Jill Wallace
Started in 2014 by Jill Wallace, Casala Group brings expertise and experience to every situation. Our team has a diverse background in government, real estate, marketing, communications and public relations. This combination of knowledge and skill allows us to provide the best possible service for our clients in reaching their goals and business needs.
Prior to forming Casala Group, Jill Wallace worked nearly three decades for the City of Santa Ana holding various positions that culminated in the role of Deputy City Manager. Throughout her tenure in the City Manager's Office she managed several municipal operations, including the budget, community and economic development agencies, and governmental affairs. Notably, she played a key role in the development of significant projects such as the OC StreetCar, the redevelopment of Santa Ana's Downtown Artist Village, the restoration of the Santa Ana Civic Center, the Bristol Street improvement corridor, and the Mater Dei High School expansion. She also helped secure for the City the Ronald Reagan Federal Courthouse, the Discovery Science Center, the Orange County High School of the Arts, and the Samueli Charter School, among other significant private and public projects. She also worked with government leaders in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. to raise millions of dollars in funds for policing, infrastructure and community service programs.
Jill has been instrumental in numerous private sector mixed-use projects, working with large scale housing and commercial developers within the region. Utilizing her knowledge of state laws and municipal planning regulations and standards, she helps guide projects to win-win solutions that maximize the community benefit and return on investment.
She is a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Public Policy and the Senior Executive Program at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Jill is a proud mother of four children and has two grandchildren. She is a certified yoga instructor, CrossFit gym member and just completed her first marathon in 2024. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Olive Crest, Camp Pendleton 1/1 Marine Foundation and volunteers her time in various roles with the Catholic Church.
Chase Arthur
Chase started with Casala Group in 2023 and has been an integral part of its growth. Chase has established tremendous relationships with the numerous organizations, charities, and government entities that Casala Group works with and has brought Casala Group's strategic insight and forward-thinking approach to the many projects that he and the team have successfully navigated.
Chase is a skilled professional with an extensive background in sales and content development. He comes to Casala Group after 5 years of digital advertising sales and marketing. His primary focus was assisting clients in executing large marketing campaigns across multiple platforms. He's proficient in brand engagement and marketing tactics having worked with large companies such as the PGA Tour, NASCAR, and Shell.
Chase is an avid sports fan and enjoys spending his time biking at the beach and hanging out with his niece and nephew.
Blake Arthur
Blake joined Casala Group in 2024. Born and raised in Orange County, Blake graduated from Mater Dei high school and California State University, Fullerton where he graduated with a degree in Communications.
Blake currently resides in the Coachella Valley where he's established himself as a valuable member of the community. He's built strong relationships through his time in a public communications role on television, serving the local community for nearly a decade. Blake excels in content creation, presentation and marketing on multiple media platforms. Blake's visibility and reputation within the community enables him to help clients and bring positive growth to the region.
Blake is a married father of two. He enjoys golf, travel and spending quality time with his family.
Team Contributors
Vince Fregoso, AICP
Vince has nearly 40 years of experience in municipal planning, including 35 years at the City of Santa Ana where he was the Planning Manager and Interim Executive Director of the Planning and Building Agency. He has knowledge in navigating complex entitlement projects and matters pertaining to general planning, historic preservation, CEQA, as well as state and federal land use regulations. He is a graduate of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Eric Higuchi, CA License 02056826
Eric Higuchi focuses on land entitlement and development in California. Eric was previously a Vice President for Lehman Brothers directly responsible for the management and disposition of commercial and residential land assets throughout California encompassing over 13,000 acres and 20,000 residential units with a total value of over $1 billion. Eric received his B.A. in Economics and Political Science from the University of California, Irvine.