Thomas M. Gallas, CPA, LEED AP, BD+C, is the Chief Executive Officer of Torti Gallas + Partners, a firm dedicated to advancing the principles of the New Urbanism, Sustainability and Smart Growth to meet the challenges of our time. Torti Gallas has been a leader in designing residential, mixed-use, and transit-oriented communities throughout the United States and abroad. Mr. Gallas and his firm’s focus on the “Architecture of Real Estate” has provided an important catalyst for transformation in numerous cities and suburbs around the world. His financial and management background provides him with a deeply rooted appreciation and understanding of the complex decisions in realizing successful community transformations. This experience includes extensive design work in resilient coastal communities and flood prone regions throughout the country. The firm’s experience with resilient design came into focus in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 and continued with the design of housing and amenities at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. As testament to his leadership and expertise, President Barack Obama appointed Mr. Gallas to the National Capital Planning Commission in 2016. He is serving a six-year term as the Presidential appointee representing the State of Maryland. Mr. Gallas also serves on the Board of Visitors of the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. Mr. Gallas received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland and is a LEED Accredited Professional.