Deshea Agee

About Deshea Agee

Seasoned economic development professional serving as the Executive Director of Business Improvement District #8 (BID #8), Historic King Drive. Deshea leads revitalization efforts supporting property owners and entrepreneurs with the BID boundaries. Deshea has been key to over $50 million being invested since 2016, and critical to organizations committing an additional $100 million into buildings and people in the district. He oversees implementation of organization\'s annual operating plan, including its role in implementation the $3.5M Brew City Match program, Pop Up MKE, and the restoration of Victory Over Violence Park. Deshea has been a voice for business owners of color. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Marquette University, and a Master of Science degree from University of Wisconsin-Stout. He is a licensed Wisconsin real estate broker, and holds two economic development finance professional certifications from the National Development Council. He writes \"I am a community builder. My passion started 15 years ago when I realized the impact real estate has on a community. Driving through my city (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) I saw beautiful neighborhoods, and others in need of restoration. Over time it became clear that to truly restore a neighborhood more was necessary than simply improving blighted buildings. Restoration also included building people up, and improving public space near them. I am honored to use my unique background, experiences and skills to help restore a part of Milwaukee, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and the neighborhoods surrounding.\"

Experience

1. Vice President

   Emem Group

   Jun 2021 — Present · Milwaukee, WI, US

   Senior executive informing development strategy, capital positioning, and alignment for a real estate development and construction firms. • Advise ownership on site selection, expansion planning, and alignment of projects with public financing and incentive opportunities.• Lead negotiation and coordination with municipal agencies, regulatory bodies, and external partners to secure approvals and advance development timelines.• Evaluate project feasibility, underwriting assumptions, and risk exposure prior to acquisition and construction.• Serve as Owner’s Representative for multifamily, mixed-use, office, and residential subdivision projects from entitlement through delivery.• Direct cross-functional teams including architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and legal counsel.• Integrate sustainability and infrastructure enhancements (solar, green infrastructure, WELL standards) into development strategy.• Contribute to portfolio growth by identifying new development opportunities and strengthening public-private partnerships.

Education

• Marquette University

  Bachelor of Science, Business Administration

  1994 — 1999

• University of Wisconsin-Stout

  Master of Science, Construction Management

  2016 — 2018