Candace Burk hired at CCS Facility Services

After 20 years in security services, Candace Burk has joined CCS Facility Services as the Vice President of Business Development. In her role, Burk will lead CCS Facility Services’ growing sales team in Houston and expand the company’s presence across Texas. As a native Texan and industry veteran, Burk brings a deep understanding of the facility services industry and the Texas market. Before joining CCS Facility Services, Burk served as the Vice President of Client Relations at Allied Universal.

Christine Tran promoted to Director Relationship Manager-MMB at First Citizens Bank

Christine Tran has been promoted to Director of Middle Market Banking. In her new role, she will focus on expanding First Citizens’ middle market banking portfolio in the Houston market, where she most recently served as a commercial banker for the company since 2021. Tran brings more than 20 years of expertise in retail and commercial banking.

A graduate of Texas A&M University, Tran is an active member of the Houston Asian Jaycees Foundation.

JLL appoints president of Houston office

JLL appointed Ronnie Deyo as President of its Houston offices, succeeding Dan Bellow, a longtime Houston commercial real estate veteran and well-known leader.

Both principal members of the firm’s Houston office, Bellow and Deyo, have worked closely over their decades-long careers at JLL, each catalysts for its trajectory in the market. Deyo’s new position will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, and Bellow will serve in an advisory role as Chairman for Leasing Advisory. 

One of the most respected and dynamic commercial real estate professionals in Houston, Bellow has over 50 years of experience in the sector, previously serving as President of The Staubach Co. – Houston before its merger with JLL. Among his most notable accomplishments are Greater Houston Partnership’s Robert Onstead Leadership Award (2009), NAIOP’s Howard W. Horne Legacy Award (2013) and Houston Business Journal’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2025). Bellow has been a driving force behind JLL’s advancement in Houston, expanding the firm from 50 employees and three business lines in 2008 to more than 360 employees in the corporate office and a dozen service lines today. 

Over his 30-year career in office tenant representation, Deyo has built lasting relationships with clients – several of whom he continues to represent today – a testament to his attention to detail and dedication to delivering customized solutions. Skilled in managing large-scale real estate projects for multinational corporations, some of his most notable accomplishments include assisting HPE’s world headquarters relocation to a new Houston campus and helping Dow Chemical relocate to a new regional headquarters, among others.

Having led the Houston Office Tenant Representation Group for over 15 years, Deyo has also prioritized mentorship, passionate about sharing his expertise with junior associates and contributing to top-down organizational success. Deyo has received numerous awards, including NAIOP Broker of the Year, NAIOP Deal of the Year on multiple occasions, JLL Champion of Excellence (2009) and JLL Lifetime Top Gun recognition.

In his new position, Deyo will lead JLL’s brokerage teams in Houston and Louisiana, overseeing business operations and providing strategic counsel and direction for more than 150 employees. 

Rich Berman hired at VeraBank

VeraBank is proud to welcome Rich Berman, EVP – Regional President, to its Williamson County market. With more than 20 years of banking experience and deep-rooted connections across the Greater Austin business community, Rich brings expertise and heart to his role.

“I’m passionate about helping local businesses succeed and building strong teams that reflect VeraBank’s community-first values,” said Rich Berman. “It’s inspiring to see what local businesses are capable of with the right support.”

Mark Lakins hired at Dahlin Group Inc.

Mark Lakins joins the Austin office of DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors as Director – Project Development. Lakins brings 15 years of experience to DAHLIN to lead project development through a designer’s eye and a builder’s mindset. Skilled at connecting clients with creative, constructable solutions informed by his understanding of how projects come together, he will champion project development of residential, mixed-use, and custom luxury homes for DAHLIN across the Southwest Region.

Omar Mourtaja hired at Texas Gulf Bank, N.A.

Omar Mourtaja joins Texas Gulf Bank as Vice President – Commercial Lender in our River Oaks location. He has 7 years of banking experience with a focus on commercial lending. A Houston area resident, he understands the commercial banking needs of the market. He will concentrate on expanding our commercial client base offering business loans, deposit products and flexible financial solutions to growing Houston area businesses. MEMBER FDIC/Loans Subject to Credit Approval.