THE RIGHT OF WAY GROUP
ACQUISITION SERVICES
Mark Smith-Project Manager / Acquisition Agent: With 28 years of experience in Right of Way negotiations and project management, Mark brings deep expertise and proven leadership to every project. A former Right of Way Agent with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), he has developed a strong background in Right of Way acquisitions,
project delivery, and comprehensive project management. As a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker in Charge, Mark combines technical proficiency with a results-oriented approach. Throughout his career, he has successfully negotiated thousands of claims, earning a reputation for professionalism, efficiency, and integrity in the Right of Way industry.
Luis Pages‐ Project Manager / Acquisition Agent: With 32 years of experience in Right of Way negotiations and project management, Luis is a seasoned professional with a proven record of success in property acquisition and infrastructure project delivery. A former State Negotiator with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), he brings extensive expertise in Right of Way acquisitions, project management and delivery, policy development and implementation, and federal compliance. As a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker, Luis combines technical knowledge with strategic insight to ensure projects are completed efficiently and in full compliance with state and federal standards. His career reflects a commitment to excellence, integrity, and results across every phase of the Right of Way process.
Erin O’Kane- Special Projects Manager: Erin is a former Assistant Attorney General for the State of North Carolina, where she served as a litigation attorney for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), specializing in acquisitions and eminent domain. She has extensive experience supporting agency-wide projects, policy development, and procedural implementation for NCDOT. Erin provides statewide assistance to Right of Way personnel and consultant agents in claim evaluation, complex appraisal and valuation matters, and the presentation of proposed settlements to NCDOT leadership boards for consideration and approval. She brings a strong background in project delivery and project management, with a
focus on ensuring compliance, efficiency, and fair outcomes across all phases of Right of Way projects.
Samantha Smella- Manager: Samantha is a former Senior Right of Way Agent with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Wilmington Office with over 28 years of experience in the Right of Way industry. She brings a proven background in acquisitions, project management and delivery, policy development, implementation, and federal compliance. As a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker, Samantha combines technical expertise with practical experience to ensure every project is completed efficiently, compliantly, and with the highest level of professionalism.
Joe Martin-Project Management / Acquisition Agent / Relocation Agent: With 20 years of experience in Right of Way negotiations, project management, and relocation across North Carolina and South Carolina, Joe brings deep regional expertise and proven project leadership. He has successfully managed numerous Design-Build projects throughout the Carolinas, ensuring efficient delivery and compliance across all phases of project execution. A licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker, Joe combines practical field knowledge with strategic management to deliver high-quality results for clients and stakeholders.
Steven King-Project Management / Acquisition Agent / Relocation Agent: With 12 years of experience in Right of Way negotiations, project management, and relocation across North Carolina and South Carolina, Steven brings valuable regional knowledge and hands-on expertise to each project. He has worked on and managed numerous Design-Build projects throughout the Carolinas, delivering efficient and compliant results. A licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker, Steven is dedicated to ensuring each project meets client goals and regulatory requirements.
Donna Allen – Project Manager: Donna brings over 30 years of Right of Way experience with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). A former SCDOT Right of Way Agent, she has a strong background in Right of Way acquisitions, project management, and project delivery. Donna is responsible for managing the team to ensure every project is completed efficiently, on schedule, and in compliance with all regulations.
Rob Arnold-Acquisition Agent: With 31 years of Right of Way experience, Rob is a former Senior Right of Way Agent with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). He has a strong background in Right of Way negotiations and project delivery, bringing decades of practical experience and deep knowledge of state procedures and standards. A licensed North
Carolina Real Estate Broker, Rob is dedicated to delivering efficient, compliant, and successful project outcomes across all phases of Right of Way acquisition.
Christen Voltz-Relocation Manager/Agent: With 10 years of specialized experience in relocation services across 3 states, with a strong record of successfully managing both residential and business displacement programs. She has administered complex relocation claims involving owner-occupants, tenants and commercial operations, ensuring full compliance with Federal Regulations.
Jay Burney-Project Management / Acquisition Agent / Relocation Agent: Jay Burney brings over 25 years of experience in Right of Way negotiations, project management, and relocation. A former NCDOT Right of Way Agent with the Division 3 Right of Way Office, Jay has extensive hands on experience supporting transportation projects across North Carolina. As a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker, he combines technical expertise with a practical, results-driven approach to ensure efficient and compliant project delivery.
Ritchie Smith - Acquisition Agent: Ritchie brings 8 years of experience in Right of Way negotiations and project management with NCDOT and multiple municipalities across North and South Carolina. He is a retired Sergeant with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, trained in federal regulations. As a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker, Ritchie combines his law
enforcement expertise with practical Right of Way experience to support safe, efficient, and
compliant project delivery.
Kyle Starkloff-Acquisition Agent / Relocation Agent: Kyle brings 7 years of experience in Right of Way negotiations and relocation with NCDOT and multiple municipalities across North and South Carolina. He is a retired Sergeant with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, trained in federal regulations. As a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker, Kyle combines his law enforcement and emergency management expertise with practical Right of Way experience to deliver safe, efficient, and compliant project outcomes.
Gerald Rodriquez-Acquisition Agent: Rod brings 6 years of Right of Way negotiation experience with NCDOT and multiple municipalities across North Carolina. A bilingual agent fluent in English and Spanish, he is a retired supervisor with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, trained in federal regulations. As a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker, Rod combines law enforcement expertise, language skills, and practical Right of Way experience to support efficient, compliant, and inclusive project delivery.
Christopher Morton-Acquisition Agent / Relocation Agent: Chris Morton has 5 years of experience in Right of Way negotiations and relocation on NCDOT projects. He is a retired Captain (Chief of Staff) with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, bringing extensive training in Critical Incident Management (ICS Protocols), FEMA and federal/state regulations. As a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker, Chris combines his law enforcement and emergency management expertise with practical Right of Way knowledge to support safe, efficient, and compliant project delivery.
John Bobbitt-Acquisition Agent: John brings 4 years of experience in Right of Way negotiations on NCDOT and municipal projects. He is a retired First Sergeant with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, trained in Critical Incident Management (ICS Protocols), FEMA, federal and state regulations. As a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker, John combines law enforcement expertise with practical Right of Way knowledge to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant project delivery.
Neal Holmes -Acquisition Agent: Neal brings 1 year of experience in Right of Way negotiations with NCDOT projects. He is a retired Captain (Chief of Staff) with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, trained in Critical Incident Management (ICS Protocols), FEMA, federal and state regulations. As a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker, Neal combines law enforcement expertise with practical Right of Way knowledge to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant project delivery.
Andy Nance -Acquisition Agent, Andy brings 1 year of experience in Right of Way negotiations with NCDOT projects. He is a retired Sergeant with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, trained in Critical Incident Management (ICS Protocols), FEMA, federal and state regulations. Andy holds a CDL Class A license with no restrictions, is a Hazardous Material Instructor, swift water rescue instructor, certified scuba diver (open water and advanced), and a licensed private pilot. His diverse expertise combines law enforcement, emergency management, and specialized operational skills with practical Right of Way knowledge to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant project delivery.
Richard Jenkins-Acquisition Agent. Richard brings 4 years of experience in Right of Way negotiations on NCDOT and municipal projects. He is a retired Chief Deputy of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department and a former Homicide Detective and Organized Crime Investigator, with a strong background in conflict resolution. As a licensed North Carolina Real
Estate Broker, Richard combines law enforcement expertise and investigative experience with practical Right of Way knowledge to support efficient, compliant, and professionally managed project delivery.
David Windham- Acquisition Agent. David brings 2 years of experience in Right of Way negotiations. He is the retired Chief Probation/Parole Officer in Mecklenburg County, with a strong background in conflict resolution. As a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker, David combines law enforcement and conflict management expertise with practical Right of Way knowledge to support efficient, compliant, and professionally managed project delivery.
Hunter Elks-Right of Way/Relocation Hunter is a Right of Way Agent with 2 years of experience, having been involved in over 100 relocation claims in North Carolina. A certified North Carolina Firefighter and licensed NC Real Estate Broker, Hunter brings a strong combination of field experience, safety awareness, and practical Right of Way knowledge to support efficient and compliant project delivery.
Levi Thomas- Right of Way/Relocation Agent, Levi brings 2 years of experience in Right of Way projects, having worked on Design-Build, Division-Designed, and municipal projects across North Carolina. As a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker, Levi applies practical project experience and professional expertise to ensure efficient, compliant, and successful Right of Way project delivery.
