Core Spaces Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Core Spaces has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, operations, finance, and human resources.

Driven by a commitment to innovative residential development, Core Spaces transforms urban living through the creation of dynamic communities that prioritize modern design, hospitality-focused amenities, and long-term resident engagement across diverse real estate markets.

Leadership Roles at Core Spaces

  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Marc Lifshin
  • Chief Financial Officer - Merritt Poole
  • Chief Operating Officer - Chad Matesi
  • 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. Overseeing the acquisition and development of student housing and build-to-rent communities, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with long-term portfolio expansion goals. This leadership role involves navigating complex urban real estate landscapes to identify high-potential investment opportunities. By fostering a culture of design innovation, Marc Lifshin directly impacts the company's ability to deliver premium residential experiences. Lifshin maintains constant oversight of capital allocation strategies, ensuring that every project meets rigorous performance standards. Through the integration of hospitality-driven management practices, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer secures a competitive advantage in the national market. Ultimately, Lifshin drives the firm toward sustainable growth while maintaining the core mission of creating environments where residents thrive.
    Marc Lifshin

    Merritt Poole - Chief Financial Officer

    Merritt Poole, the Chief Financial Officer at Core Spaces, directs the financial strategy, capital structure, and fiscal health of the organization. Overseeing complex financial modeling and investment analysis, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all development projects align with the firm's risk-adjusted return targets. This leadership role involves managing relationships with institutional investors and lenders to secure the necessary capital for large-scale urban projects. By maintaining rigorous financial oversight, Merritt Poole directly impacts the company's ability to execute its ambitious growth strategy. Poole monitors cash flow and budgetary performance across all business units, providing the necessary data to support executive decision-making. Through the implementation of robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer safeguards the firm's assets and ensures long-term stability. Ultimately, Poole drives the financial performance that enables the company to continue delivering high-quality residential and hospitality communities.
    Merritt Poole

    Chad Matesi - Chief Operating Officer

    Chad Matesi, the Chief Operating Officer at Core Spaces, directs the day-to-day management and operational efficiency of the entire property portfolio. Overseeing the transition from development to active management, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every residential community maintains high standards of service and operational excellence. This leadership role involves streamlining property management workflows to maximize asset performance and resident satisfaction. By implementing scalable operational frameworks, Chad Matesi directly impacts the company's ability to manage diverse assets across multiple regions. Matesi coordinates with regional teams to ensure consistent service delivery and facility maintenance. Through the optimization of property-level logistics, the Chief Operating Officer supports the firm's growth objectives while maintaining cost-effective operations. Ultimately, Matesi ensures that the operational infrastructure remains robust, supporting the long-term success of every community within the portfolio.

    Katy Darnaby - Chief Marketing Officer

    Katy Darnaby, the Chief Marketing Officer at Core Spaces, architects the brand identity and consumer engagement strategies for all residential and hospitality assets. Overseeing national marketing campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that every community effectively communicates the unique value proposition to prospective residents. This leadership role involves leveraging data-driven insights to optimize digital presence and drive leasing velocity across urban markets. By aligning brand messaging with modern amenity offerings, Katy Darnaby directly impacts the company's market positioning and occupancy rates. Darnaby manages cross-functional teams to execute cohesive launch strategies for new developments, ensuring consistent brand delivery. Through the implementation of innovative outreach programs, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the connection between the firm and the communities served. Ultimately, Darnaby elevates the brand profile, ensuring that the company remains a leader in the competitive residential real estate sector.
    Katy Darnaby

    Don Gillette - Chief People Officer

    Don Gillette, the Chief People Officer at Core Spaces, directs the human capital strategy, talent acquisition, and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing the development of high-performance teams, the Chief People Officer ensures that the company attracts and retains top-tier talent capable of executing complex real estate projects. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment that aligns with the firm's mission of community building. By implementing professional development programs, Don Gillette directly impacts the company's internal capabilities and employee engagement levels. Gillette manages the integration of corporate values into daily operations, ensuring that the workforce remains aligned with the firm's strategic goals. Through the design of competitive compensation and benefits structures, the Chief People Officer supports the firm's ability to scale effectively. Ultimately, Gillette builds the organizational foundation necessary to sustain long-term growth and operational excellence.
    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 5 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, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief People Officer.