Houston (JANUARY 11, 2011) – The Vista Companies is pleased to announce the addition of Dennis N. Johnston to the Vista Equities Group (VEG) executive team. He will assume a dual role serving as senior vice president of VEG and president of the newly formed Vista Brokerage Services (VBS).

Johnston, along with other Vista executives, will assist in managing the establishment of a $20 million acquisition fund to secure existing properties throughout Texas for VEG. In addition, he will identify new development opportunities for the company and continue to work in the brokerage field.

“It’s definitely an exciting start to the New Year,” says Woody Mann Jr., Vista Equities Group President. “We have worked with Dennis for over 30 years and he exemplifies the brand of professionalism and expertise that we work to deliver to our clients and investment partners. We’re pleased to welcome Dennis to the Vista team and look forward to taking the company to new heights in 2011,” he adds.

Johnston brings over 30 years of commercial real estate industry experience to the position. He joins the Vista team after serving as president of McDade, Smith, Gould, Johnston, Mason + Company from 2004 – 2009. Johnston specializes in the sale of land to users, developers and investors and the sale of shopping centers to investors. His recent transactions have involved The Johnson Development Corporation, The Scanlan Foundation, Alliance Communities, Tradition Bank, Fidelis Realty Partners, Vista Equities Group, Chrysler Realty Company, PR Jaguar Realty Ltd., Core Real Estate LLC, Nelson Duffie Interests, The Simpkins Group, Sysco Corp., Spring Branch Christian Church, Long Lake Ltd., SC Management and the General Land office of the State of Texas.

He’s an alumnus of the University of Texas Graduate School of Business and has held positions with CB Commercial (presently CBRE), Houston Commercial Brokerage, the Horne Company, Cushman & Wakefield, and Johnston, Smith and McIntosh.

“I have known Woody Mann for more than 30 years and have done a lot of business with him. When my other company disbanded, I jumped at the chance to join Vista,” says Johnston. “It will be an exciting opportunity to work with all of the good people at Vista.”