Under Dale Phillips' leadership, Mark-Taylor Residential has become the leading provider of management services to luxury apartment properties in the Phoenix metropolitan area. In terms of numbers, that adds up to a portfolio of more than 10,000 units for institutional owners and private investors. Phillips has driven much of that growth, drawing on his experience in resort management, advertising, and construction to expand Mark-Taylor’s development activity and third-party management accounts.

Phillips, who joined Mark-Taylor in 1995 as an asset manager, is credited with introducing a highly successful team approach to Mark-Taylor, which brings together finance, marketing, and operations to deliver superior returns to owners. He also has supported the creation of a company culture that encourages employees to think entrepreneurially and devise innovative programs that boost resident satisfaction, operating efficiencies, and overall profitability. Phillips belongs to the Arizona Multihousing Association Board, the National Multi Housing Council’s advisory board, and the National Apartment Association.

Demara, a certified CPA, is responsible for the management of the accounting staff, financial reporting, tax planning and compliance for all Mark-Taylor Companies and affiliated investment entities. Clay has extensive experience in multi-family, corporate and industrial finance and accounting along with an advanced systems background with most major property software applications.

Prior to joining Mark-Taylor, Demara was a Regional Controller at Graystar and also served as Controller at Schirmer Management & Development. Clay has a Bachelors degree in Accounting from Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Michigan and is a member of the Arizona Multi-housing Association.

As asset manager, John Carlson handles both takeovers at properties joining the Mark-Taylor management portfolio and oversees current Mark-Taylor assets. He is well-suited for the job of bringing new properties up to the Mark-Taylor standards of service, appeal, and profitability; before joining the company in 2002, he conducted training and set-up programs around the world, including Europe, Asia, and Africa. Carlson has a bachelor's in electrical engineering from Concordia College. He is a licensed real estate agent in Arizona and belongs to the Arizona Multihousing Association.

Kathleen joined Mark-Taylor in 1996 as a community manager for a property in New Mexico and has worked at various Mark-Taylor communities both large and small. She brings with her over 17 years of experience in property management including multi-site, new construction, condo conversion and rehab projects in both California and Arizona. Prior to property management, she was a district supervisor with General Telephone Company managing new product development and directory distribution.

Kathleen is a member of the Arizona Multi-housing Association, a Certified Apartment Manager through the National Apartment Association and is a Licensed Real Estate Agent in Arizona.

Jay Dassele, Asset Manager

Jay Dassele began his Mark-Taylor career in 2000, quickly building upon his early success with promotion after promotion. Among his key achievements: handling the complicated task of assisting one of the most publicized sales in the history of apartment management in Arizona; Working closely with brokers and owners to ensure the success of an 18-community portfolio sale that was also one of the most publicized sales in Arizona’s apartment management industry. Now an asset manager, Dassele has the experience and expertise to deliver results for Mark-Taylor clients. His industry recognitions include an Arizona Multihousing Association team achievement award, best community award, and two nominations for Manager of the Year. Dassele is Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) through the Arizona Multihousing Association and a licensed real estate agent in Arizona.

MICHAEL WILSON, Asset Manager

Michael Wilson has been an integral part of the Mark-Taylor team since 2001 bringing success to his teams, owners, and company overall. He has managed challenging property sales and difficult lease-ups alike for new and existing apartment properties. He has worked with onsite associates and investors to establish expectations and achieve outstanding results Wilson's industry credentials include certifications as a Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) and a National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP), as well as his Arizona real estate license. He also received Mark-Taylor’s Residential Team Achievement Award in 2004. Wilson received his bachelor’s from the University of Arkansas, where he double-majored in sociology and criminology, with a minor in business. Wilson also served with the Arkansas Air National Guard for more than six years.

Tina heads up the Sales and Training department for Mark-Taylor. A 7-year Mark-Taylor veteran, Makssour has managed several Mark-Taylor properties and most recently was the Community Manager for the company’s San Marbeya apartment community in Tempe, Arizona.

Makssour is responsible for the planning and implementation of on-site courses for the company’s 225 employees, with an enhanced emphasis on management training. The company has a deep focus on customer service, sales and professional growth, which mandates a strong training curriculum.

Makssour earned the distinction of the Mark-Taylor 2003 Manager of the Year, and also was honored with the Mark-Taylor Team Achievement Award in 2002. She is a National Apartment Association Certified Apartment Manager and holds a masters degree from Southern Methodist University.

Roger is responsible for the property maintenance standards for all of Mark-Taylor's communities. He trains, mentors, guides and instructs his service teams to ensure the highest level of maintenance quality is achieved at all times.

Prior to joining Mark-Taylor more than ten years ago, Nahrgang owned a successful maintenance company servicing commercial and residential customers. He also enjoyed a 22-year Army career where he specialized in artillery training programs.

Nahrgang has been honored as Mark-Taylor Service Manager of the Year, received the Mark-Taylor award, the Arizona Multi-housing Service Manager of the Year award and the Arizona Multi-housing Team of the Year award. He attended Winona State College in Minnesota.

KIM ATKINSON, Director of Marketing & PR

Kim Atkinson joined Mark-Taylor in 2006 to head up marketing and public relations, bringing more than 15 years of marketing communications experience to the team. Kim’s chief responsibility is to increase awareness of the Mark-Taylor brand by generating buzz, traffic and leads for each community. Kim oversees the look and feel of the brand and evolves Mark-Taylor’s leading edge website, which continues to gain critical acclaim throughout the industry.

Recently, Kim led the corporate communications team for Cold Stone Creamery, America’s fastest-growing ice cream franchise. Prior to that, she oversaw the company’s public relations and field marketing division, helping Cold Stone grow the brand through grass roots efforts and community-based programs.

Prior to her PR career, Kim wore various hats at several of the Valley’s television stations, where she wrote and produced news segments and developed promotional campaigns for the stations and their advertisers. She was honored with a Rocky Mountain Emmy Award in 1997.

Kim studied political science at Arizona State University.