ADVISOR
Eddy Benoit Jr. is the President and CEO of The Benoit Group, which is comprised of a commercial development group and a real estate consulting firm. With over twenty years of experience in the commercial development industry totaling over $1.8 billion in project value, he currently focuses on the firm’s business diversification and geographical expansion. Mr. Benoit’s strategic plan consists of leveraging the company’s core expertise through its vertical integration, and providing turnkey real estate solutions in the market place. The Benoit Group’s platform involves low risk development pursuits and real estate advisory services, positioning the firm to succeed through various real estate cycles.
Mr. Benoit is engaged in the operation of the development group which focuses on the sustainability and development of Mixed-Income Family, Independent Senior, Workforce, and HUD-subsidized Affordable Housing. It also targets Higher Education student housing development opportunities within major university systems and historically black colleges and universities. Additionally, he is very active in the business development of the consulting group, growing its footprint within the US and abroad.
Prior to establishing The Benoit Group, Mr. Benoit served as President of Ambling Development Partners. He was responsible for the company’s strategic direction, as well as growth and expansion into new markets throughout the country. In addition to overseeing the development operations for Ambling Development Partners, he focused on structuring public and private joint-venture partnerships, raised private investment capital, securing competitive financing programs with key lender relationships, managing overall company financial risks, and monitoring the disposition strategy for all major projects.
In 2007, Mr. Benoit also founded Ambling International Consulting which focused on offering real estate advisory and program management services to foreign governments within the Caribbean and Africa, while working closely with their Cabinet ministries.
ADVISOR
Kai-Uwe Bergmann brings his expertise to proposals around the globe, including work in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Kai-Uwe heads up BIG’s business development which currently has the office working in over 20 different countries as well as overseeing BIG’s Communications. Registered as an architect in the USA (thirteen states) and Canada (one province), Kai-Uwe most recently contributed to the resiliency plan The Dryline to protect 10 miles of Manhattan’s coastline. He compliments his professional work through previous teaching assignments at the University of Florida, the New School of Architecture in San Diego and his alma mater the University of Virginia. Kai-Uwe is recognized in the AIA College of Fellows, sits on the Board of the Van Alen Institute, participates on numerous international juries and lectures globally on the works of BIG.
ADVISOR
In May 2024, Marywood University proudly announced the appointment of James Eckler as the Dean of the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies. By December 2024, recognizing his exceptional leadership and vision, Eckler was officially named Dean, marking a milestone in his distinguished career. Known for his innovative approach in the School of Architecture, Eckler now leads the Reap College with the same unwavering dedication to educational excellence and the preparation of future leaders and innovators.
James Eckler’s leadership philosophy centers on teamwork and collaboration—qualities he considers crucial for both academic and professional success. “Operating as a leader in a teamwork setting is an imperative skill to develop,” Eckler shares, emphasizing the collective effort essential in today’s interconnected world.
With a rich background in Architecture and Architectural Pedagogy from the University of Florida, Eckler is well-prepared to guide the Reap College’s diverse academic offerings. His expertise in urban space design and architectural education will now enhance the college’s mission to integrate cutting-edge research with practical applications, enriching the academic landscape.
Eckler’s scholarly work, including two influential books and numerous papers, underscores his role as a thought leader who adeptly addresses complex challenges with creative solutions. His leadership is set to inspire a new era of academic rigor and innovation at the Reap College, where theoretical insights are seamlessly woven into real-world applications.
Explore the future of creative and professional studies at Marywood University under the capable guidance of James Eckler, where innovative thinking is not just taught but lived. Join us in this transformative journey, where students are prepared to make meaningful impacts in their chosen fields.