CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Core Spaces ("Core"), a leading vertically integrated real estate investment manager, developer and operator today announced several key appointments to its executive team, reflecting the company’s ongoing growth and commitment to driving innovation in the student housing and build-to-rent (BTR) sectors. This enhanced leadership includes internal promotions and strategic external hires, strengthening Core’s foundation to advance its property management, institutional investment, private wealth, and lending platforms.
Since its founding in 2010, Core has successfully transformed niche real estate housing sectors through innovative development and hospitality-driven property management. Today, the company is an established leader in both student housing and BTR sectors, with over $5.7 billion in combined equity under management. Core currently owns and/or operates 45,600 beds across student housing and has a pipeline of over 43,000 student housing beds, in addition to over 3,000 BTR homes under development and in its pipeline.
“As Core continues to grow across our key business verticals, strengthening our leadership is essential to further supporting the scale and innovation we are driving,” said Dan Goldberg, President at Core Spaces. “This team reflects both the incredible talent within Core and the industry-leading expertise we’ve brought in. Looking ahead, we’re well positioned to accelerate our expansion and deepen our impact on the communities we serve.”
As part of these appointments, Core is proud to introduce the following new executives:
- Sean Devine joins as Executive Vice President of Property Operations & Experience. With more than 15 years of leadership in student housing operations, Devine will lead Core's operational teams across its student housing and BTR portfolios. He brings a people-first approach and significant expertise in managing large-scale portfolios, having previously overseen 70,000 beds as Vice President of Operations, Student Housing, at Cardinal Group.
- Jennifer Holmes has transitioned to the role of Chief Operating Officer. Formerly Core’s Chief Financial Officer, Holmes now oversees multiple departments, including operations, accounting & finance, people operations, and technology. Her operational and financial acumen will continue to drive Core’s growth across its real estate platforms.
- Merritt Poole has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer, where she will lead financial planning & analysis, accounting, tax, accounts payable, and treasury functions. Poole brings over 15 years of exceptional financial leadership experience, honed at firms such as Blackstone’s Revantage, which is instrumental to Core’s strategic financial direction.
- Christine Bentley joins as Chief Information Officer, overseeing Core's IT strategy, systems, and data management to support day-to-day operations and long-term growth. Bentley brings over 20 years of experience in digital transformation, most recently serving as SVP of Shared Services at Bonaventure.
- Katy Darnaby has been promoted to Chief Marketing Officer, where she will lead Core’s brand marketing and communications efforts. With two decades of expertise in brand positioning, partnership development, and crisis management, Darnaby ensures Core’s communications strategy is cohesive and impactful across all channels.
- Jourdan Vartabedian joins as Vice President of Leasing & Sales, overseeing strategic sales initiatives and leading a dynamic team to optimize leasing and exceed revenue targets. With over 17 years of experience in student housing across 60 markets, Vartabedian most recently served as Director of New Development at Article Student Living, and previously at CA Ventures.
“Sean Devine’s experience in student housing operations and his people-first leadership make him a fantastic addition as we continue enhancing the resident experience across our communities,” said Jennifer Holmes, Chief Operating Officer of Core Spaces. “I’m equally proud of the remarkable women stepping into leadership roles at Core—Merritt Poole, Christine Bentley, Katy Darnaby, and Jourdan Vartabedian. Their collective expertise is invaluable to our growth and to ensuring Core remains at the forefront of the industry.”
To support the company’s growth, Core has continued to hire across the organization and currently has over 1,000 employees and counting. Fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit, a collaborative culture, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Core has established a track record of continued success and remains at the forefront of innovation in the real estate industry.
About Core Spaces:
Core Spaces (Core) is more than a real estate company, it’s a people company. Where building relationships is just as important as building properties. From researchers and architects to designers and operators, Core is made up of risk takers and dreamers who are on a mission to invent the future of living. Everything Core does stems from this culture of collaboration and innovation, and the drive to constantly improve the resident experience. This unique approach has led to creating spaces and services that are redefining the way people live.
Founded in 2010, Core is a vertically integrated real estate investment manager focused on acquiring, developing, managing, and lending across the student housing and build-to-rent (“BTR”) sectors. Its residential communities feature world-class amenities, progressive design, and hospitality-driven client service. In its award-winning student portfolio, Core currently owns and/or manages over 45,600 beds – and has a pipeline of over 43,000 beds in various stages of development. Core's BTR division currently has over 3,000 homes under development and in its pipeline in high growth metros across the country. For more information, visit www.corespaces.com.
