Core Spaces Executive and Leadership Team

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 modern living standards. 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 value to investors and residents alike through superior asset performance and community-centric development strategies.

Merritt Poole, the Chief Financial Officer at Core Spaces, directs the financial planning, capital allocation, and fiscal reporting for the entire organization. Overseeing the complex financial structures required for large-scale real estate development, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the stability and growth of the company balance sheet. This leadership role involves managing relationships with institutional investors and lenders to secure funding for new urban residential and hospitality projects. Merritt Poole monitors cash flow and investment performance across the diverse portfolio, providing critical insights to the executive team for strategic decision-making. By implementing rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risk while maximizing returns on development assets. Through the management of corporate finance functions, the Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term scalability of the firm. This financial oversight remains essential for maintaining the competitive edge of the company in the rapidly evolving real estate landscape.

Chad Matesi, the Chief Operating Officer at Core Spaces, directs the day-to-day management and operational efficiency of the residential and hospitality portfolio. Overseeing the property management teams, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every community maintains high standards of service, maintenance, and resident satisfaction. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to support the rapid growth of the company across various urban markets. Chad Matesi coordinates with development and marketing departments to ensure seamless transitions from construction to stabilized operations. By optimizing property-level performance, the Chief Operating Officer drives operational excellence and enhances the value of the assets under management. Through the implementation of standardized operating procedures, the Chief Operating Officer ensures consistency across the national footprint. This focus on operational scale and efficiency directly contributes to the overall success and profitability of the firm, supporting the strategic goals set by the executive leadership.

Katy Darnaby, the Chief Marketing Officer at Core Spaces, directs all brand strategy and consumer engagement initiatives across the national portfolio. Overseeing the digital presence and community outreach programs, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging that highlights the unique amenities and design-forward nature of every residential asset. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to optimize leasing velocity and resident retention. Katy Darnaby manages the creative direction for all marketing campaigns, ensuring alignment with the broader business goals of the firm. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing Officer enhances the visibility of student housing and build-to-rent communities in competitive urban markets. Through the coordination of regional marketing teams, the Chief Marketing Officer drives brand awareness and strengthens the market position of the company. This strategic focus on consumer experience directly supports the growth objectives and revenue targets established by the executive leadership team.

Don Gillette, the Chief People Officer at Core Spaces, directs the human capital strategy, talent acquisition, and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing the recruitment and retention of top-tier professionals, the Chief People Officer ensures the company maintains a high-performance culture capable of executing complex real estate projects. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training programs and performance management systems that align with the mission of the firm. Don Gillette fosters an inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration across all departments. By managing compensation and benefits structures, the Chief People Officer ensures the organization remains competitive in the talent market. Through the development of leadership pipelines, the Chief People Officer supports the long-term growth and stability of the company. This focus on human capital directly impacts the ability of the firm to deliver exceptional residential experiences and maintain operational excellence across all urban markets.