Our Team
Entrepreneurial and dynamic.
The McLaurin team is entrepreneurial, dynamic, and relentless in pursuit of our clients and partner interests. Our integrity, service, performance, and old fashioned hard work displayed in the strategy and execution of each project has earned accolades across the country.
Zeb McLaurin
Chief Executive Officer
Zeb Mclaurin is CEO of McLaurin Development Partners. He is an entrepreneur whose work and thought leadership has created nationally recognized developments for urban communities and Fortune 500 companies. Zeb credits his humble beginnings as the spark that sustains his work in the development and revitalization of marginalized neighborhoods. He is a visionary leader whose accomplishments have been recognized by the NFBPA, Illinois Governor, Illinois State Treasurer, Mayor of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, and Chicago Housing Authority.
Michael Lucas
Director of Investor & Capital Relations
Michael is a solution-oriented leader focused on innovating and reimagining the boundaries of real estate development. He is responsible for private and capital market funding. Lucas is a seasoned finance expert holding numerous professional designations, including, Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65 licenses.
evan watson
Development Manager
Evan is a trained architect with vast experience designing and developing commercial properties, including 3,000+ units of varying Residential, Life Science, and Industrial project types. His results-oriented approach navigates inevitable obstacles in real estate development to produce efficient, scalable, and community-friendly developments.
Meghan Wilson, PhD
Social Impact Consultant
Meghan is an accomplished research fellow and critical race scholar devoted to understanding the intersection of public policy, urban development, and economic crisis. Her customized audits are core components of the MDP team’s development philosophy in measuring transformation and assessing value.
gaylord MinetT
Project Manager
Gaylord is an urban planner whose passion stems from working with local groups and not-for-profits developing sustained community assets and scaled economic development opportunities. Marrying unique local concepts with entrepreneurs ripe for expansion is one of his highest priorities.
earl robinson
Property/Asset Manager
Earl is dedicated to the client’s-built experience and is often the most front-facing team member. He successfully adheres to post-development objectives and ensures project goals are consistent through occupancy and tenancy. He is emblematic of the MDP nucleus–holistic, inclusive, and value-add.
NiKALA McLauriN
Leasing Associate/Property Management
Nikala is a licensed Real Estate professional with exceptional communications skills and a pristine focus on process and results. Her previous experiences in both not-for-profit organizations and civic institutions provide a unique perspective for MDP’s work in urban communities.