Berkadia Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Berkadia has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, capital markets, investment sales, and financial operations.

Driven by a commitment to excellence in commercial real estate, Berkadia delivers integrated mortgage banking and investment sales solutions to clients across the United States, fostering long-term value through a robust servicing platform.

Leadership Roles at Berkadia

  • Chief Executive Officer - Justin Wheeler
  • Chief Financial Officer - Damon Rankin
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Blake Okland
  • Managing Director - Erika Maston
  • Managing Director - Matt Schildwachter
  • Managing Director - Brian Gould
  • Managing Director - Paul Hanafin
  • Managing Director - Monica Newman
  • Managing Director - Kevin Batt
  • Managing Director - Daniel Geuther
  • Justin Wheeler - Chief Executive Officer

    Justin Wheeler, the Chief Executive Officer at Berkadia, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for the entire organization. By leveraging the joint venture foundation between Berkshire Hathaway and Jefferies Financial Group, the Chief Executive Officer aligns internal resources to maximize client outcomes in the multifamily and commercial property sectors. Justin Wheeler oversees the integration of mortgage banking and investment sales platforms to ensure seamless service delivery across North American markets. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine long-term growth trajectories and maintain competitive positioning. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance and market expansion initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer drives efficiency across all business lines. Wheeler maintains a focus on scaling the servicing platform to meet evolving industry demands while upholding the firm's reputation for financial stability and professional excellence in complex real estate transactions.
    Justin Wheeler

    Damon Rankin - Chief Financial Officer

    Damon Rankin, the Chief Financial Officer at Berkadia, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization. By overseeing capital allocation, financial planning, and reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains a strong balance sheet to support its mortgage banking and investment sales platforms. Damon Rankin manages the integration of financial data across all business lines to provide actionable insights for the executive team. This leadership role involves managing relationships with financial partners and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The Chief Financial Officer drives operational efficiency by optimizing cost structures and enhancing financial transparency. Through rigorous analysis of market performance and internal metrics, Rankin supports the firm's long-term growth objectives. Damon Rankin maintains a focus on fiscal discipline and risk management, ensuring the firm remains well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the commercial real estate market while delivering consistent value to stakeholders.
    Damon Rankin

    Blake Okland - Chief Revenue Officer

    Blake Okland, the Chief Revenue Officer at Berkadia, directs the firm's revenue generation strategies across all investment sales and mortgage banking platforms. By overseeing the national sales force, the Chief Revenue Officer ensures alignment between client needs and the firm's integrated service offerings. Blake Okland architects growth initiatives that expand the firm's market share in the multifamily and commercial property sectors. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to identify new business opportunities and optimize sales performance. The Chief Revenue Officer drives revenue growth by fostering high-level relationships with institutional investors and property owners. Through collaboration with the C-suite, Okland aligns sales activities with corporate objectives to maximize profitability. Blake Okland maintains a focus on delivering superior client outcomes by leveraging the firm's proprietary data and research capabilities, ultimately securing the firm's position as a leader in the commercial real estate services industry.
    Blake Okland

    Erika Maston - Managing Director

    Erika Maston, the Managing Director at Berkadia, architects specialized investment sales strategies for multifamily property portfolios. Focusing on the acquisition and disposition of high-value assets, the Managing Director identifies emerging market trends to provide clients with actionable intelligence. Erika Maston manages complex transaction lifecycles, ensuring that every deal aligns with the broader mortgage banking and investment sales platform. By coordinating with regional teams, the Managing Director optimizes asset performance and enhances portfolio liquidity for institutional investors. This role requires deep analytical rigor to navigate shifting interest rate environments and property valuation metrics. Maston drives revenue growth by cultivating long-term relationships with key stakeholders and institutional partners. Through the application of proprietary data tools, the Managing Director secures competitive advantages for clients, ultimately strengthening the firm's market presence and operational footprint across diverse geographic regions.

    Matt Schildwachter - Managing Director

    Matt Schildwachter, the Managing Director at Berkadia, leads the origination and structuring of commercial real estate debt solutions. By overseeing the deployment of capital across various asset classes, the Managing Director ensures that financing structures meet the specific risk-return profiles of diverse property clients. Matt Schildwachter integrates mortgage banking expertise with the firm's broader investment sales capabilities to provide comprehensive financial support. The Managing Director manages relationships with capital providers and institutional lenders to facilitate efficient deal execution. This leadership position involves analyzing macroeconomic indicators to advise clients on optimal debt strategies in volatile markets. Schildwachter drives the expansion of the firm's lending footprint by identifying new opportunities for portfolio growth and risk mitigation. Through consistent engagement with the broader C-suite, the Managing Director aligns financing activities with corporate objectives, ensuring sustained profitability and operational excellence within the competitive commercial real estate landscape.

    Brian Gould - Managing Director

    Brian Gould, the Managing Director at Berkadia, directs the strategic management of commercial property servicing operations. By overseeing the lifecycle of loan portfolios, the Managing Director ensures compliance, asset performance, and risk management for institutional clients. Brian Gould integrates servicing data with the firm's investment sales platform to provide a holistic view of asset health and market potential. The Managing Director manages internal teams responsible for loan administration, investor reporting, and default management. This role involves implementing technological advancements to streamline servicing workflows and enhance transparency for stakeholders. Gould drives operational efficiency by refining internal processes and maintaining rigorous standards for portfolio oversight. Through collaboration with other senior leaders, the Managing Director supports the firm's mission to provide end-to-end real estate solutions. Brian Gould secures the long-term viability of client investments by proactively addressing market challenges and optimizing portfolio performance across the national landscape.

    Paul Hanafin - Managing Director

    Paul Hanafin, the Managing Director at Berkadia, leads the expansion of investment sales initiatives within the multifamily sector. By focusing on the identification and execution of large-scale property transactions, the Managing Director provides clients with strategic guidance on market entry and exit points. Paul Hanafin integrates the firm's mortgage banking platform into the sales process to offer comprehensive financial solutions for complex deals. The Managing Director manages regional teams to ensure consistent service delivery and market penetration. This role involves analyzing local market dynamics to advise investors on asset positioning and value-add opportunities. Hanafin drives revenue growth by leveraging the firm's proprietary data and research capabilities to inform investment decisions. Through active collaboration with the broader leadership team, the Managing Director aligns sales strategies with corporate goals. Paul Hanafin maintains a focus on delivering superior results for clients, thereby reinforcing the firm's position as a leader in commercial real estate services.

    Monica Newman - Managing Director

    Monica Newman, the Managing Director at Berkadia, architects client-focused investment strategies for commercial real estate assets. By overseeing the development of tailored financial solutions, the Managing Director assists clients in navigating complex market conditions and regulatory environments. Monica Newman integrates the firm's mortgage banking and investment sales platforms to provide a seamless experience for property owners and investors. The Managing Director manages cross-functional teams to ensure the successful execution of high-stakes transactions. This role involves identifying growth opportunities in emerging markets and advising on portfolio diversification strategies. Newman drives operational excellence by fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within the firm. Through consistent engagement with institutional partners, the Managing Director secures long-term value for clients. Monica Newman maintains a focus on delivering data-driven insights that inform investment decisions, ultimately contributing to the firm's reputation for excellence and reliability in the commercial real estate industry.

    Kevin Batt - Managing Director

    Kevin Batt, the Managing Director at Berkadia, directs the origination of debt and equity solutions for commercial real estate projects. By focusing on the structuring of complex financing packages, the Managing Director enables clients to achieve their investment objectives in a competitive market. Kevin Batt integrates the firm's mortgage banking platform with investment sales capabilities to provide comprehensive financial support. The Managing Director manages relationships with a diverse network of capital providers to ensure access to liquidity for property clients. This role involves analyzing market trends and interest rate environments to advise on optimal financing strategies. Batt drives revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and expanding the firm's client base. Through collaboration with other senior leaders, the Managing Director aligns financing activities with corporate goals. Kevin Batt secures the firm's market position by delivering innovative financial solutions that address the unique needs of multifamily and commercial property owners.

    Daniel Geuther - Managing Director

    Daniel Geuther, the Managing Director at Berkadia, leads the strategic management of investment sales for commercial property portfolios. By overseeing the execution of property transactions, the Managing Director provides clients with expert guidance on asset valuation and market positioning. Daniel Geuther integrates the firm's mortgage banking and servicing platforms to offer a holistic approach to real estate investment. The Managing Director manages regional teams to ensure consistent service delivery and market penetration. This role involves analyzing macroeconomic data to advise investors on optimal entry and exit strategies. Geuther drives revenue growth by cultivating long-term relationships with institutional clients and property owners. Through active collaboration with the broader leadership team, the Managing Director aligns sales strategies with corporate objectives. Daniel Geuther maintains a focus on delivering superior results for clients, thereby reinforcing the firm's reputation as a premier provider of commercial real estate services across the national landscape.

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    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 Blake Okland (Chief Revenue Officer).
    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), Blake Okland (Chief Revenue Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Berkadia have?
    Berkadia has 10 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, Chief Revenue Officer, Managing Director, Managing Director.