Our Team

  • Zac Marquess
    Chief Development Officer
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    Zac Marquess
    Chief Development Officer

    Zac Marquess serves as Chief Development Officer at Goldenrod Companies, where he leads the firm’s real estate acquisition and development platform, overseeing projects from initial vision through completion and delivery. During his more than seven years with Goldenrod, Zac has played a key role in shaping the company’s growth strategy and expanding its national footprint, contributing to a successful track record in excess of $1.3 billion.

    Zac brings deep experience across a broad range of asset classes, including multifamily, office, industrial, senior housing, student housing, and hospitality, as well as large-scale public-private partnership (P3) developments. He has successfully executed complex development strategies that create long-term value for investors, partners, and the communities Goldenrod serves across the country.

    Since opening Goldenrod’s Atlanta office, Zac has continued to drive the firm’s expansion through strategic initiatives and disciplined execution. His approach combines rigorous financial analysis with a relationship-driven mindset, leveraging strong trade partnerships and a deep understanding of market fundamentals to deliver high-quality, high-performing projects.

    Zac earned undergraduate degrees in Finance, Economics, Banking, and Investment Science/Portfolio Management from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he was also a member of the men’s soccer team. He later received his Master of Real Estate Development from Auburn University and is a licensed real estate professional in the State of Georgia.

  • Cassie Paben
    EVP of Public-Private Partnerships
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    Cassie Paben
    EVP of Public-Private Partnerships

    Cassie Paben is the Executive Vice President of Public-Private Partnerships for Goldenrod Companies. With more than 20 years of commercial real estate and economic development experience, Ms. Paben has worked across the full real estate spectrum, with deep expertise in land development, entitlements, and incentives. She specializes in structuring deals that balance public objectives with private-sector needs, ensuring financial viability while delivering meaningful community value. Her background also includes the unique perspective of acquiring, developing, and disposing of real estate assets both as a public-sector professional and on behalf of a private company.

    Cassie earned her Bachelors Degree in Communication Studies and Sociology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, followed by a Masters Degree in Management from Doane University. She is also a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute (OU-EDI). In 2015, she was selected as a Daniel Rose Fellow through the Urban Land Institute and the National League of Cities’ Rose Center for Public Leadership. Cassie has served as President of the Nebraska Economic Developers Association and on the CREW Omaha Board of Directors.

  • Sone Cavazos
    EVP of Project Management
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    Sone Cavazos
    EVP of Project Management

    Sone O. Cavazos is a real estate development executive with over 25 years of experience across hospitality, retail, office, multifamily, and mixed-use projects. His background covers development management, capital structuring, design coordination, and contractor oversight, and he has led both urban infill and large-scale business park developments from early feasibility through completion.

    Sone currently oversees major projects for Goldenrod, including The Henry (Towers 1 and 2) in Atlanta, Trinity Groves, Van Zandt, and One University in North Texas, as well as the CyTown development in Ames, Iowa. His responsibilities include directing pre-development efforts, managing design and engineering teams, negotiating construction and consultant agreements, coordinating with capital partners, and executing projects through entitlement and vertical construction. He also leads the development and growth of Goldenrod’s project management teams.

    Prior to Goldenrod, Sone held roles in acquisitions, underwriting, and owner-representation with Labora Real Estate and Woodbine Development Corporation. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Texas Tech University and has continued his professional development in real estate finance, construction management, and organizational leadership.

  • Ben Namuth
    VP of Underwriting
  • Wes Stewart
    Senior Project Manager
  • Jordan Potthoff
    Development Manager
  • Hector Fino
    Project Manager
  • Dylan Laughlin
    Project Manager
  • Jake Roberts
    Investment Analyst
  • Thomas Fawcett
    Senior Development Associate
  • Hudson Clark
    Development Associate
  • Finn Corwin
    Development Associate
  • Ashley Cambell
    Executive Assistant and Licensed Real Estate Professional
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