Jill Wallace
Jill Wallace started Casala Group in 2014. She is a seasoned public affairs and land use professional with nearly 40 years of experience navigating the complex intersection of government, policy, and development. With a strong foundation in urban planning, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement, Jill has played a pivotal role in shaping land use strategies and public infrastructure projects across Southern California.
Throughout her career, Jill has held key roles in both the public and private sector, bringing a unique perspective to government relations and project management. Her portfolio includes leading entitlement processes for major mixed-use developments, advising municipalities on zoning and general plan updates, and facilitating public-private partnerships that drive sustainable growth.
A skilled communicator and consensus builder, Jill is known for her ability to align diverse interests and bridging the gap between developers, elected officials, and community stakeholders. Her work has resulted in the successful advancement of numerous high-profile projects, which can be seen in more detail under the Projects tab.
Prior to forming Casala Group, Jill 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 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.
Joe Wallace
Joe Wallace joined Casala Group in 2024 as a consultant, specializing in public relations, business development and real estate.
Joe is currently pursuing a B.A. in Economics and Accounting at the University of California, Santa Barbara where he also plays Division 1 men's volleyball. His prior experience includes working with Mariani Capital Partners and Intero Real Estate.
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.