Ben Wharton

Senior Project Manager

As a Senior Project Manager, Ben combines a background in capital markets, investment analysis, and land use planning to advise clients, with a special focus on new project and entity capitalizations, investment underwriting, portfolio strategy, and large-scale land development. Ben serves a variety of stakeholders including families, corporations, colleges and universities, non-profits, and municipalities. Ben believes in the power of open communication, thoughtful questioning, and thorough process in solving the most complex problems facing owners of real assets.

Prior to Heartland, Ben worked in acquisitions for a family office and in the capital markets group at Starwood Waypoint Residential Trust where he structured over $2B in financing. Most recently, Ben served as an originator for a real estate equity crowdfunding platform based in San Francisco.

Ben graduated from Bowdoin College where he received a B.A. in Economics and Government & Legal Studies and competed in track & field. He is a licensed Real Estate broker in the State of Washington and is a member of the Urban Land Institute and a board member for the Eastlake Community Council.

• bwharton@htland.com

Carrie Christensen

Operations Manager

As Operations Manager, Carrie works closely with Heartland staff and external vendors and partners, leveraging her strong organizational skills to manage various systems across the organization. Carrie is responsible for supporting proper business functions including Hiring and Onboarding, Facilities, IT, and Insurance . She also coordinates Heartland’s marketing initiatives, helping project teams create submittals and pursue opportunities. Carrie is additionally responsible for monitoring Heartland contracts, monthly budgets and expenses related to the areas she oversees, and brokerage license renewal requirements. Carrie received her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Communication from Franklin University Switzerland.

• cchristensen@htland.com

Celina Choi

Associate Project Manager

As an Associate Project Manager, Celina believes problem-solving and critical thinking are fundamental for market and data analysis to transform raw data into strategic recommendations. With a focus on land, she brings her past experience working with a wide range of zonings, geographies, and clients across the US to support the internal Heartland team and external clients.

Prior to joining Heartland, Celina worked as a Research Analyst for a commercial real estate company in the greater Seattle Area. She earned her B.A. in Communications with  a minor in Real Estate from the University of Washington.

• cchoi@htland.com

Chris Fiori

Principal & Project Director

Over his 18 years at Heartland, Chris has worked with clients to create and implement a broad range of real estate strategies, often involving a combination of advisory and brokerage activities, development management, and entity-level capitalizations. His clients include large and small corporations, non-profit organizations, family offices and individuals, and public sector clients.

Chris is on the Advisory Board for the University of Washington Runstad Center for Real Estate, and previously served as a member of the Seattle Planning Commission. He is a licensed real estate broker in the State of Washington.

• cfiori@htland.com

Dave Policar

Senior Asset Manager

As a Senior Asset Manager, Dave spearheads the active management of a diverse portfolio of real estate, driving strategy to optimize cash flow and enhance overall value. His expertise lies in developing and implementing strategic business plans for each asset, guiding its daily operations, market positioning, and eventual disposition. He models the full life cycle of each asset, from acquisition through disposition, assessing investor returns under various scenarios. In addition to his hands-on responsibilities, Dave collaborates with other departments to improve processes and streamline reporting, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Prior to joining Heartland, Dave served as a Principal of Asset Management at BentallGreenOak, where he led asset management initiatives across various portfolios consisting of office, industrial, retail and multifamily properties. He holds a Master of Business Administration with emphases in Real Estate and Finance from the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Washington and holds LEED AP credentials.

• dpolicar@htland.com

Divya Kapuria

Project Manager

As a Project Manager, Divya combines 9+ years of urban planning and design experience with real estate analytics and financial modeling. Her work spans a wide range of product types, geographies, and client types, with a particular focus on feasibility and highest and best use analysis.  Divya’s multi-disciplinary background, curiosity and team orientation help clients think differently and unlock unique value.

She is a licensed Real Estate broker registered in Washington state, a licensed planner registered with American Planning Association and has LEED AP Neighborhood Development credentials with the U.S. Green Building Council. Prior to joining Heartland, Divya worked at HOK and Rossetti on various mixed-use master planning projects ranging from small urban infill to 900+ acre redevelopments. She earned her Commercial Real Estate Certificate from the University of Washington, and she also holds a Master of Urban Design degree from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Mumbai.

• dkapuria@htland.com

Doug Larson

Principal & Project Director

As a Principal and Project Director of Heartland LLC, Doug deals with a vast array of client needs across both the public and private sector, utilizing Heartland’s ‘advisory-first’ approach to put what is best for the client at the center of all strategic thinking. He has orchestrated several complex brokerage transactions (REI, University Book Store, Weyerhaeuser, Seattle Labor Temple Association) and performed rigorous market analysis and financial modeling to support land use policy decisions around subarea plans and TDR policies (City of Issaquah, City of Lacey, Skagit County, Port of Bellingham). As a licensed managing broker in WA, Doug has transacted over $850 million in real estate (sales, acquisitions, leasing, ground leasing, joint-ventures, public-private partnerships) during his tenure at Heartland. As a principal, he has primary responsibility for budgeting and forecasting, along with shared day to day management responsibilities.

Doug is an active member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), where he currently serves as the local curriculum manager for ULI UrbanPlan. Doug also sits on the loan committee for the Salal Credit Union Board and serves on the Professionals Council within the Urban Design and Planning department at the University of Washington. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Gonzaga University and a Master of Urban Planning degree with a Specialization in Real Estate from the University of Washington.

• dlarson@htland.com

Evan Schneider

Senior Project Manager

As a Senior Project Manager at Heartland LLC, Evan helps clients find and implement thoughtful real estate solutions. He integrates his experience in development management and brokerage as a basis for partnership strategy and project planning. A Seattle native, Evan is passionate about his community and contributing to a sustainable and equitable future.

Prior to joining Heartland, Evan worked at University of Washington Capital Planning & Development contributing to the oversight of the University’s off campus real estate interests. Evan received a Master of Science in Real Estate Development and Finance from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Washington State University. Evan is a 2019 Runstad Fellow, a member of ULI and NAIOP, and is a licensed Managing Broker in the State of Washington.

• eschneider@htland.com

Jenny Score

Graphic Designer

As Heartland’s Graphic Designer, Jenny is the creator of the “Heartland look” that translates complex ideas and information into effective visuals. Jenny applies a wide variety of graphics skills, including cartography and illustration, page layout, brochure and flyer creation, interactive digital presentations, photo retouching and manipulation, brand identity and logo design development, and 3-D Modeling utilizing Google SketchUp. Jenny received an Associate of Applied Arts in Visual Communications from the Art Institute of Seattle.

• jscore@htland.com

Joe Shea

Director of Asset Management

As Director of Asset Management, Joe is responsible for all aspects of the asset management group’s delivery of services. He utilizes his experience in asset and development management to solve complex commercial real estate problems and achieve client objectives through strategic, creative thinking. Joe has experience working on large, multifaceted, and geographically diverse portfolios that include office, industrial, retail, and multifamily and combines this with deep technical knowledge and extensive transactional experience. As a leader, he enjoys working with others and sharing his experience and knowledge to inspire others to think innovatively and continue to grow professionally and personally every day.

Prior to joining Heartland, Joe worked at BentallGreenOak as a Principal of Asset Management where, among other responsibilities, he led the asset management of office, industrial, retail, and multifamily portfolios. In addition, Joe managed numerous developments, acquisitions, and dispositions throughout the United States. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Finance from California State University and has LEED AP credentials.

• jshea@htland.com

Karlis Rubenis

Associate Asset Manager

As an Associate Asset Manager, Karlis brings ten years of accounting experience to his role. Karlis began his real estate career as a Property Accountant at Wright Runstad where he performed full-cycle accounting for properties around the Seattle Area, including the major Spring District development in Bellevue, WA.

Karlis graduated from Washington State University with a B.A. in Accounting and a B.S. in Economics with a minor in International Economics. His interests include the outdoors, golf, snowboarding, traveling, staying active and the environment.

• krubenis@htland.com

Katherine Mkanganwi (KM Accountants)

Third-party Contractor: Accounting Services

In 2023, Heartland began working with KM Accountants (“KMA”). Through this relationship, Katherine Mkanganwi has taken on the position of Controller for Heartland. In addition, KMA is providing Asset Management Portfolio Accounting services for Heartland.

KM Accountants, which officially took its current form in 2018, is a trailblazer in providing extensive accounting services across the US. Originating from the individual practice of Katherine Mkanganwi, CPA in 2014, the firm has now grown into a robust team of highly skilled professionals dedicated to serving startups and small-to-mid-sized businesses across the United States. The distinguishing feature of KMA is its commitment to utilizing advanced technologies for improved efficiency and delivering personalized, insightful solutions that exceed client expectations.

Katherine is a Big Four trained senior accounting and finance professional with over fifteen years of experience in financial accounting and reporting, risk management, financial analysis, budgeting, financial planning and forecasting, cash management, tax compliance, and auditing. She is an expert in developing, implementing, and maintaining policies and procedures for accounting, financial reporting, and internal control, focused on achieving best practices in these areas.

This working relationship provides Heartland with both an extended bench of highly qualified financial and accounting professionals and the flexibility to seamlessly grow as we continue to add Asset Management clients and their portfolios to our book of business.

• kmkanganwi@htland.com

Lee Striar

Principal & Project Director

As a Principal and Project Director at Heartland LLC, Mr. Striar leverages his experience coordinating all aspects of the development process, including property acquisition and disposition, development financing, and land development approvals. Lee has experience with private, non-profit and public real estate clients and has participated in an array of project types, including master planned developments, commercial development, and mixed-income and affordable multi-family housing.

Prior to joining Heartland, Lee worked in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for private and non-profit developers of urban multi-family and mixed-use projects in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Lee received his Masters Degree in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania School of Design, and a certificate In Real Estate Development via a joint program with The Wharton School.

Lee is a licensed Real Estate broker in the State of Washington. He is an alumni of Leadership Tomorrow, and a member of the Urban Land Institute.

• lstriar@htland.com

Mark Goodman

Principal & Project Director

As a Principal & Project Director at Heartland LLC, Mark leverages his experience working on real estate, economic development and urban planning projects representing organizations and municipalities across the Puget Sound region and Pacific Northwest. He manages a wide variety of projects that range from site specific feasibility modeling and brokerage efforts to broader city and regional level economic analysis and strategic planning. Mark also supports the asset management practice, with a diverse portfolio of assets across the western United States. His experience includes working with clients in the public, private and non-profit sectors where he combines a collaborative spirit and data driven approach using his skills in financial modeling, spatial analysis and facilitation.

Prior to joining Heartland, Mark worked as a consultant for a Seattle based economic development consulting firm and as a planner in the resort community of Sun Valley, Idaho. Mark is a licensed real estate broker in the state of Washington.

• mgoodman@htland.com

Matt Anderson

Principal & Senior Project Director

As a Principal and Senior Project Director, Matt applies his broad experience in real estate and city planning to create great places that have a positive impact on their community and the environment while achieving their economic objectives. Through his work at Heartland, Matt engages in property development, brokerage, asset management and market/financial analysis projects. Matt’s projects range from land development to acquisition and disposition assignments to finding innovative ways to integrate and leverage real estate economics and organizational objectives.

Prior to joining Heartland, Matt worked as a land use and real estate economics consultant in Portland and San Francisco, respectively. Matt received a Masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Portland State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Planning and Public Policy from the University of Oregon. Matt is a licensed real estate broker in the State of Washington and serves as Heartland’s Designated Broker. Matt is co-lead instructor for the University of Washington Certificate in Commercial Real Estate, a member of NAIOP, the Urban Land Institute and Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA).

• manderson@htland.com

McKinzie Prado

Administrative Assistant

As Heartland’s Administrative Assistant, McKinzie utilizes her organizational, interpersonal, and collaborative skills to work closely with and support Heartland clients and team. She is always ready to lend a hand and ensures Heartland runs efficiently and effectively. Prior to joining Heartland, McKinzie supported teams at a variety of organizations, including labor unions and a public utility consortium.

• mprado@htland.com

Mindy Nix

Administrative Assistant

As Heartland’s Administrative Assistant, Mindy supports regular office operations with a keen attention to detail and a strong willingness to learn. As a self-motivated member of the team, Mindy jumps in where needed to support the staff in accomplishing their tasks. Mindy has previous experience in the wealth management industry where she gained an interest in better serving clients by identifying and then focusing in on their specific desired goals.

• mnix@htland.com

Tyson Heriot

Project Manager

As a Project Manager, Tyson utilizes his creative thinking and problem-solving skills as the foundation for comprehensive research and analysis. Through market research and data analysis, Tyson provides support across the full suite of Heartland projects, including underwriting, financial modeling, strategy formulation and implementation. Tyson’s strong team orientation allows him to effectively draw upon the wide range of expertise at Heartland.

Prior to joining Heartland, Tyson worked in the hospitality industry in the Seattle area. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Washington with a concentration in Finance.

• theriot@htland.com

Vishakha Agarwal

Asset Management Anaylst

As an Asset Management Analyst, Vishakha Agarwal brings over six years of experience in project management and finance to her role. She began her career as an Interior Designer in Bangalore, India, working on residential and commercial projects. In her most recent position as a Team Manager, she oversaw premium projects, coordinating with her team on project execution and financial planning.

Vishakha holds a master’s degree in real estate from Portland State University, where she specialized in asset management within commercial real estate. She has also worked on multifamily and retail investment projects, employing various tools to conduct detailed investment and market analyses.

Her interests include hiking, yoga, exploring new cuisines, and engaging in outdoor activities.

• vagarwal@htland.com