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 CEO 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, President, 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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Mr. Crawley currently serves as the president for Masterplan, overseeing the operations for the firm. Karl joined Masterplan in 1998 and over the past 23 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: Austin

Fun Fact: Before settling in Austin in 2006, Karen resided or worked in 13 different Texas cities, providing her with a general familiarity in many of the communities that Masterplan serves.

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A long-time central Texas land use and zoning leader, Karen Wunsch brings more than 25 years of real estate industry experience and leadership to her role as Managing Director of Masterplan’s Austin office. Since joining Masterplan in 2014, she has helped clients navigate zoning, platting, and permitting processes to get projects approved and completed.   

Mrs. Wunsch’s local experience and knowledge allows Masterplan to provide Austin area clients with the same quality of service that has established the company’s reputation for customer satisfaction over the past 40 years.  

She began her career in municipal government working for planning departments in Houston and Garland, which provided an opportunity to gain experience in all aspects of land use planning and development.  

After relocating to Austin in 2006, Mrs. Wunsch worked as a planner and client services manager for Pate Engineers, which gave her an even greater appreciation for how to manage the physical, political, and economic influences that impact the business of land development.  

After leaving Pate Engineers, she continued to provide clients with zoning, platting, and land development services by starting her own business.  

Mrs. Wunsch continues to offer these services to clients, existing and new, along with the additional expertise, resources, and institutional knowledge of the Masterplan team. She has done zoning and land use throughout the state of Texas. She is also actively involved in numerous industry organizations including Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), the Texas Chapter of American Planning Association (APA), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), and Real Estate Council of Austin (RECA).

Office Location: Frisco

Fun Fact: Maxwell is a foodie, and he has two pugs which he adores.

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Maxwell Fisher has a true dedication to his craft and is recognized as a leading zoning and land use consultant in the state of Texas. Since joining the firm in 2012, Maxwell has assisted landowners and developers with hundreds of requests for land use diligence, zoning changes, subdivision platting and permitting endeavors. Maxwell puts his clients first and strives to work through challenges faced in the city development review process. In addition to working in Dallas, Maxwell handles a large portion of Masterplan’s zoning entitlement services in the DFW suburbs. He also leads Masterplan’s efforts on due diligence reports for speculative development projects and for lenders.  

Maxwell’s education in local government management plays a pivotal role in success as a consultant and helping clients achieve their entitlement pursuits and real estate development goals. Prior to joining Masterplan, Maxwell administered the zoning and land development process as Principal Planner for the City of Garland, and previously worked as an urban planner for the City of Galveston. This service includes staff liaison for zoning board of adjustments, planning and zoning commissions, city council, and a landmark commission. His decade of experience on the “inside” as a city planner is invaluable using knowledge of the inner workings and political dynamics of government to navigate the entitlement process, giving his clients the best opportunity for success.  

Maxwell also played a key role in creation of a unified development code and has conducted several analyses pertaining to land use data and development standards for code amendments. Maxwell previously served on the Garland Plan Commission where he reviewed and voted on zoning, platting and other land use proposals that came before the city. Mr. Fisher is a certified planner and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners as well as a member of the American Planning Association.  

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: She had a flag flown over the US Capitol in her honor.

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Nicolle Ketcham currently serves as the marketing director for Masterplan, overseeing the national marketing operations. With more than 10 years of executive brand and marketing experience across a range of industries, she brings a deep and diverse understanding of marketing strategy, campaign execution, and client engagement.   

She received her B.A.s from Texas Tech University in marketing and management before eventually leading the marketing efforts for a global logistics firm with 36 offices across North America and sales teams located around the world. In 2016, she made the move to join the AEC industry and has worked with some of the top Fortune 500 companies in Texas.   

Nicolle is passionate about supporting her community and is an active member of the Dallas Regional Chamber. She is extremely pro-coffee and in her spare time can be found loitering at coffee shops around Dallas-Fort Worth with her husband, Chad. 

Office Location: Dallas

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

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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: Before settling in Plano in 2013, Kiesha resided or worked in 15 different Texas cities, providing her with a general familiarity in many of the communities that Masterplan serves.

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Ms. Kay joined Masterplan in July 2019 after a long career working for the City of Dallas as the Chief Planner for the Sustainable Development and Construction Department. Her experience with the City of Dallas and her graduate-level education from Texas A&M University bring new ideas and insight to Masterplan. She has several years of proven experience working for local governments and serving community organizations, development professionals, architects/engineers, and others engaged in urban planning and development.  

Kiesha is customer service-driven and has a proven track record of effective communication with the public, municipal executives, and large-scale developers. She has senior-level professional experience in public speaking and information presentation in public hearings to elected officials and senior-level management. Kiesha brings a new perspective and enthusiasm to Masterplan and is ready to help with your project needs.  

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: Ethel has never met a stranger. If she has met a stranger, they haven’t remained a stranger for long. Her laid-back personality makes her a quick friend to those in both her personal and professional life.

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Since joining Masterplan in 2017, Mrs. Green has worked closely with the firm’s clients to improve execution and drive project efficiency on highly complex accounts. Bringing 34 years of experience with the City of Dallas, she specializes in permit processing, certificate of occupancy, and zoning-related solutions.  

Her entire career was in City of Dallas Building Inspection where she started when she was a VOE student. She worked her way up the ranks, starting as a secretary, then permit clerk, and on to senior plans examiner reviewing residential and commercial plans.  

 Later she served as Assistant Manager of the One Stop Permit Center. In her last position as Multi-Technical Manager, she oversaw the staff of the Residential Team and the Conservation District Senior Planners. Today, Ethel’s deep technical understanding of City of Dallas land use and zoning is something clients have come to count on in this continuously evolving market.   

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: Jose owns his own agave farm for tequila production in Jalisco, Mexico.

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Jose Martinez joined Masterplan in 2021, where he works closely with clients to support them when it comes to obtaining their permits and to guide them as they go about the process. In addition, Martinez communicates with city staff members on behalf of his clients as he handles zoning and permitting cases. 

Jose earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Architecture at the University of Texas at Arlington. He was also given the opportunity to study abroad in Europe during his college career, which was a life-changing experience for him. During his free time, Jose enjoys restoring classic cars and remodeling houses with his father. He is also passionate about the art he creates using oil paint. 

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: In her spare time, she enjoys running and has recently started trail running with Team Dirt and Vert.

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Danielle R. Mathews joined Masterplan in 2021. She previously worked with the City of Arlington and the City of Dallas as an expert of zoning and land use regulations. With nearly 10 years of experience in the development industry, she is adept at managing her client’s zoning, land use, and permitting needs.   

In Danielle’s role, she is responsible for interpreting municipal codes, drafting planning and zoning commission and Board of Adjustment presentations, reviewing development and site plans, and managing the permitting process on behalf of clients.  

Office Location: Dallas

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

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

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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

Fun Fact: Denise has a passion for travel and has traveled to 12 countries as of 2021. Additionally, she is a passionate entrepreneur with a small catering business.

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Ms. Lujan joined Masterplan in September 2021 as the Accounting & Office Manager. Over the last 20 years, Denise has served the accounting needs of businesses and individuals alike as a detail-oriented accounting professional. As an accounting professional since 2001, she has gained a deep understanding of Accounting, HR, and Payroll, and has worked in various industries both in Dallas-Fort Worth and in West Texas. She loves making a positive impact in her role and even helped one company save hundreds of thousands of dollars by correcting just one accounting error. Although she has worked for large companies, she believes she is most impactful in startups, family-owned or medium-sized businesses.

While she excels at accounting, Ms. Lujan’s passion is helping others. She has assisted individuals with starting up their businesses, has prepared tax returns for low-income individuals in her community, and aspires to become a foster parent one day.

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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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.