Tonn Petersen joined Ahlquist as Vice President of Development in January 2019. In 2021, he was promoted to Chief Development Officer/Legal Counsel. Tonn oversees all aspects of new development for Ahlquist, including land acquisition, directing the entitlement process for all new projects, and serving as Ahlquist’s designated government liaison, working directly with city and county officials through the annexation, zoning, and platting processes.
Before joining Ahlquist, Tonn enjoyed a successful career as an attorney with the Mordall Sperling law firm, New Mexico’s largest, and later Perkins Coie, one of the nation’s largest law firms. During this time, Tonn specialized in complex commercial litigation, representing Fortune 500 companies such as Walmart, Walgreens, Hilton Hotels, and Daimler Chrysler Corporation in high-stakes, multi-million dollar cases.
Tonn earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Economics from Utah State University in 2001 and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2005, graduating with honors. His extensive legal and business background uniquely qualifies him to lead Ahlquist’s commercial development projects efficiently and profitably for investors, partners, and tenants.
Tonn, known for his “fiercely competitive” spirit, enjoys a wide range of outdoor and athletic activities and lives by the mantra, “win each day.” He is passionate about coaching youth sports and instilling in his five sons the values that guide his life: a strong sense of duty, dedication to causes beyond himself, and unwavering determination.
In his free time, Tonn serves as an ecclesiastical leader for his church. Above all, he treasures time spent with his cherished wife and best friend, Jami.
