The Southern Development Homes team is just that – a team with a shared commitment to building beautiful homes and communities in Central Virginia.
Our Team
President
President
Frank Ballif President
Frank Ballif is the Founder and President of Southern Development Homes and Southern Development Group located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Frank is actively involved in the management of both the land development and home construction divisions. Frank obtained a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Virginia and holds a Class A Contractor’s license and a Virginia real estate broker’s license. Frank is active with the local Blue Ridge Homebuilder’s Association. He is a two term past president and is currently a member of the Board of Directors. Frank is currently serving on the Salvation Army of Charlottesville Advisory Board and the Homes for Hope Board of Directors. While not at work, Frank enjoys spending time on his cattle farm with his wife and daughters.
Development Team
Development Team
Charlie Armstrong Vice President, Land Development
Charlie Armstrong is the Vice President of Land Development at Southern Development and manages all aspects of the development process, including acquisitions, finance, site design, governmental approvals, and project management during construction. Prior to joining Southern Development, Charlie managed projects for an environmental consulting firm and helped start a successful online marketing firm. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Virginia. Charlie is a past President of the Blue Ridge Home Builders Association and serves on the Board of Directors of the Home Builders Association of Virginia and the Board of Directors of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Armstrong also served as 5-year Chairman of the Charlottesville City Council Housing Advisory Committee and actively serves on the Boards of several Charlottesville area charitable non-profits and associations. Charlie, his wife, and four children live in Albemarle County and particularly enjoy travelling and being outdoors.
Development Team
Keith Lancaster Land Planner
Mr. Lancaster manages projects through the entitlement process and through permitting. This process consists of creating conceptual designs, coordinating with engineers and working with local governments from the application phase through final approvals. Prior to joining Southern Development, Mr. Lancaster worked within the Division of Zoning and Current Development for Albemarle County. He has a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University – Pueblo. Mr. Lancaster has served on the Rivanna River Basin Commission for the City of Charlottesville and is the recipient of the Virginia Certified Planning Commission program and the Virginia Certified Board of Zoning Appeals program. He lives in Albemarle County with his wife, Kristy, and their two children, Anna and Jack.
Development Team
Lois Haverstrom General Counsel
Lois Haverstrom is General Counsel to Southern Development. She assists in numerous areas of both the development and the home building companies. Lois’ primary responsibility to the development team involves the extensive legal drafting required in the development approval and start-up process. Having the resource of in-house counsel allows the development team to navigate more quickly through the regulatory approval process. Lois also handles the corporate and regulatory affairs for the operations of the company. Lois is a graduate of the Villanova University School of Law and was first licensed in Pennsylvania. She started her career as corporate counsel in the insurance industry. Her work in the insurance industry ranged from policy drafting, regulatory matters, operations and claims support, as well as mergers and acquisitions. During her corporate career she worked for FIC Insurance Group in their Philadelphia, PA and Austin, TX offices and for Sisters of Mercy Health Systems in St. Louis, MO. Upon arriving to Charlottesville, Lois shifted her career to real estate, including real estate sales and four years in private practice with an emphasis on real estate closings, related property matters, business formation and estate work.
Construction Team
Construction Team
Doug Morris Project Manager
Doug Morris is a Project Manager for Southern Development Homes. Doug has been with Southern Development since 2001. Doug has worked in the construction industry for over 30 years, beginning in high school as an assistant Brick Mason. In his thirty plus years in the industry, Doug has worked in nearly every trade in the business, making him an expert in all aspects of home construction. In 2009, Doug oversaw the construction of more than 40 homes for Southern Development, including managing construction of an apartment building. In his free time, Doug enjoys hunting, gardening, woodworking and hiking with his two sons.
Construction Team
Garnett Harris Project Manager
Garnett Harris is a Project Manager for Southern Development Homes. Garnett has been with Southern Development since 2002 and has been active in the construction industry for over thirty years. He is a native of Louisa County. In high school, Garnett was motivated to layout and build custom cabinets for his parents home – which are still there today. After high school, his first job was building townhouses – overseeing the process from raw lot through clearing, footers, framing and completion. Garnett went on to build single family residential homes with the same company. When the residential construction market slowed, Garnett, at age 22, assisted in the building of his first commercial building, a waste burning power facility in Lorton, Virginia. While working there, he became the youngest member of the carpenter’s union. After leaving the carpenter’s union, he went back to his previous employer to assist in the completion of another commercial building, this time an office complex in Stafford, Virginia. Garnett returned to his true passion, building homes, for the next 10 ½ years. In that position, Garnett worked as a Superintendent building subdivisions, roads, and single family homes – approximately 125 homes per year. Garnett began working with Southern Development on the weekends and evenings, putting in foundations for new homes, trimming homes and framing. It wasn’t long before Garnett became Southern Development’s first full time employee. Starting as a foreman, Garnett moved to Superintendent and then Project Coordinator. Since his time with Southern Development, Garnett has constructed hundreds of homes, multiple commercial buildings, and numerous subdivision roads. He prides himself on knowing every aspect of his job, the jobsite and each home his builds. Garnett enjoys boating at Lake Anna and restoring the luster and character of older homes.
Construction Team
Amy Hall Contracts Coordinator
Amy joined Southern Development in April of 2011, as the Contracts Coordinator, where she oversees the processing of new and amended contracts. Her previous position as the Permits Clerk for the Fluvanna County Building Inspections Office has given her the knowledge and understanding of building and development process that provides a unique asset to our Production and Development Teams. She is a 2001 graduate of Piedmont Virginia Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. Amy is a lifelong resident of Fluvanna County, where she lives with her husband Robbie, and their son Bailey. She is an Adult Leader for the Virginia 4-H Program and a member the Palmyra Volunteer Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary. In her spare time, Amy enjoys baking, photography, working with horses and hunting and fishing.
Construction Team
Mark Collins Customer Service Manager
Mark is the Customer Service Manager for Southern Development Homes and handles our customers’ warranty issues, concerns and questions. He joined the team in 2013 and is involved in the final walkthroughs of each of our homes and explains how the home works to our new home owners. Mark grew up in Charlottesville and is a graduate of Western Albemarle High School. Mark played Semi-Pro baseball for 13 years. He now lives in Gordonsville with his wife and their four children and enjoys softball and golf and spending time with his family.
Construction Team
Robert “Axel” Dale Garrison, Jr
Dale Garrison works for Southern Development Homes as a carpenter and punch-out laborer. He assists with jobsite clean-up, light trim and punch out work, and other final touch up tasks as needed. Dale is a native of Albemarle County and has worked in the construction industry for over 20 years. In his spare time, Dale enjoys playing pool and riding motorcycles.
Construction Team
Ken Gill Senior Purchasing Analyst
Ken joined Southern Development Homes in April of 2013, after working as a Purchasing Manager and Project Manager for a top ten builder in the metropolitan DC market for 12 years. Bringing a wealth of knowledge of the home construction process, Ken understands the systems and databases to streamline critical communication among the builder and the buyer and trade partners. He has presented at several software round tables on implementation of construction software and processes. In his free time, Ken enjoys fishing, sailing, and spending time with his family. Ken is a graduate of the University of Chicago.
Construction Team
Shannon Hughes Architectural Designer
Shannon Hughes is the Architectural Designer for Southern Development Homes. Shannon is responsible for creating new floor plan concepts, drawings, and models of our homes. After graduating in May 2013 from Virginia Tech’s top-ranked architecture school, she joined Southern Development Homes. Shannon brings hands-on building experience after participating in Virginia Tech’s Design/Build program, where she helped design and physically construct a farmers market in Covington, Virginia. Shannon has a love for Charlottesville, especially the “city meets country” atmosphere, and she loves going downtown for great food and live music or going wine tasting in the nearby mountains. Shannon conveniently lives within walking distance of the downtown mall and loves being a Hokie in a UVA town.
Construction Team
Zac Paterson Assistant Project Manager
Zac Paterson joined the Southern Development Team in October 2020 as an Assistant Project Manager. Most recently, Zac worked with Toll Brothers in Pennsylvania. Zac is originally from Orange County, so he’s glad to be back in Central Virginia. In his spare time, you can find him fishing on the rivers in the area as well as duck hunting.
Construction Team
Jake Noble Project Manager
Jake Noble joined Southern Development in the spring of 2021. Prior to Southern Development, he worked for an HVAC company in Northern Virginia assisting with residential installations. Before that, Jake worked with a local a general contractor, where he assisted in remodeling, demolition and deck building around the Charlottesville area. Having grown up in town, Jake is happy to return to his roots and work for a builder that gives back to its community building quality homes. Jake is looking forward to learning our building process from the ground up and developing long term relationships with trade partners. When he’s not working in one of our great communities, you will find Jake playing guitar, attending live music events, fishing and hanging out with family and friends.
Construction Team
Elder Tobar
Elder joined the Southern Development Homes Team in November 2016. Elder has over 19 years of experience that he brings to the team. Elder was born and raised in Guatemala and has enjoyed living in the surrounding areas of Charlottesville. He loves the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as well as getting to live so close to his family. In his spare time, he loves having fun with his kids and fishing!
Construction Team
Bryan Ireland Project Architect
Bryan joined Southern Development Homes as a in July 2023. Since graduating from Virginia Tech in 2013, he has worked on projects up and down the east coast and has a background in Residential, Hospitality, Commercial, and Higher Education buildings. He has worked on everything from sports bars to performing arts centers and enjoys all aspects of design, from a new concept sketch on a piece of scrap paper to the end of construction and handing the keys over to a new owner. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children in Crozet.
Construction Team
Caleb Vickers E&S Specialist
Caleb Vickers joined our Construction team in late winter of 2021. A recent graduate of Fluvanna High School, Caleb pursued classes in carpentry and woodworking and now he has found a place for his passion. Before joining our team as an Assistant Project Manager in Training, Caleb worked on deck building and basement remodeling. He is excited to begin his career in new residential construction with Southern Development. When he’s not working hard on a job site, you will likely find Caleb spending time with family and friends or enjoying the outdoors hunting and fishing.
Construction Team
Ronnie Jones Service
Ronnie joined Southern Development’s Service department in November 2020. His extensive service background includes maintenance for a major hotel chain and property management company, as well as 17 years as a technical engineer with the Uniroyal textile plant in Scottsville. His knowledge and experience, coupled with his excellent customer service skills and warm smile, have made him a welcome addition to the team. When he’s not problem solving for our home owners, Ronnie loves spending time with family and friends. He also loves to sing, is an accomplished percussionist, and in recent years, has turned to drawing and painting.
Construction Team
Josh Ott Project Manager
Josh Ott joined the Southern Development Team in the Summer of 2018 as an Assistant Project Manager. After graduating from James Madison University in 2006 with a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology and Minor in Business Administration, he worked for a global automotive transportation provider for 9.5 years with 6 of those years in management. Josh has lived in Charlottesville since 2010 and is excited to be part of a local company that strives to support the Charlottesville Community and is committed to developing quality homes. Being new to the construction business, Josh is eager to learn the building process and is looking forward to developing relationships with many of the local trade partners. In his spare time, you can find him kayaking and fishing the rivers in the area as well as experiencing all the great live music and restaurants Charlottesville has to offer.
Construction Team
Jeremy Soles Production Manager
Jeremy Soles is the Production Manager for Souther Development Homes and he joined company in August 2014. Jeremy graduated from Longwood University in 2006 with a major in Economics and a minor in Business Administration. After graduation, Jeremy immediately started working at a local blueberry farm and that’s where he began to realize his love for working outdoors. In May 2013, he began working for an engineering company and was contracted to work at one of the largest manufacturing plants on the East Coast. While there, he was a SAP/Technical Work Administrator in charge of documenting over 200 projects at any given time. Jeremy is an avid sports fan and loves both watching and playing sports; and is currently in a men’s soccer league. And when he isn’t active with sports, he enjoys spending time with his dog, Barney.
Construction Team
Sam German Estimator
Sam joined Southern Development Homes in November 2022 as an Estimator. A Charlottesville native who spent many years in various rolls in the UVA Library, Sam found his passion for building when he made the jump into estimating and project managing commercial construction projects around central Virginia in 2018. Sam is very excited to be working for Southern Development helping to build quality homes for people in our community. When he’s not working, Sam enjoys spending time with his wife, Aubrey, and cat, Sullivan Theodore German. Sam’s many hobbies include music, photography, motorcycles, and building things.
Design Center
Design Center
Dawn Filer Design and Sales Coordinator
Dawn joined Southern Development as a Sales Coordinator in August of 2020. She and her husband fell in love with Charlottesville, after traveling here from Pennsylvania, and decided to make this their home. Dawn earned her Bachelor of Science in Physiology from Penn State and worked in pharmaceutical and media sales prior to joining Southern Development. She is looking forward to being involved in helping others build their dream home. Dawn has a passion for travel. She and her husband spent their honeymoon in Bora Bora, have ventured to many islands in the Caribbean, and recently journeyed to South Africa to observe the incredible wildlife there. Dawn loves all creatures great and small, and more than anything, enjoys spending time at home with her husband Bill, their dog Gilda, and their cat Ziggy.
Design Center
Shelby Webb Senior Design Consultant
Shelby joined the Southern Development Design Team in the summer of 2019. After graduating from Liberty University where she studied interior design and business, Shelby began her career as a residential interior designer in Annapolis, Maryland. She has since then expanded into kitchen and bath design, as well as new construction design. From creating custom kitchens to decorating model homes, Shelby has always had a passion and eye for design. In her free time, Shelby enjoys spending time with her family, exploring all the beautiful places that Central Virginia has to offer, and thrifting furniture to restore and make new.
Design Center
Roxanne Woodhouse Design Center Associate and Included Features Specialist
Roxanne joined the Southern Development sales team in the summer of 2021. Born and raised in Michigan Roxanne moved to Virginia in 2006 with her husband and 2 sons. Roxanne has worked for over 15 years in the customer service industry including communications, retail sales, and new home sales. Roxanne thrives in both professional & philanthropic positions that have a need to help people. Her desire to help and her passion to learn has served Southern Development Homes well in her role as a Design Center Associate and Included Features Specialist. Roxanne’s experience and knowledge of the construction process, features, and finishes will help guide clients in choosing the products that best represent their needs, desires, and investment.
Sales Team
Sales Team
Gwendolyn Moore Sales Consultant
Gwendolyn Moore joined Southern Development in February 2015 as a Community Sales Consultant. Gwen is an alumni of Virginia Commonwealth University, with a major in Business Administration and Management and a Minor in Finance. She is also a graduate of Faith landmark Bible institute. Gwen has been in Real Estate for over 17 years, selling close to 500 homes. Gwen’s passion is to help bless people with high degree of Integrity, Honesty, and Professionalism in the purchase of their new home. Her passion for helping others in turn, is not a sale, but a relationship. Gwen has received several honors in her real estate career, including top 10% of Coldwell banker agents in Virginia in 2012, along with multiple realtor designation and awards. She has also served as a Notary Public for the Commonwealth of Virginia and a qualified trainer for the Virginia Housing Development Association. Gwen also enjoys traveling, reading, playing tennis and working with the Special Olympics and the Down Syndrome Association.
Sales Team
Sara Hoagland Sales Manager
Sara rejoined the team as an Online Sales Consultant in July of 2021 and is presently Southern Development’s Sales Manager. She has worked in the home building industry for 9 years holding various sales, marketing, and management positions. She has sold and managed new home construction in the Northern Virginia and Charlottesville Markets. She shares the company’s core belief of community and customer care. Sara enjoys traveling with her husband and two daughters, a good outdoor run, and time relaxing with her pugs.
Sales Team
Nancy Witte Sales Consultant
Nancy Witte joined the Southern Development team as a Sales and Marketing Associate in August of 2015, and has had a passion for real estate since buying her first fixer-upper at the age of 20. She has continued to renovate and manage her own rental properties, throughout a career that includes experience in sales, manufacturing, and process engineering. Most recently, Nancy served as Director of Business Development for a green energy company. She shares Southern Development’s commitment to a sustainable and safe future for us all. A Virginia native and longtime Hampton Roads resident, she is excited to become a member of the Charlottesville community and join a company committed to helping individuals and families create a perfect home. Her own family includes husband David, daughters Alana, Holly, and Carli, and, last but certainly not least, fabulous granddaughter Mila! When she is not spoiling Mila, she loves cooking for friends and family, traveling, reading, and walking.
Sales Team
Mike Kondor Sales Consultant
Mike is a Sales Consultant with Southern Development Homes and and joined the sales team in the Spring of 2017. After graduating from Radford University, he relocated to Charlottesville for a job opportunity in the transportation industry. Mike brings with him ten years of sales and customer service experience while working for a global automotive transportation provider. Being new to the real estate market Mike is excited to be joining a Charlottesville based company that supports the local community while working to help families achieve their dream homes. In his spare time, you can find him constructing his latest DIY woodworking project, catching a UVA game with friends, or hiking with his dog, Riley.
Sales Team
Bianca Svetz Marketing Director
Bianca joined the Southern Development Homes Team as our Marketing Associate in September 2017. With a passion for marketing and over 6 years of sales experience in the Charlottesville market, she is excited to continue her professional growth and success with such a great team. Bianca was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil until she was 10yrs old and moved to Charlottesville, VA where she has been a proud local! She shares an equal love for the beach as well as the Blue Ridge Mountains, having spent time living in Roanoke, VA where she completed her Bachelors Degree in Studio Arts at Roanoke College. In her spare time, her favorite things to do are hiking with friends, running, fishing, and most of all spending time with her husband and two dogs.
Administrative Staff
Administrative Staff
Angela Myers Accounting Clerk
Angela Myers is an Accounting Clerk with Southern Development. Upon completing her studies at Long Island Business Institute, Angela became the Senior Administrative Assistant for Resource Development at Long Island United Way. She relocated to Charlottesville and became the Purchasing Assistant for Elite Electric. Angela has been with Southern Development since 2003 and has enjoyed learning about the home building trade. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, reading and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Administrative Staff
Melissa Ballif
Melissa Ballif oversees accounting and IT for Southern Development. Melissa holds a bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Virginia. Melissa spent several years working in the engineering field with Dominion Virginia Power in the Distribution Planning and Distribution Reliability and obtained her E.I.T. certification prior to joining Southern Development. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family.
Administrative Staff
Sasha Noble Administrative Manager
Sasha joined Southern Development in the summer of 2019 as Administrative Manager, overseeing human resources, payroll, company events and office needs. Sasha has a bachelor’s degree from UVA, and has worked in the music industry, Albemarle County schools and the University of Virginia. Outside of work, you can most likely find her spending time with her kids, friends and family, enjoying live music, a great meal, or attending UVA sports.
Administrative Staff
David Owen Chief Financial Officer
David rejoined the Southern Development Homes team in May 2022 as the Chief Financial Officer. Prior to rejoining Southern Development Homes, David worked in the financial service industry as a group leader and operations manager. David received a Bachelor’s of Art degree in Economics from Denison University and an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School. In his free time, David enjoys spending time on the Northern Neck of Virginia fishing and relaxing with his wife Lee, their two boys and three dogs!
