Hunt Midwest names new Vice President of Design & Development to lead mixed-use growth strategy

Kansas City, MO — July 21, 2026 — Hunt Midwest is pleased to announce that Leah FitzGerald has joined the company as Vice President of Design & Development to lead the vision, planning, and execution of the company’s mixed-use development platform.

In this newly created role, FitzGerald will shape mixed-use development strategies, guide design and placemaking efforts, and deliver integrated mixed-use projects that transform communities. She will also play a key role in sourcing new opportunities as Hunt Midwest continues to grow its portfolio across Kansas City and beyond.

FitzGerald has more than 30 years of experience across architecture, construction, and commercial real estate, with a proven track record of leading complex development initiatives and delivering unique, award-winning projects. She has directed more than $2.6 billion in commercial real estate projects and built strong partnerships with developers, public agencies, and community stakeholders.

“Leah brings a unique combination of design expertise, development experience, and leadership that will strengthen our ability to deliver thoughtful, high-quality projects,” said Ora Reynolds, President & CEO of Hunt Midwest. “Her experience working across both private development and public partnerships will be instrumental as we expand our mixed-use platform and pursue new opportunities.”

FitzGerald previously served as Managing Director and Market Leader for CBRE in Kansas City, where she led a multidisciplinary team of more than 140 professionals across brokerage, project management, and advisory services. During her tenure, she more than doubled market revenue while advancing client growth strategies and expanding key business lines.

Earlier in her career, FitzGerald held development leadership roles at VanTrust Real Estate and Walt Disney Imagineering, where she led large-scale, highly complex projects ranging from public infrastructure development to the design and construction of Disney’s first two cruise ships.

“I am thrilled to be stepping into a role where my previous experience across architecture, construction, development, and brokerage all come together in exactly the right place; shaping mixed-use development strategies, and guiding design and placemaking, to deliver projects that can transform communities,” FitzGerald said. “Special thanks to Ora Reynolds for her leadership and vision. I cannot wait to work with the exceptional team at Hunt Midwest.”

FitzGerald is an active leader in Kansas City and beyond, serving on the boards of civic, economic development, and industry organizations that support regional growth and innovation. She currently serves on the Missouri Partnership board of directors and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce public policy committee. She is the chapter chair of the Kansas City YPO-Gold chapter and serves on the Starlight Theatre board of directors and Kansas State University College of Architecture Dean’s Advisory Council. The Kansas City Business Journal named FitzGerald to the 2022 class of Women Who Mean Business recipients, and she was inducted into the Midwest Real Estate Hall of Fame in 2023. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the Kansas State University College of Architecture and earned a KSU certificate in Real Estate Development & Community Planning. She lives with her family in Kansas City, Missouri.

For more information about Leah FitzGerald’s new role and Hunt Midwest’s growing portfolio, go to HuntMidwest.com.

About Hunt Midwest

Hunt Midwest is a Kansas City-based, privately held real estate development company with six decades of expertise in industrial, self-storage, residential, multifamily, and senior living communities, with more than $3 billion of developed projects in multiple geographic markets. Hunt Midwest leverages its reputation, resources, and relationships to create successful real estate solutions.

Hunt Midwest is one of the pillars of the Lamar Hunt Family’s holdings, which include interests in real estate, sports/entertainment, energy/natural resources, and private equity. Other marquee brands include the Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bulls, FC Dallas, Hunt Southwest, and Trinity Hunt. Learn more at HuntMidwest.com.