Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: He is a member of the Texas Association Sports Officials Hall of Honor for basketball officiating.

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Bio:
Dr. Cothrum serves as President of Masterplan and LaBarba Permit Service. He joined Masterplan in 2003 as a consultant supporting hundreds of business owners and municipalities prior to assuming his current role in 2009.  

Throughout his career, Dr. Cothrum has worked on numerous politically charged and technically difficult cases. He directed the efforts on Rosewood Court, many types of multi-family projects, and self-storage locations. Over the past decade, he and Karl Crawley, Executive Director – Texas, have worked more cases in Oaklawn and Dallas Uptown than any others.  

He is responsible for consulting with and advising clients on requirements for zoning and permit applications for various area municipalities. His practice includes significant experience in public presentations before community groups, municipal boards, commissions, and councils concerning zoning changes, variances, and plats.  

Dr. Cothrum typically assists clients from due diligence and site selection through the entire zoning and building permit process, culminating with a certificate of occupancy.  

He was previously a tenured professor in the University of Texas System. He received a doctorate from Texas Christian University and completed postdoctoral work at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He is also an alumni member of Leadership Dallas.  

With a great passion and commitment to serving the community, Dr. Cothrum spends his spare time supporting numerous non-profit organizations. He places an active role through his involvement as a member of the Board of Directors of Dallas Academy, the McWhiney Foundation, City Hospital at White Rock, C.C. Young Senior Living, and is the President of the Highland Park Education Foundation.  

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: Karl’s grandfather, Karl F. Hoefle, was director of Dallas Water Utilities during the drought of the 1950’s and was instrumental in having water piped from the Red River to Dallas to keep the city supplied.

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Bio:
Mr. Crawley currently serves as the Executive Director – Texas for Masterplan, overseeing the operations for the firm. Karl joined Masterplan in 1998 and over the past 24 years has helped hundreds of clients across Texas with their zoning and land use needs. A resident of the Dallas area for more than 40 years and a Dallas ISD alumni, Mr. Crawley is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a master’s degree in urban planning.  

He has developed Comprehensive Plan documents for several small Texas cities, developed several hundred single-family residential lots in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and has been involved with zoning projects from both the public and private sector sides.  

Mr. Crawley has been the most frequent presenter at the Oaklawn Committee over the past decade and has developed an expertise in the Dallas Development Code.  

Prior to joining Masterplan, Mr. Crawley was the Senior Zoning Planner for the City of Dallas. His involvement with the city of Dallas included working on several large private development projects and the initial DART rail line.  

During his tenure with the City of Dallas, he was also the Intown Housing Director and was instrumental in obtaining federal loan approval for the initial development of housing in downtown Dallas.  

Since joining Masterplan, Mr. Crawley has been involved in all aspects of obtaining approval for development projects throughout North Texas as well as the approval of all Dallas ISD projects for the past three bond programs.  

He previously served as Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Rowlett. He currently serves as President of the Rowlett Housing Finance Corporation  

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: She has been a professional photographer for seven years, photographing weddings, high school and college seniors, and families.

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Bio:
​Katelyn joined the Masterplan team in 2023 as the Marketing Manager, where she is responsible for the strategic growth and success of marketing leads as well as overall Marketing support to the Masterplan team.

Katelyn is a Baylor University graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and New Media from the class of 2020. While in college, Katelyn was selected as her sorority’s Executive Office Intern. For Alpha Delta Pi, she assisted the marketing team in preparing for the upcoming recruitment seasons and marketing endeavors. For her senior year, she was accepted into a program where she spent a semester in New York, interning and providing pre-production research for a documentary film.

Professionally, Katelyn has over three years of e-commerce marketing experience in brand recognition and social strategy. In her previous role, she oversaw all marketing efforts, running a small but optimized team of creative individuals to drive daily sales goals. She is passionate about data and its role in marketing and will take the time to understand her audience to optimize the outcome.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, planning trips with her sisters, watching movies, and baking new recipes.

Office Location: Austin

Fun Fact: Larry was the valedictorian of his high school class in Sweetwater, Texas. Go Mustangs! Fitting since he is now a huge SMU fan.

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Bio:
Larry joined the Masterplan team in 2023, bringing 26 years of public sector experience. Larry retired from public service in 2018 after having been appointed as city attorney by the city council of Dallas in 2016. After obtaining a B.S. in Mechanical Enhineering, Larry graduated from the Texas Tech School of Law with his J.D. He immediately headed to Austin to serve as the chief of staff for a Texas state senator and general counsel for a standing Senate committee.

Larry was hired in 1992 by the City of Dallas to oversee the City’s state and federal legislative initiatives. And finally, Larry’s career serving the citizens of Dallas culminated with his appointment by the City Council to serve as the City’s chief attorney in 2016.

Larry was the head city staff person overseeing the effort to address a $3.5 billion city pension fund deficit, a $4 billion personnel lawsuit filed against the city, and the re-acquisition of a major water supply reservoir after a series of court decisions had held that the city retained no ownership or contractual rights in the lake. At the time of Larry‘s appointment as the City Attorney, the city’s bond credit rating ranged from a B- to CCC, a credit rating considered extremely speculative and that put the city at risk of default and financial insolvency. 

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: Lee climbed Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.

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Bio:
Senior Advisor, Lee M. Kleinman, currently provides Masterplan with companywide leadership and client support based on his in-depth experience working at City Hall. For nearly 15 years, Lee has worked at the City of Dallas as a Council Member and on the Park Board, making him extremely qualified in supporting clients who are seeking government approvals. Before joining Masterplan, Mr. Kleinman began his professional career as a principal entrepreneur for high-growth and startup companies in the cellular and software industries. He brings excellent experience in lobbying and has worked directly with the Texas Legislature in Austin, Texas and the U.S. Legislature in Washington D.C., as well as many local government organizations.

Lee received his B.A. in Economics and Psychology from Pitzer College and, after 10 years of business experience, earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University.

When he is not in the office, Lee can often be found traveling to new places around the world. He has been to all 7 continents and some of his favorite destinations are Cuba, Viet Nam, Patagonia, and Antarctica. He has also had the opportunity to witness Silver Back Gorillas in Rwanda as well as Polar Bears and Northern Lights in Canada. In his spare time, Mr. Kleinman also enjoys staying active by biking, snow skiing, photography, and hiking various trails.

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: He has sailed over 3,000 nautical miles across the North Atlantic and Caribbean.

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Bio:
With nearly three decades of experience across diverse sectors, Eric is responsible for developing new strategies and initiatives, building new relationships while maintaining existing client and partner relationships, and advising clients on housing developments. As a licensed commercial real estate agent, Eric uses his expertise and experience within the real estate, finance, and consulting industries to develop relationships with owners and developers to identify solutions that match their goals and ensures and positive client experience.   

Eric began his career in finance and investments, moving on to real estate, business development and advising roles working with Fortune 500 clients across the United States. He has more than 20 years of experience working with business owners, investors, developers, and local municipalities. Most recently, he worked with the City of Dallas Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Department on several new initiatives for the city involving mixed income housing.   

As an active member of his community, Eric serves on the Board of Directors and Treasurer for Project Unity, serves on Southeast Dallas Now committee, attends St. Paul United Methodist Church, and is a coach and trainer for youth basketball.   

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: Andrew is an avid snowboarder and has visited all ten ski resorts in New Mexico.

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Bio:
Andrew Ruegg joined Masterplan in November 2019. He previously worked with the City of Dallas, Sustainable Development & Construction Department for 3.5 years managing zoning cases, leading neighborhood and community outreach meetings, and working with City staff and stakeholders for development code amendments.   

Andrew has experience overseeing complex and politically charged zoning cases and understands the dynamics of diverse stakeholder needs in any given project. His understanding of working with local governments allows him to provide an expert level of service on all project matters. Andrew has worked in various planning and research-based roles with the City of Fort Worth Police Department, City of Arlington – Research and Analytics Group, and City of Frisco Development Services.   

Andrew has a passion for urban planning and the development of cities. Most recently, he has become a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS) and is certified to review accessibility on plans, newly constructed buildings, and renovations. His professional experience and graduate level education brings insightful knowledge and ideas to Masterplan.  

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: Trenton lived in Japan for 2 years and is fluent in Japanese.

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Bio:

A Texan transplant who comes to us from Utah, Trenton Robertson brings nearly 14 years of experience to Masterplan’s Dallas office. He previously worked for the Cities of San Antonio and Kerrville as a planner, and for the City of Midlothian as their Planning Director.

Trenton’s role has him managing zoning and permitting projects, which includes executing due diligence research, presenting at public hearings,  and reviewing plans for compliance. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and a coach for his son’s baseball team.

He attended Brigham Young University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Geography. He continued his higher education at the University of Utah where he received his Master’s degree in City and Metropolitan Planning.  

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: She lettered in outrigger canoe and bowling.

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Bio:

Carolyn joined the Masterplan team in 2023, bringing 15 years of public sector planning experience, all in the State of Texas. Carolyn has experience as a Planner/Senior Planner in Houston, Dallas, and Georgetown, and as the Planning Director in Hutto (go Hippos!) Most recently, she managed the Regional Codes and the Center for Development Excellence programs for the NCTCOG.

Carolyn works on both Zoning and Permitting projects, providing due diligence and entitlement research for clients in the DFW metroplex, Houston area, and Austin region.

After obtaining her B.A. in Political Science from Trinity University in San Antonio, Carolyn continued her education at the University of Texas at Arlington, gaining a Masters in City and Regional Planning. When she’s not at work, you can find Carolyn spending time in her garden, watching movies with her husband, helping her dad, or volunteering with dog rescue groups.

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: Trent will manage to stop at every Buc-ee’s in sight.

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Bio:
Mr. Tillman joined the Masterplan team in 2022, where he helps clients through the permit application process. Client engagement is one of his favorite aspects of his role because he’s able to understand their needs and provide practical solutions. Prior to joining the firm, Trent worked in the multifamily residential sector in Dallas, Texas, and possesses a successful track record in design consulting, project management, and property management.

Trent received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design from Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design, and Construction. He believes the studio-style of learning he received at Auburn has enabled him to work efficiently in a team environment. Over the course of his college career, he held two internships, one for a national construction management company and another for a southeastern engineering company. The position he took upon graduating college allowed him to relocate to Dallas, Texas, and acquire a broad understanding of multifamily residential development. Because of his desire to travel, he has become exposed to many cultures and diverse perspectives that have been useful in his career.

Office Location: Dallas

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Bio:

Mario Amador is an accomplished permitting project manager with extensive experience handling all aspects of permitting for challenging projects. He has demonstrated exceptional project management capabilities, overseeing projects of varying scales and timelines.  Mario is well-versed in collaborating with architects, engineers, municipal staff, and project managers, providing valuable consultation and fostering effective communication among stakeholders. His expertise lies in navigating the intricate web of approvals, permits, and licenses required for developments, from initial application to final approval.

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: Vivian has lived in 4 different cities in her lifetime.

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Bio:

Vivian Quintero joined Masterplan in 2021  and began working on a wide range of customer support initiatives. Vivian has primarily focused on client contracts and enhancing processes in order to provide new clients with an exceptional experience. Through her involvement with the Dallas Regional Chamber Young Professionals and the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association, she also exhibits a dedication and passion for supporting the community. 

She received her B.S. from The University of Texas at Austin in communication and leadership with a minor in business. Vivian also made the Dean’s list twice during her college career and graduated with a 4.0 major GPA and a 3.6 cumulative GPA. She spends most of her free time taking walks with her Boxer-Lab mix, Duke, who is 5-years-old. She is also very passionate about weightlifting at the local gym. When traveling to new cities, Vivian strives to try as many local coffee shops as she can during her trip.

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: Christy went fishing on the Amazon River. While on the trip the guide’s thumb was bitten off by a piranha! Don’t worry, their guide survived.

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Bio:
Christy Lancaster worked for Masterplan in its infancy, then returned in 2016 as account manager, working closely with clients and Masterplan consultants. Before coming to Masterplan, Christy worked in commercial real estate for 40+ years, working with clients in retail, office, and shopping centers. Being a lifelong Dallas resident, partnered with her local knowledge, she has been a true solutions-oriented asset for those she works with. 

Christy left the corporate world to work for a nonprofit, The Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC), where she was its first employee ever hired and oversaw the renovations and construction of the DCAC facilities. Once the facility was built, she worked on day-to-day operations but quickly realized she was drawn to the therapeutic side of what DCAC offered. Christy went back to grad school and received her master’s in clinical psychology. Upon graduation, she worked with child abuse and domestic violence agencies and programs in the area.  

She returned to the family business, Masterplan, to work alongside her mother and cousin, Dallas Cothrum, in 2016. With a passion for helping others, she enjoys working closely with clients to ensure all projects are to their satisfaction. As a finance major, she puts her expertise to work as she handles most account matters. 

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: Michelle enjoys singing.

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Bio:
Michelle Roberts joined the Masterplan team in June 2022, where she works as an Accounts Receivable Specialist in our Dallas office. She is responsible for process improvement, collections, communication with clients and other departments, resolving issues, and reporting. Her favorite aspect of her role has been getting on the ground floor with AR development and being able to be a part of moving the company forward.  

Michelle received her Bachelor’s degree in management from Saint Leo University in Florida. She previously worked for T-Mobile-MetroPCS and General Datatech where she gained valuable skills such as account reconciliation, cross-functional training, communication with government agencies, and maintaining AR records.  

In her free time, she enjoys being a host to friends & family for various events such as birthday celebrations, holidays, brunch, and game nights.