Ashton Woods Executive and Leadership Team

October, 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 designs, Ashton Woods maintains a commitment to architectural excellence and customer satisfaction across the United States housing market.

Leadership Roles at Ashton Woods

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

    Blake Contine, the Division President at Ashton Woods, directs all residential construction operations within the assigned regional territory. Overseeing project management teams, the Division President ensures that every custom home meets strict quality benchmarks and delivery timelines. This leadership role involves managing local supply chains and labor resources to maximize operational efficiency. By coordinating with architects and site supervisors, Blake Contine maintains the design integrity of each property. The Division President monitors regional market performance to adjust construction schedules based on buyer demand. Through effective resource allocation, Contine optimizes project profitability while upholding the reputation of the company for superior craftsmanship. This focus on operational excellence supports the broader growth objectives of the organization. Ultimately, the Division President drives regional success by delivering high-value homes that exceed client expectations in competitive housing markets.

    Todd Nichols - Division President

    Todd Nichols, the Division President at Ashton Woods, manages land development and community planning for the designated operational region. Overseeing the transition from raw land to finished residential neighborhoods, the Division President ensures that infrastructure development aligns with corporate design standards. This leadership role involves negotiating with local municipalities to secure necessary permits and approvals for new developments. By supervising site engineering and utility installation, Todd Nichols guarantees that every community meets safety and aesthetic requirements. The Division President evaluates land acquisition opportunities to expand the regional footprint of the company. Through strategic planning, Nichols balances development costs with projected market returns. This focus on sustainable growth supports the long-term viability of the regional portfolio. Ultimately, the Division President creates high-demand living environments by transforming undeveloped land into thriving, well-planned residential communities.

    Bret Bailey - Division President

    Bret Bailey, the Division President at Ashton Woods, leads the sales and customer service operations for the assigned regional market. Overseeing the performance of sales centers, the Division President ensures that every client receives personalized guidance throughout the home-building process. This leadership role involves training sales staff to articulate the unique value proposition of custom home designs. By monitoring customer feedback, Bret Bailey identifies opportunities to improve the overall buying experience. The Division President collaborates with construction managers to ensure that client expectations remain aligned with project progress. Through effective relationship management, Bailey fosters high levels of customer satisfaction and referral rates. This focus on the client experience supports the brand loyalty of the company in a crowded real estate sector. Ultimately, the Division President drives revenue growth by maintaining a customer-centric approach to every residential transaction.

    Joseph Killinger - Division President

    Joseph Killinger, the Division President at Ashton Woods, oversees the procurement and vendor management functions for the regional construction division. Managing relationships with material suppliers and subcontractors, the Division President ensures that high-quality components remain available for all custom home projects. This leadership role involves negotiating pricing agreements to maintain cost-effectiveness without compromising on material standards. By implementing efficient inventory management systems, Joseph Killinger reduces waste and optimizes construction timelines. The Division President coordinates with site managers to ensure that material delivery schedules support project milestones. Through rigorous vendor performance evaluations, Killinger maintains a reliable network of partners. This focus on supply chain stability supports the operational consistency of the company across the region. Ultimately, the Division President secures the competitive edge of the organization by ensuring the timely and cost-effective acquisition of premium building materials.

    Steve Merten - Division President

    Steve Merten, the Division President at Ashton Woods, directs the safety and quality assurance programs for the regional construction division. Overseeing site inspections, the Division President ensures that all building activities comply with rigorous safety protocols and structural standards. This leadership role involves conducting regular audits to identify and mitigate potential hazards on active construction sites. By fostering a culture of safety, Steve Merten protects the workforce and minimizes operational disruptions. The Division President implements quality control checklists to verify that every home meets the high standards of the company. Through continuous training initiatives, Merten ensures that all personnel remain updated on the latest construction techniques and safety regulations. This commitment to excellence supports the long-term durability of the homes built. Ultimately, the Division President maintains the operational integrity of the company by prioritizing safety and quality in every project.

    Matthew Fox - President, Financial Servicess

    Matthew Fox, the President, Financial Servicess at Ashton Woods, manages the mortgage and lending services provided to homebuyers. Overseeing the financial operations of the lending division, the President, Financial Servicess ensures that clients have access to competitive financing solutions. This leadership role involves managing relationships with banking partners and investors to secure capital for home loans. By streamlining the mortgage application process, Matthew Fox improves the efficiency of the home-buying experience. The President, Financial Servicess monitors interest rate trends and economic indicators to provide strategic guidance to the executive team. Through prudent risk management, Fox ensures the financial stability of the lending portfolio. This integration of financial services supports the overall sales strategy of the company by removing barriers to homeownership. Ultimately, the President, Financial Servicess facilitates seamless transactions by providing reliable and accessible financial products to every customer.

    Carrie Schonberg - Chief Marketing Officer

    Carrie Schonberg, the Chief Marketing Officer at Ashton Woods, directs all brand strategy and consumer engagement initiatives. Overseeing national advertising campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging across diverse real estate markets. This leadership role involves analyzing buyer trends to refine product positioning for custom home designs. By leveraging digital platforms and community outreach, Carrie Schonberg drives brand awareness and supports sales velocity. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with regional teams to align marketing collateral with specific local market demands. Through data-driven insights, Schonberg optimizes the customer journey from initial inquiry to final purchase. This strategic focus strengthens the market presence of the company while maintaining a premium brand identity. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer secures long-term competitive advantages by fostering deep connections with prospective homeowners across the country.
    Christina Malone, the Chief Legal Officer at Ashton Woods, manages all corporate governance and regulatory compliance matters. Overseeing complex land acquisition contracts, the Chief Legal Officer ensures adherence to zoning laws and construction standards. This leadership role involves mitigating operational risks through rigorous contract review and litigation management. By providing counsel on real estate development projects, Christina Malone protects the interests of the company during expansion phases. The Chief Legal Officer coordinates with external partners to navigate regional legal landscapes effectively. Through proactive policy development, Malone maintains high ethical standards across all construction sites. This oversight supports the stability of the business model while facilitating seamless project execution. Ultimately, the Chief Legal Officer safeguards the reputation and financial health of the organization by resolving intricate legal challenges with precision and foresight.
    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 Todd Nichols (Division President) and Bret Bailey (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), Todd Nichols (Division President), Bret Bailey (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, Division President.