News

Alex

Pond

Vice President of Construction and Development

Alex Pond is the Vice President for Construction and Development for Aragon’s Real Estate Division. Since joining Inkana Development in 2021, his role has steadily expanded across both construction and development as the platform has grown. Today, Alex leads site selection, design management, and construction management—from early planning and permitting coordination through project execution and closeout. As a licensed General Contractor, Alex enables Aragon to vertically integrate its construction operations. He remains closely involved in design and execution to drive efficiency, control costs, and maintain project momentum.

Grant

Blackwell

Real Estate Development Associate

Grant Blackwell is a member of the Aragon Real Estate Division. He serves as an assistant to the in-house general contractor, Alex Pond, and acts as the primary insurance and contract manager for properties under management and development. Grant holds a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Auburn University. During college, Grant worked as a team lead for a tree removal company, where he developed a strong appreciation for teamwork, accountability, and shared goals.

John

Blackwell

Partner / Co-Founder

John Blackwell has over five decades of experience working with universities, foundations, hospital systems, and municipalities in the planning, designing, and construction phases of projects. While helping to establish the company’s mission, vision, and goals, he has guided INKANA into one of the Southeast’s premiere healthcare development companies with relationships and clients spanning 30+ years. As Auburn University’s President, Pro Tempore, and chair of the Properties and Facilities Committee, he established a comprehensive Campus Master Plan, the first ever Character and Image study, and was responsible for multiple other projects in excess of $1 Billion.

Slade

Blackwell

Founding Partner

Slade Blackwell founded INKANA Development over 23 years ago with a primary focus on the healthcare industry. He concentrates on financial structuring and debt placement for each project. The “capital stack” involves putting in place public private partnerships (PPP), government tax abatements, new market tax credits, historic tax credits, and working with redevelopment authorities, bond council, and State and Local governments for approvals. During his tenure at INKANA he has been responsible for over $550M in healthcare developments, including many healthcare firsts in the State of Alabama. He developed one of the State’s first LEED certified office buildings, the first PPP bond issue with the City of Huntsville, the first parking deck in Shelby County, and implemented one of the largest healthcare new market tax allocations in the State’s history. Slade also served in the State of Alabama Senate for 8 years.

Austin

Blackwell

Managing Partner

Austin Blackwell is the managing partner for INKANA Development. In addition to being a licensed attorney, he is CCIM certified with areas of expertise in development of ground-up real estate projects. Project finance, including debt/equity structuring, cap rate sensitivities, and state & federal credits is where Austin spends most of his time. During Austin’s 15-year career at INKANA he has assisted or directed the development of over $200 million of healthcare projects. He led the effort to secure one of the largest healthcare New Market Tax allocations in the history of the State of Alabama. Austin oversees all facets of operations and property management, including leasing, property maintenance, and staffing.

Joe

Guillaume

Partner / Construction

Joe Guillaume, partner of INKANA, has over 30 years of construction experience managing total projects of over $6.4 Billion with $1.7 Billion in Healthcare. His extensive experience in many regions throughout the country includes planning projects, negotiating contracts, assessing project risk, establishing project controls, and managing cost for multiple projects at a high-level of execution. He has a proven track record in the world of development and construction, implementing plans to deliver in the most effective and efficient manner possible. He is comfortable managing team members while fostering a relationship with external stakeholders. His skills include construction planning, value engineering, building construction, quality control, and schedule management. In addition, he has extensive experience in managing overall construction field operations.

Giselle (Gigi)

Pickard

SVP, Controller

Gigi Pickard is the controller of Inkana Properties, LLC. Gigi is a CPA and MBA. She has worked in accounting and business development since 1985. Her accounting experience includes public, private, and nonprofit accounting. Gigi managed a technology incubator where she helped launch technology firms, wrote business plans, and set up business systems, eventually leaving to join one software firm that later went public. Gigi has set up accounting systems to achieve high standards, implemented those systems, offering technical support and training. Gigi is skilled in business, accounting, and human resource management.

Colby

Blackwell

Development and Finance Coordinator

Colby Blackwell serves as Assistant to the Controller within Aragon’s Real Estate Division and supports active development initiatives alongside the in-house general contractor. A 2025 graduate of Auburn University, he brings a strong foundation in financial analysis, real estate, and construction operations developed through hands-on experience and prior work with Inkana. Colby is gaining direct exposure to project management while working with seasoned professionals on complex developments. He is known for his collaborative approach and strong relationship-building skills.