in 2019, and has over 15 years of industry experience. His development and acquisition experience comprises 7,000 units, over 230,000 square feet of retail, and 1,500 for sale lots. He is a member of the DC Real Estate Group, the District of Columbia Building Industry Association Housing Council, the National Multifamily Housing Council, and is a mentor for the Urban Land Institute. Duncan has a Master of Science Degree in Real Estate from the Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business and Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Yale University.

McKay Elliott

McKay ElliottMcKay Elliott is an assistant vice president for Akridge. She helps lease approximately two million square feet for her landlord clients in Washington, DC. McKay has over 15 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. As a native Washingtonian, she possesses an in-depth knowledge of the area and is deeply involved in the real estate community. McKay is an active member of CREW. McKay earned a Bachelor of Science from Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business.

Ben Meisel

Ben MeiselBen Meisel is vice president and managing director of leasing for Akridge. He has over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry. His primary responsibilities include managing the Akridge leasing department, interfacing with capital partners and investors, lease negotiations, client retention, and business development. Ben negotiated many of the largest law firm and corporate leases in the city totaling more than 5.5 million square feet. He is a Member of the Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Association (CREBA) and has earned their Multi-Million Dollar Club award numerous times. Ben received a Bachelor of Arts from Elon University and serves as a volunteer for First Tee of Greater Washington, DC.

Patrick Murray

Patrick MurrayPatrick Murray is vice president of construction management for Akridge. He is responsible for on-time and on-budget execution of the client improvements and capital projects throughout the Akridge portfolio. Patrick manages architects, general contractors, and consultants’ performance in accordance with project requirements. Patrick’s projects involve client build-outs in award-winning class A office and mixed-use buildings in the Washington, DC Region, including complex installations in occupied facilities. He has over 25 years of experience in construction management, public works management, construction and facilities support contracting, and facilities management and project administration. Patrick holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The George Washington University. He is a LEED AP and is a Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in Virginia.

Dan Outen

Dan OutenDan Outen is vice president, Carolinas for Akridge. He oversees acquisitions and development activity in North and South Carolina. Dan has over 15 years of commercial real estate experience. Dan is a graduate of the Urban Land Institute Leadership program. He has a Master or Business Administration from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School and Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

John Otto

John OttoJohn Otto is vice president of construction management for Akridge. He is responsible for the oversight of all client and capital improvements within the Akridge portfolio. He also contributes his technical expertise towards the review of leases, negotiation of contracts, selection of vendors, and the development of project budgets and timelines. John has over 30 years of experience in real estate construction project management, and has managed and successfully delivered a wide array of project types. He is a LEED AP and a WELL AP. John received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The George Washington University.

Andy Pace

Andy PaceAndy Pace is senior vice president and general counsel for Akridge. He is responsible for overseeing the provision, supervision, and coordination of all legal advice to Akridge and its affiliated entities. He supports all aspects of the company’s operations and serves as the central point of contact for the assessment of legal issues for the firm. Andy has over 35 years of legal experience. He has been a member of the Legal 500 GC Powerlist for top general counsels nationally since 2017. Andy received his Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University and is a member of the Bars of the District of Columbia, the State of New York, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Wil Pace

Wil PaceWil Pace is vice president of leasing for Akridge. His primary responsibilities include office and retail space marketing, lease negotiation, financial analysis, client retention, and investor reporting. Since joining Akridge in 1993, Wil has completed more than 1,000 lease transactions totaling over five million square feet and representing more than $3 billion in aggregate lease value. He has earned CREBA's Multi-Million Dollar Club Award and he has ranked in the top 10 producing agents in Washington, DC multiple times. Wil holds a Masters of Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing from High Point University. He is a member of the Johns Hopkins University MBA Association and a licensed Real Estate Broker in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Brad Pearson

Brad PearsonBrad Pearson is a portfolio controller for Akridge. He is responsible for the review and overall accounting responsibilities for a portfolio of residential and commercial properties. The portfolio includes properties under development and fully operational. Brad has over 20 years of accounting experience and has been with Akridge for over 15 years. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois.

Sharon Perera

Sharon Perera

Sharon Perera is a vice president and portfolio manager for Akridge. She is responsible for ensuring both clients and investors receive outstanding service from all Akridge staff members, contractors, and vendors serving the properties in her portfolio. Sharon manages contracts, coordinates property inspections, and works closely with the appropriate departments in preparing monthly investor reports and annual budgets. She has more than 25 years of property management experience. Sharon has earned her Real Property Administrator (RPA) designation and is active in professional organizations including the Apartment and Office Building Association.

Joe Reilly

Joe Reilly

Joe Reilly is vice president, director of property management, and asset services for Akridge. He is responsible for the overall management, performance, and operation of the commercial office buildings in the Akridge portfolio. Joe brings a multi-faceted approach to property management with experience in leasing, asset management, acquisitions, and development. He has over 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. Joe serves on the board of the Apartment and Office Building Association (AOBA) of Metropolitan Washington and was appointed by Mayor Muriel Bowser to the Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) Task Force. He is a Licensed Property Manager, WELL Accredited Professional, and a LEED Green Associate. Joe received a Bachelor of Science degree in Life Science from The Pennsylvania State University.

Mark Robertson

Mark Robertson

Mark Robertson is senior vice president and chief accounting officer for Akridge. He is responsible for the financial management of Akridge’s portfolio. His department’s responsibilities include financial recordkeeping and reporting, transaction processing, cash management, maintenance of effective accounting systems and internal controls, preparation of annual and long-term business plans, lease administration, and coordination of annual audits and tax returns. Mark has over 35 years of experience in commercial and residential real estate accounting. He received a Bachelor of Accountancy from George Washington University and has practiced as a certified public accountant.

Thomas Russo

Thomas Russo

Tommy Russo is senior vice president of technology and engineering for Akridge. As such, he leads both the technology and engineering departments. Under Tommy’s supervision, his teams work closely with development and property management to provide state-of-the-art knowledge and expertise. Connecting technology with tools maximizes the efficiency and potential of the service his teams provide. It also ensures the most effective support and enhancement of all building systems. He has over 35 years of experience and has worked at Akridge since 1997. Tommy’s professional designations include Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA). 

Michele Slaney

Michele SlaneyMichele Slaney is a portfolio controller for Akridge. Her responsibilities include performing, reviewing, and overseeing the accounting for select third-party investors as well as accounting for Akridge managed interior construction projects. Michele manages several project accountants, performs a monthly detailed review of all accounting reports, and remains available to assist and mentor the project accountants. She serves as a liaison between Akridge, property ownership, and clients regarding accounting-related inquiries. Michele has over 30 years of experience. She serves on the education and membership committees of Temple Solel and is the treasurer of the Jewish Women International Tradition Chapter. Michele earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Maryland.

David Toney

David Toney

David Toney is senior vice president of development for Akridge. He is responsible for coordinating all aspects of development activities from acquisition to completion. Since joining Akridge, David has been involved in the development of over $2 billion in office, multifamily, and mixed-use development in the Washington, DC and Raleigh-Durham markets. He is a member of Akridge’s Management Committee and serves on various Akridge corporate committees. David has nearly 30 years of experience and joined Akridge in 2005. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District, BUILT National, Capitol Hill Little League, CRYSP DC, and Build DC. He is also an advisory board member of the Washington, DC Economic Partnership. David has a Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Master of Science Degree in Real Estate from Georgetown University. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley.

Meaghan Treanor

Meaghan TreanorMeaghan Treanor is vice president of marketing and communications for Akridge. She develops and executes Akridge’s corporate and property marketing initiatives, as well as communications, branding, and public relations. Meaghan has over 15 years of experience in commercial real estate. Her expertise ranges from corporate branding, client events, and proposals to developing marketing strategy and overseeing all marketing initiatives. Meaghan is a current member of CREW DC, and previously co-chaired the Special Events Committee. She is also a member of Commercial Real Estate Marketing (CREM). Meaghan graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

David Tuchmann

David Tuchmann

David Tuchmann is senior vice president of development for Akridge. He coordinates all aspects of the development cycle including acquisitions, entitlements, design, marketing, leasing, and construction of real estate projects in the Washington, DC region. David has over 20 years of real estate experience. He is the chair of Akridge’s Investment Committee and is a board and executive committee member for the NoMa Business Improvement District. David earned a Master of Business Administration Degree with a focus on Real Estate from the Yale School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Wesleyan University.

Dodd Walker

Dodd Walker

Dodd Walker is senior vice president of development for Akridge. He is responsible for all aspects of land acquisitions and development, including leading teams through design, financing, entitlements, leasing, marketing, and construction. Dodd has over 25 years of experience in commercial real estate. In addition to being a member of the Urban Land Institute, and the African American Real Estate Professionals, Dodd serves on the board of various organizations. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Baltimore.

Andrew Welsh

Andrew WelshAndrew Welsh is assistant vice president of acquisitions for Akridge. He analyzes acquisitions and the performance of Akridge’s existing portfolio. Andrew has over 15 years of experience in office and residential investment and asset management. Since joining Akridge in 2006, he has been involved in the purchase or sale of over 27 properties. Andrew earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Miami University.

Michelle Willis

Michelle WillisMichelle Willis is a portfolio controller for Akridge. She is responsible for the review and oversight of accounting for several residential properties and select third-party investors. She also manages the firm’s project accountants and the accounts payable department. Michelle has over 30 years of experience in real estate accounting. She has performed complex project accounting duties on mixed-use projects, transitioned properties from development to operational, and has assisted in growing the accounting department. Michelle received a Bachelor of Science in Financial Accounting from the University of Maryland.

Sonia Zamora

Sonia Zamora

Sonia Zamora is a portfolio manager for Akridge. She is responsible for the overall operation, building management, and financial management of the buildings in her portfolio. Sonia coordinates with various departments to provide outstanding customer service to clients and investors. She prepares and manages annual operating budgets, monthly status reports, and maintenance contracts. Sonia has more than 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. She is a member of the Downtown DC BID, Apartment and Office Building Association (AOBA), Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), United States Green Buildings Council- National Capital Region (USGBC-NCR), and the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) where she serves as a Vice President of the DC Chapter. Sonia is a LEED Green Associate, WELL AP certified, and an accredited Fitwel Ambassador. She currently holds a Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation through IREM, a Real Property Administrator (RPA) designation through BOMI, and she is a licensed DC Real Estate professional.