Susan Laserna
Land Development Director
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.
Susan is a native of South Carolina and joined Contender Development in 2021 as a Land Director. She brings with her 30 years of experience conducting medical research trials where she worked with and managed people in a variety of industries.
Through the course of in her professional career, Susan has earned a reputation for her ability to build rapport with clients and enhance productivity to ensure organizational goals are met and exceeded.
As a Land Director, Susan oversees land development projects by working closely with developers, engineers, and governmental bodies to ensure complete oversight of each project from design to completion.
