Our Team
Michael Aide joined Watkins Real Estate Group in August of 2023. Michael oversees strategic initiatives, directing the deployment of capital for new developments, overall company and portfolio performance, and providing leadership to the Watkins team.
Previously, Michael served as President of New Market and led the company’s portfolio expansion from 700,000 SF and 10 grocery-anchored shopping centers to more than 6.2M SF and over 50 centers with a total value of over $1.3B. Before joining New Market, Michael served as Managing Vice President for AmREIT, a $1B publicly-traded retail REIT (formerly NYSE:AMY). He spent eight years at AmREIT’s Texas corporate headquarters in retail development, acquisitions, dispositions and asset management before moving to Atlanta to open the company’s southeast regional office.
Michael has over 25 years of commercial real estate experience in all facets of real estate having led acquisitions, dispositions, development, construction/project management, leasing, asset management, finance and property management. Michael earned his B.A. in Economics from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia and is a graduate of the Woodberry Forest School. He holds his real estate broker’s licenses in Texas and is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).
Michael Aide
President
Michael Aide joined Watkins Real Estate Group in August of 2023. Michael oversees strategic initiatives, directing the deployment of capital for new developments, overall company and portfolio performance, and providing leadership to the Watkins team.
Previously, Michael served as President of New Market and led the company’s portfolio expansion from 700,000 SF and 10 grocery-anchored shopping centers to more than 6.2M SF and over 50 centers with a total value of over $1.3B. Before joining New Market, Michael served as Managing Vice President for AmREIT, a $1B publicly-traded retail REIT (formerly NYSE:AMY). He spent eight years at AmREIT’s Texas corporate headquarters in retail development, acquisitions, dispositions and asset management before moving to Atlanta to open the company’s southeast regional office.
Michael has over 25 years of commercial real estate experience in all facets of real estate having led acquisitions, dispositions, development, construction/project management, leasing, asset management, finance and property management. Michael earned his B.A. in Economics from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia and is a graduate of the Woodberry Forest School. He holds his real estate broker’s licenses in Texas and is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).
Diane Roberts joined Watkins Real Estate Group in March 2020 to manage the company’s day-to-day operations. Diane brings over 25 years of experience as an owner/asset manager and client advisor to the role. She oversees asset management, investment sales, financial reporting, debt procurement, marketing and administration for the company.
Prior to joining Watkins, Diane was an active member of Brixmor Property Group’s regional leadership team, serving as Vice President of Acquisitions & Dispositions for the 140+ asset Southeast Region. Prior to that, she was a Vice President, Capital Markets for Jones Lang Lasalle. At JLL, she served on the Southeast retail investment sales team and managed operations for a substantial land disposition program. Prior to JLL, Diane was one of the first employees of Atlanta Property Group, supporting the two founding partners in a variety of transactions, asset management, marketing and accounting functions.
Diane received her Bachelor’s degree in finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.
Diane Roberts
Chief Operating Officer
Diane Roberts joined Watkins Real Estate Group in March 2020 to manage the company’s day-to-day operations. Diane brings over 25 years of experience as an owner/asset manager and client advisor to the role. She oversees asset management, investment sales, financial reporting, debt procurement, marketing and administration for the company.
Prior to joining Watkins, Diane was an active member of Brixmor Property Group’s regional leadership team, serving as Vice President of Acquisitions & Dispositions for the 140+ asset Southeast Region. Prior to that, she was a Vice President, Capital Markets for Jones Lang Lasalle. At JLL, she served on the Southeast retail investment sales team and managed operations for a substantial land disposition program. Prior to JLL, Diane was one of the first employees of Atlanta Property Group, supporting the two founding partners in a variety of transactions, asset management, marketing and accounting functions.
Diane received her Bachelor’s degree in finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.
Ginger Park, CPA, joined Watkins Real Estate Group in May of 2024, overseeing the accounting and finance functions. Ginger is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in real estate and accounting. She previously served as SVP – Chief Accounting Officer of New Market Properties, a wholly owned subsidiary of Preferred Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE: APTS), as it grew its portfolio to 54 retail properties and internalized its property accounting operations prior to its acquisition by Blackstone’s BREIT. Prior to New Market, Ginger was part of Ernst & Young’s audit practice, working primarily on real estate clients. Throughout her career, Ginger has worked on a wide range of real estate companies, including retail, multifamily, office, hospitality, and homebuilders, with varied structures such as partnerships, REITs, and funds. Ginger earned her B.A. in English and Economics from Mount Holyoke College and her Masters in Accountancy from Bentley University in MA.
Ginger Park
Senior Vice President, Controller
Ginger Park, CPA, joined Watkins Real Estate Group in May of 2024, overseeing the accounting and finance functions. Ginger is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in real estate and accounting. She previously served as SVP – Chief Accounting Officer of New Market Properties, a wholly owned subsidiary of Preferred Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE: APTS), as it grew its portfolio to 54 retail properties and internalized its property accounting operations prior to its acquisition by Blackstone’s BREIT. Prior to New Market, Ginger was part of Ernst & Young’s audit practice, working primarily on real estate clients. Throughout her career, Ginger has worked on a wide range of real estate companies, including retail, multifamily, office, hospitality, and homebuilders, with varied structures such as partnerships, REITs, and funds. Ginger earned her B.A. in English and Economics from Mount Holyoke College and her Masters in Accountancy from Bentley University in MA.
Lee Freeman has over thirty-eight years of experience and is responsible for site selection and development of both retail and multifamily projects. During his career with Watkins, he has been responsible for numerous grocery-anchored shopping centers and multifamily projects across the Southeast.
For 16 years, Lee served on the Executive Board of Watkins’ parent company, Watkins Associated Industries, Inc. He is also a Trustee for Greater Atlanta Christian School. Lee received his bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and his MBA from Georgia State University.
Lee Freeman
Vice President Multifamily Development
Lee Freeman has over thirty-eight years of experience and is responsible for site selection and development of both retail and multifamily projects. During his career with Watkins, he has been responsible for numerous grocery-anchored shopping centers and multifamily projects across the Southeast.
For 16 years, Lee served on the Executive Board of Watkins’ parent company, Watkins Associated Industries, Inc. He is also a Trustee for Greater Atlanta Christian School. Lee received his bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and his MBA from Georgia State University.
Bob Peck has more than 30 years of real estate experience. As Vice President of Development, Bob is responsible for identifying markets and properties for retail development, acquiring and entitling the land, securing anchor store approval, negotiating anchor store leases, creating design, and overseeing the development of the project.
He joined Watkins Real Estate Group as Director of Property Management in July 1989. In this role, Bob was responsible for developing and implementing Watkins retail asset management policies. Prior to Watkins, Bob served as Market Analyst for The Landmark Group, an Atlanta based developer of office properties.
Bob is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). He holds a MBA from the Rollins Crummer School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University.
Robert Peck
Vice President Retail Development
Bob Peck has more than 30 years of real estate experience. As Vice President of Development, Bob is responsible for identifying markets and properties for retail development, acquiring and entitling the land, securing anchor store approval, negotiating anchor store leases, creating design, and overseeing the development of the project.
He joined Watkins Real Estate Group as Director of Property Management in July 1989. In this role, Bob was responsible for developing and implementing Watkins retail asset management policies. Prior to Watkins, Bob served as Market Analyst for The Landmark Group, an Atlanta based developer of office properties.
Bob is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). He holds a MBA from the Rollins Crummer School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University.
Robbie Swan has been with Watkins Real Estate Group for 10 years and is responsible for all aspects of his pipeline of retail development projects with a focus on markets in Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee. His responsibilities include site selection, zoning and entitlements, securing internal and retail anchor approvals, lease negotiations, financial modeling and budgeting, oversight of engineering, design and construction, and assisting in securing debt and equity and asset disposition.
Robbie Swan joined Watkins in 2014 working closely with a Vice President of Development learning all aspects of multifamily and retail development and he remains a valuable team member on many of Watkins’ multifamily projects and mixed-use projects outside of Florida.
Robbie is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an economics minor from Florida Southern College.
Robbie Swan
Vice President Retail Development
Robbie Swan has been with Watkins Real Estate Group for 10 years and is responsible for all aspects of his pipeline of retail development projects with a focus on markets in Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee. His responsibilities include site selection, zoning and entitlements, securing internal and retail anchor approvals, lease negotiations, financial modeling and budgeting, oversight of engineering, design and construction, and assisting in securing debt and equity and asset disposition.
Robbie Swan joined Watkins in 2014 working closely with a Vice President of Development learning all aspects of multifamily and retail development and he remains a valuable team member on many of Watkins’ multifamily projects and mixed-use projects outside of Florida.
Robbie is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an economics minor from Florida Southern College.
Mason Logue
Development Manager
- 407-803-2183
- mlogue@watkinsreg.com
Mason Logue serves as Development Manager at Watkins Real Estate Group, partnering with our VPs of Development on all projects from inception to disposition, including contract negotiations, consultant coordination, budget tracking and forecasting, due diligence, securing easements and entitlements, capital raising, design development, and operational transition. He also spearheads broker outreach to build strategic partnerships and uncover new opportunities.
Since joining Watkins in 2022, Mason has advanced from Associate to Development Manager, contributing significantly to the firm’s portfolio with key involvement in several projects totaling over 2,300 multifamily units and more than 600,000 square feet of retail space.
Prior to Watkins, Mason gained foundational experience in real estate development at a student housing developer and a national homebuilder. A graduate of Florida State University, Mason holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Real Estate. At FSU, he served as President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and as a Captain for Relay for Life.
Originally from Orlando, Florida, Mason now calls the Buckhead area of Atlanta home. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, outdoor sports, and passionately supporting Seminole athletics.
Mason Logue
Development Manager
Mason Logue
Development Manager
- 407-803-2183
- mlogue@watkinsreg.com
Mason Logue serves as Development Manager at Watkins Real Estate Group, partnering with our VPs of Development on all projects from inception to disposition, including contract negotiations, consultant coordination, budget tracking and forecasting, due diligence, securing easements and entitlements, capital raising, design development, and operational transition. He also spearheads broker outreach to build strategic partnerships and uncover new opportunities.
Since joining Watkins in 2022, Mason has advanced from Associate to Development Manager, contributing significantly to the firm’s portfolio with key involvement in several projects totaling over 2,300 multifamily units and more than 600,000 square feet of retail space.
Prior to Watkins, Mason gained foundational experience in real estate development at a student housing developer and a national homebuilder. A graduate of Florida State University, Mason holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Real Estate. At FSU, he served as President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and as a Captain for Relay for Life.
Originally from Orlando, Florida, Mason now calls the Buckhead area of Atlanta home. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, outdoor sports, and passionately supporting Seminole athletics.
Matthew has joined the Watkins Real Estate Group construction team to assist with all retail and multi-family projects.
Matthew brings significant experience to the team, having worked as a project manager for Walton Construction Services, and for Hathaway Construction Services, both multifamily construction companies. He also worked for residential construction company KB Homes.
Matthew holds a BS in Building Science from Auburn University.
Matthew Cawthon
Construction Manager
Matthew has joined the Watkins Real Estate Group construction team to assist with all retail and multi-family projects.
Matthew brings significant experience to the team, having worked as a project manager for Walton Construction Services, and for Hathaway Construction Services, both multifamily construction companies. He also worked for residential construction company KB Homes.
Matthew holds a BS in Building Science from Auburn University.
Jefferson joined the Watkins Real Estate Group construction team in 2019 to assist with all retail and multi-family projects.
Prior to joining Watkins, Jefferson worked as a project manager in a wide range of markets including mixed-use retail, government, senior living, and environmental projects for Winter Construction as well as healthcare for M.J. Harris Construction.
Jefferson holds a BS in Building Science and a BS in Business Administration, both from Auburn University.
Jefferson Dean
Construction Manager
Jefferson joined the Watkins Real Estate Group construction team in 2019 to assist with all retail and multi-family projects.
Prior to joining Watkins, Jefferson worked as a project manager in a wide range of markets including mixed-use retail, government, senior living, and environmental projects for Winter Construction as well as healthcare for M.J. Harris Construction.
Jefferson holds a BS in Building Science and a BS in Business Administration, both from Auburn University.
Donna Freeman has been with Watkins Real Estate Group for over 40 years. She has worked in all aspects of Multi Family and Retail accounting. She currently serves as the office manager and is on the accounting team with emphasis on Accounts Payable and vendor relationships. Donna holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Georgia Southern University.
Donna Freeman
Office Manager
Donna Freeman has been with Watkins Real Estate Group for over 40 years. She has worked in all aspects of Multi Family and Retail accounting. She currently serves as the office manager and is on the accounting team with emphasis on Accounts Payable and vendor relationships. Donna holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Georgia Southern University.
Jeff Dilts joined the Watkins Real Estate Group accounting team in August of 2024. Jeff has over 10 years of experience, specializing in real estate accounting, financial reporting, and portfolio support. Prior to joining Watkins, Jeff served as Assistant Controller of New Market Properties, a wholly owned subsidiary of Preferred Apartment Communities, Inc. (formerly NYSE: APTS). The portfolio included over 50 grocery-anchored shopping centers located throughout the southeast region. Jeff earned his B.A. in Economics from the State University of New York College at Potsdam.
Jeff Dilts
Assistant Controller
Jeff Dilts joined the Watkins Real Estate Group accounting team in August of 2024. Jeff has over 10 years of experience, specializing in real estate accounting, financial reporting, and portfolio support. Prior to joining Watkins, Jeff served as Assistant Controller of New Market Properties, a wholly owned subsidiary of Preferred Apartment Communities, Inc. (formerly NYSE: APTS). The portfolio included over 50 grocery-anchored shopping centers located throughout the southeast region. Jeff earned his B.A. in Economics from the State University of New York College at Potsdam.
Bio coming soon.
Kim Higgins
Retail Property Manager
Bio coming soon.
Thomas joined Watkins Real Estate Group in 2026. His responsibilities include the preparation of financial models, analyzing the feasibility of multi-family and retail development projects, market research, and assisting in the creation of offering memorandums for committee members, investors, and lenders. Prior to joining Watkins, he worked as a development analyst for a multi-family developer in Columbus.
Thomas graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate and is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).
Thomas Johnson
Development Analyst
Thomas joined Watkins Real Estate Group in 2026. His responsibilities include the preparation of financial models, analyzing the feasibility of multi-family and retail development projects, market research, and assisting in the creation of offering memorandums for committee members, investors, and lenders. Prior to joining Watkins, he worked as a development analyst for a multi-family developer in Columbus.
Thomas graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate and is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).
Bio coming soon.
Cole Kinchla
Senior Development Analyst
Bio coming soon.