Miami Leadership Team
STAN CONWAY
HUMMINGBIRD
Stan Conway is a seasoned real estate executive with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He currently serves as the Founder at Hummingbird, where he oversees the firm’s investment strategy and portfolio management. Under Stan’s leadership, Hummingbird has expanded its real estate portfolio, achieving significant returns for its investors.
As a diversified company headquartered in Miami, Hummingbird acquires real estate and develops new projects while also providing capital solutions for other real estate owners and developers. The executives at Hummingbird have capitalized, acquired and developed over $1.5 Billion in real estate transactions across all asset classes.
Stan is known for his expertise in identifying and capitalizing on high-yield investment opportunities across a variety of asset classes, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties. He has a proven track record of successfully managing complex real estate transactions and has been instrumental in the acquisition, development, and disposition of numerous high-profile properties.
Before joining Hummingbird, Stan held CIO roles leading real estate investment firms, where he honed his skills in deal sourcing, underwriting, and asset management. He is also actively involved in industry organizations and regularly speaks at conferences on topics related to real estate investment and market trends.
In his spare time, he enjoys mentoring young professionals in the real estate industry and supports various community initiatives focused on sustainability in South Florida.
RAKESH KUMAR
STAR ROCK ASSOCIATES
Rakesh Kumar stands as a seasoned leader in the dynamic world of real estate finance, bringing a wealth of expertise and strategic insight to the forefront. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, Rakesh has played an instrumental role in shaping the financial landscape of the real estate industry.
Born and raised in London, Rakesh Kumar demonstrated a keen interest in finance from an early age. He pursued his passion by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from a prestigious institution, where he laid the foundation for his future success. Rakesh’s commitment to excellence was evident even during his academic years, setting the stage for a remarkable professional journey.
Rakesh embarked on his career in real estate finance with determination and a vision for innovation. Over the years, he climbed the corporate ladder through a series of strategic roles, showcasing his prowess in financial modeling, risk management, and deal structuring. His ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and identify lucrative opportunities quickly set him apart as a leader in the field. His strategic acumen and commitment to delivering results have consistently earned him accolades from peers and industry experts alike.
As a visionary leader, Rakesh Kumar is known for steering teams toward success through a combination of mentorship, innovation, and a focus on sustainable growth. He has a keen understanding of market trends and a proactive approach to adapting to the ever-evolving real estate finance landscape.
Rakesh’s leadership philosophy centers around collaboration and fostering a culture of excellence within his teams. His commitment to ethical business practices and a client-centric approach has not only solidified his reputation as a trustworthy professional but has also contributed to the success of the organizations he has been part of.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Rakesh Kumar is actively involved in initiatives aimed at giving back to the community. He believes in the transformative power of real estate to uplift neighborhoods and is dedicated to projects that contribute positively to society.
DAVID FERREIA
DAMAC
“An experienced professional & analytical thinker dedicated to continuous improvement.”
I am a distinguished “Connector”, a Business Development Professional and Real Estate Development Professional with a passion for forging meaningful connections and driving business growth. I have experience in these roles, which I have honed my skills as an analytical thinker and problem solver, dedicated to delivering results and fostering continuous improvement. My commitment to building strong professional relationships and my ability to manage complex projects makes me a valuable asset in any team. I thrive on challenges and am always eager to take on new opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of International Real Estate Development, with an expertise in Business Development, & Project Development/Management in the Real Estate & Development & Construction industry (AEC), as well as various other professional industries.
MITASH KRIPALANI
COLLIERS
Holding a distinguished career spanning over 16 years, Mitash is a leading figure in Miami’s commercial real estate industry. As Vice President of the Colliers South Florida Capital Markets team, his expertise in multifamily, retail, and land investment sales is unparalleled.
Mitash is celebrated for his deep understanding of the complex dynamics of real estate transactions, which coupled with his client-centric approach, enables him to deliver top-tier service. His clientele ranges from institutional investors and private equity firms to developers and high-net-worth individuals, all benefitting from his strategic guidance in maximizing returns.
With a successful track record of executing transactions valued at over a billion dollars, Mitash and his team set industry benchmarks in South Florida. He has earned the prestigious Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation and currently serves as the Chapter President for the CCIM Institute, Miami Dade/Monroe District.
DAVID WARD
AKAM
Director of Business Development – AKAM property management
Luxury high-rise condominium and HOA management
Pre-construction management consulting
JAZZ MACHIN
JOHN BELL CONSTRUCTION
When we say that John Bell Construction is built on faith, family and teamwork – we aren’t joking. Jazz Machin and our Founder, Oscar Morejon, have been best friends their whole lives, to the point where they consider each other brothers. It was Morejon’s love of construction, strong conviction, and faith that led Machin to joining the John Bell team. His bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Minor in Marketing only strengthened his position in the company. He’s now finding that his own love of construction grows every day.
At the beginning of the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, Machin searched high and low for ways to keep the staff working efficiently while working remotely. Through the use of virtual meetings, online onboarding, and more, he made keeping John Bell Construction up to date a thing of high-tech beauty.
WORDS HE LIVES BY: “Against All Odds.”
DAVID BUTTER
GREENBERG TRAURIG
David J. Butter is a real estate attorney in Greenberg Traurig’s Miami office, where he focuses his practice on land use and zoning law. Mr. Butter represents developers and property owners in securing permits and entitlement approvals. Mr. Butter works with development teams and interacts with municipal staff and elected officials on zoning district boundary changes, site plan approvals, Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) amendments, as well as handling variance applications and other matters throughout Miami-Dade County.
LEO EVERSON
ARCO/MURRAY
Leo Everson joins us as a new CCC board member, bringing over 15 years of experience in business development, real estate development, and construction. He has a proven track record of identifying new market opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and driving growth across major markets, including Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Orlando, before recently relocating to South Florida.
Leo began his career with AvalonBay, a leading equity REIT and S&P 500 company, and has since worked extensively across the multifamily, industrial, and commercial sectors. He is actively involved in industry organizations such as NAIOP Developing Leaders and the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC). He looks forward to contributing his expertise and network to further the organization’s mission of fostering meaningful connections in the industry.
DANIELA MARQUEZ
MM EVENTS GROUP // HOTWIRE
By understanding each community’s unique requirements, I help implement tailored fiber-optic solutions. My role bridges the gap between associations and Hotwire, ensuring smooth collaboration and long-term satisfaction.
DANILO SALAMEDA
BL COMPANIES
Danilo Salameda, P.E., serves as an Executive Board Member of Contractors, Closers & Connections (CCC) of Miami. Additionally, he holds the position of Principal and Senior Project Manager at BL Companies.
FRANKLYN PALAU
MARCUS & MILLICHAP
Franklyn J. Palau, an Investment Sales Adviser at Marcus & Millichap and an Executive Leadership Board Member of Contractors, Closers & Connections (CCC) of Miami brings over two decades of experience in the real estate industry.
Specializing in the strategic analysis of office conversion and disposition of apartment buildings, land, and mixed-use development projects, Mr. Palau has forged successful collaborations with institutional and foreign investors over the course of his career.
Mr. Palau currently holds licenses in Washington D.C., Florida, and Maryland.
BRUCE GIBSON
SENIOR CAPITAL ADVISORS
Bruce Gibson, an Executive Board Member of Contractors, Closers & Connections (CCC) of Miami, has over 25 years of senior housing expertise. His firm, Senior Capital Advisors, with several billion dollars in completed transactions, facilitates senior housing facility and land sales, as well as debt and equity sourcing on a nationwide basis. Bruce is a highly skilled negotiator and has significant experience structuring joint ventures, management agreements and complex capital stacks.
Bruce is also a founding investor in Charter Senior Living, a highly successful senior housing management company with over 60 properties under management.