Our Driving Force

Dan Johnson is the Founder and President of The Danco Group, bringing more than 40 years of experience in construction, real estate development, and property management. Throughout his career, he has led the successful planning, development, construction, and management of numerous multimillion-dollar projects across a wide range of market sectors. Dan's expertise includes cost estimating, value engineering, constructability review, scheduling, project management, and computerized cost control systems. Known for his practical approach and commitment to excellence, he works closely with project teams and clients to maximize efficiency, manage risk, and deliver projects that meet both operational and financial objectives. Beyond project success, Dan has built Danco around a culture of integrity, accountability, teamwork, and long-term relationships. Combining strong business and accounting acumen with extensive construction knowledge, he provides strategic analysis of project economics while fostering an environment where employees, partners, and clients are valued. His leadership has been instrumental in establishing Danco's reputation for quality, trust, and lasting client success.

Chris Dart has accumulated over thirty years of extensive experience and knowledge in the development and construction industry with The Danco Group. Starting in construction operations, Chris worked up to his current position as President of Danco Communities. He initiated Danco Communities' affordable housing projects and remains the visionary leader of the development department at The Danco Group. His responsibilities include land acquisitions, design development, entitlements, and financing strategies. He has developed a deep understanding of securing local, state, and federal government funding for projects. Danco Communities focuses on developing affordable housing projects and securing funding from organizations like TCAC, USDA RD, HOME, and CDBG. Under his leadership, Danco Communities has completed numerous projects that have positively impacted local communities throughout the United States. Chris's commitment to affordable housing and his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes have been instrumental in the company's success. His experience and leadership continue to drive the company's mission of providing high-quality, affordable housing.

Kira Heyden joined The Danco Group in August 2014, bringing a wealth of experience in construction and architecture. Before Danco, she served as a construction manager at Petra, overseeing all construction projects for St. Joseph's Health Systems. Her background also includes valuable experience at an architectural firm. Kira earned a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley. This academic foundation has been crucial in shaping her career and contributions to Danco. At Danco, Kira has held several key positions, showcasing her versatility and leadership. She's served in Construction Administration, as VP of Finance, and as VP of Construction Administration. In her role as VP of Construction Administration, Kira managed the financial stability of over $100 million in annual construction revenue. She found projecting project revenues particularly challenging, given the industry's dynamic nature. To tackle these challenges, Kira used a dual approach, maintaining a high-level view of the company while leveraging her detail-oriented nature to ensure accuracy. Kira has now transitioned to our development team, where she oversees Grant Writing, bringing her strategic insight and attention to detail to this new role.

Kathryn Hungerford is a Human Resources professional with over 11 years of experience in talent management and organizational development. As the Director of Human Resources at The Danco Group, Kathryn leads a team dedicated to fostering a positive work environment and driving employee engagement. Kathryn brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Her strategic approach to HR has been instrumental in aligning the company's human capital with its business objectives. Throughout her career, Kathryn has successfully implemented innovative HR initiatives across all business entities within The Danco Group. 

Jayden Johnson graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Leadership with an emphasis in Project Management. After gaining experience in a variety of roles throughout The Danco Group, she joined the development team full-time in 2022, where she played an integral role in advancing the company's affordable housing pipeline. As a Development Project Manager, Jayden collaborated with internal teams, public agencies, consultants, and financing partners to coordinate complex affordable housing developments from predevelopment through funding. She managed the preparation and submission of competitive tax credit and financing applications, helping move projects successfully toward construction. Today, Jayden serves as Vice President of Operations, providing executive leadership across marketing, information technology, human resources, and property management. She is passionate about building high-performing teams, strengthening company culture, and improving organizational systems that support long-term growth. As the youngest of the Johnson family's third generation, Jayden is helping lead The Danco Group into its next chapter through innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence. 

Cameron Dart became a part of The Danco Group in 2023, taking on the role of Development Project Manager. Before this, he was a dedicated student at California State University, San Marcos in San Diego, CA, where he achieved his Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Presently, Cameron serves as an Acquisition Analyst and Development Project Manager within the development team. In his position, Cameron recognizes the lack of a rigid structure or formula. Fields like acquisitions, negotiations, and affordable housing development lean more towards art than science, which can occasionally be challenging. To effectively manage these challenges, Cameron relies on organization and keen monitoring of the varying stages of a deal. He knows that these stages can evolve and change as market and environmental factors fluctuate, requiring flexibility that is both exciting and demanding. In his approach, Cameron highlights the need for a concentrated mindset, giving priority to tasks that are high leverage. Cameron understands the importance of acting promptly and making swift decisions, all while maintaining a clear and focused mind. As Cameron continues to grow and evolve within his role, he remains dedicated to achieving the highest standards of excellence and contributing significantly to the success of the organization and his team.

Carter Johnson joined The Danco Group in 2013 as a general laborer, where he developed a strong foundation in the construction industry by supporting field operations and maintaining safe, efficient job sites. His hands-on experience provided him with a deep understanding of the work that drives successful projects. In 2020, Carter was promoted to Field Crew Leader, overseeing the company's specialized site work team. He led crews operating heavy equipment to prepare project sites, ensuring work was completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. His leadership and technical expertise contributed to the successful execution of projects across the organization. Today, Carter serves as Vice President of Field Operations, providing strategic oversight of field operations, equipment management, and operational performance. He is passionate about developing high-performing teams, improving processes, and driving operational excellence across the company. Outside of work, Carter is pursuing his pilot's license and has developed a strong interest in business operations and strategic leadership. As a third-generation member of the Johnson family, he is committed to carrying forward The Danco Group's legacy of excellence while helping shape its future.

Evan Brown serves as Vice President of Finance, bringing nearly a decade of expertise in financial management and strategic problem-solving to the organization. With a strong foundation in accounting and a data-driven approach, he leads the company's financial operations with a focus on analytical precision and continuous improvement. In his role as VP of Finance, Evan oversees the accounting team and specializes in prevailing wage reporting and credit card management systems, where his analytical mindset and innovative solutions have streamlined financial processes. His expertise spans financial analysis, problem-solving, team leadership, and process optimization. Evan's leadership philosophy emphasizes collective success and collaboration, fostering an environment of growth and innovation within his department. He is proficient in various technical tools, including advanced Excel applications, accounting software systems, Adobe Acrobat, and Expensify platform management. Having earned a degree in accounting and additional graduate studies, Evan maintains a strong commitment to professional development and stays engaged with emerging financial technologies. His personal philosophy reflects a strong work ethic focused on delivering results, and he applies the same rigorous financial management principles to both his professional and personal life, demonstrating his comprehensive understanding of fiscal responsibility.

Brent Parish serves as Vice President of Construction at Danco Builders and Danco Builders Northwest, with 25 years of industry experience. Starting as a labor helper, he completed his Union Carpenter's Apprenticeship and gained expertise in commercial and residential construction.

His experience includes project management, civil engineering, and utilities supervision, including five years running his own construction business. Brent holds certifications in RSMeans Estimating, MS Project Scheduling, OSHA 30, CPR, and is a certified Scaffold Erector and Carpenter's Union Journeyman.

As a leader in Danco's construction operations, Brent expertly manages commercial construction projects across housing, industrial, and tenant improvement sectors, while navigating complex regulatory requirements.

Jonathan Gutierrez has been a key member of The Danco Group team since February 2020. Beginning his tenure as Office Manager, Jonathan quickly demonstrated strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of organizational operations. He later advanced into the role of Director of Marketing, where he led branding, communications, and outreach initiatives that helped strengthen the company’s presence across its markets. Most recently, Jonathan transitioned into the role of Director of Operations, where he focuses on driving efficiency, optimizing internal processes, and supporting cross-functional collaboration across the organization. Jonathan brings a well-rounded perspective shaped by his experience across multiple departments, making him a valuable contributor to The Danco Group’s continued growth and operational excellence.

Ashley joined The Danco Group in February 2023 as a Regional Manager before being promoted to Vice President of Danco Property Management. In this leadership role, she oversees the Regional Director as well as four regional managers who manage 38 properties  —totaling 2,235 affordable units. Ashley focuses on supporting her team while ensuring resident satisfaction. Though housing placement timelines may not always meet applicants' expectations, and her team may not have all the answers, she remains committed to helping. She consistently provides her team with the resources needed to deliver excellent service to residents.

Ashley’s dedication is evident in her strong relationships with both team members and residents. Throughout her career, she has excelled at building and motivating high-performing teams by fostering trust, open communication, and continuous learning. Through her guidance, she leads the property management team to achieve exceptional results while navigating challenges.