Get to know some of the ULI San Francisco members who work hard behind the scenes to develop the events and initiatives for which our District Council is known. These industry leaders come from a variety of real estate land use sectors and lend their expertise and time to drive the work of our committees. We’ve asked these committee chairs to answer questions about their involvement with ULI San Francisco.

Chris DeHaan, Bay Area Programs Committee Vice Chair
Vice President, Sares Regis Northern California Group

Q. How did you first get involved with ULI and your committees?
ULI has been a pivotal part of my career. When I started looking for jobs in real estate development, a mentor of mine had two key pieces of advice: 1) join ULI, and 2) meet with his friend at Sares-Regis. As they say, the rest is history. I got involved with the Young Leaders Group right away – Ventures in the Vineyards was one of my first events and I was hooked! After I raised my hand to get more involved in planning events, I started by joining the YLG Steering Committee and then the Silicon Valley Programs Committee as well. I eventually Co-Chaired the YLG Steering Committee with Lexi Russell, my good friend and the current Chair of the Bay Area Programs Committee, of which I am currently Vice Chair.

Q. What’s a memorable connection you’ve made through ULI?
I’ve made more connections through ULI than I can count, so this is a tough one! I always recommend the YLG Mentor Program to young folks looking to build a network. It’s an invaluable way to build lasting connections with fellow young professionals and meet senior leaders in the industry. George Marcus made a cameo appearance at one of our meetings with John McNellis, and that certainly was memorable.

Q. What keeps you engaged with ULI SF and what are you most excited about in the near future?
I love the combination of high-quality content and opportunities to build authentic relationships. I’ve met some of my closest friends through ULI events and my ULI network. I’m looking forward to attending my first Fall Meeting here on our home turf in San Francisco in 2025!

Q. What do you hope to accomplish in the next year?
Professionally, 2025 is all about laying the groundwork for the next cycle. We’re actively chasing a number of sites, so I’m looking forward to getting started on a few new deals next year. As Ken Rosen recently said, this could be the best investment vintage since the early 90’s, and I believe that.

Q. What’s your leadership philosophy/style?
The best leaders I’ve encountered lead by example: they show up in-person, they come prepared, and they keep their cool no matter the situation. In development, things change daily and conflict is an unavoidable part of the process. The best leaders rise above these conflicts and keep team members focused on their shared goals and the project vision. Don’t be afraid to lean into discomfort – it’s the best way to build these skills.

Q: What’s front of mind for you right now?
Chasing new deals. 2024 was a big year for our team – we delivered 8 projects totaling over 1,300 new homes. With office buildings sitting vacant after the pandemic, we think there’s lots of opportunity for us to help owners convert their aging office properties into housing.

Q: Who has been an instrumental person in your career?
At Sares Regis, I’m surrounded by incredibly intelligent and accomplished people, many of whom I consider to be mentors. Special shout-out to Drew Hudacek, our past SF ULI District Council Chair, for sharing his wisdom, love of cars, and his endless supply of witty one-liners.

Q: Outside of work and ULI, what do you enjoy doing?
I’m an avid skier – my wife and I met on a ski trip! I also started taking tennis lessons this year and have really been enjoying that.

Q: If you could have any career in another profession, what would it be?
Making wine or designing cars. If only those careers paid well!

Q: What has been your most unusual role, to date?
In high school, I had a summer job working for a local landlord who owned a few industrial buildings. The buildings didn’t need much so I spent most of my time doing odd jobs: chauffeuring him around, playing golf caddy, and washing cars. Anything to get some “real estate” experience!

Q: What’s at the top of your ‘bucket list’?
Traveling to every continent. Antarctica is going to be a special challenge, but I want to make it happen!

Q: What’s your must-have food or drink?
I’m a wine guy – I love a good Sonoma Coast pinot or a vintage grower Champagne. Someday I might even learn how to make the stuff!

Thank you, Chris, for your leadership within our Bay Area Programs Committee and District Council!