Dicky S. Walia is the Principal and Founder of the Welcome Holdings, a fully integrated Real Estate Development and Management Company involved in the Hospitality, multi-family, office, commercial and land development sectors. With more than 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, Mr. Walia has distinguished himself based on his ability to identify opportunities, assess risk, structure transactions and provide strategic direction. Under his leadership, the Group was voted one of the Top 100 Hotel Development Companies by Hotel and Motel Management in 2002. Mr. Walia received his B. S in Accounting from the University of North Texas and his JD from Thomas M. Cooley School of Law and is licensed to practice law in the State of North Carolina. He is also a licensed real estate broker.

Served on the following boards:

• North Carolina Medical Board (2005–2007)
• North Carolina Economic Development Board (2008–2012)