Core Spaces Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to community, Core Spaces develops and manages dynamic residential and hospitality communities, specializing in student housing, build-to-rent single-family homes, and urban residential assets, fostering environments for living and engagement.

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, architects the company's overarching vision and strategic direction. Lifshin guides the acquisition, development, and in-house management of diverse property portfolios, including student housing, build-to-rent single-family communities, and urban residential and hospitality assets. Overseeing market expansion, Lifshin ensures the company's presence grows across key urban centers. This leadership role involves setting the standard for design innovation and modern amenity integration across all Core Spaces developments. By championing a strong emphasis on community building, Marc Lifshin cultivates environments designed for resident engagement and long-term value creation, directly impacting the company's market position and growth trajectory.
    Marc Lifshin

    Merritt Poole - Chief Financial Officer

    Merritt Poole, the Chief Financial Officer at Core Spaces, manages the company's financial strategy and fiscal operations. Poole oversees all aspects of financial planning, capital allocation, and investment analysis for the acquisition and development of residential and hospitality communities. This includes managing budgets for student housing, build-to-rent single-family projects, and urban assets, ensuring profitability and sustainable growth. Directing financial risk management, the Chief Financial Officer safeguards the company's assets and optimizes capital structure. By securing funding and managing investor relations, Merritt Poole plays a critical part in enabling Core Spaces' expansion and its commitment to design innovation and community development across its portfolio.
    Merritt Poole

    Chad Matesi - Chief Operating Officer

    Chad Matesi, the Chief Operating Officer at Core Spaces, directs the day-to-day operational execution of the company's extensive real estate portfolio. Matesi oversees the property management division, ensuring seamless operations for residential and hospitality communities across urban markets. This involves optimizing processes for acquisition, development, and ongoing management, aligning with the company's specialization in student housing and build-to-rent assets. Driving efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that modern amenities and design innovation are consistently implemented. By focusing on community building, Chad Matesi enhances resident experience and engagement, directly supporting Core Spaces' mission to create desirable living environments and maintain high occupancy rates across its national footprint.

    Katy Darnaby - Chief Marketing Officer

    Katy Darnaby, the Chief Marketing Officer at Core Spaces, leads the strategic marketing initiatives and brand development for the company's diverse real estate portfolio. Darnaby crafts and executes marketing campaigns that highlight the unique value propositions of residential and hospitality communities, focusing on student housing, build-to-rent, and urban assets. Overseeing market positioning, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures Core Spaces resonates with target demographics seeking dynamic living environments. By driving brand awareness and resident engagement, Katy Darnaby supports the company's mission of creating desirable communities. This role involves translating design innovation and modern amenities into compelling market narratives, directly contributing to leasing success and sustained occupancy across all properties.
    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. Gillette oversees talent acquisition, employee relations, and culture building across the company's operations, supporting the development and management of residential and hospitality communities. Focusing on fostering a positive work environment, the Chief People Officer ensures that teams are equipped to deliver on Core Spaces' commitment to design innovation and community engagement. By cultivating a strong organizational culture, Don Gillette supports the effective execution of strategies for student housing, build-to-rent, and urban assets, ensuring that the people powering Core Spaces are aligned with the company's mission and values.
    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.