Core Spaces Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Core Spaces has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, marketing, finance, human resources, and corporate leadership.

Focused on creating dynamic residential communities, Core Spaces delivers innovative real estate development and property management solutions that prioritize modern amenities and community engagement across diverse urban markets.

Leadership Roles at Core Spaces

  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Marc Lifshin
  • Chief Financial Officer - Merritt Poole
  • Chief Operating Officer - Chad Matesi
  • President - Daniel Goldberg
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Katy Darnaby
  • Chief People Officer - Don Gillette
  • Marc Lifshin - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Marc Lifshin, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Core Spaces, directs the overarching vision and strategic growth of the firm. By identifying high-potential urban markets, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer architects the acquisition and development roadmap for student housing and build-to-rent assets. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to ensure long-term capital appreciation and operational excellence. Marc Lifshin maintains a sharp focus on design innovation, ensuring every residential community reflects the company commitment to quality. Through the oversight of large-scale development projects, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer drives the expansion of the portfolio across North America. By fostering a culture of excellence, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive position of the firm within the real estate sector, ultimately delivering superior value to investors and residents alike through disciplined execution and market-leading residential concepts.
    Marc Lifshin

    Merritt Poole - Chief Financial Officer

    Merritt Poole, the Chief Financial Officer at Core Spaces, manages the financial health and capital structure of the organization. Overseeing all fiscal planning, budgeting, and investment analysis, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm maintains the liquidity necessary for aggressive real estate development. This role involves coordinating with institutional partners and lenders to secure funding for new acquisitions and construction projects. Merritt Poole monitors the financial performance of the entire portfolio, providing critical insights that guide strategic decision-making at the executive level. The Chief Financial Officer implements robust financial controls to mitigate risk and ensure compliance across all business units. By optimizing the capital stack, the Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term growth objectives of the company. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal discipline required to sustain the development of high-quality residential communities while delivering consistent returns to stakeholders and investors.
    Merritt Poole

    Chad Matesi - Chief Operating Officer

    Chad Matesi, the Chief Operating Officer at Core Spaces, manages the daily execution of property management and operational workflows. Overseeing the performance of residential and hospitality assets, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every community meets rigorous standards for service and maintenance. This role involves streamlining internal processes to maximize efficiency across the entire property portfolio. Chad Matesi coordinates with regional teams to implement standardized management protocols that enhance resident satisfaction and asset longevity. By analyzing operational data, the Chief Operating Officer identifies opportunities for cost optimization and revenue growth within the existing residential footprint. The Chief Operating Officer maintains alignment with the broader corporate strategy by ensuring that property-level operations support the long-term goals of the firm. Through consistent monitoring of market trends, the Chief Operating Officer adapts management strategies to maintain high occupancy rates and operational stability across all urban residential communities.

    Daniel Goldberg - President

    Daniel Goldberg, the President at Core Spaces, executes the day-to-day business operations and strategic initiatives across the entire organization. By bridging the gap between high-level vision and tactical implementation, the President ensures that all departments remain aligned with the core mission of creating dynamic residential communities. This leadership role involves overseeing cross-functional teams to streamline project delivery and enhance operational efficiency. Daniel Goldberg monitors market dynamics to identify new opportunities for growth and expansion within the urban residential sector. The President collaborates with the executive team to refine business processes and improve the overall performance of the development and management divisions. By maintaining a focus on execution, the President drives the successful completion of complex real estate projects. Through consistent leadership and strategic oversight, the President ensures that the company continues to deliver innovative living environments that meet the demands of modern urban residents.
    Daniel Goldberg

    Katy Darnaby - Chief Marketing Officer

    Katy Darnaby, the Chief Marketing Officer at Core Spaces, architects the brand identity and market positioning for all residential and hospitality communities. By developing comprehensive digital and traditional marketing campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer drives lead generation and brand awareness across competitive urban markets. This leadership role involves crafting compelling narratives that highlight the unique design and amenity offerings of each property. Katy Darnaby collaborates with the development team to ensure that marketing strategies align with the specific demographic needs of target residents. The Chief Marketing Officer oversees the implementation of customer-centric communication channels to foster community engagement and loyalty. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing Officer optimizes advertising spend and enhances the overall digital presence of the firm. Through strategic brand management, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the company remains a preferred choice for modern urban living, consistently attracting high-quality residents to the diverse portfolio.
    Katy Darnaby

    Don Gillette - Chief People Officer

    Don Gillette, the Chief People Officer at Core Spaces, directs the human capital strategy and organizational development initiatives. By fostering a high-performance culture, the Chief People Officer ensures that the firm attracts and retains top talent across all departments. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training programs and professional development pathways that align with the evolving needs of the real estate industry. Don Gillette oversees the implementation of inclusive workplace policies that promote employee engagement and well-being. The Chief People Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that the workforce remains agile and capable of supporting the rapid expansion of the residential portfolio. By managing talent acquisition and performance management systems, the Chief People Officer builds the internal capacity required for sustained operational success. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief People Officer strengthens the organizational foundation, ensuring that the company maintains a competitive edge in the talent market.
    Don Gillette

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Core Spaces Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Core Spaces?
    Core Spaces is led by Marc Lifshin (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Merritt Poole (Chief Financial Officer) and Chad Matesi (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Core Spaces’s executive team?
    The executive team of Core Spaces includes leaders such as Marc Lifshin (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Merritt Poole (Chief Financial Officer), Chad Matesi (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Core Spaces have?
    Core Spaces has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Core Spaces’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Core Spaces includes roles such as Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Chief Marketing Officer.