Executive Luncheon Series

Navigating the Crossroads - The Future of Development, Lending and Investment in the DMV

You are invited to attend a commercial real estate roundtable discussion hosted by the Catholic Business Network of Washington, D.C. Our panelists will share how seasoned leaders are managing uncertainty, making strategic capital decisions, and positioning themselves for sustained growth while strengthening our communities.

Whether your background is in real estate, finance, or business leadership, you'll leave with actionable insights into emerging opportunities and how to prepare for them.

Panelists

Kevin Bayly is an experienced real estate attorney with more than a decade of expertise in title and settlement services, focusing primarily on commercial real estate transactions throughout Washington, D.C., and Maryland. He advises developers, builders, and commercial property owners on a broad range of matters, including acquisitions, construction financing, residential sales, tenant rights, condominium conversions, title curative issues, and regulatory considerations related to urban development. Known for his practical and strategic approach, Kevin regularly guides clients through complex, high-value transactions.

Martin McCarthy as Chief Executive Officer of Founders Bank, Mr. McCarthy is responsible for overall implementation and management of bank objectives, policies, culture, and strategic plan. Mr. McCarthy’s experience spans over 20 years in banking and real estate in the Washington area. Mr. McCarthy is a graduate of Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA and a graduate of the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking, University of Pennsylvania, and earned the Wharton Leadership Certificate for Executive Leadership in Banking. He has been and is currently active on several boards and committees for various organizations in the Washington area. Mr. McCarthy currently serves as board member at The Father McKenna Center and is a Trustee at the Sibley Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Kent Marquis is a principal with Stonebridge, Kent Marquis focuses on financial strategies relative to acquisitions, asset management, and dispositions. He manages relationships with current and prospective financing partners, directs the underwriting of potential investment properties, manages the firm’s investment assets, and reports on all investments to lenders and investors. He has more than twenty years of experience in the real estate industry with complex joint venture structures spanning a diverse range of property types.

Kelly Shooshan O'Shea serves as Chief Executive Officer for the Shooshan Company. She is primarily responsible for implementation of the company’s strategic vision. She leads the Shooshan Company team in fulfilling their roles by formulating recommendations for action and implementing agreed-upon plans. Kelly oversees all company expenditures and monitors the company’s financial position. In addition, she works on identifying and evaluating new development and acquisition opportunities for the firm.

Mathew Ritz is the Senior Vice President of Development at WC Smith, responsible for finding new development opportunities, join ventures, and overall business for the company. A Washington, DC, resident, Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Gettysburg College and a Master of Real Estate Development from the University of Maryland. He currently serves on the DC Building Industry Association’s (DCBIA) Board as a Director, the DCBIA Public Policy & Regulation Committee and the St. John’s College High School Alumni Council.

Moderator: Michael C. Ridgway is recognized in the region as one of the innovative industry leaders in improving the entire customer experience in the settlement process. Additionally, he brings over 38 years of experience as a lawyer and proactive problem solver to every aspect of the settlement process. He is a deeply committed to the highest level of customer service to all stakeholders in the settlement transaction and has built his professional team around this foundation. Mike has lived his entire life in the Washington Region and is passionate in serving consumers, real estate professionals, and the general community. Mike is a recognized philanthropist in the Washington Region, volunteering his time, and often taking leadership roles, in many non-profit organizations and efforts that serve youth- particularly underprivileged youth. Mike is a graduate of Georgetown Prep, Dickinson College, and has a Juris Doctor from The Catholic University School of Law.