ANDY GUSH

Andy joined Bradford Allen in 2024 as vice president of development. He brings nearly 20 years of development and construction experience to the team, including several complex multi-phase redevelopments in urban core locations. His projects span multiple market sectors, including residential, senior living, office, hospitality, healthcare, and student housing. Having performed roles in construction project management, owner’s representation, and development, Andy’s unique view of the delivery process encompasses several perspectives.

After graduating with a degree in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, Andy worked as a construction project manager in Chicago for Lendlease, a global real estate company. In 2016, Andy relocated to London to work on several phases of the redevelopment of the Heygate Estate, now called Elephant Park. Returning to Chicago in 2018, he joined their development team and helped complete over 2,000 residential units in Chicago in six years. Andy’s expertise in managing design, cost, and construction helps project teams succeed from concept design to closeout.

Andy earned an Executive Master of Business Administration with honors from the Quantic School of Business and Technology. He serves as a director of Chicago Community Sculling and enjoys running, rowing, and cycling. Andy lives in Logan Square with his wife.

Professional Affiliations
Licensed Professional Engineer in Illinois
LEED Accredited Professional BD+C

 

MICHAEL CANNON

Michael joined Bradford Allen in 2023 as the Senior Managing Director of Development, bringing with him nearly three decades of experience in developments, including adaptive reuse, high-rise office and residential buildings, and industrial projects. At Bradford Allen, he will spearhead development efforts for new construction projects and oversee major enhancements to existing assets.

While studying at the University of Texas, Michael embarked on his professional journey as a carpenter. This hands-on experience led him to establish a construction firm in Chicago. After building a foundation in the construction world, he pursued law school and transitioned into a legal career, predominantly focusing on construction transactions and litigation. Moving back to development, he supervised the construction of a power plant in Kuwait. Later, he spent several years as an owner’s representative, managing the development of luxury senior living campuses nationwide. Michael’s accomplishments also encompass the ground-up development of a high-rise apartment building in downtown Chicago and the adaptive reuse of Chicago’s iconic Tribune Tower, converting it from office spaces to luxury condominiums and upscale retail establishments on the Magnificent Mile. Before joining Bradford Allen, he was with Sterling Bay, where he managed the development of life science, commercial office, and multi-family residential projects in Chicago and other major US cities.

Michael currently resides in Chicago with his wife and their two teenagers. He dedicates the majority of his down time to transporting his children to their several sports practices and matches.

 

MEGAN FERNS

Megan joined Bradford Allen as a member of the acquisitions team in fall 2022, helping oversee the debt management for the company’s real estate portfolio. In December 2023, she transitioned into her current role as Chief of Staff for Bradford Allen Development Company. In this capacity, Megan directs project management for ongoing developments, fostering interdepartmental communication and aligning operational efforts with overarching strategic objectives, allowing the executive team to concentrate on high-level strategies while optimizing workflow efficiency.

Outside of her professional commitments, Megan is pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Wayne State University, complementing her earlier bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from Grand Valley State University. Beyond her academic and career pursuits, Megan dedicates a significant portion of her time to traveling to support her sister’s career as a professional race car driver.

 

CRAIG DeFEO

Craig works alongside both BA Asset Management and BA Development with the primary role of managing and overseeing new and existing properties across various different asset classes. After graduating from the University of Colorado in 2020, Craig started off his career in real estate as a property manager which enabled him to learn the industry from the ground up and exposed him to a broad range of challenges. Over the last several years, Craig has transitioned into asset and development management, working to enhance the Bradford Allen portfolio and maximize every investment on a daily basis. In his free time, Craig enjoys playing the guitar, lifting weights, and snowboarding.

Professional Affiliations
Licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Illinois
Licensed Real Estate Sales Associate in the State of Florida

 

JOSEPH DONINI

After a brief internship with the firm, Joseph officially joined Bradford Allen Investment Advisors as a Financial Analyst in 2021, where he is a member of the Debt Originations & Acquisitions team. Joseph primarily focuses on the underwriting of potential debt and equity investments. A recent graduate of the University of Michigan, he received a Bachelor of Arts in economics.

Joseph is originally from New Jersey, where he grew up in a family of seven. In his free time, he enjoys golf, fishing, and playing guitar.

 

BRIAN E. CARLEY

Brian is responsible for developing new business and performing outreach initiatives. In combination with his outgoing personality, his firsthand knowledge of the real estate development business and creative financing strategies helps him connect with clients and understand their specific needs.

Prior to joining the firm, Brian was the vice president of The Fordham Company for twenty years. During his tenure, Fordham developed nearly one thousand luxury residential units and high-end hotels in downtown Chicago with a market value of approximately $1 billion. Brian’s first-hand experience with deal structuring and capital formation is invaluable to the firm.

Brian lives in Winnetka, Illinois, with his two teenage children. In his free time, he is an avid board-sports enthusiast that enjoys snowboarding, skateboarding, surfing, and stand-up paddling, as well as mountain biking and yoga. Brian attended the University of Denver and earned a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.

Professional Affiliations
Member, Urban Land Institute

 

JAKE BLESI

Jake joined Bradford Allen in 2021; he is a member of the firm’s suburban brokerage, specializing in landlord representation for Tri State Office Center, supporting leasing efforts, guiding property tours, and assisting with strategic planning and property marketing.

Prior to joining Bradford Allen, Jake was at Chime, working as an analyst in the neobank’s fraud department. He also spent a year and a half with @properties as an intern in their commercial real estate division.

A native of the Chicago suburbs, Jake grew up in Winnetka. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Jake is a Chicago sports fan (Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks) and remains an avid supporter of Ohio State football. In his free time, he likes to golf, ski, and play softball.

Professional Affiliations
Licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Illinois