Berkadia Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Berkadia has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, technology development, revenue generation, production operations, regional financial management, and human capital management.

Focused on delivering comprehensive commercial real estate solutions, Berkadia empowers multifamily and commercial property clients through an integrated platform of mortgage banking, investment sales, and servicing expertise.

Leadership Roles at Berkadia

  • Chief Executive Officer - Justin Wheeler
  • Chief Financial Officer - Damon Rankin
  • Site Chief Financial Officer & Director (India) - Praveen Polavaram
  • Chief Operating Officer, Production - Deborah Perlowin
  • Chief Technology Officer - Gary Mumford
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Blake Okland
  • Chief People Officer - Danielle D.
  • Justin Wheeler - Chief Executive Officer

    Justin Wheeler, the Chief Executive Officer at Berkadia, directs the overarching strategic vision and long-term growth trajectory for the firm. By aligning the integrated mortgage banking and investment sales platforms, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent value delivery for multifamily and commercial property clients across North American markets. Justin Wheeler maintains direct oversight of executive leadership initiatives, fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine market positioning and expand the company's footprint in the competitive commercial real estate sector. Through rigorous analysis of industry trends, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes the firm's capital allocation strategies. By prioritizing client-centric service models, Wheeler secures the company's reputation as a premier financial partner. This executive leadership ensures that all business units remain synchronized with the core mission of providing sophisticated real estate solutions.
    Justin Wheeler

    Damon Rankin - Chief Financial Officer

    Damon Rankin, the Chief Financial Officer at Berkadia, manages the firm's fiscal health and capital structure. Overseeing financial planning, reporting, and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the stability of the integrated mortgage banking and investment sales platforms. Damon Rankin directs the allocation of resources to support sustainable growth across diverse commercial real estate portfolios. This role involves maintaining transparent communication with stakeholders regarding the company's financial performance and market impact. By implementing robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates operational risks while maximizing profitability for the organization. Rankin coordinates with other C-suite leaders to align budgetary priorities with long-term strategic objectives. Through precise financial modeling and analysis, the Chief Financial Officer supports the firm's ability to navigate complex market cycles. This leadership function remains critical for maintaining the financial integrity required to serve institutional and private clients effectively.
    Damon Rankin

    Praveen Polavaram - Site Chief Financial Officer & Director (India)

    Praveen Polavaram, the Site Chief Financial Officer & Director (India) at Berkadia, directs the financial operations and administrative functions for the firm's international presence. By overseeing the fiscal health of the India-based operations, the Site Chief Financial Officer & Director (India) ensures that regional activities support the company's global mortgage banking and servicing platforms. Praveen Polavaram manages local financial reporting, compliance, and resource allocation to maintain alignment with corporate standards. This role involves bridging the gap between international operations and the New York headquarters to ensure operational synergy. By optimizing regional cost structures and administrative efficiency, the Site Chief Financial Officer & Director (India) contributes to the firm's overall profitability. Polavaram leads local teams in executing strategic initiatives that enhance the company's global service delivery. This leadership position remains vital for maintaining the operational integrity and financial performance of the firm's international footprint.

    Deborah Perlowin - Chief Operating Officer, Production

    Deborah Perlowin, the Chief Operating Officer, Production at Berkadia, manages the operational workflows and execution processes within the firm's production divisions. By streamlining the mortgage banking and investment sales delivery models, the Chief Operating Officer, Production ensures that client projects move efficiently from origination to closing. Deborah Perlowin oversees the internal processes that support the firm's integrated platform, focusing on operational scalability and quality control. This role involves coordinating with production teams to resolve bottlenecks and improve service delivery standards. By implementing standardized operational procedures, the Chief Operating Officer, Production enhances the firm's ability to handle complex real estate transactions. Perlowin collaborates with other executives to ensure that operational capacity aligns with revenue goals and market demand. Through rigorous process management, the Chief Operating Officer, Production supports the firm's commitment to excellence in commercial real estate services and client satisfaction.

    Gary Mumford - Chief Technology Officer

    Gary Mumford, the Chief Technology Officer at Berkadia, architects the digital infrastructure that powers the company's mortgage banking and investment sales platforms. By integrating advanced data analytics and proprietary software, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the efficiency of real estate transactions for clients. Gary Mumford leads the development of scalable technological solutions that streamline servicing operations and improve user experiences across the firm's digital ecosystem. This role involves collaborating with business units to identify opportunities for automation and digital transformation. By prioritizing cybersecurity and data integrity, the Chief Technology Officer protects the firm's intellectual property and client information. Mumford drives the adoption of emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the commercial real estate finance industry. This leadership position ensures that the company's technological capabilities remain aligned with the evolving needs of the market and the strategic goals of the organization.
    Gary Mumford

    Blake Okland - Chief Revenue Officer

    Blake Okland, the Chief Revenue Officer at Berkadia, drives the firm's commercial growth and market expansion strategies. By overseeing the investment sales and mortgage banking production teams, the Chief Revenue Officer ensures the consistent acquisition of new business across diverse property sectors. Blake Okland develops high-impact sales initiatives that leverage the company's integrated platform to capture market share. This role involves managing relationships with key institutional clients and identifying emerging opportunities for revenue diversification. By aligning sales efforts with the firm's broader financial objectives, the Chief Revenue Officer optimizes the performance of production teams nationwide. Okland coordinates with regional leaders to ensure that service delivery remains consistent and effective. Through strategic market analysis, the Chief Revenue Officer identifies trends that inform the company's approach to commercial real estate services. This leadership function remains essential for sustaining the firm's competitive position and achieving long-term revenue targets.
    Blake Okland

    Danielle D. - Chief People Officer

    Danielle D., the Chief People Officer at Berkadia, leads the human capital strategy and organizational development initiatives. By fostering a culture of high performance and professional growth, the Chief People Officer ensures that the firm attracts and retains top talent in the commercial real estate industry. Danielle D. oversees talent acquisition, employee engagement, and leadership development programs that support the company's integrated business model. This role involves aligning workforce capabilities with the firm's strategic objectives and operational needs. By implementing inclusive policies and performance management systems, the Chief People Officer drives organizational effectiveness and employee satisfaction. D. collaborates with the executive team to cultivate a workplace environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief People Officer ensures that the firm possesses the human capital necessary to deliver exceptional service to multifamily and commercial property clients across all markets.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Finance

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Berkadia Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Berkadia?
    Berkadia is led by Justin Wheeler (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Damon Rankin (Chief Financial Officer) and Praveen Polavaram (Site Chief Financial Officer & Director (India)).
    Who is part of Berkadia’s executive team?
    The executive team of Berkadia includes leaders such as Justin Wheeler (Chief Executive Officer), Damon Rankin (Chief Financial Officer), Praveen Polavaram (Site Chief Financial Officer & Director (India)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Berkadia have?
    Berkadia has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Berkadia’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Berkadia includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Site Chief Financial Officer & Director (India), Chief Operating Officer, Production, Chief Technology Officer.