About

Brian Evjen – President

Brian is responsible for managing all aspects of affordable housing development, including identification of projects, site development, construction, financing, operations, and compliance.

Brian brings more than 15 years of experience in real estate development and finance, and has developed a diverse blend of project types, including market rate and affordable multifamily, mixed use, commercial, education, and food service spaces. He has experience in the development of housing for the elderly, families, and homeless populations.

Brian has successfully redeveloped urban infill sites, developed and rehabilitated multiple units in historic districts, and successfully achieved three LEED Gold and Silver certifications and two NGBS certifications in Florida. In addition, he has been involved in the planning, development, and financing of more than 1,500 market rate and affordable housing units and has secured funding from multiple funding sources including LIHTC, AHP, CDBG, SHIP, HOME, NSP, SAIL, and New Markets Tax Credits.

Brian developed a passion for providing affordable housing and caring for the most needy populations while serving on the leadership team of a Tampa-based non-profit homeless ministry. Working with Newstar’s PHA, CRA, and non-profit partners provides the opportunity to continue embrace this passion by serving our partners’ communities and residents.

Justin Corder – Vice President of Development

Justin is responsible for affordable housing development, including identification of projects, zoning and entitlements, site development, construction, financing, operation, and compliance.

Prior to joining Newstar, Justin served as Senior Acquisition Manager at Raymond James Tax Credit Funds (RJTCF) in St. Petersburg, FL for more than seven years. RJTCF is one of the leading sponsors for low income housing tax credits nationwide, syndicating more than $9 Billion in equity. Justin negotiated letters of intent for new development partners, modeled operating proformas and development budgets, and managed underwriting requirements for investment partners. Justin’s team was successful in raising $100 Million in equity per year and closing 15-20 projects per year on average.

Rick Higgins - Principal

As President of Norstar Development USA Rick Higgins was responsible for overseeing all of the Norstar projects and operations across the United States. Mr. Higgins brings a depth of finance, real estate, land development and construction experience to Newstar, with a unique combination of both public and private development expertise.

Mr. Higgins served as general counsel to the Battery Park City Authority of New York, assistant counsel to the Governor of New York, and the New York State Housing Commissioner. Mr. Higgins was also a partner in the law firm of Roemer and Featherstonehaugh in Albany, NY.

Mr. Higgins is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds a JD from Columbia La School. He has also served on the boards of several not-for-profit housing organizations and has also served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Law at Fordham University, New York.