Chase Hughes
Senior Financial Analyst
Joshua Howard
President & Chief Legal Officer
Josh is a seasoned attorney with over two decades of experience providing strategic counsel to businesses and developers across the southeast region. Josh oversees the Contender family of brands, encompassing a diverse portfolio of commercial and residential real estate ventures, as well as development initiatives.
Under his leadership, he has assembled a high-performing team of professionals in management, legal, finance, and real estate. Josh holds a Bachelor's degree from Clemson University and earned his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Prior to his current role, he served as a Partner at Womble Bond Dickinson, LLP and Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, PA. He also held a law clerk position with the Honorable Henry M. Herlong Jr. of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Josh has consistently demonstrated a commitment to community leadership, maintaining an active presence in both the southeast legal community and the South Carolina business sector.
Chase Hughes is the Financial Analyst at Contender Development, where he supports the Finance Department by spearheading critical initiatives in financial modeling, forecasting, and deal structuring. His work strengthens and streamlines relationships with builders and investing partners, securing a collaborative and successful foundation for Contender Development’s ongoing projects.
As a results-driven finance professional, Chase brings a rich mix of expertise in corporate risk analysis, profitability assessment, credit evaluation, and operational efficiency. His Bachelor of Science in Financial Management, with a concentration in Corporate Finance from Clemson University, has been instrumental in developing his strategic and analytical abilities, which he now applies in every aspect of his role. This strong educational foundation, paired with hands-on experience in banking and the recyclable precious metals industry, has equipped Chase with a unique and broad perspective on financial strategy and sustainable operational growth.
Originally from South Carolina’s Lowcountry, Chase moved to the Upstate for his studies and has proudly called it home since. Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife, their beloved cat and dog, cheering on the Clemson Tigers, or planning their next adventure to Disney World.
