Leadership

Adam Hird

Founding and Managing Partner

Adam Hird is the Founder and Managing Partner of Highland Development Ventures.  He has over 30 years of combined experience in architecture, engineering, investment, development, and real estate operations.  Adam began his professional career as a structural engineer with the McDonnell Douglas Corporation (now Boeing) and then as a licensed architect with the internationally renowned firm of Philip Johnson, Ritchie & Fiore Architects.  Working with firms such as the Boston-based The Davis Companies (aka Davis Marcus Partners) and Time Equities, Inc. in New York City, Adam managed over 3 million square feet of residential, commercial and retail real estate development.  Just prior to founding Highland Development Ventures, Mr. Hird was a Managing Director of Kayne Anderson Real Estate Advisors, the private-equity real-estate arm of Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, a $30 billion investment management firm. At Kayne Anderson, Mr. Hird oversaw the acquisition and investment of more than $2.6 billion of specialized niche real estate sectors.

Sheryl Gerard

Director of Design and Construction

Sheryl Gerard is the Director of Design and Construction for Highland Development Ventures.  She has more than 30 years of experience in architectural design, construction management, and risk assessment.  Prior to joining Highland, Sheryl was a Senior Project Manager with IVI/CBRE providing project oversight and construction risk assessment across multiple asset classes in the greater New York and New England area.  Prior to IVI/CBRE, she provided oversight and daily inspection for a broad array of municipal projects for the City of Stamford Connecticut Engineering Department.  Before working with the City of Stamford, Sheryl provided construction management and monitoring with 3D/International for Defense Commissary Agency projects at US Military Bases in California and Virginia.

Keith Baisley

Controller

Keith Baisley is the Controller for Highland Development Ventures, overseeing all aspects of Highland’s project and corporate accounting, as well as assisting in sourcing new investment opportunities.  Prior to joining Highland, Keith was an Assistant Controller for The Property Group of Connecticut, overseeing management and accounting of a portfolio of over 100 Condominium, Co-Operative and Homeowner’s Associations throughout Fairfield County Connecticut.  During this time there he was responsible for annual and long-term budgeting, capital project oversight, financing and reporting.  Keith began his real estate career working for Houlihan Parnes Realtors LLC, a New York based Real Estate Investment and Loan Placement company.  He provided financial analysis, valuations, reporting and compliance for a diverse portfolio of investments throughout the U.S., the Virgin Islands and Dominican Republic.

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