A Foundation Built on Shared Values

At Dohring Ahern, the team is aligned around a shared set of principles that guide every interaction and engagement. Loyalty to clients and long-term relationships is emphasized, while transparency is maintained throughout the transaction process. In addition, integrity is upheld in all representation and advisory services, and communication is handled with authenticity and accountability. At every stage, fiduciary responsibility remains a priority. Because trust is earned over time, these values continue to shape how the Dohring Ahern team operates within the Tampa commercial real estate market.

Abbey focuses on office buildings, retail space, and urban redevelopment based on client-driven outcomes. Since 2005, she has represented property owners, investors, and developers in some of Tampa’s most significant projects. Known for her collaborative style and deep market knowledge, Abbey helps clients identify and realize value and position their assets for long-term success.

Chris Ahern specializes in guiding owners through the complexities of development. With a background in managing large, multi-disciplinary projects, he ensures that every detail aligns with client goals. Chris brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to owner’s representative work, balancing technical execution with strategic vision.

Brenda Dohring Hicks founded the firm in 1992, establishing a commercial real estate practice grounded in disciplined analysis and long-standing professional standards throughout the Tampa Bay region. Her experience spans both appraisal and brokerage assignments across diverse property types, supporting financing, disposition, tax appeal, and complex valuation matters. As Chairwoman, she provides continuity and executive oversight that reinforces the firm’s reputation and institutional stability.

Jeff Hicks leads Dohring Ahern’s appraisal practice, delivering defensible, risk-aware commercial valuations for banks, government agencies, attorneys, and private clients. With more than 30 years of experience, his work supports real estate decisions that must hold up under credit review, regulatory scrutiny, and litigation.

Renee King brings over two decades of real estate experience to her role at Dohring Ahern, with a focus on urban retail and tenant representation across Tampa’s core markets. She represents landlords and retail users in office, restaurant, and mixed-use properties, advising on site selection, lease negotiations, and long-term positioning. With deep local knowledge and longstanding roots in Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights, Renee provides grounded, market-driven guidance shaped by firsthand understanding of the city’s growth.

Alan Mills delivers appraisal oversight and commercial valuation expertise shaped by extensive experience across Tampa Bay’s diverse property types and submarkets. He has valued office, retail, industrial, multifamily, hotel, and mixed-use properties for financing, acquisition, disposition, tax appeal, and litigation support, bringing a detailed understanding of local pricing dynamics and market trends. At Dohring Ahern, Alan provides technical oversight and quality control within the appraisal department, ensuring consistent, defensible conclusions and adherence to professional standards across engagements.

Erin oversees operations across all divisions of Dohring Ahern, strengthening the internal infrastructure that supports brokerage, appraisal, and development services. She manages day-to-day processes, documentation, and cross-discipline coordination to ensure clarity, efficiency, and consistent execution throughout the firm. Based in Tampa, Erin works closely with leadership to reinforce systems and support the organization’s continued growth.

Samantha joined Dohring Ahern in 2011 and serves as Head of Finance, People & Culture, where she oversees and manages all financial aspects of the organization. With deep experience in real estate finance, she leads financial strategy, reporting, budgeting, compliance, and risk management, including rent roll analysis, CAM reconciliations, operating expense controls, and portfolio-level financial oversight.

Civic Involvement

We are actively involved in civic and community organizations that support the growth, vitality, and long term success of the Tampa Bay region. Through leadership participation and ongoing engagement, civic involvement has been approached as an extension of the firm’s commitment to responsible development, informed decision making, and stewardship within Tampa Bay.