Institutional Real Estate Strategies

Robert De Forest is the Founder of The Pinyon Group. He has a deep passion for projects that leave a positive impact, and which advance worthy public-policy goals. His unique multi-disciplinary background, sophisticated understanding of land-use policies, structuring of public-private partnerships, and creative use of complex financial structures, has earned him a reputation as an innovative thought-leader in the field of urban investing and economic development.

Robb is actively involved in a variety of impact-oriented organizations and initiatives. He is a Co-Founder of Big Bear Retreat Center and is a member of the Endowment Circle Counsel and Past President of UCLA Ziman Real Estate Alumni Group.

A loyal and dedicated, “triple-Bruin” – Robb holds a M.B.A. from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, a M.A. in Urban Planning from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, and a B.S. in Biology from UCLA.

Robb’s favorite foods include ripe heirloom tomatoes fresh from the backyard garden.

Jay Stark co-leads the strategic vision for The Pinyon Group’s investment and development activities. His in-depth knowledge as both an institutional fund manager and urban real estate developer spans from affordable housing to market-rate mixed use developments, large scale master planning and he is a leader in public/private partnership, structured finance and socially responsible investing.

Jay is actively involved in various boards and community initiatives and he has previously served on the board of Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles, Grand Performances, and served on the State of California’s principal affordable housing commission from 2005 to 2012; and serves as a board advisor to OppSites, a real estate technology firm.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz and a master’s degree from the University of Southern California in Urban Planning and Real Estate Development.

Jay enjoys homemade pastas and grilling in the backyard.

Michelle Morehead utilizes her experience in architectural design, project management, and real estate finance to provide a holistic approach to development projects at The Pinyon Group. Her prior experience includes multi-family development, private-fund lending, project management, and architectural design and coordination.

Michelle serves as a voting board member on the UCLA Real Estate Alumni Group (REAG) and leads the REAG Membership and Social Committee. She was a 2019 Affiliate in the UCLA Ziman Center for Real Estate’s Howard and Irene Levine Affordable Housing Development Program (LAHDP). Her prior involvement has included Co-Chair of the 2016 American Institute of Architects Leadership Institute, and President of the Class of 2018 UCLA Anderson Student Association.

She holds an M.B.A. with a specialization in Real Estate Finance from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, in addition to a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Design (Architecture), both from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

Michelle’s favorite foods are mashed potatoes and sushi (not at the same time).

With a background in nonprofit management and affordable housing development, Hollie draws on her skills and knowledge to assist with The Pinyon Group projects. Her career encompasses various experiences – case management with local and government organizations as well as project, asset and nonprofit management – with a common thread of affordable housing advocacy.

Hollie served as a 2019 voting board member of the Nashville Homeless Coalition – an organization that provides educational and training opportunities for advocates working with individuals experiencing homelessness.

She graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Master of Education in Community Development. Hollie also holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Kennesaw State University.

Hollie’s favorite food is eggs – for breakfast, in ramen, on a pizza or burger. The options are endless.

Kyle De Leon manages The Pinyon Group’s acquisition and financing activities. He has robust knowledge of real estate finance, development and asset management of luxury, mixed-income, and affordable housing and mixed-use assets.

Kyle serves on New York Edge’s Young Professional Board and Board of Directors as Board Liaison. Through his work with New York Edge he strives to spread awareness about the physical, mental and emotional benefits of after school programming for developing youth.

He graduated from New York University with a degree in Economics from the College of Arts and Sciences with a concentration in Finance from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business.

Kyle enjoys all types of tacos from gourmet duck confit tacos to carne asada “street tacos”.