ABOUT

EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS SUPPORTING CLIENTS THROUGH DEVELOPMENT, OWNERSHIP OR TENANCY

McDonald Development is a privately owned, multi-generational commercial real estate company that develops, owns, and manages institutional-quality properties.  We specialize in building and leasing high-quality space to manufacturers, retailers, transportation companies, 3PL’s, and other businesses with both local and large-scale distribution needs. 

For nearly four decades, McDonald has followed a consistent business model combining strong executive leadership with dedicated local market teams, allowing us to deliver tailored solutions backed by deep local insight. With the experience, industry network, and financial strength to take on even the most complex development and management projects, McDonald continues to be a trusted partner in the commercial real estate industry. Our headquarters is located in Atlanta, Georgia, with regional offices in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Orlando, Florida.

MEET

OUR TEAM

  • JOHN McDONALD

    JOHN McDONALD

    Chairman and CEO

    John McDonald is the Chairman and CEO of McDonald Development Company. Mr. McDonald founded McDonald Development Company and the related business entities under the McDonald brand. He directs the company’s vision, strategy, and organizational structure. Over the past 40 years, Mr. McDonald has developed 3,600 acres across 42 parks that include 300+ institutional-quality buildings exceeding…

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  • AUSTIN McDONALD

    AUSTIN McDONALD

    President and COO

    Austin McDonald oversees the company’s overall operations and strategic direction, with direct responsibility for accounting, leasing, and property management. He works closely with the company’s investor base and maintains long-standing relationships with a broad range of financial institutions that provide both equity and debt capital for development and operating projects. Mr. McDonald leads the company’s…

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  • TRACY WHITE

    TRACY WHITE

    Senior Vice President of Development

    Tracy White directs the development and management of business parks, distribution facilities, and build-to-suit projects across the Carolinas and Virginia. He manages project site acquisition, master planning, zoning, permitting, financing, marketing, leasing, and property management within the region. Mr. White joined McDonald Development Company in 1995 managing major tenant marketing, leasing and related agreements for…

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  • JOHN GASKIN

    JOHN GASKIN

    Senior Vice President of Development

    John Gaskin joined McDonald Development Company in 2026 as Senior Vice President of Development, where he provides strategic leadership in the development of durable, investment-quality industrial real estate across the Southeast. He partners closely with capital sources, municipalities, brokers, key stakeholders, and the project teams to guide developments from site selection through delivery and stabilization,…

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  • JOHN DOWNING

    JOHN DOWNING

    Vice President of Marketing

    John Downing joined McDonald Development Company as Vice President of Marketing in 2005. He is responsible for the marketing and leasing of available land sites and over 3.5 million square feet of existing industrial and flex buildings in metro Atlanta, negotiation of build-to-suit projects, and new business development. Over the course of 20 years, he…

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  • GREG TOEPP

    GREG TOEPP

    Vice President of Construction

    Greg Toepp is responsible for site development, building construction and tenant improvement projects for McDonald Development Company for the states of Florida, North Carolina and Virginia. Building construction projects include both speculative and build-to-suit projects. Mr. Toepp’s general responsibilities include overseeing due diligence of proposed sites, master site planning, coordinating architects, engineers and other consultants,…

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  • JOHN R. McDONALD, III

    JOHN R. McDONALD, III

    Vice President

    John McDonald oversees lender and investor communications, ensuring they have all the information they need in a timely manner. John also aggregates information from accounting, leasing and property management to allow McDonald to make informed and quick decisions on the leasing and management of its portfolio of properties. John began his career at NAI Brannen…

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  • STEPHEN CORASANITI

    STEPHEN CORASANITI

    Controller

    Stephen is a Licensed Certified Public Accountant with 5+ years of real estate accounting, split between both private and public firms. As Controller, Stephen is responsible for the company’s financial reporting and managing the accounting department. Prior to joining McDonald in 2024, Stephen worked for Trilogy Investment Company, Wood Partners, and as an auditor for…

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  • ALLISON FORRESTAL

    ALLISON FORRESTAL

    Staff Accountant

    Allison Forrestal is a Staff Accountant at McDonald Development Company, bringing over a decade of experience in property accounting, financial management, and real estate operations. She has extensive expertise in managing complex asset portfolios, overseeing full-cycle accounting processes, and supporting budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Prior to joining McDonald Development Company, Allison spent several years…

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  • JILL NORWOOD

    JILL NORWOOD

    Executive Assistant to the Chairman & CEO
    Human Resources Administrator

    Jill Norwood joined McDonald Development Company in 2010 and plays a central role in supporting the organization’s leadership and operations. She manages the Office of the Chairman and CEO, oversees all human resources functions, and coordinates the daily office administration. Ms. Norwood has had a 30+ year career as both an Executive Assistant and human…

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  • ALLISON LEHRER

    ALLISON LEHRER

    Property Manager

    Allison Lehrer joined McDonald Development Company in 2024 as a Tenant Service Coordinator and was promoted to Property Manager in 2025. In her current role, she oversees day-to-day property management operations across the company’s portfolio, including budgeting, expense reconciliations, tenant relations, maintenance coordination, and overall building and grounds management within the business parks. Ms. Lehrer…

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  • BETH CONNOLLY

    BETH CONNOLLY

    Marketing Coordinator

    Beth Connolly joined McDonald Development Company in 2013 and is responsible for marketing, leasing and development support, and investor relations. Prior to joining McDonald, Beth worked at First Industrial Realty Trust from 2007 to 2013, where she was responsible for leasing and development support, and office management. She began her career at a family-owned private…

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