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.
Jimi Smoot
Chief Technology Officer
Jimi Smoot is an entrepreneur and software engineer, known for founding and scaling innovative tech companies. As the Founder and CTO of MailMentor, he built an AI-powered prospecting platform used by over 4,000 users, including Meta and Slack. Previously, as VP of Engineering at Outer, he led a talented team through major growth phases. Jimi's entrepreneurial journey also includes founding Vesper.ai, an AI virtual assistant for executives. With a track record of driving tech innovation and business success, Jimi combines deep technical expertise with strategic insight.
Ronald Nielsen
Business and Legacy Development Officer
Ronald Nielsen serves as Business and Legacy Development Officer at Medalist REIT, helping clients convert investment properties into income-producing assets with lasting impact through specialized real estate strategies. His background combines entrepreneurship, real estate consulting, and philanthropic advisory, bringing financial expertise and a mission-driven approach to client relationships. A former UCLA football player with a Political Science degree, Nielsen applies his team-oriented mindset to create strategic plans that align investment goals with legacy aspirations.
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
Partner, Frame VC
John Hopkins
Former Pan European Brand Manager, Procter & Gamble
Brian Decker
Co-Founder, SOAR and Modern Lending
Greg Miller
Partner, Heritage Wealth
Scott Elser
Partner and Founding Member, Next Level Growth
Peter Elwell
CFA, CPA (Inactive)