Ashton Woods Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ashton Woods has 8 executives leading key functions including marketing, legal, regional construction, and financial services.

Focused on delivering high-quality custom residential experiences, Ashton Woods maintains a commitment to innovative design and superior construction standards across the United States housing market.

Leadership Roles at Ashton Woods

  • Division President - Blake Contine
  • Division President - Steve Merten
  • Division President - Todd Nichols
  • Division President - Joseph Killinger
  • President, Financial Servicess - Matthew Fox
  • Division President - Bret Bailey
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Carrie Schonberg
  • Chief Legal Officer - Christina Malone
  • Blake Contine - Division President

    Blake Contine, the Division President at Ashton Woods, directs all construction operations and land development activities within the assigned regional territory. Overseeing project management teams and trade partner relationships, the Division President ensures the timely delivery of custom homes. This leadership role involves managing regional budgets, optimizing supply chain logistics, and maintaining strict quality control standards. By driving operational efficiency, Blake Contine maximizes profitability and customer satisfaction across the division. The Division President collaborates with corporate leadership to implement standardized building processes while adapting to local market nuances. Through effective resource allocation, Contine supports the expansion of the regional footprint. The Division President maintains a focus on achieving performance targets, ensuring that every construction project meets the high design and structural expectations associated with the company brand.

    Steve Merten - Division President

    Steve Merten, the Division President at Ashton Woods, architects the strategic growth and operational execution for the designated regional market. Overseeing the sales and construction departments, the Division President ensures seamless coordination between design teams and field operations. This leadership role involves identifying new land acquisition opportunities and managing the development lifecycle of residential communities. By fostering a culture of excellence, Steve Merten drives high performance across all regional staff. The Division President monitors market fluctuations to adjust pricing and inventory strategies accordingly. Through rigorous oversight of construction timelines, Merten ensures that project milestones align with corporate financial goals. The Division President maintains a focus on delivering superior home designs, ensuring that the regional division contributes significantly to the overall market impact and revenue growth of the organization.

    Todd Nichols - Division President

    Todd Nichols, the Division President at Ashton Woods, manages the end-to-end construction lifecycle and regional business development. Overseeing the integration of architectural design with field construction, the Division President ensures that every home reflects the quality standards of the company. This leadership role involves managing regional P&L responsibilities and optimizing operational workflows to reduce cycle times. By implementing lean construction practices, Todd Nichols enhances productivity and reduces waste across the division. The Division President coordinates with local planning authorities to secure necessary permits and ensure compliance with regional building codes. Through strategic leadership, Nichols drives the successful launch of new residential communities. The Division President maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the division consistently meets production targets while upholding the reputation of the company for custom home design.

    Joseph Killinger - Division President

    Joseph Killinger, the Division President at Ashton Woods, oversees the strategic planning and execution of residential construction projects within the specific regional portfolio. Overseeing the coordination between sales, design, and construction teams, the Division President ensures that customer expectations are met throughout the building process. This leadership role involves managing regional talent and fostering strong relationships with local subcontractors. By driving operational discipline, Joseph Killinger ensures that projects remain on schedule and within budget. The Division President analyzes regional market data to inform land acquisition and product development strategies. Through effective management of regional resources, Killinger supports the broader corporate mission of delivering high-quality custom homes. The Division President maintains a focus on continuous improvement, ensuring that the division remains competitive and profitable in the evolving real estate landscape.

    Matthew Fox - President, Financial Servicess

    Matthew Fox, the President, Financial Servicess at Ashton Woods, directs the financial strategy and mortgage services division. Overseeing the integration of financing solutions into the home buying process, the President, Financial Servicess ensures that customers have access to competitive lending options. This leadership role involves managing financial risk, overseeing loan origination workflows, and ensuring compliance with federal lending regulations. By streamlining the financial experience, Matthew Fox enhances the overall value proposition for homebuyers. The President, Financial Servicess collaborates with the executive team to align financial services with the broader corporate growth strategy. Through rigorous oversight of fiscal performance, Fox ensures the stability and profitability of the financial services arm. The President, Financial Servicess maintains a focus on delivering seamless financial support, ensuring that the company provides a comprehensive and efficient path to homeownership.

    Bret Bailey - Division President

    Bret Bailey, the Division President at Ashton Woods, leads the operational strategy and construction management for the assigned regional territory. Overseeing the development of residential communities, the Division President ensures that all projects adhere to the design and quality standards of the company. This leadership role involves managing regional budgets, overseeing the performance of construction teams, and driving sales growth. By optimizing operational processes, Bret Bailey ensures that the division meets its financial and production objectives. The Division President coordinates with corporate leadership to implement strategic initiatives and ensure alignment with the overall company mission. Through effective management of regional operations, Bailey supports the expansion of the market presence. The Division President maintains a focus on delivering exceptional custom homes, ensuring that the division remains a key contributor to the success of the organization.

    Carrie Schonberg - Chief Marketing Officer

    Carrie Schonberg, the Chief Marketing Officer at Ashton Woods, directs all brand strategy and consumer engagement initiatives. Overseeing the digital presence and national advertising campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging across all residential markets. This leadership role involves analyzing buyer trends to refine the custom home purchasing experience. By leveraging data-driven insights, Carrie Schonberg optimizes the customer journey from initial inquiry to final closing. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with regional teams to align promotional activities with local market demands. Through strategic brand positioning, Schonberg drives market share growth and strengthens the reputation of the company as a premier homebuilder. The Chief Marketing Officer maintains a focus on elevating the visibility of unique design offerings, ensuring that the brand remains synonymous with quality and innovation in the competitive construction landscape.
    Christina Malone, the Chief Legal Officer at Ashton Woods, manages all corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation strategies. Overseeing complex land acquisition contracts and construction litigation, the Chief Legal Officer ensures adherence to state and federal housing regulations. This leadership role involves providing counsel to the executive team on operational liabilities and contractual obligations. By implementing robust compliance frameworks, Christina Malone protects the assets and interests of the organization. The Chief Legal Officer coordinates with external legal partners to resolve disputes and navigate zoning requirements across diverse regional operations. Through proactive legal oversight, Malone secures the operational integrity of the company. The Chief Legal Officer maintains a focus on mitigating risks associated with large-scale residential development, ensuring that all business activities align with legal standards and ethical practices within the construction industry.
    Christina Malone

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ashton Woods Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ashton Woods?
    Ashton Woods is led by Blake Contine (Division President), along with executives such as Steve Merten (Division President) and Todd Nichols (Division President).
    Who is part of Ashton Woods’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ashton Woods includes leaders such as Blake Contine (Division President), Steve Merten (Division President), Todd Nichols (Division President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ashton Woods have?
    Ashton Woods has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ashton Woods’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ashton Woods includes roles such as Division President, Division President, Division President, Division President, President, Financial Servicess.