Leadership Team

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  Zach Wiegert

  Chief Executive Office & Managing Principal

  Zach Wiegert has over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate, leading the acquisition and development of more than $6 billion in projects and currently overseeing $3 billion in assets under management. He founded Goldenrod Capital Advisors in 2017, managing multiple real estate funds with over $700 million in commitments.

  A former NFL player and College Football Hall of Fame inductee, Zach studied economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is deeply committed to philanthropy, with a focus on health and education initiatives.

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  Zach Wiegert

  Chief Executive Office & Managing Principal

  Zach Wiegert is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Goldenrod Companies, a fully integrated commercial real estate finance, development, and management firm. Over the past 20 years, Goldenrod has developed and acquired more than $6 billion in private real estate assets and an additional $3 billion through public-private partnerships.

  Wiegert began his professional career after being selected with the 38th overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. He founded Goldenrod Companies in 2005 to manage his own real estate portfolio before officially retiring from the NFL in 2007, following a 12-year career.

  Driven by a commitment to creating long-term value and controlling outcomes for partners, Wiegert has expanded Goldenrod’s portfolio to include closed-end private real estate funds, private and public development, general contracting, concrete, asset and property management, and insurance.

  Wiegert studied economics at the University of Nebraska, where he was a captain of the 1994 undefeated national champion Cornhuskers. He won the Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best interior lineman, was named a consensus All-American, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2022.

  Wiegert actively supports several nonprofit organizations, including the Navy SEAL Foundation, Tip of the Spear, and the Teammates Youth Mentoring Program.

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  Zac Marquess

  Chief Development Officer

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  Zac Marquess

  Chief Development Officer

  Zac Marquess is the Chief Development Officer for Goldenrod Companies. Zac leads the acquisition and development of assets from project inception to certificate of occupancy. Investment strategies have been and continue to be executed for a multitude of asset classes including multifamily, office, industrial, student housing, hospitality and more.

  Since opening Goldenrod’s Atlanta office, Marquess has enjoyed spearheading large-scale, mixed-use master developments and acquisitions as well as public private partnerships.

  He received undergraduate degrees in Finance, Economics, Banking, and Investment Science/Portfolio Management from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he was also a member of the men’s soccer team. He received his Master of Real Estate Development degree from Auburn University and holds a real estate license in the State of Georgia.

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  Cassie Paben

  EVP of Public-Private Partnerships

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  Cassie Paben

  EVP of Public-Private Partnerships

  Cassie Paben is the Executive Vice President of Public-Private Partnerships for Goldenrod Companies. With more than 20 years of commercial real estate and economic development experience, Ms. Paben has worked across the full real estate spectrum, with deep expertise in land development, entitlements, and incentives. She specializes in structuring deals that balance public objectives with private-sector needs, ensuring financial viability while delivering meaningful community value. Her background also includes the unique perspective of acquiring, developing, and disposing of real estate assets both as a public-sector professional and on behalf of a private company.

  Cassie earned her Bachelors Degree in Communication Studies and Sociology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, followed by a Masters Degree in Management from Doane University. She is also a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute (OU-EDI). In 2015, she was selected as a Daniel Rose Fellow through the Urban Land Institute and the National League of Cities’ Rose Center for Public Leadership. Cassie has served as President of the Nebraska Economic Developers Association and on the CREW Omaha Board of Directors.

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  Jordan Potthoff

  Development Manager

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  Jordan Potthoff

  Development Manager

  Jordan joined Goldenrod Companies after six years in commercial real estate as a Broker. Her strong attention to detail and organizational skills make her a key member of the team as Development Manager, where she oversees and manages the execution of real estate developments, leasing, and operational projects from inception to completion, ensuring timelines, budgets, and scope are met. She also plays an important role in supporting our Public-Private Partnership (P3) Division, handling everything from client engagement to business relations to deliver long-term value to our partners.

  She is actively involved in Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) and International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) organizations, where she enjoys networking with industry professionals. Her involvement has led to valued relationships with brokers, architects, consulting firms, general contractors, banks, and title companies.

  A former member of the University of Nebraska Women’s Golf Team, Jordan has spent more than 20 years competing in tournaments, developing the discipline, focus, and competitive drive that influence her daily work. Her background in athletics continues to shape her approach to challenges, teamwork, and achieving results.