Becoming Crown Community Development

Jennifer Cowan is the Managing Director of Crown Community Development, bringing over 25 years of expertise in real estate development, with a specialized focus on master-planned communities. She holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Michigan State University. Her extensive experience spans a wide array of areas, including operations, acquisitions, asset management, investment management, public finance, zoning, and entitlements across multiple U.S. markets. With a robust background in civil engineering, Jennifer possesses a deep understanding of the municipal and public approval processes, which has led to successful zoning, entitlement, and permitting outcomes. Her comprehensive skill set in master-planned community development encompasses all stages, from land planning and construction to financing, market analysis, community programming, and amenity development. She’s experienced in managing complex land development and offsite infrastructure projects, contract negotiations, and providing strategic direction for budgeting, financial analysis, and revenue generation, ensuring that all aspects of the development process align with project goals. Jennifer is a dedicated member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and currently serves as a member of the leadership team on a national ULI Community Development Council.

Craig Weber brings thirty years’ illustrious experience in all aspects of land development to his longstanding role as General Manager. He’s consistently moved mountains, taking critical projects to the highest levels of success for Crown Community Development. With decades of direct successes in zoning, entitlement, construction projects, planning, engineering, acquisition, sales, CDD/HOA management, and all aspects of land development under his belt, Craig is truly a multi-faceted expert in his field.
 A graduate of George Washington University, Craig hailed from Ohio before moving to D.C. and finally Florida. He has served as Builders Association member for twenty-five years and has achieved Life Director and 1996 Associate Member of the Year status.
 In his career, Craig has managed four DRI projects and three sub-DRI projects totaling over 10,350 acres. He has developed over 15,000 residential lots and four million square feet of commercial/office property. Craig is particularly proud of his work as staffer for trailblazing astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn — including work on Senator Glenn’s 1984 presidential campaign. 

Daniel Olsem is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois with over 31 years of experience in Engineering, Construction, and Land Development. He earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Iowa. He is experienced in entitlement, engineering, land development, and general contracting across multiple U.S. markets. He is an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Kane County Stormwater Technical Advisory Committee, Kane County Impact Fee Advisory Committee, Elgin Area Chamber President’s Council, and Elgin Development Group Transportation Committee.

James Wilson oversees and manages all CCD development activities and operations in Texas as the General Manager.  He has over 15 years’ experience working in construction, land development and the real estate industry.  James graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Building Construction Management with a specialization in residential and land development.  His career has allowed him the opportunity to work as both a developer and as a contractor, giving him unique insights from both perspectives on what is needed to manage and achieve a successful project from inception to completion. James is a 10-year native Texan and joined the CCD team in 2020. He has an expansive understanding of entitlements, acquisitions, engineering, land development, construction and HOA’s.  He is responsible for identifying future land opportunities in Central Texas, where he’s proven himself an asset within the CCD organization, and works directly with the CCD acquisition team to perform necessary project evaluation and financial analysis to make recommendations to invest.  He is also a member of Urban Land Institute and currently serves on multiple HOA boards.

Chris Naatz has a passion for the new home and development industry that has spanned more than 25 years. Chris’ unique, cross-functional career experience includes operations, sales, marketing, land acquisition, asset underwriting, land planning, entitlements and product development. He has been a strategic leader in the start-up and ongoing operations of communities that serve everything from first time buyers to large scale active adult communities. He earned a MA in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University and a BA in Journalism and Spanish from Indiana University. Chris is a member of the Home Builders Association of Illinois, Urban Land Institute and past president of the Sales & Marketing Council of the Chicago Home Builders Association. Chris is also a member of the Mainstreet Organization of Realtors and has served on dozens of developer HOA boards.

Brian Burghgraef is the Controller at Crown Community Development, bringing over 15 years of expertise in financial management, accounting, and real estate investment. He holds an undergraduate degree from Augustana College with concentrations in Accounting and Finance and an MBA from DePaul University, specializing in Real Estate Investment and Finance. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of Illinois, Brian has a strong foundation in financial reporting, property accounting, and asset management. Prior to joining Crown Community Development in October 2023, Brian spent 13 years at a global real estate investment and property management firm, where he gained extensive experience in commercial development, underwriting, financial reporting, and managing assets across multiple product types. His deep understanding of financial strategy and investment analysis allows him to provide valuable insights into the financial health and growth of large-scale real estate projects. Brian is an active member of the Illinois CPA Society and an Associate Member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI). His expertise in finance and accounting, combined with his strategic approach to investment management, ensures the continued financial success of Crown Community Development’s portfolio.