Maria Contreras-Sweet
President & Managing Partner

Maria Contreras-Sweet is the President and Co-Founder of FORTIUS Holdings, LLC. Prior to founding FORTIUS, Contreras-Sweet was the first Latina to serve on a Governor’s cabinet as the Secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing for the State of California.

As Secretary, she managed approximately 600 projects worth $7 billion, including the reconstruction of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Known as a strong housing advocate, she helped increase housing as well as stimulate jobs in California’s economy. Contreras-Sweet also oversaw departments including the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Corporations. While with the state government, she created the first Department of Managed Healthcare.

Prior to her position as Secretary, Contreras-Sweet served as one of the founding directors of The California Endowment and is the Founding President of HOPE, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality. Contreras-Sweet currently serves as a member of the Women’s Leadership Board at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and has most recently been selected as a member of the leadership team of the Democratic National Convention.

Edward P. Roski, Jr.
Partner

Edward P. Roski, Jr. is the chairman and chief executive officer of one of the oldest and largest privately held real estate companies in the United States. Rated as the No. 1 Real Estate Developer in Los Angeles for over nine years, Majestic owns, manages and leases in excess of 55,000,000-sq. ft. of property for a diverse group of clients across the nation with current projects throughout Southern California, Atlanta, Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City and Dallas. Together with Commerce Construction Co., L.P. and Majestic Management Co., Majestic provides a full range of real estate development, design, engineering, construction, leasing and property management services. Projects range from bulk distribution and manufacturing facilities, high quality retail centers to high-tech data processing and specialized facilities, office complexes, hotels, casinos, RV resorts and golf centers.

As co-owner of the Los Angeles Kings and Lakers, Mr. Roski's expertise in real estate development played a key role in the development of the team's new arena. From site analysis to political negotiations, he led the L.A. Arena Company's efforts to create STAPLES Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Staples Center will truly be the entertainment capital of the entertainment capital.

Mr. Roski also takes an active role in the cultural activities of the area, serving as a member, Board of Governors of the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art; Board of Trustees, California Science Center; member, and Board of Trustees, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. He is a member, and Board of Directors, of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission. Mr. Roski also serves on the Board of Regents at Loyola High School and the Board of Trustees at the University of Southern California. His passion for adventure has entitled him to be a member of the Explorers Club. The Club's goals in research, education and public service include the orientation of young people toward careers in field science and engineering, and the encouragement of scientific exploration of land, sea, the air and space, with the emphasis on the physical, natural and biological sciences. It is Mr. Roski's vision for the future that drives him to contribute his time and talents to serving others.

Mr. Roski has received numerous awards and civic honors. Project Restore, a non-profit organization committed to a truly monumental task of restoring and preserving Los Angeles City Hall, bestowed the Los Angeles Heritage Award to Mr. Roski for his commitment to the restoration of downtown Los Angeles. Mr. Roski was honored by the UCLA Extension Program at their 1999 Real Estate Finance and Investment Conference for his contribution to the real estate industry. Mr. Roski accepted the award on behalf of Majestic Realty Co. for its half-century contribution to business growth in LA County from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) and he received the Spirit of Los Angeles Award (Eddy Award) from the Los Angeles Headquarters Association for his civic involvement and dedication to Los Angeles. The University of Southern California awarded Mr. Roski with the Asa V. Call Achievement Award. The Asa V. Call Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the University and community by giving generously of their time, energy and leadership. Most recently, The City of Hope awarded Ed with "The Spirit of Life" Award; The City of Hope's most prestigious honor. The Spirit of Life award is given to one who has helped the City of Hope build on its reputation of giving - a tradition of looking beyond oneself to help those in greater need. The essence of the award encompasses the founding ideology: Improving the quality of life for people all over the world.

Mr. Roski continues to give back to the community by donating and serving on various committees to help raise funds for worthwhile organizations such as: Cathedral of our Lady of Angels, Walt Disney Concert Hall, LA Convention 2000, March of Dimes, Friends of Child Advocates, Inner City Arts, Boys and Girls Clubs, Public Council, The City of Hope, etc.

Edward P. Roski, Jr., was born in Oklahoma and raised in Southern California. He graduated from the University of Southern California in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and real estate and served as an officer in the United State Marines from 1962 to 1966.

Ed is an adventurer. He loves to travel, especially in third world countries. He has climbed to Base Camp at Mt. Everest, K2 Base Camp, Mt. Kilimanjaro, rode his bike across Mongolia, Russia, Ireland, China and Burma. He also loves automobiles, sports, and skiing.