Our Team

At Medalist REIT, our team is the cornerstone of our success. Comprising seasoned professionals with expertise in real estate investment and financial strategy, we are dedicated to driving value for our investors through market insights and unwavering commitment to excellence.

  • Francis P. Kavanaugh

    President and Chief Executive Officer

    Francis P. Kavanaugh is Managing Director of Fort Ashford Funds, LLC, which he founded in 2004. With 30+ years in real estate investment and business leadership, he previously founded several Inc 500 companies, notably scaling Force Protection Inc. from under $1M to $1B in six years. Kavanaugh holds a B.S. in Information and Computer Science from UC Irvine and jokes that his love for computers began when he realized they do most of the work for you.

  • Brent Winn, Jr.

    Chief Financial Officer

    Brent Winn serves as Chief Financial Officer of Medalist REIT since 2018, overseeing all financial operations and establishing the company's accounting systems and controls. With a career spanning from CSX Realty to leadership roles at MGT Realty Advisors and Marz Industries, Winn brings extensive experience in real estate finance. He holds a B.A. in History from the University of Virginia, an MBA from the College of William and Mary, and a post-graduate degree in Accounting from Virginia Commonwealth University.

  • Ben Ore

    Controller

    Ben Ore joined Medalist Diversified REIT in 2021 as Controller, specializing in financial reporting and analysis. Previously at Equitable Holdings and Newport Group, his experience in real estate accounting and financial analysis strengthens Medalist's financial operations. Ore holds a B.S. in Economics from UNC Greensboro and is known for his lightning-fast financial problem-solving skills.

  • Erin Burke

    Chief of Staff

    Erin Burke is the Chief of Staff at Medalist REIT, focusing on developing operational frameworks and efficient reporting processes. She excels at improving cross-team communication and proactively resolving organizational issues. With a proven track record in operational development, Burke has consistently enhanced business efficiency and collaboration. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Humboldt State University, where she was a standout NCAA volleyball player.

  • Deron Colby, Esq.

    Counsel

    Deron Colby brings over 26 years of legal experience as Counsel at Medalist REIT. Specializing in securities law, M&A, and real estate transactions, he's represented clients from landowners to corporate investors. His career spans leadership roles in securities firms, with expertise in SEC disclosures and managing investments. Colby's knowledge of land use and entitlements has been key in real estate deals. He's known for handling complex legal negotiations with a smile—because who doesn't love untangling legal jargon?

  • Kevin Egan, CFA, CAIA, CPA

    Director of Strategic Finance and Investor Relations

    Kevin Egan leads Strategic Finance and Investor Relations at Medalist REIT, bringing capital markets expertise from his consulting background across private equity and hedge funds. He started his career covering real estate at Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. Holding CFA, CAIA, and CPA designations, Egan earned his B.S. and M.S. in Accounting from Brigham Young University.

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors embodies visionary leadership, strategic governance, and trusted stewardship. Through their collective expertise and guidance, we maintain our commitment to three core principles: Reduced Burden, Reliable Income, and Liquid Assets.

  • Francis P. Kavanaugh

    President and Chief Executive Officer

  • Neil Farmer

    Independent Director

  • Emanuel Neuman

    Independent Director

  • David Lunin

    Independent Director

  • Lee Finley

    Independent Director

  • Kory Kramer

    Independent Director

  • Marc Carlson

    Independent Director

Advisory Council

Our Advisory Council is comprised of experienced professionals who provide strategic guidance and support to our team. Through their collective expertise and insights, we are able to navigate the complexities of the real estate market and make informed decisions that drive value for our investors.

  • Timothy O'Brien

    Advisory Board Chair

  • Laith Hermiz

    Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Ironside Realty

  • Tim Kashani

    Founder IT Mentors

  • Charles Pearson

    Former Director and Audit Committee Chair, Medalist Diversified REIT

  • Alec Abbott

    Private Wealth Advisor, The Norden Group

  • Mason Fink

    Principal, SRS Capital Partners

  • John Hopkins

    Former Pan European Brand Manager, Procter & Gamble

  • Brian Decker

    Co-Founder, SOAR and Modern Lending

  • Greg Miller

    Partner, Heritage Wealth

  • Jimi Smoot

    Entrepreneur and Technology Innovator

  • Scott Elser

    Partner and Founding Member, Next Level Growth

  • Peter Elwell

    CFA, CPA (Inactive)