As Managing Partner of Renaissance Capital Group, LLC, Dr. Willis has consulted on and developed over $450 million in real estate development and construction projects. Renaissance Capital Group specializes in HUD Loan Programs, Mixed-Use Retail Developments, Condominiums, Apartments, Retail, Senior Housing, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, and Adult Day Care Facilities.

In 2003, a partnership led by Dr. David L. Willis and Mr. Levi H. Davis worked to revitalize the North Oak Cliff area of Dallas through the renovation of older, architecturally significant buildings as well as new development. Dr. Willis played an instrumental role in the acquisition, design, and development of the Lake Cliff Tower revitalization.

The Village at Lake West - Dallas, Texas – Dr. Willis served as the developer's development consultant and limited partner with Generations Senior Living (Stonegate Senior Care). The project was spearheaded by the Dallas Housing Authority and StoneGate Senior Living, a Lewisville, Texas-based senior living and care management company. The first two phases consisted of the Village at Lake West and Lake West Rehabilitation and Skilled Care. The Village at Lake West is an independent living community featuring four towers and 360 units for senior citizens aged 55 and older.

Dr. Willis brings over 25 years of experience with HUD loan programs, serving as both a developer and consultant to developers in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. He has worked extensively with the HUD 221(d)(4) loan program for Multifamily housing and the HUD 232 Loan Program for Assisted Living facilities.

In 2008, he served as the key consultant in the largest HUD 221(d)(4) single Transfer of Physical Assets in Oklahoma history, totaling $138 million.

Dr. Willis has served on two South Dallas steering committees for neighborhood transformation, including the WINS Steering Committee and Sub-Committee for Economic Development Fair Park/South Dallas Revitalization.

Background and Recognition

Dr. Willis grew up in West Texas and attended West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M University) on a full Football and Track Scholarship. At age 26 in 1981, he became the youngest NCAA Head Men's and Women's Track Coach in Division I. He also taught in the Health Science Department, earning his Bachelor of Science degree from West Texas A&M University. Dr. Willis is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, where he served as Founder and President of his chapter as an undergraduate.

In 2013, Dr. Willis was elected to the West Texas A&M University National Alumni Board of Directors. In 2016, he was elected as the first African American President, representing over 80,000 alumni worldwide. In December 2017, he was selected by the President of West Texas A&M University to join the President's Executive Committee, playing a major role in the University's future growth. In 2018, Dr. Willis was inducted into West Texas A&M University's "Wall of Fame" for Football and Track.

Dr. Willis was named to Who's Who in Black Dallas in 2012. In August 2014, he received his Doctorate Degree in Divinity from Trinity International Seminary in Dallas, Texas.