Community Development Experts 2025

An expert in public policy, housing policy, and community economic development with a passion for identifying new solutions.

Brian Caper is an experienced Economic Developer with nearly 15 years of leadership in municipal economic development, urban planning, and workforce strategy. With a background in finance, urban and regional planning, and an Executive MBA from the University of Florida, Brian has led large-scale redevelopment initiatives, public-private partnerships, and community-focused economic programs. He has held senior leadership roles, including Economic & Workforce Development Director and Managing Director for City Development, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, major infrastructure assets, and transformational redevelopment projects. Brian Caper is known for integrating economic growth with community benefits, sustainability, and long-term strategic planning.

Designer builder of monolithic concrete dome homes since 1979 if only I knew then about metal quonset huts today DRD Enterprises inc of Davie is offering the next evolution in affordable housing erected in a week tornado flood proof once encapsulated on the exterior with foam insulation and hybrid solar wind system installed quonset hut homes will produce more energy than being used! Solving affordable housing high home insurance and transitioning off fossil fuel by making change ONLY by change can you reach the future DRD Enterprises inc of Davie saving planet Earth by making change.

Natalie Grant is the Founder and CEO of Caribbean Connector, a global platform designed to connect Caribbean talent, entrepreneurs, and businesses with opportunities worldwide. With a background spanning engineering, program management, and entrepreneurship, Natalie brings a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and community-centered leadership to her work. Driven by a lifelong passion for uplifting Caribbean people and culture, Natalie launched Caribbean Connector to address long-standing gaps in access to employment, resources, and global visibility. The platform brings together an Employment Pipeline, Marketplace, and Social Network—creating a digital ecosystem where Caribbean professionals, creatives, and businesses can thrive locally and globally. Natalie’s professional career includes leadership roles within large, complex organizations, where she has managed cross-functional teams, global programs, and high-impact initiatives. Her experience navigating corporate environments, combined with her entrepreneurial mindset, informs her mission to empower others through opportunity, access, and education. A strong advocate for economic empowerment, workforce development, and diaspora engagement, Natalie frequently speaks on topics including entrepreneurship, building mission-driven platforms, diversity and inclusion, and leveraging technology for social impact. She is especially passionate about helping underrepresented communities turn ideas into sustainable ventures. Through Caribbean Connector, Natalie is helping to redefine what it means to build globally while remaining deeply rooted in culture, community, and purpose.

I am the Founder of Dholera Smart City Solutions and a specialist Dholera SIR Real Estate Consultant, helping investors, homebuyers, and businesses secure high-value residential, commercial, and industrial properties in India’s fastest-growing smart city — Dholera SIR. With in-depth knowledge of Dholera’s development plans, government approvals, infrastructure updates, and investment hotspots, I provide transparent, data-driven guidance to ensure safe, profitable, and future-ready real estate decisions. I assist clients with: • Residential plots in TP1, TP2, and the Activation Zone • Commercial land near the Expressway, Metro, Airport, and major transport corridors • Industrial land with government approvals • Legal support, plot verification, and accurate pricing insights Why Dholera SIR? As a key node of the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Dholera offers world-class infrastructure, mega projects like the International Airport, Metro, and Expressway, and clearly defined investment zones that attract global interest and deliver strong long-term appreciation. Why work with me? • Strong network within the Dholera real estate ecosystem • Transparent guidance backed by verified data • Proven track record of securing high-return plots for clients If you’re exploring investment opportunities in Dholera — residential, commercial, or industrial — I can help you identify the right property at the right price with maximum growth potential.

Push boundaries. Connect and collaborate. Catalyze the change we need. Interested in working with thoughtful teams to build the communities we imagine for our future. Let's advance strategies on climate, community connectedness, radical and deep communication, and light the way for everyone to share their talents and potential. Passionate about storytelling, strategy, purposeful gatherings, architecting community, and igniting dreams. Connecting with inspiration for decades. Ask me about: EarthGives.net and new/next chapters I'm open to. Ready for life pivots!

As a Co-Founder and DEI Consultant & Trainer at VisionSpring, Inc., I have been leading…

Business Leader, Global Policy Expert, Media Personality, Author, Philanthropist, Founder at GCBR and TCSL Campaign Also Shinespot Light Cultivating Awareness Podcast, Fridays For Future Richmond (Richmond Park) and number of projects. Aquayemi-Claude Garnett Akinsanya is a multifaceted social entrepreneur, media strategist and sustainability advocate with over 7 years of experience in building impactful brands and campaigns. As CEO and founder of Garnetts Clothing Brand & Range and The Claudes SEN Law Campaign, he merges fashion, social justice and environmental advocacy to drive meaningful change. He is also a recognized public speaker and thought leader, featured by Forbes for his expertise in marketing and business growth strategies. Aquayemi-Claude has won the 2024 Global Recognition Award for his contributions to sustainable fashion, social justice and environmental causes. With a strong background in media, communications and nonprofit leadership, he actively mentors startup founders, influences policy on disability rights and promotes diversity and inclusion through board-level advisory roles.

Extensive commercial real estate development experience focusing on retail, light industrial and multi-family projects. Responsible for managing a development team and portfolio of active light industrial projects in various stages of development including: site evaluation, due diligence, entitlements, design, permitting, construction and stabilization. Current ULI member active in ULI Next and the ULI Arizona Office & Industrial Development Local Product Council. Past member of the ULI Arizona Adaptive Reuse Local Product Council, Chair of the ULI Young Leaders Communication and Marketing Committee and past co-chair of the ULI Main Communications and Marketing Committee. Current member of AZ CREW and member of the Membership Committee. Previously held leadership roles in developing and managing best practice policies and standard operating procedures to create and execute successful national roll-out programs for multiple retail clients. These systems and procedures have been successfully utilized by multiple development teams across multiple states. Previously held a Senior Development Management role on a multi-parcel redevelopment site in Tucson, Arizona, which was nominated as a finalist for a Metropolitan Pima Alliance Common Ground Award for bringing together all stakeholders to develop a retail site that started with stiff opposition and resulted in a win-win solution for all stakeholders involved. Graduated with highest honors from the ASU WP Carey School of Business with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Business Management and Marketing.

More info about services, past clients, and subject matter expertise at: www.farzananayani.comTrusted diversity, equity, and inclusion professional with proven track record for performance, customized service offerings, and community impact. Expert in program management and spearheading new, sustainable initiatives that engage the public. Specialties include: growing and building ERGs, developing and conducting trainings on cultural awareness and communication, enhancing the supplier diversity pipeline, engaging employees, and fostering inclusive leadership.Over 20 years experience in the DEI field, managing & directing programs, training & designing curriculum, offering thought leadership and organizational strategy. Transformational coach leading to long-lasting impact on individuals and organizations.Emphasis on quality, impactful programming with high-caliber content and widespread reach. Expertise includes: community and corporate partnership relations, board and advisory council engagement, program management and evaluation metrics, and relating activities to the bottom line and executive goals. Personal philosophy underscores the understanding of how culture and community relations can impact our work.New book available now! “The Power of Employee Resource Groups: How People Create Authentic Change”. Author of book: "Raising Multiracial Children: Tools for Nurturing Identity in a Racialized World" (2020) available now through Penguin Random House. Visit website: www.farzananayani.com for detailed expertise and services.

Andrew is a performance-driven, strategic leader with 20 years of experience scaling complex real estate projects, investments, and companies to maximize ROI and accelerate growth. Andrew brings exceptional leadership and communication skills, a big-picture mindset, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing buyer behavior—consistently turning challenges into results. From humble beginnings, Andrew brings genuine compassion and a hands-on foundation from working construction with his father—experience he applies to every real estate project he leads. Since 2011, Andrew has built an extensive real estate portfolio across residential, commercial, and diverse asset classes. He began as a Certified Maintenance Technician at 19 years old, overseeing 2,000+ units in the Upper Valley and advanced to Asset Manager for a $42 million New Hampshire portfolio by 26 years old. He later founded CS Companies; a family of specialized real estate firms focused on advancing affiliated missions with integrity and strategic oversight. At age twenty-eight, Andrew was recognized as the 2012 Young Professional of the Year by the Claremont Chamber of Commerce. He holds several real estate management accreditations from IREM and is an EPA/HUD RRP Certified Lead Renovator. In 2020, Andrew moved into the short-term rental space and co-founded Pond Life Vacation Rentals, through which he provides memorable vacation experiences at his amazing properties. In 2022, Andrew was a nominee for the Rising Stars Awards for the category of “Entrepreneur of the Year” presented by the Stay, Work, Play Organization in New Hampshire. In 2023, Andrew founded an award winning publishing house. Today, the company represents 20+ authors, holds six industry awards and multiple Amazon best-sellers, operates several imprints, and continues expanding with a strong 2026 lineup. Andrew has served on numerous boards, providing oversight in governance, ethics, and organizational integrity. He currently serves on the Supervisory Committee at One Credit Union and holds the CCUSC designation from America’s Credit Union Association one of a select few nationwide. In this role, he helps safeguard the 260 million in members’ assets while actively advancing the credit union’s mission of financial freedom for all. Andrew enjoys the outdoors and time on the water with his wife, family, friends, and French bulldog.

I am passionate about helping people unleash their potential, and become the best versions of themselves.

I’m a construction executive, real estate developer, and entrepreneur based in North Mississippi with experience in commercial construction, residential development, and complex project management in both domestic and international environments. I founded EM Contingency Group and its residential division Hexalon Homes to deliver high-quality construction while addressing workforce housing shortages and supporting economic growth in rural communities across North Mississippi and Northwest Alabama. Before entering private development, I served in the U.S. Air Force and am a war veteran of Operation Northern Watch in Turkey during the late 1990s. Following my military service, I spent seven years in the Middle East as a contractor supporting U.S. government projects, working in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman on projects connected to the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of State. That experience provided firsthand exposure to international labor markets, supply chain constraints, and the logistical realities of delivering infrastructure in complex environments. Academically, I hold an MBA focused on Project Management, a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering, and I am a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). I am also a licensed commercial and residential builder with multiple trade endorsements. I have also been active in civic leadership and public affairs. I previously served in elected roles within the Libertarian Party, including Regional Representative and State Chairman for Mississippi, and ran as a candidate for Mississippi State Senate. I was also elected as Commander of my American Legion Post in D’Iberville, Mississippi, and remain a Past Commander. I am a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and have previously participated in the Rotary Club. In my local community, I coach youth sports and founded Iuka Sports Academy, a youth athletic training facility in Iuka, Mississippi. I also organize and operate a local soccer league that serves families throughout the area. My professional work sits at the intersection of construction, housing supply, workforce development, and rural economic growth. I regularly provide commentary on topics including housing shortages, construction costs, labor availability, rural development, supply chain challenges, and infrastructure investment, drawing from hands-on experience in both government projects and private development.

As a marketing and business development specialist with over a decade of experience as Director at Echo Properties in Kenya, I excel at identifying growth opportunities, understanding client needs, and anticipating market trends. I design and execute effective sales and marketing strategies, mentor teams, and manage resources to achieve optimal results. I provide expert consultancy across the property sector, including residential homes, plots, land, commercial spaces, and property development. With a strong foundation in marketing and business management, I guide both clients and the company with strategic vision, practical insight, and a results-driven approach. Passionate about innovation, I leverage data, technology, and client feedback to create value, take informed risks, and foster meaningful partnerships that drive sustainable long-term success.

I’m the founder and managing member of 1000 Delaware LLC, the company developing The Railyard, a one-acre adaptive reuse infill project in Lexington, Kentucky. After breaking ground in December 2025, we are transforming a former industrial site into a walkable, mixed-use community with 32 apartments and two retail spaces designed to serve Lexington’s middle-income workforce. With over a decade of experience as a real estate investor in Lexington and a professional background in digital marketing, I bring a blend of strategic thinking, brand insight, and hands-on execution to my work. Today, I apply those same instincts to building real-world communities.

Brandon Day is an executive coach, leadership advisor, and keynote speaker with more than twenty years of experience helping business owners, executives, and leadership teams make the strongest decisions to build healthier organizations. Over the course of his career, he has guided more than five hundred clients, from small businesses to established nonprofits, through growth, alignment, and leadership development.

I help organizations improve performance by developing leaders who can have the conversations that matter. Many organizations struggle with low accountability, poor communication, disengagement, change fatigue, and inconsistent leadership. These challenges reduce productivity, damage culture, and impact results. Through leadership development, executive coaching, team development, and culture transformation, I help leaders build trust, increase accountability, strengthen engagement, and improve performance. Over the past 18 years, I have worked with organizations across 21 industries, helping leaders create high-performing teams and cultures where people and results thrive. I am the author of 16 books on leadership and workplace performance and hold a Doctor of Education degree with a specialization in workplace culture. Because better conversations create better leaders, better teams, and better results.

Every society decides, at some point, what to do with its past. Which stories to preserve. Which to reframe. Which to quietly retire. That decision is never just cultural. It is always political. I work at that intersection—where heritage becomes policy, where identity becomes strategy, and where a government's investment in culture is rarely about culture alone. My work spans the Gulf, Canada, and Egypt. Three contexts where the same questions surface differently: a Saudi institution redesigning its national narrative for a global audience, an immigrant community in Calgary watching its culture become folklore, and an ancient site in Egypt absorbing a million visitors a year with no coherent story to tell them. I am most useful to journalists when the story is about what a society says through what it builds, preserves, funds, or erases. That story is happening everywhere right now. The Gulf is spending billions on it. Western cities are arguing about it in their museums and their streets. Diaspora communities are living it without anyone asking them. I work in Arabic and English.

My professional work is guided by a core principle: digital tools should provide a clear and verifiable representation of reality. This approach, rooted in a data-driven marketing background that began in 2003, informs everything I do in the field of spatial data and digital documentation. Core Professional Focus: Spatial Data & Digital Documentation As the founder of Adostrophe, my primary focus is creating high-fidelity digital twins using Matterport technology. These dimensionally-accurate data assets serve critical functions for clients in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC), and real estate sectors. My work includes: - Delivering digital documentation for large-scale architectural and real estate portfolios across diverse geographies in Asia and the Middle East. - Serving as a regular partner for enterprise-level projects, including work on behalf of Matterport, Inc. for their key clients. Community & Pro Bono Initiatives I believe that professional skills should also serve the community. A portion of my time is dedicated to helping non-profits and public knowledge initiatives achieve their missions through technology. - Digital Heritage Preservation: Volunteering to digitally document cultural and historical assets, contributing the resulting media to open knowledge platforms like Wikimedia Commons and Wikipedia to support global education. - Google Ad Grants Management: Assisting non-profit organizations with securing and managing the Google Ad Grants program to support their mission and outreach. - Enhancing Public Visibility: As a contributor to Google Street View, I create 360° imagery to increase the online visibility and accessibility of local landmarks and cultural sites. Background & Foundational Experience My career began in 2003 in search engine marketing (SEM) at Yahoo!, managing premier accounts. This role established my focus on data-driven strategy and the importance of accuracy in the digital realm. This principle continues to be the foundation of my work today.