Professional Experiences
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Development Finance Initiative -
Chapel Hill, NC
05/2024 - Present
Since May 2024, I’ve worked as an intern and now as a Development Analyst at the Development Finance Initiative (DFI), helping clients attract private investment for projects like master-planned developments, urban infill, and downtown revitalization.
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At DFI, we manage every aspect of the pre-development process, from day one until the project is transferred to a private developer. During my time here, I’ve overseen each stage: gathering on-the-ground data by knocking on doors and holding public meetings with community members and city councils, collaborating with contractors and engineers on feasibility studies, running financial analyses to identify and minimize obstacles to private development, and ultimately soliciting developers to bid on our projects. Through these experiences, I have been able to see all aspects of the pre-development process.
As part of an ongoing project in Old Fort, North Carolina, I helped plan a multi-phase residential subdivision spanning over 500 acres, incorporating large conservation easements to enhance financial viability. I completed a market analysis, feasibility study, and financial assessment, while meeting with local council members, contractors, and engineers to ensure the development aligns with community goals.
As part of the Ferry Road project, I developed a solicitation to attract private developers for a new mixed-use community featuring at least 650 residences—over half designated for affordable housing—and more than 70 acres of conserved land along the French Broad River. Ultimately, I received and analyzed dozens of bids, ensuring the project’s mixed-income, conservation-focused vision remained central to each proposal.
As part of a project in Hertford, North Carolina, I led a comprehensive financial analysis to identify the highest and best use for a 136-acre area, focusing on revitalizing a distressed neighborhood and ultimately recommending four build-to-rent investments using unique loan options. My pre-development tasks included touring local parcels, gathering community input, conducting market research, and preparing presentations for city officials.
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Trident Construction -
Superintendent Intern
Charleston, SC
2022
During the summer of 2022, I was part of the Trident Construction internship program in Charleston, SC, serving as a Superintendent Intern. This well-rounded experience introduced me to every aspect of a superintendent’s role, from overseeing subcontractors and tracking materials to coordinating deliveries and ensuring architectural requirements were met.
During my internship, I spent every day on site at The Cape on Kiawah Island—a $150 million, 70-unit development—where I oversaw multiple subcontractors, managed daily schedules, and helped keep the project on track. I coordinated material deliveries (even during supply chain hiccups), ensured everyone followed safety protocols, and worked closely with project managers to address any on-the-ground issues. This immersive, hands-on role gave me valuable insight into how a superintendent manages both people and processes to successfully complete a large-scale construction project.
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Coakley & Williams Construction -
Project Engineer Intern
Mclean, VA
2021
During the summer of 2021, I was part of the Coakley & Williams Construction internship program in Bethesda, MD, serving as a Project Engineer Intern. This well-rounded experience introduced me to every aspect of a project engineer’s role, from managing contract documents and submittals to coordinating RFIs and maintaining clear communication among team members.
During my internship, I took a $15 million middle school project from preconstruction through ground breaking and into the first phases of construction, using Procore to track submittals and RFIs. I drafted and sent my own scopes of work to subcontractors for bidding, helped prepare change orders, and verified that all materials met the project’s drawings and specifications. This immersive role highlighted the importance of a project engineer in keeping operations organized, on schedule, and aligned with the client’s vision.