PEOPLE
Seasoned Professionals
Led by visionary architect Richard Yates, Zydeco is a renowned real estate development firm that boasts an outstanding team of seasoned professionals, each bringing years of expertise to every project. Their diverse skill set spans all aspects of real estate development, including project management, design, construction, and finance. This collective experience allows Zydeco to consistently deliver exceptional results, whether working on residential, commercial, or mixed-use developments. The team’s commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and ability to navigate complex challenges ensure that every project is completed to the highest standards, earning Zydeco a stellar reputation in the industry for its unique approach to development.
Richard Yates, AIA
President/CEO
Richard Yates, CEO of Zydeco, is a revered Santa Fe icon with deep roots in New Mexico’s cultural and entrepreneurial landscape. Raised in Artesia, NM, Richard earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Utah and has been a licensed architect in New Mexico since 1978. His distinguished career includes serving as a retired Board Member at the School of American Research in Santa Fe.
Richard has made significant contributions to architecture and community development, with a portfolio that includes clients such as the City of Artesia, the City of Albuquerque, Hotel Santa Fe, Palacio Azul, and various Santa Fe projects. His award-winning designs, recognized for their emphasis on community and place-making, span numerous commercial and residential developments, showcasing his commitment to enhancing environments. Richard continues the family tradition of philanthropy as a supporter of multiple local and state community organizations.
Beyond his architectural achievements, Richard is an accomplished fine art painter, horticulturist, pianist, sportsman, and avid scholar of history and cultural developments. At Zydeco, he plays a pivotal role as CEO, guiding project design direction and actively participating in development decisions. His current projects include a 165-unit multifamily development in Santa Fe, NM; a mixed-use development on a 3.2-acre site in Albuquerque; a 300-unit multifamily project in Houston; and a high-rise condominium tower near the Hudson River in New York City. Richard’s broad interests continue to inform and strengthen his unique approach to real estate development and community enrichment.
Madeline Feijoo’
Chief Operations Officer
Madeline Feijoo, Chief Operations Officer at Zydeco, holds a Doctorate in Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and a Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of New Mexico. Her background as an educator enriches her role, bringing exceptional skills in listening, learning, and structuring project criteria to the boardroom. Known for her calculated risk-taking and extensive organizational expertise, Madeline is a key player in Zydeco’s operations.
In her role, Madeline ensures that Zydeco’s operations and contractual matters are meticulously handled and delivered on time. She excels as the primary point of contact for new clients, adeptly implementing project-specific procedures for contract management and staffing and facilitating effective communication between teams and clients.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Madeline is actively engaged in her community. She is a member of the Santa Fe Rotary Club, a Board member of United by Friendship, an advisor for Moving Arts in Española, and a member of the Santa Fe Opera’s business council. Additionally, Madeline has taught Spanish at Santa Fe Prep, further highlighting her commitment to education and community involvement.
Dan Wolf, MBA
Consulting Principal, Outsourced CFO
CLA Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAAS)
Dan Wolf is a Manager at CliftonLarsonAllen CAAS Outsourcing, where he focuses on serving real estate developers, property managers, private equity firms, and family offices. Based in Minneapolis, Dan and his expanding team provide comprehensive services to clients both locally and across the country.
At Zydeco, Dan’s primary expertise is in optimizing and automating back-office operations. This strategic approach allows Zydeco to concentrate on its core activities while reducing inefficiencies and employee turnover. Dan and his team also excel in cash flow projection, creating dynamic dashboards that capture the fluctuations in deal flow, providing valuable insights for Zydeco and our investors.
Dan collaborates with CEO Richard Yates to develop robust proformas that explore every aspect of the development cycle, from Land Banking to Renovation. His deep industry knowledge ensures that no investment detail is overlooked, identifying commonly missed costs, and uncovering strategic opportunities. Dan’s thorough and knowledgeable work enhances the synergy between CLA and Zydeco teams, driving investment strategies with a unique focus on placemaking. It’s a winning combination.
Maggie Panozzo
Consulting Controller
CLA Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAAS)
Maggie joins Zydeco as our Finance and Accounting professional, bringing a wealth of experience from her background in commercial property management within the downtown Chicago real estate market. Her expertise spans budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and both asset and liability management. Maggie has a strong grasp of how crucial data management is for informed decision-making and its subsequent impact on projects.
At Zydeco, Maggie oversees a diverse array of business interests, including property management, accounting, proforma development, and capital expense establishment. She works closely with Richard Yates on project equity raises, financial management, and the meticulous review of development budgets and expenditures.
Known for her relentless pursuit of accounting excellence, Maggie is an organized, efficient, and detail-oriented professional. Her effective communication skills with management, team members, and clients make her an invaluable team player. Maggie also dedicates time to mentoring Zydeco staff, instilling best practices, and upholding industry standards, ensuring that our accounting processes exceed industry standards and client expectations.
Nic Smith CMC, FIC
Performance Consultant
Nic has led The Pinon Group since 1992, focusing on organizational change and people development. His expertise spans strategic planning, HR consulting, and executive coaching, enhancing organizational effectiveness. Since 2013, he has served as a performance consultant for Zydeco, refining business planning and performance management processes.
With extensive experience in global leadership development, Nic excels in designing programs for diverse, remote teams. He has delivered keynotes across the US, Europe, and Asia and has consulted for over 30 countries, working with clients like Smiths Group, ABB, AT&T, and Starbucks.
Previously, Nic led the People & Organizational Development group at Los Alamos National Laboratory until 2021. He now serves as Managing Director for Organizational Change and Transformation at CBRE/Americas Consulting, advising Fortune 500 C-suite clients.
Originally from the UK, Nic holds a BA from the University of East Anglia and a post-graduate Diploma from Norwich College. He is a Certified Management Consultant and a Fellow of the Institute of Consultants in London, among other professional certifications. He also manages the Santa Fe Soccer Complex, supporting local soccer development.
Wylde Garcia
Executive Assistant
Wylde Garcia, an accomplished professional with an associate’s degree from Stayer University, offers a rich blend of expertise in project management, marketing, client relations, and IT. Her career includes a notable role as a Marketing and Advertising Manager at Microsoft, where she leveraged her skills to drive impactful campaigns and strategies. Wylde’s professional capabilities extend beyond traditional roles. Her innate creativity and keen attention to detail shine through in her work as an artist and passionate cook. This creativity, combined with her natural aptitude for troubleshooting and problem-solving, enables her to excel in administrative tasks, artistic projects, and culinary pursuits. With a proven track record of managing high-volume workloads efficiently, Wylde adeptly prepares documents, organizes company schedules, and supports development teams. Her excellent database administrative skills further enhance her ability to streamline operations and contribute to successful project outcomes. Wylde thrives on exploring new opportunities that allow her to integrate her diverse skills and passions, continuously seeking innovative ways to blend her professional expertise with her creative interests.
George Romero
Property Manager
George has been involved with facilities management for over 30 years. His experience in facilities and property management, safety oversight, and security assessment is diverse, and he has experience managing public and private facilities. He has managed the commissioning of new facilities and the rehabilitation and maintenance of older facilities. With expertise in governmental office space, long-term memory senior management assisted living facilities, and high-end resorts, he brings a unique perspective to facilities management, focusing on customer service.
George is responsible for providing direction and oversight for facility operations & maintenance, capital improvements & project management, environmental services, landscape services, risk assessment, and facility safety assessment. In addition to the array of traditional facility management activities, George is currently organizing and leading a team of staff and contractors in facilities risk assessments for the Zydeco portfolio and developing a comprehensive asset management plan for all properties in the Zydeco property portfolio. He actively participates in the West Pecos Acequia Association and serves as a Board Member of the Upper Pecos Watershed Board.
Aaron Bohrer, AIA, NCARB, GB98
Senior Architect
Aaron Bohrer, AIA, NCARB, GB98, is a distinguished architect and general contractor licensed in New Mexico. He is a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Board and holds certifications as a HERS Rater from RESNET and a Green Rater Designee from the USGBC. Aaron earned his Master of Science from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation and a Bachelor of Arts and Architecture from North Dakota State University, where he was awarded the Kirk Memorial Scholarship.
Aaron’s early career includes an internship with I.M. Pei & Partners in NYC, where he worked on First Bank Place Highrise in Minneapolis, MN, and the Ronald Regan Trade and Cultural Center in Washington, D.C. Aaron was a co-founding partner at Archaeo Architects in Santa Fe, NM, where he was recognized for his design contributions to the Green Residence in Los Alamos, NM, and the Community Bank Building, located in Santa Fe’s Rail Yard district. As a senior architect with Zydeco, Aaron manages the development process and is a key liaison with clients and architectural firms. He oversees construction administration for large-scale commercial real estate projects, including multifamily housing, retail shell development, and hospitality.
Aaron has contributed to Santa Fe Trend Magazine and served on the Board of Santa Fe Partners in Education. He is currently an active member of the EDo Board, a neighborhood association, and a New Mexico nonprofit corporation based in Albuquerque, NM.