Michael J. Heller

“I grew up surrounded by architecture and construction. I am the son of an old-school contractor who happened to love modern design. I spent my teenage summers working as a laborer at the construction company. Despite being so young, I earned union wages and enjoyed making money on my own. My parents also exposed me to the joy of travel and experiencing other cultures. I was lucky enough to visit many foreign countries and even had an opportunity to live in France for a summer.

From 1978 to 1982 I attended Jesuit High School and made many lasting friendships. My undergraduate college education took me to USC where I studied engineering and business from 1982-1986. I loved everything about my college experience and managed to successfully combine social life and freedom with responsibility and grades. After graduating, I was determined to start my career and my focus was to be a developer.

I grew up surrounded by architecture and construction. I am the son of an old-school contractor who happened to love modern design.

After a 4-year stint in acquisitions and development for a national developer, I decided to get my MBA and went back to USC in 1990. With two degrees and 4 years of practical field experience, I was ready for the next challenge. In 1991 I moved back home to work with my father buying and developing office buildings throughout Sacramento. This led to starting my own business in 1997 called Heller Pacific Inc, a real estate development company specializing in office, retail and mixed-use development.

In addition to my business pursuits, I made a conscious decision to give back by volunteering my time and resources to the following causes:

• Big Brothers/Big Sisters
• Shriners Hospital
• Crocker Art Museum
• B Street Theater
• Midtown Business Association
• Downtown Partnership
• R Street PBID

I have a lovely wife Evelyn and amazing twin daughters Maya and Marley who I adore. This is my greatest accomplishment!”

Matt Watson

Joined HP Team in 2013

Matt Watson serves Heller Pacific as Vice President/CFO and is responsible for all accounting and finance functions. With over 25 years’ experience, Matt has been directly involved with the acquisition, finance, development, management, and disposition of over 1 billion dollars of land, residential, and commercial real estate.

Kristin Leon

Joined HP Team in 2006

Kristin Leon serves Heller Pacific as Vice President of Operations. She is responsible for all property management, asset management and tenant improvements. During her extensive tenure at Heller Pacific, Kristin has become a leading authority on mixed use properties in the urban core. Additionally, she assists with Heller Pacific’s development team to enhance building operation and future management costs. Kristin holds a degree in English from the University of California, Davis.

Alex Lichtig

Joined HP Team in 2022

Alex Lichtig serves Heller Pacific as Vice President of Development & Construction. He is responsible for new development, adaptive reuse, and major construction projects within the Heller Pacific portfolio. In over 15 years in the business, Alex has diverse experience working for well-known general contractors and established commercial real estate companies. Alex holds a degree in Construction Engineering and an MBA from San Diego State University.

Deron Benvenuti

Joined HP Team in 2017

Deron Benvenuti serves as Director of Leasing for Heller Pacific and is responsible for lease negotiations and tenant improvements. Deron brings more than 25 years of experience in the development, leasing and project management of office, retail, industrial and multi-family properties throughout the Sacramento region. In addition, he assists on special projects and underwriting of new development opportunities. Deron holds a degree in English from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Kelly Dunn

Joined HP Team in 2003

Kelly Dunn serves Heller Pacific as Office Administrator and the Executive Assistant to Michael Heller. Kelly has over 25 years of extensive experience, specializing in office administration and executive support functions, human resources, and tenant relations. Additionally, Kelly has been with Heller Pacific since 2003, during that time she has acquired a wide range of skills and knowledge in commercial & residential property management.

Channon Lee

Joined HP Team in 2015

Channon Lee serves Heller Pacific as Accountant since April 2015, overseeing a large volume of financial services for sixteen entities. Channon received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2004, and in 2012 received her Master of Science degree in Accounting.

Mark Devlin

Joined HP Team in 2016

Matt Bailey

Joined HP Team in 2023

Lucio Padilla

Joined HP Team in 2022