Dessie has over 25 years’ experience in construction project management and architectural design, with experience internationally in Edinburgh, Scotland; Gent, Belgium; Vancouver, Canada; London, England; and most recently for the last eight years in New Jersey and New York. His core specialty is high-end residential construction, and historical rehabilitation of dilapidated buildings.

Dessie is a versatile performer with proven ability to direct high-end property development/construction projects from concept through close-out including site management, budgets, schedules, material/supply procurement, and inspections. He is a significant contributor to the Fund, well versed in leading multi-disciplinary design teams including architects, structural/mechanical engineers, contractors, and specialized subcontractors while value engineering design proposals that maximize budget savings.

As Executive Director, Dessie promotes positive/proactive communication channels among project stakeholders; breaks project operations down into specific, and manageable sequences, and interfaces regularly with interior design, permit approval, and architectural design departments. He actively drives the construction procurement process, with heavy involvement in scope identification, bid analysis, contractor buyout, and contract preparation. During onsite construction, Dessie closely monitors contractors’ performance and ensures expenditures are properly accounted for while all risks are actively managed.

Dessie holds a B.Sc Architecture & B.Arch (Hons) from the University of Dundee, Scotland and a Postgraduate Diploma in Construction and Project Management from the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland. He is also a member of the Royal Institute of Architects (RIBA), England.