Berkadia Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Berkadia has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, operations, human resources, and legal.

Driven by integrated mortgage banking, investment sales, and servicing, Berkadia provides comprehensive commercial real estate solutions, impacting multifamily and commercial property clients nationwide.

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 People Officer - Danielle Dandrea
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer - Thomas Miraglia
  • Justin Wheeler - Chief Executive Officer

    Justin Wheeler, the Chief Executive Officer at Berkadia, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the company's commercial real estate services. Wheeler guides the firm's integrated mortgage banking, investment sales, and servicing platform, ensuring alignment with client needs in the multifamily and commercial property sectors. This leadership role involves driving market expansion and fostering innovation across all business lines. Wheeler's focus remains on enhancing Berkadia's position as a premier provider of real estate solutions. By optimizing cross-functional collaboration, Justin Wheeler ensures the delivery of superior client outcomes and sustained company growth. The Chief Executive Officer's vision shapes Berkadia's response to evolving market dynamics and client demands.
    Justin Wheeler

    Damon Rankin - Chief Financial Officer

    Damon Rankin, the Chief Financial Officer at Berkadia, oversees all financial operations and strategic financial planning for the organization. Rankin manages capital allocation, financial reporting, and risk management, ensuring the fiscal health and stability of the company's integrated mortgage banking, investment sales, and servicing platform. This executive function involves close collaboration with other C-suite leaders to support Berkadia's growth objectives and maintain strong investor relations. By analyzing market trends and financial performance, Damon Rankin provides critical insights to guide strategic decision-making. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is essential for optimizing profitability and ensuring compliance with financial regulations across all commercial real estate services.
    Damon Rankin

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

    Praveen Polavaram, the Site Chief Financial Officer & Director (India) at Berkadia, directs financial operations and strategic initiatives within the Indian market, supporting the company's global financial framework. Polavaram manages local financial planning, reporting, and compliance, ensuring alignment with Berkadia's broader commercial real estate services and integrated platform. This leadership position involves optimizing financial performance and resource allocation for the India operations. By fostering strong relationships with local stakeholders, Praveen Polavaram contributes to the expansion of Berkadia's presence and service delivery. The Site Chief Financial Officer & Director (India)'s role is integral to the company's international financial strategy and operational effectiveness.

    Deborah Perlowin - Chief Operating Officer, Production

    Deborah Perlowin, the Chief Operating Officer, Production at Berkadia, spearheads the operational efficiency and strategic execution of the company's production functions within its integrated mortgage banking and investment sales platform. Perlowin oversees the workflows and processes that drive the delivery of commercial real estate services, focusing on optimizing output and quality for multifamily and commercial property clients. This executive responsibility involves enhancing operational scalability and streamlining production cycles. By implementing best practices and driving continuous improvement, Deborah Perlowin ensures Berkadia's production capabilities meet market demands. The Chief Operating Officer, Production's leadership is vital for maintaining high service standards and supporting the firm's overall business objectives.

    Gary Mumford - Chief Technology Officer

    Gary Mumford, the Chief Technology Officer at Berkadia, architects and executes the company's technology strategy, driving innovation across its integrated mortgage banking, investment sales, and servicing platform. Mumford oversees the development and implementation of cutting-edge technological solutions that enhance operational efficiency and client experience in the commercial real estate sector. This critical role involves managing IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives. By leveraging advanced technologies, Gary Mumford ensures Berkadia maintains a competitive edge in providing real estate solutions to multifamily and commercial property clients. The Chief Technology Officer's leadership is pivotal in adapting to the digital landscape and supporting the firm's ambitious growth targets.
    Gary Mumford

    Danielle Dandrea - Chief People Officer

    Danielle Dandrea, the Chief People Officer at Berkadia, leads human capital strategy and organizational development, fostering a high-performance culture across the company. Dandrea oversees talent acquisition, employee engagement, and professional development initiatives, ensuring Berkadia attracts and retains top talent essential for its integrated mortgage banking, investment sales, and servicing platform. This role is crucial for aligning people strategies with business goals, supporting the delivery of exceptional commercial real estate services. By championing employee well-being and growth, Danielle Dandrea cultivates an environment that drives innovation and client satisfaction. The Chief People Officer's expertise is fundamental to Berkadia's success in the competitive financial services landscape.
    Thomas Miraglia, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer at Berkadia, provides strategic legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the organization. Miraglia ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and manages legal risks associated with Berkadia's integrated mortgage banking, investment sales, and servicing platform. This senior leadership position involves advising on corporate governance, transactional matters, and dispute resolution to protect the company's interests. By guiding the legal framework, Thomas Miraglia supports the firm's commercial real estate services and facilitates strategic growth initiatives. The Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer's counsel is indispensable for navigating complex legal landscapes and upholding Berkadia's integrity.
    Thomas Miraglia

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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 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.