At Polias, we’re a team of committed, creative, and hard-working individuals who love our city.

We strive to bring Athens’ unique characteristics to life by reimagining the traditional retail customer experience. Learn more about us below.

Principal

Dave Mulkey

Originally drawn to Athens for the music scene, Dave loves the diverse community offered in the Classic City. As Founder and visionary of Polias, Dave’s professional life is dedicated to making the city and community better through reimagining, renovating, and redeveloping existing places and spaces. His favorite thing about working at Polias, though, is being a part of such an amazing team. When Dave is not in the office, he’s likely to be found traveling, exploring in the great outdoors, or at Chuck’s Fish.

Fun fact: In college, Dave was Beechwood’s Chick-Fil-A mascot, Doodles the Chicken (the CFA mascot before the cows).

Director of Community Curation

Paul Taylor Smith

As our Director of Community Curation, Paul’s favorite thing about being a part of the Polias team is the ability to curate the city with the best restaurants, retailers, and shops from around the nation. Paul is a visionary at heart and works to bring to life the future he imagines for his children. In Paul’s free time, you can find him with his family at one of Athens’ many incredible restaurants, on a tractor at his farm, or writing music.

Fun fact: Paul doesn’t have just one favorite restaurant. He loves Chucks Fish, Cali-N-Tito's, Taqueria del Sol, Maepole, Donna Changs, Seabear, The National, The World Famous, The Place, Trapeze, South Kitchen, Royal Peasant, and Last Resort -- they're all my favorite. And plenty more.

Director of Operations

DeeDee Risher

If you are a current tenant, potential tenant, or friend of Polias, you’ve likely met DeeDee. Serving as our Director of Operations, DeeDee works hard to ensure that everything is running smoothly for both our team and everyone we work with. DeeDee enjoys being part of the Polias team, whose vision is to bring unique dining and retail experiences to the Athens community. In her spare time DeeDee enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Fun fact: DeeDee used to be a scuba diver, and she hopes to do it again one day.

CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER

Rob Orihuela

Rob has over 15 yrs experience in design direction on multifamily, retail, and commercial projects across the U.S. He coordinates and directs all design aspects at Polias working with a select group of designers, craftsmen, and architects.
Director of Accounting Operations

Howard Guest

Howard serves as the Director of Accounting Operations for Polias.
As a native Athenian, Howard is passionate about the betterment of the city and considers it an honor to be able to contribute to the vision of Polias through his skillset. As a lifelong Dawgs fan, Howard enjoys attending UGA sporting events with his family.

Fun fact: Howard is a high school national champion in Mock Trial.

Systems Analyst

Sean Mulkey

Sean serves as Systems Analyst and provides vital support across special projects IT, Data, AI and accounting operations. Whether managing day-to-day logistics or assisting with deposit tracking and financial coordination, he keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Originally from Watkinsville, GA, Sean is a graduate of the University of Georgia where he also spent time abroad studying in Japan.

Property Management Assistant

Emily Logan

A southern girl at heart, Emily is passionate about hospitality and loves serving the mission of Polias in her role as Property Management Assistant. Emily’s attention to detail each day makes sure everyone is set up for success! Emily loves spending time in the mountains sipping a fresh Flat White, or reading and gardening when at home.

Fun fact: Emily was on the field with the Greek Olympic Team at the 1996 Olympics Closing Ceremonies.

Accounting Clerk

Andrew Mulkey

Marketing + Engagement Coordinator

Lindsey May

Lindsey is deeply passionate about the intersection of storytelling and place-making. With five years of experience in photography and event planning, and a degree in Marketing, she has a unique eye for capturing the beauty of a community and creating the physical spaces where those moments can happen. She and her husband have fallen in love with the intentionality and creativity of the Classic City and are proud to call Athens home. At Polias, she loves having the opportunity to curate events that foster genuine connection and celebrate the local artists and businesses who make Athens what it is today.

Fun fact: Lindsey went to the University of Florida her freshman year of college before coming to the light side in Athens. Go Dawgs!

Facilities Manager

Adam Taylor

Adam hails from the midwest, but is proud to now call Athens home. At Polias, he serves as the Facilities Manager for all of our properties. He is passionate about family and community, which makes being a part of the Polias team and working with our tenants a perfect fit. Adam loves spending time with his family, watching movies, trying new restaurants, and traveling.

Fun fact: Adam was a part of the 1999 Oconee County High School football team.

Carpenter

Blaine Holder

Blaine is part of a small and dedicated team of makers at Polias. He got his start working with a group of timber frame specialists and then played a central conceptual fabrication role at Sons of Sawdust before joining Polias. His fingerprints are on the unique builds and finishes found throughout the Polias portfolio.

Ready to lease or have questions?

Connect

T: 706-521-4066

E: leasing@polias.co

Press Inquiries: press@polias.co

 

© 2026 Polias

Information on this site is for identification purposes only and does not constitute any covenant, representations, or warranty by Landlord that any existing or future conditions exists, or that, if they do exist, will continue to exist through out all or any part of a lease term, except to the extent such covenant, representation or warranty is expressly set forth in a lease.