top of page
Our Team
Programs, Research, and Operations
Director of Strategic Projects
Ian supports housing innovation initiatives, drawing on experience in real estate development and project management. He brings three years of experience managing the development of residential and commercial assets and is a former Hack-a-House competition winner. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing and skiing with his wife. He holds a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in urban planning from Brigham Young University.
Events and Administrative Support Intern
Dimpal supports event planning, logistics, and administrative operations. She also serves as Program Director of the TEK Club and works as an Equity Research Analyst with the Student Investment Fund. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting and watching Hindi films. She studies Information Systems with a minor in FinTech at the University of Utah.
Director of Research and Education
Dejan supports research and analysis related to housing, construction, and real estate. He is a senior research fellow at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, where he leads projects on fiscal impact, economic, and demographic analysis. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Utah. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Utah.
President
Abby Ivory has long been focused on how philanthropic and investment capital can be aligned to expand access to affordable housing and other essential needs. Ivory Innovations was founded during Abby’s tenure on the Impact Investing team at the Sorenson Impact Center, where she focused on deploying capital toward scalable, mission-driven solutions. Abby holds both a BS and an MBA from the University of Utah. Her work has been published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review.
Director of Marketing
James manages the Marketing Team at Ivory Innovations, overseeing the organization’s website and social media presence and designing materials that communicate its impact. He leads content strategy and brand execution across digital and print platforms. Before joining Ivory, he worked as an art director in agency and freelance settings, creating campaigns for brands including Chili’s, Disney, Buffalo Wild Wings, Priceline, and National Geographic. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Advertising from Brigham Young University.
Vice President of Human Resources and Administration
Mary oversees human resources and administrative operations at Ivory Innovations. Before joining Ivory, she served as Senior Manager of Accounting for the MBA & Executive Education department at the University of Utah, where she worked across financial management, university administration, strategic planning, and HR. Mary brings a people-first approach and a strong attention to detail to her work. She holds a degree in business management from Utah State University.
Director of Student Programs
Keni works across Ivory Innovations’ student programs and partnerships, bringing experience from technology start-ups, political campaigns, and small businesses. She is a licensed real estate broker in Utah, and her background gives her a practical perspective on the challenges of bringing affordable housing to market. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, playing golf, and learning about wine. She holds a Master of Real Estate Development from the University of Utah.
Vice President of Programs and Strategy
Chad leads Ivory Innovations’ programs and strategic direction, aligning research, capital, and implementation to advance innovative housing affordability solutions. He oversees the Ivory Prize, Fieldworks, Hack-A-House, and Ivory’s portfolio and accelerator work, supporting and funding initiatives across industrialized construction, proptech, and housing finance. Chad holds particular expertise in factory-built housing, and has co-authored several papers on the subject with the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard. He holds degrees from the University of Minnesota and Harvard.
Vice President of Policy and Partnerships
Amy combines her background in public-sector land use and community planning with a focus on advancing housing policy at Ivory Innovations, where she leads policy strategy to strengthen state and local housing ecosystems. She is a recognized expert in missing middle housing and previously helped launch Vermont’s Homes for All Toolkit. Prior to joining Ivory Innovations, Amy worked at the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies researching missing middle policy reform in Massachusetts. She holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from Stanford University and a Master in Real Estate from Harvard University.
Student Associates
Ella Bailey
Abbie Bown
Madison Bushong
Joey Camarena
Arden Cook
Mia Gaona-Riveros
McKay Grange
Julia Grant
Abril Gutierrez
Jack Harrison
Fernando Macedo
Jack McCormick
Angel Piña
Scarlett Solomon-Romano
Gabrielle Wiecek
Angelina Wong
Real Estate Development and Construction
Director of Construction and Design
Amro Al-Nimri is an architect from Jordan with 2 years of experience in design and 4 years of experience in construction in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. Amro is currently in his second to last semester at the Master’s in Real Estate Development at the University of Utah and working as a TA at the University of Utah, and an Intern with Ivory Innovations trying to find out-of-the-box solutions to the housing affordability crisis. Amro is into camping, sports, and outdoor activities, apart from his work and study life.
Project Manager, Estimator
Morgan Francis brings more than 30 years of construction experience to his work at Ivory Innovations, leading complex building projects with a focus on quality, efficiency, and accountability. He manages projects ranging from custom homes to large-scale multifamily developments exceeding $100 million. Since 2013, he has focused exclusively on multifamily construction, delivering consistent results through strong team leadership and disciplined execution. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management with a minor in Business from Brigham Young University.
Superintendent
Spencer is a Superintendent at Ivory Innovations, where he oversees daily construction operations and ensures projects are completed safely, on schedule, and to high quality standards. He brings six years of multifamily construction experience and coordinates field teams to keep projects running efficiently. He maintains strong jobsite organization and supports successful project delivery. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Utah Valley University.
Chief Operating Officer
Ashley Hadfield brings over 12 years of experience in real estate development and construction to her role as Chief Operating Officer at Ivory Innovations. A licensed general contractor, she has led projects across retail, warehouse, and residential housing and brings a comprehensive understanding of the development and construction process. At Ivory Innovations, Ashley oversees development and construction strategy, helping translate innovative housing concepts into successful, buildable projects. She holds a Master of Real Estate Development from the University of Utah.
Superintendent
Jeannette brings 32 years of commercial and residential construction experience to her work, leading projects across 18 states as a traveling superintendent. She manages a wide range of builds and is known for her hands-on leadership and commitment to quality. She values the relationships she has built throughout her career and takes pride in supporting successful project delivery. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active and is a proud mother of three sons and grandmother of four.
Assistant Superintendent
Parker Mitchell is a Construction Project Coordinator at Ivory Innovations, supporting innovative building projects through coordination, on-site problem solving, and attention to detail. He brings hands-on construction experience and a practical understanding of the industry to his work. Raised in Salt Lake County, he has been involved in construction since age 12. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, snowboarding, and golfing.
Designer
Mackenzie works with project teams on townhome and multifamily developments, creating spaces that balance aesthetics, functionality, and constructability. She selects materials and finishes that elevate each project while maintaining affordability and budget discipline. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. She holds a degree in Interior Design from Ensign College.
Senior Superintendent
Jake leads on-site construction operations at Ivory Innovations, ensuring projects are delivered with quality and consistency. He brings over 19 years of hands-on experience across all phases of construction. He focuses on efficient building methods, safety, and process improvements to keep projects on time, within budget, and built to a high standard.
Construction Manager
Jason leads efforts to bring housing innovation concepts to life through strategic collaboration and construction practices. He brings over 25 years of experience across all phases of project development and construction. He focuses on advancing building methods and processes that support scalable, impactful housing solutions. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management with a minor in Business from Utah Valley University.
Finance, Accounting, and Asset Management
Accounts Payable Specialist
Vivian manages relationships with project managers and vendors, supporting financial operations across all Ivory foundations. She brings experience in healthcare and office administration and contributes to efficient, well-coordinated processes. She values working on initiatives that address affordable housing and support meaningful impact. Outside of work, she enjoys watching football and playing fantasy football.
Financial Analyst
Dylan supports financial analysis and contributes to housing innovation initiatives across the organization. He previously interned with Ivory, building a strong foundation in financial and operational work. Outside of work, he enjoys skiing and hiking. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Information Systems from the University of Utah.
General Ledger Accountant
As General Ledger Accountant at Ivory Innovations, Manny manages and reports on key financial transactions, ensuring accuracy and efficiency across the organization. He brings experience in tax, audit, and construction accounting, supporting strong financial operations. Originally from Argentina, Manny enjoys music and plays with his neighborhood rock band. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Brigham Young University–Idaho.
Executive Director, The Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation
Callie engages with CCIF’s Board of Directors and the philanthropic community to implement CCIF’s areas of impact: to lift and educate, to innovate and invest in housing affordability, to build sustainable communities and to respond to urgent economic and social needs. Prior to her work with CCIF, she founded a securities law firm and managed a small nonprofit organization. She received a BA in English from the University of Utah and a JD from Brigham Young University.
Director of Asset Management and Development
Prior to joining Ivory innovations, Tyler co-owned a small development company renovating commercial office space to multi-family apartment units. He received his bachelors in Accounting from Weber State University in 2005 and recently earned his Masters in Real Estate Development from the University of Utah. Before that he worked as a Budget Officer and Financial Manager for the National Weather Service and the Department of Energy. He is a retired Staff Sergeant with the US Army reserves Finance Battalion where he did a tour in the Middle East in 2004. He is a proud husband and father of 4 children and 2 grandchildren. If he is not working, he is with his family or off smoking/bbq some meat for the next get-together.
Chief Financial Officer
Porter brings a background in real estate finance and development to his role as Chief Financial Officer at Ivory Innovations. Prior to joining Ivory, he worked as a commercial real estate relationship manager at Wells Fargo and previously in development with a boutique retail developer. Porter is motivated by the opportunity to create positive social and environmental impact through real estate and capital stewardship. He holds a BS in Finance and a Master of Real Estate Development from the University of Utah.
Assistant Controller
Tue supports accounting and financial operations, contributing to work that advances housing affordability. She has experience across accounting and tax, including real estate-related work. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, staying active, and spending time with family and friends. She studies Accounting at the University of Utah.
To contact our team, please email info@ivoryinnovations.org.
bottom of page