Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
MILITARY
ACTIVITIES AND HONORS
Generic

Darrell Thomas

Atlanta,Georgia

Summary

Accomplished professional with extensive experience in community and economic development, as well as commercial real estate acquisitions, dispositions, development, investment, and advisory. Proven expertise encompasses both the private and public sectors, demonstrating diverse skills and exceptional leadership qualities. Recognized for effective collaboration with diverse populations and professionals to drive impactful results. Committed to leveraging talents and extensive experience in non-profit, government, community, and economic development to foster growth and innovation in new opportunities.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Managing Principal

Strategic Realty Partners
02.2010 - Current
  • As Managing Principal and Investment Strategist at Strategic Realty Partners, I lead a holistically integrated firm specializing in the Acquisitions, Development, and Investment of Adaptable Reuse Urban and Rural commercial real estate. With a formal education in Community and Economic Development, I emphasized urban core asset acquisition with a value-added approach. My expertise extends to diverse areas including Market Rate and Affordable Housing, Mixed-use developments, disposition, acquisition due-diligence, advisory services, zoning and Economic Revitalization projects. My collaborative approach involves working closely with government, development authorities, non-profit organizations, property owners, strategic partners, and developers to drive successful outcomes with Community and Economic Development focus.
  • Direct and Manage Investment Strategy that concentrates on identifying assets that would contribute to revitalization, area growth, community and economic development.
  • Guides the real estate development strategy that emphasize sustainable design practices and a collaborative approach with project and community stakeholders.
  • Advise government and non-profit organizations on decision and strategies involving community and economic development with regards to real estate.
  • Real Estate Development, Acquisition, Dispositions that includes Identifies and acquires land, multi-housing properties including developing financial plan, sourcing capital, due-diligence.

Senior Vice-President, The Multifamily Housing Group

Bull Realty, Inc.
01.2024 - 04.2025
  • As Senior Vice-President (SVP) of Acquisitions and Dispositions in Commercial Real Estate, I specialize in acquisition and disposition of Multifamily, Affordable Housing, and Mixed-Use Assets in the Southeastern United States. It is a multifaceted role focusing on leadership, strategic planning, zoning, development, negotiation, leasing.
  • Develop and implement strategies for acquiring and disposing of assets.
  • Identify market trends and opportunities for maximizing asset values.
  • Source Disposition and acquisition targets
  • Lead negotiations with Brokers, Institutional Funds, and Private Equity
  • Conduct Financial Analysis and due diligence to assess the viability and profitability of transactions.
  • Build, Lead, and mentor a team of acquisition and disposition professionals.
  • Forge and maintain relationships with key industry professionals, including investors, government, institutional and private equity funds.

Senior Advisor

Epic Community Impact Fund
01.2018 - 02.2021
  • Epic is a Social Impact Fund that seeks opportunities in Opportunity Zones. In my present role I advise the Senior Managing Director on Real Estate Acquisitions, Affordable Housing and Mixed-Use Development.

Development Executive, Real Estate Acquisitions and Development

Atlanta Housing Authority
08.2017 - 01.2019
  • Responsible for the implementation and coordination of all phases of the commercial real estate development and acquisitions process to create vibrant, complete communities with a focus on affordable and workforce housing.
  • Manage real estate development projects from acquisition and led vetting through feasibility, planning, underwriting, closing, to construction and certificate of occupancy.
  • Portfolio Manager for a variety of development deals, including new construction, renovations, acquisitions, and disposition of real estate assets. Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) and Mixed-use economic development.
  • Work collaboratively with government agencies and stakeholders to meet Real Estate Group goals and strategy, including City of Atlanta, Invest Atlanta, Atlanta Beltline, Atlanta Public Schools, Fulton County, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
  • Directed and coordinated the acquisition of land, building, and properties for the development of affordable housing.
  • Lead zoning efforts and manage a team of property appraisers

Commissioner

Rockdale County Water and Sewer Authority
01.2009 - 01.2014
  • Served as Board Member and Vice-Chairman of seven-member oversight and governing body of Rockdale Water Resources.

Managing Principal

Thomas Holdings Real Estate Investments
02.2000 - 03.2010
  • My role involved the strategic identification, evaluation, and acquisition of properties or assets in alignment with firm investment objectives. It included conducting extensive market research, perform in-depth financial analysis, and execute due diligence processes to gauge the feasibility and potential returns of potential acquisitions. Actively engaged in negotiations to secure purchase agreements and collaborate closely with financial teams to structure deals effectively, all while prudently managing the associated risks. Success in this role hinged on a profound comprehension of market dynamics, a mastery of legal and regulatory compliance, and acute financial expertise, enabling me to make well-informed decisions that foster the expansion and profitability of a real estate acquisitions.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Community Development

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

Master of Arts - Community and Economic Development

Penn State University
University Park, PA

Skills

  • Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions
  • Capital Sourcing
  • Zoning
  • Real Estate Development
  • Project Management
  • Experience Negotiator
  • Government and Municipal Experience
  • Affordable Housing Finance Experience (Historic, New Market, Low Income Housing Tax Credits)
  • Land Use Planning
  • Community & Economic Development Professional

Certification

  • Georgia Real Estate Brokers License
  • Low Income Housing Tax Credit Certification (National Center for Housing Management)
  • Leveraging Historic Tax Credit Course (CCIM)
  • Public Housing Repositioning: Mixed Development Finance (HUD)

Timeline

Senior Vice-President, The Multifamily Housing Group

Bull Realty, Inc.
01.2024 - 04.2025

Senior Advisor

Epic Community Impact Fund
01.2018 - 02.2021

Development Executive, Real Estate Acquisitions and Development

Atlanta Housing Authority
08.2017 - 01.2019

Managing Principal

Strategic Realty Partners
02.2010 - Current

Commissioner

Rockdale County Water and Sewer Authority
01.2009 - 01.2014

Managing Principal

Thomas Holdings Real Estate Investments
02.2000 - 03.2010

Master of Arts - Community and Economic Development

Penn State University

Bachelor of Science - Community Development

Central Michigan University

MILITARY

  • United States Marine Corps 1985 – 1993 (Honorable Discharge)
  • United States Air Force Reserves 2005 – 2016 (Honorable Discharge)

ACTIVITIES AND HONORS

  • Urban Land Institute
  • Atlanta Livable Communities (Local Product Council)
  • Redevelopment and Reuse (National Product Council)
  • Leadership Georgia
  • Juror, ULI Award of Excellence for Americas 2022
  • 2024 Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors Million Dollar Club