Neighborhood Nexus Development

NND specializes in assuming the role of master developer for investment projects that effectively integrate public and private development objectives. Whether it is optimizing public transportation infrastructure or integrating government office spaces, NND offers the strategic acumen and foresight required to create impactful and efficient development.

Our dedication extends far beyond the physical structures. Central to our ethos is the seamless integration of sustainability and resilience, ensuring the enduring vitality of the communities we forge. At NND, our core focus revolves around community advancement and social impact, enriching the overall quality of life and catalyzing positive transformation. With Neighborhood Nexus Development, your vision for vibrant, high-quality communities transcends mere abstraction – it becomes a meticulously tailored reality, underpinned by our steadfast commitment to excellence.

Denise led the US Advisory Services at WSP USA, a $120M business with 500 professionals. Under her leadership, the practice grew from $81M to $160M in net sales, providing services in transportation, energy, buildings, water, and environment industries. Denise also created WSP's Equity Center of Excellence (ECE), improving the quality of life for historically underserved communities. She is a seasoned executive with expertise in strategic planning, real estate, economic development, and public policy.

Appointed by President Obama and confirmed unanimously by the US Senate, Denise served as the Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer of the General Services Administration from 2014 to 2017. She managed a workforce of 12,000 employees and a $28 billion budget. Denise oversaw GSA's role as the nation's largest landlord, with over 8,300 buildings and 425 million square feet of federal office space. She also directed the Federal Acquisition Service, handling $66 billion in annual federal procurements and a $10 billion revenue fund.

Under Denise's leadership, the GSA launched the Economic Catalyst Initiative, promoting economic development around federally occupied properties. They also implemented key procurement policies to improve accessibility, transparency, and efficiency. Denise created the Technology Transformation Service, transforming federal data usage and bringing emerging technology to agencies. She coordinated a cybersecurity response team and executed the government's first public-private partnership development.

Before her time at GSA, Denise held various city leadership positions where she made significant contributions, including launching public/private initiatives that resulted in $90 million worth of city enhancements. She also served as City Manager for Greensboro, North Carolina, where she implemented operational efficiencies through department reorganization. In her role as vice president for Governmental Affairs at the Greensboro Partnership, she secured $60 million in state funds for the establishment of the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering. Additionally, as the Director of Public Space for Washington, DC, she generated $30 million in new city revenue.

Denise serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Neighborhood Property Group, a joint venture company of the Oaktree Capital Management, Transportation Infrastructure Fund, and Reef Technology, Inc., which was formed to acquire strategic parking facilities. She also serves as an advisory board member for Townebank, as a board member for the Gateway University Research Park and as a board member of her son’s school, the Greensboro Day School. Denise is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.