Blog Archives

Education

• Master of Public Administration, Walden University
• Bachelor of Architecture, University of Illinois

About George

George Welch has played a number of integral roles at NewSchool, including serving as an initial member of NewSchool of Architecture & Design, LLC, as well as previously serving as the Chair of the Construction Management Program, during which he contributed to the development and expansion of the program.

Welch, who worked in the design construction business for more than 35 years before relocating to San Diego, has significant experience in all phases of real estate development, including design, code compliance, construction, ownership, management and sales, and state agency work.

Memberships

• Associate, American Institute of Architects (AIA)
• Member, Construction Management Association of America
• Member, International Code Council
• Member, Kendall College Charitable Trust
• Finance Board Member, St. Paul’s Methodist Church
• Board of Directors, ACE Mentorship

Education

• Master of Business Administration, Chapman University
• Bachelor of Science in Business Management, University of LaVerne

About Steve

Steve Matley has over 25 years of experience in leadership and management in multiple industries. His business management and project management experience was cultivated in real estate, land development, and construction, involving commercial, institutional, residential and public works projects. He has held positions as a General Building Contractor, a Senior Project Manager for an ENR top 50 rated agency construction management firm and Vice-President of Land Acquisition and Forward Planning for a production homebuilder. In these positions, Steve successfully planned and executed numerous projects including educational complexes, high-rises, master planned communities, production homes, custom homes, public works and infrastructure projects. He has been designated as an expert witness in real estate, development, and construction-related litigation cases.

As a business owner, Steve managed multiple companies of his own, including DCM Group Inc., a development and construction management consulting firm, which managed land acquisition, entitlement, and planning for projects valued at over a half billion dollars within an eight-year period. During this time, Steve personally managed dozens of projects, consistently performing above projected ROI expectations. He later was Owner and Principal of Building Solid Foundations, LLC, a leadership and business management advising and consulting firm. Currently, he serves as President of Coast 2 Coast Equities, Inc., a real estate investment, acquisition and development firm.

Steve is a member of the Construction Management faculty at NewSchool of Architecture & Design in San Diego, acting as Program Chair for the undergraduate and graduate degree CM programs and Associate Professor. He previously served as a professor for the Gordon and Jill Bournes School of Engineering at California Baptist University. Steve led the creation, curriculum development and WSCUC accreditation process for the Associates of Science Degree program in Construction Management at San Joaquin Valley College where he held various positions including Program Director, Division Manager and Student Dean.

Steve participates as a facilitator and speaker for educational seminars and workshops in both the construction / building industry and the general business environment. Notable presentations include expert panel facilitation for the CMAA (Construction Management Association of America), seminar and workshop presentations for the NAHB (National Association of Homebuilders) International Builders Show, and IVBCF’s Educational Speaker Series. The City of Temecula retained Steve to present the opening keynote for their inaugural Start-Up Week. In addition, he is the designated expert panel facilitator for the Business Leaders Summits, produced by BuildLeaders.org and FIRE Up Live Events produced by Finest Women in Real Estate. Steve is a certified trainer for the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) and presents as an expert for audiences in the education, real estate and construction industries, speaking for business workshops, seminars, conferences and symposiums.

Current Projects

• NAVFAC Projects: NAWS China Lake – 180 buildings: fire/life safety retrofits and upgrades, Fire Alarm reporting and mass notification systems NSA Monterey Naval Post Graduate School – 3 buildings (educational research labs and offices), fire/life safety retrofits and upgrades
• Land Development: Multiple land acquisition, forward planning, entitlement and development projects under Coast 2 Coast Equities, Inc.

Awards

Certificate of Recognition, California State Assembly, Melissa Melendez, 67th District Certificate of Recognition, Optimist International District 41, Outstanding Judging, Oratorical Contest Finals Certificate of Recognition, California State Assembly, Marie Waldron, 75th District District Champion, Toastmasters District 12 Speech Evaluation Contest Most Outstanding Employee Award, Gafcon, Inc. Advanced Communicator Gold (ACG) – Toastmasters International Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) – NAHB/HBI University of Housing Certified Green Professional (CGP) – NAHB/HBI University of Housing\ Certified Trainer – NAHB/HBI University of Housing Advanced Leader Bronze (ALB) – Toastmasters International Licensed General Contractor (B-inactive), State of California, CSLB

Memberships

Professional Member, National Speakers Association Member, NSA-GLAC (National Speakers Association – Greater Los Angeles Chapter) Gold Level Member, Fire-Up Connect Professional Resources Member, CMAA (Construction Management Association of America), San Diego Chapter, San Diego, CA Officer/Member, Rock Toastmasters Club, San Diego, CA Member, BNI Temecula 1 Chapter, Temecula, CA Officer/Charter Member, Toastmasters Professional Speakers, Advanced Club, Murrieta, CA Bootstrappers, Entrepreneurs Mastermind & Networking Group, San Diego, CA President, IVBCF (Inland Valley Business and Community Foundation), Temecula, CA Board Member, BIA (Building Industry Association) – Baldy View Chapter, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino County, CA Member, BIA-SC (Building Industry Association of Southern California), Irvine, CA Member, NAHB (National Association of Homebuilders), Washington DC Affiliate Member, SRCAR (South Riverside County Association of Realtors), Murrieta, CA Club Advisor, Helper/Speaker, Student Venture, Vista Murrieta HS, Murrieta President / VP Membership, Toastmasters #7917, Temecula (Toast of the Valley) Area Committee Member, Young Life, Temecula Founding Board Member, Anza Valley Building Association, Anza, CA Leadership Council/Moderator, CBMC Forums, San Diego, CA Founding Member, Building Foundations, San Diego, CA Founding Member / Facilitator, Leadership Forums Professional Mastermind Professional Member, ICBO (International Conference of Building Officials – now ICC), Whittier, CA

Additional Information

• Community Service & Affiliations: Steve has served as a Board Member for the Building Industry Association (BIA-SC, Baldy View Chapter), a Member of CMAA (San Diego Chapter), an Area Committee member for Young Life (Temecula Valley), a member of NAHB, an Affiliate Member of SRCAR (South Riverside County Association of Realtors), a member of ASC (Associated Schools of Construction), and is President of the Inland Valley Business and Community Foundation, a non-profit 501c3 organization.

Education

• Master of Engineering, University of Alberta
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Sarajevo

About Momo

Teaching the next generation of leaders in the Construction Management field is our mission. My simple approach is in combining teaching Construction Management strategies with over 30 years of experience as a West Yost Associates Client Manager for the San Diego basin. Besides engineering duties various business development elements were applied and mastered. City’s GIS system maps updates using most recent GIS information and information from O&M field personnel; the information processing using most recent edition of Infrastructure system modeling software. Preparing students with the acquired knowledge, concepts and processes would require work with a tools that have yet to be publicized is a principle mantra of our program. My passion for education and the professional development of young leaders has allowed me to mentor and guide several entrepreneurs and businesses throughout my career through student outreach program of the CMAA San Diego Chapter. This experience allows me to combine academic acumen and vast practical experience to bring a unique perspective to the classroom.

Memberships

• PE – Professional Mechanical Engineer registered in California, Washington and Alberta, Canada
• CCM – Certified Construction Manager by Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
• BCEE – Board Certified Environmental Engineer by American Academy of Environmental Engineers (AAEE)
• Current Vice President, President Elect, CMAA San Diego Chapter
• National CMAA Board Member
• ABET PEV

Education

• Master of Project Management
• Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering

Memberships

• Board Member, HomeAid San Diego
• NewSchool Construction Management Advisory Board
• Mission To Children

Additional Information

Ron has been building corporate, healthcare, industrial, and educational buildings for 40 years, totaling more than $1 billion and representing more than 20 million square feet.

Education

• Master of Education, Georgia State University
• Master of Science in Building Construction & Facility Management, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Bachelor of Art in Business Administration, Clark Atlanta University

About Dia

Dia Hunter is an entrepreneur, leader, and educator. Professor Hunter has taught in NewSchool of Architecture’s Construction Management Master’s Program since its inception. He was the subject matter expert in the development of the two courses that he presently teaches. He has also developed several construction management and leadership courses for other graduate programs. Professor Hunter owns several businesses, including a residential remodeling firm based out of the Greater Atlanta Metropolitan Area. Professor Hunter is a Planning Commissioner in his local community overseeing planning and zoning affairs. He also has industry experience with a large commercial construction firm, working as a Superintendent and Engineer on several multimillion-dollar projects.

In addition to his professional experiences, Professor Hunter’s personal interests are varied. He has experience as an elite-level public speaker in the Toastmasters organization, serving in roles such as Club President and Area Governor. Professor Hunter also volunteers at his local church where he serves as a Coordinator.

Additional Information

• Vice-Chairman, Tyrone Planning Commission
• Member, Project Management Institute
• Member, Construction Management Association of America
• Contributing Professor, Stevens Institute of Technology
• Principal Member, Savvy Elite Hair Studio
• Owner, MIH Consulting

Education

• Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology
• Masters, The University of Georgia
• B.S., The University of Georgia

About Debbie

Dr. Debbie Phillips is an internationally recognized real estate professional with over 32 years of experience with diverse property types. As an entrepreneur, Debbie has a multi-faceted career including serving as advisor to global real estate companies, developing world-class leadership development programs and talent management strategies. She was recognized in 2018 and 2019 as a Woman of Influence in Real Estate by Globe Street and was awarded the first Real Estate Award of Excellence as a Certified Property Manager (CPM) in 2015 by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). In addition to her private consulting, Debbie serves as President of the Real Estate Career Academy, a non-profit that focuses on career awareness for those exploring careers in real estate and construction management. Debbie completed her Ph.D. from Georgia Tech, where she developed an Employee Engagement Model for the Multi-Housing Industry. Her areas of research include affordable housing, workforce development, sustainability and talent management. In addition to teaching and consulting, Debbie is an author, career coach and nationally acclaimed speaker.

Awards

2019 Woman of Influence in Real Estate – Globe Street; 2018 Woman of Influence in Real Estate – Globe Street 2016 Excellence in Education Georgia Institute of Technology 2015 CPM of the Year – Institute of Real Estate Management 2015 REME Award for CPM of the Year, Institute of Real Estate Management 2014 ACE Educator of the Year – National Apartment Association 2012 Certified Property Manager of the Year, Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), Georgia 2012 Excellence in Teaching Recognition, Georgia Tech 2011 Excellence in Teaching Recognition, University of Georgia

Memberships

• Board Member, Shelters to Shutters (current)
• Member, Georgia Real Estate Commission Education and Advisory Committee (current)
• Board Member, Georgia College and Career Academy Network (GaCAN) (current)
• Director of Industry Outreach, Health Occupations Student Association “HOSA”, (contract assignment January 2019-March 2019)
• Member, Association for Talent Development (current)
• Member, Journal of Delta Sigma Pi, Business Honor Fraternity (current)
• President, Georgia Apartment Industry Education Foundation (2004 – 2017)
• National Apartment Association Education Institute Board of Directors (NAAEI) (2016-2017)
• National Apartment Association Education Institute Careers Committee (2016-Present)
• Education Conference Planning Committee for the National Apartment Association (2017)
• Board of Industry Sponsors, Georgia Piedmont Technical College (2014 – present)
• Board of Directors, National Apartment Association Education Institute (2011-present)
• Co-Chair, Membership Committee, Housing Educators and Research Association (2010-2011)
• Board of Directors, Community Life Concepts (2012-2014)

Additional Information

• Served as Project Director for the development of the Multifamily Housing textbook – the first and only project endorsed by the Institute of Real Estate Management, National Apartment Association, and the National Multifamily Housing Council.
• Served as a co-author for the Lessons in Leadership for Real Estate Professionals.
• As part of a statewide coalition, produced a white paper: “Priced-out, Shut Out and Segregated” that addressed issues of fair housing, physical, mental, and emotional disabilities of underrepresented populations in Georgia.
• IREM White Paper: Leadership Development: Networking * JPM Magazine: VISION 20/20 –Your Leadership Acuity, January 2020