Jeff Gustafson, formerly a Dallas exec for Chicago-based First Industrial, is the new economic development consultant for the City of Highland Village, a community of 12,750 residents in 5.5 square miles with its focus on controlling the inevitable development that's headed its way with a bridge completion over Lake Lewisville. Gustafson says there are 350 acres left for commercial development and 400 home sites. The plan, he tells GlobeSt.com, is to develop clusters of upscale retail and quality restaurants for a city with an average annual median income of $102,000.

Gustafson's 15-year career has been centered on development of retail and industrial. He has developed more than 130 shopping centers in the US and Canada. In addition to First Industrial, he worked as a vice president for Hillwood, with involvement in the AllianceTexas Business Park and Circle T Ranch. He also led the pre-development team for Circle T Mall, Circle T Town Center and Milton Square Town Center.

Julian P. Barry General Contractors LP named Charles W. Kugler as its new president. He has been executive vice president of operations since 1996 when his firm, Kugler-Morris General Contractors Inc., was teamed with Barry's then-50-year-old company to strengthen and expand the operations under one umbrella.

"Chuck continues our corporate legacy with his hands-on executive involvement, attention to detail and close collaboration with our clients," said Warren C. Barry, the firm's chairman of the board.

Kugler's background also includes executive positions at Gilbane Building Co. and Gallagher Construction Co. in Dallas. He was a past president of the Dallas Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America and is an honorary life director of the national association.

At Macfarlan Real Estate Investment Management, Rick Sweat has been hired as senior controller. He previously worked as a consultant to a Dallas-based commercial real estate company assisting with the acquisition and integration of a $128-million retail portfolio. He also served as vice president and controller for an owner, operator and manager of golf courses in the US and senior manager for E&Y Kenneth Leventhal Real Estate Group, providing audit services to REIT clients.

The Staubach Co. named Chris Maguire, president of Staubach Retail Services, to its board of directors. He joined Staubach in 1986.

Transwestern Commercial Services' Dallas office puts into play five promotions within the leasing team. Kim Brooks was named senior vice president of leasing. The 12-year professional oversees leasing and marketing of more than two million sf of suburban office space. Also, Fletcher Cordell, Matt Didyk, Dianne Medlyn and Clay Vaughn were named senior associates.

Medlyn has been with Transwestern for 18 years. Vaughn came on board in February 2000; Cordell in May 2001; and Didyk in March 2000. "We are proud to promote such strong, talented professionals," Jack Eimer, president of Transwestern's Central region, said in a press release.