Housing in Solano - Developer Perspectives: Speaker Bios

SPEAKER BIOS SPEAKER SERIES WEBINAR

HOUSING IN SOLANO DEVELOPER PERSPECTIVES OCTOBER 31ST, 2025 12PM - 1:30PM

Michelle Boyd Chief Strategy Officer - Terner Labs

Jonathan Fearn Sr. Vice President, Development - Signature Development Group

Keith Rogal Owner - Rogal Associates

Nicolas Ruhl Regional Director - AG Spanos Corporation

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SPONSORED BY:

Michelle Boyd

Chief Strategy Officer - Terner Labs

Michelle leads strategic planning, new program development, and fundraising at Terner Labs. Michelle joined Terner Center in 2018 to lead the design and launch of the Housing Venture Lab as a program of the Terner Center. She then helped create Terner Labs as a founding staff member, building a new home for the Housing Venture Lab and the foundation for future initiatives.

Michelle brings a decade of experience in community and startup finance, organizational strategy and design, and urban policy research. Prior to joining the Terner team, Michelle worked as a strategy consultant for the Bridgespan Group, collaborating with nonprofits, social entrepreneurs, and foundation leaders across issues of community development, housing, and education. She also worked with housing social impact startup, Landed, developing the organization’s impact metrics and fundraising strategy.

Michelle holds an MBA from the Haas School of Business, an Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Real Estate from UC Berkeley, and a BA in Public Policy from the University of Chicago.

Michelle also serves as an advisor to various coalitions dedicated to housing innovation and impact investing.

Jonathan Fearn Sr. Vice President, Development - Signature Development Group

With over 20 years of experience in real estate development, construction, and housing policy, I am passionate about creating sustainable and equitable development projects that benefit the communities and the environment. As the Head of Development at Oak Impact Group, I oversee the planning, design, financing, and construction of residential (both affordable and market rate), mixeduse, and transit-oriented developments in the Bay Area. I have successfully delivered multiple projects that incorporate green building practices, community engagement, and social impact strategies.

Previously, I was the Managing Director of Development at Greystar, where I led the development of market-rate and student housing projects in Northern California, totaling over $2 billion in value. I also serve as a Commissioner on the Oakland Planning Commission, where I review and approve major development proposals and policy initiatives that shape the future of the city.

I hold a Masters in City Planning from UC Berkeley and a BA in History from Wesleyan University. I am a founding member of Connect OAKLAND, a grassroots organization that advocates for transforming the I-980 freeway into a multi-modal boulevard that connects downtown Oakland with West Oakland and creates opportunities for housing, jobs, and open space. I am driven by the vision of creating livable, vibrant, and inclusive communities that foster social and environmental justice. I am excited to partner with those that share this vision and values collaboration, innovation, and diversity.

Keith Rogal

Owner - Rogal Associates Keith Rogal was the founder of The Carneros Inn in Napa, California; is managing partner of the Napa Pipe mixed-use development project; and is directing the reuse and development planning for the former Copia property in Napa’s Oxbow District.

Keith conceived of the Carneros Inn project in 1997 and managed all aspects of its development, from initial land assembly through its operational launch and marketplace acceptance as a distinctive and highly regarded luxury resort. At Napa Pipe, he identified the investment opportunity and has directed the project from its inception. His responsibilities have included management of all site planning and design, engineering, environmental analysis, and public hearing and community outreach efforts. His role with the redevelopment of the Copia property is similar, although in that case the work performed is on behalf of a third-party institution, rather than as a principal investor-manager. He has also led other long-term development or advisory efforts on behalf of public agencies, such as Miami-Dade County, and large landowners, including the Hearst Corporation.

Keith’s professional activities have focused exclusively on the creative reuse of previously developed sites. His work is guided by the principles of the Charter of the Congress of New Urbanism, to which he is a signatory, and was shaped by his upbringing in the family’s international group travel business. That fortunate family experience allowed him the opportunity to experience and appreciate the attributes of beautiful and distinctive places throughout the world; places which over time had established, encouraged and enhanced their special character.

Keith was raised in New England, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in History and Literature from Harvard, and earned a master’s degree from the Yale School of Management, before becoming a Californian. He is a resident of Napa.

Nicolas Ruhl

Regional Director - AG Spanos Corporation Nicolas Ruhl is a seasoned leader in real estate development, currently serving as Regional Director at the AG Spanos Corporation, one of the country’s largest privately held developers of multifamily housing. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the planning, financing, and execution of large-scale residential and mixed-use developments across Northern California, bringing together market insight, community awareness, and operational precision.

Nicolas began his career in sales at LinkedIn and XOJET, where he honed his skills in relationship management and strategic growth. After earning his MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management, he pivoted into the real estate sector, combining his background in technology and business with a passion for housing development. His approach is rooted in collaboration, efficiency, and delivering projects that are both financially successful and responsive to regional housing needs.

A former student-athlete at Stanford University, Nicolas brings the same competitive spirit and commitment to teamwork into his professional life.

Today, he is focused on building communities that reflect thoughtful design, long-term value, and real solutions to California’s housing challenges.

SPEAKER SERIES WEBINAR

HOUSING IN SOLANO DEVELOPER PERSPECTIVES OCTOBER 31ST, 2025 12PM - 1:30PM

Michelle Boyd Chief Strategy Officer - Terner Labs

Jonathan Fearn Sr. Vice President, Development - Signature Development Group

Keith Rogal Owner - Rogal Associates

Nicolas Ruhl Regional Director - AG Spanos Corporation

CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER

SPONSORED BY: