Core Spaces Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by innovation, Core Spaces is dedicated to developing and managing dynamic residential and hospitality communities, combining design, amenities, and community building to create desirable living environments.

Leadership Roles at Core Spaces

  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Marc Lifshin
  • Chief Financial Officer - Merritt Poole
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jennifer Holmes
  • 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 strategy and vision for the company's real estate development and property management operations. Lifshin architects the expansion into urban markets, focusing on student housing, build-to-rent single-family communities, and urban residential and hospitality assets. Overseeing acquisition and development pipelines, Lifshin ensures alignment with the company's mission to create dynamic communities. This leadership role involves guiding the integration of design innovation and modern amenities across all projects. By fostering a culture of community building, Marc Lifshin drives the creation of environments where residents want to live and engage, directly impacting Core Spaces' market position and growth.
    Marc Lifshin

    Merritt Poole - Chief Financial Officer

    Merritt Poole, the Chief Financial Officer at Core Spaces, manages the financial strategy and fiscal health of the company's extensive real estate development and property management operations. Poole oversees all financial planning, budgeting, and investment analysis related to the acquisition and development of student housing, build-to-rent communities, and urban residential properties. This role involves ensuring robust financial controls and optimizing capital allocation across the portfolio. By guiding financial decision-making, the Chief Financial Officer supports Core Spaces' expansion into new urban markets and sustains its commitment to modern amenities and community building. Merritt Poole's financial acumen is critical to the company's long-term stability and growth.
    Merritt Poole

    Jennifer Holmes - Chief Operating Officer

    Jennifer Holmes, the Chief Operating Officer at Core Spaces, executes the operational framework for the company's diverse portfolio of residential and hospitality communities. Holmes manages the in-house property management functions, ensuring seamless operations across student housing, build-to-rent, and urban residential assets. This involves optimizing day-to-day management processes and maintaining high standards of service delivery. Overseeing the integration of modern amenities and community-building initiatives, the Chief Operating Officer ensures each property offers a desirable living experience. By driving operational efficiency, Jennifer Holmes supports the company's expansion and strengthens its reputation for quality management in competitive urban markets.

    Katy Darnaby - Chief Marketing Officer

    Katy Darnaby, the Chief Marketing Officer at Core Spaces, shapes and directs the company's brand strategy and market positioning across its residential and hospitality developments. Darnaby oversees the execution of marketing initiatives designed to attract residents to student housing, build-to-rent communities, and urban residential assets. This involves highlighting the company's focus on design innovation and community building. By developing targeted campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures Core Spaces resonates with its intended audiences in dynamic urban markets. Katy Darnaby's leadership drives resident engagement and supports the company's growth objectives through compelling brand narratives and strategic outreach.
    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 across the company's real estate development and property management functions. Gillette oversees talent acquisition, employee engagement, and culture development, ensuring Core Spaces attracts and retains top talent for its dynamic residential and hospitality communities. This involves fostering an environment that supports design innovation and community building. By championing employee well-being and professional growth, the Chief People Officer enhances operational effectiveness in student housing, build-to-rent, and urban residential sectors. Don Gillette's leadership cultivates a strong organizational foundation, crucial for the company's continued success and expansion in urban markets.
    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 Jennifer Holmes (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), Jennifer Holmes (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.