Leadership
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JM Schapiro
Chief Executive Officer
JM Schapiro is Chief Executive Officer of CRC, where he leads the Executive Committee and oversees the firm’s long-term strategic direction. Over more than three decades with CRC, he has played an integral role in the company’s growth and evolution, drawing on extensive experience in real estate finance and leasing, as well as a deep understanding of investment strategy and real estate markets.
Through his tenure at CRC, JM has built and developed a senior team with deep expertise across key disciplines and established the Executive Committee to bring those perspectives together around the firm’s strategic priorities. That structure has helped support CRC’s evolution into a broader national real estate investment platform. His approach combines a clear long-term vision with a strong belief in surrounding himself with experienced leaders and empowering them to bring their expertise to the organization. He stays closely connected to both senior leadership and property teams, using those perspectives to challenge assumptions, inform decisions and keep strategy grounded in the realities of the firm.
JM holds a B.S. from Bucknell University and an M.S. in Real Estate from Johns Hopkins University.
Beyond CRC, he is a co-founder of Baltimore Homecoming, an initiative that connects Baltimore’s accomplished natives and alumni with leaders driving the city’s future. He also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Bucknell University, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
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Haley Gallagher
Chief Operating Officer
Haley Gallagher serves as Chief Operating Officer of CRC, overseeing the firm’s multifamily and retail operations, asset management, capital markets, in-house legal function, and insurance and risk programs. She is a member of CRC’s Executive Committee and plays a key role in shaping and executing firm-wide strategy.
Since joining CRC in 2012, Haley has made a lasting impact across the organization, anchored in a deep understanding of asset-level operations. She built CRC’s Asset Management platform from the ground up and has led the expansion of several core functions, including developing the company’s data science capabilities, strengthening its insurance and risk programs, and advancing its capital markets strategy through new tools and talent. Haley is known for seamlessly bridging high-level strategy and operational detail, with the ability to connect ideas and initiatives across functions to drive performance.
She holds a B.S. from Santa Clara University and an M.S. in Real Estate from Johns Hopkins University.
Haley is a member of ICSC, NMHC and NAREIM. She also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Maryland Science Center, a Baltimore institution that promotes science and discovery for Maryland’s youth and lifelong learners, and on the advisory board for Johns Hopkins University’s real estate program, from which she is an alumna.
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Lauren Wayne, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Lauren Wayne serves as Chief Financial Officer of CRC, where she leads the firm’s accounting, investor relations, investor reporting, information technology, systems and data functions. As a member of CRC’s Executive Committee, she contributes a financial and operational perspective to firm-wide strategy, investment oversight and valuation decisions.
Since joining CRC in 2010, Lauren has played a central role in building the financial infrastructure that supports the firm’s continued growth. She has built and strengthened CRC’s scalable financial and accounting platform, elevated external investor reporting, and advanced the systems and technology that support the organization. With more than 20 years of experience in accounting and reporting for private equity funds, Lauren brings deep financial expertise and a disciplined approach to improving processes, identifying efficiencies and implementing scalable solutions.
Lauren holds a B.S. in Accounting and Finance from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Lauren is a member of MACPA and AICPA. She is also a member of the Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle.
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Josh Dinstein
Co-Chief Investment Officer
Josh Dinstein serves as Co-Chief Investment Officer of CRC, where he co-leads the firm’s investment strategy, acquisition activity and continued growth of its real estate portfolio. As a member of CRC’s Executive Committee, he contributes to firm-wide investment decisions and strategic priorities, with a focus on identifying opportunities that align with CRC’s objectives.
Since joining CRC in 2020, Josh has played a central role in expanding the firm’s retail investment platform and national reach. Drawing on a broad network of industry relationships and deep market knowledge, he has strengthened CRC’s sourcing capabilities, expanded access to investment opportunities and positioned the firm for continued portfolio growth. He has also established and grown CRC’s New York presence, building a dedicated team to support the firm’s investment activities. His approach combines disciplined underwriting with an entrepreneurial perspective, allowing CRC to evaluate opportunities across markets while maintaining a focus on risk, execution and value creation.
Josh holds an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School and a B.S. from Boston University.
Josh is a member of ICSC, ULI and the Turnaround Management Association. His charitable involvement includes support of Room to Grow, Citymeals on Wheels and the Food Bank for New York City.
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Crystal Frey
Executive Vice President of People, Culture & Brand
Crystal Frey is Executive Vice President of People, Culture & Brand at CRC, with responsibility for Human Resources, talent development and Corporate Marketing. As a member of CRC’s Executive Committee, she contributes to organizational and brand strategies that support the company’s long-term growth.
Since joining CRC in 2011, Crystal has played a key role in developing programs and platforms that strengthen leadership development, communication and engagement across the organization. Her work has expanded opportunities for professional development, strengthened companywide communication and created meaningful ways for team members and leaders to connect, learn and grow. Her leadership approach centers on developing talent, strengthening leaders and creating an environment where team members can perform at their best.
Crystal holds an M.B.A. from the University of Baltimore and a B.A. in Mass Communication/Media Studies from Salisbury University.
Crystal holds the SPHR, SHRM-SCP and CCP credentials. Her professional involvement includes SHRM, WorldatWork and NAREIM, where she will serve as Chair of the Compensation Committee in 2027. She is also a member of SHRM’s A-Team Advocacy program and Executive Network, has provided testimony on workplace policy at the federal and state levels, and serves on the Advisory Board of Urban Alliance Foundation in Baltimore.
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Ari Abramson
Managing Director, Multifamily Acquisitions
Ari Abramson serves as Managing Director of Multifamily Acquisitions at CRC, where he leads the sourcing, evaluation and execution of multifamily investments throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. His role combines market strategy, underwriting and transaction leadership to identify opportunities that align with CRC’s investment objectives and support the continued growth of its multifamily portfolio.
Since joining CRC in 2016, Ari has played a central role in expanding the firm’s multifamily investment platform and presence across targeted growth markets. Through his extensive network across the multifamily industry, Ari is able to source opportunities, access market perspectives and strengthen CRC’s pipeline of potential investments. Internally, he works closely across CRC’s investment, asset management and operating functions to evaluate opportunities and develop business plans, bringing together firmwide expertise to support disciplined investment decisions and execution. His active involvement in national industry organizations and forums broadens CRC’s visibility and strengthens relationships across the multifamily sector.
Ari holds a master’s degree in real estate from The Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School and a B.S. with a double major in Economics and Business from Muhlenberg College.
Ari serves on the Board of Directors of NMHC and its Member Engagement Committee. He is Vice Chair and Membership Chair of ULI’s Multifamily Product Council and is a member of NAREIM. His community leadership includes serving as Chair of the Livnot Society and on the boards of The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore and the Associated Jewish Charities of Baltimore. In 2026, Ari received The Associated’s Julius Rosenberg Leadership Award.
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Nicole Brickhouse
Managing Director, Capital Markets & Multifamily Portfolio Management
Nicole Brickhouse serves as Managing Director of Capital Markets & Multifamily Portfolio Management at CRC, where she leads the firm’s debt originations, manages its existing debt portfolio and oversees entity-level financing arrangements. Her portfolio management responsibilities extend across CRC’s multifamily and retail investments, aligning capital strategy, liquidity planning and financing decisions with the underlying investment thesis and portfolio objectives.
Since joining CRC in 2024, Nicole has brought extensive capital markets expertise and a strategic, forward-looking perspective to the firm’s financing and portfolio management activities. She works across the organization to evaluate financing alternatives, manage lender relationships and align capital decisions with the underlying investment thesis and broader portfolio objectives. She also focuses on advancing CRC’s capital markets platform by identifying opportunities to strengthen processes, expand access to financing resources and support informed investment decisions. Prior to CRC, Nicole held senior capital markets roles with Walker & Dunlop and HFF, building broad experience across commercial real estate finance and structured transactions.
Nicole holds a master’s degree in real estate from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree from American University.
Nicole served as President of the DC Real Estate Group in 2025 and is a member of NAREIM’s Asset Management Committee. She is also active with NMHC and ICSC and has served on ULI Washington’s Product Councils and the Mortgage Bankers Association’s mPact Production Advisory Committee. Her industry expertise is reflected in frequent participation as a speaker and moderator on capital markets, financing, real estate investment and multifamily topics. Her philanthropic involvement includes ALS United.
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Dana Caudell, CPM
Executive Vice President, Multifamily Operations
Dana Caudell is Executive Vice President of Multifamily Operations at CRC, where she leads the firm’s multifamily operating platform. She oversees property operations, team performance and the systems and processes that support portfolio execution, with a focus on operational excellence, innovation and scalable growth.
Since joining CRC in 2025, Dana has brought extensive multifamily operating experience and a strong focus on technology, data and process improvement to the continued evolution of the platform. She applies deep operational knowledge to strengthen decision-making, improve consistency across the portfolio and equip teams to execute effectively. Prior to CRC, Dana served in senior executive roles including Chief Strategy Officer at Pegasus Residential and President of The Bainbridge Companies, building extensive experience leading large portfolios, developing high-performing teams and advancing operating platforms through periods of growth and change.
Dana studied Business and Journalism at the University of South Carolina. She also received a certification in Property Management from Spartanburg Technical College and completed the Women in Leadership certification program at Florida International University. Dana also holds the Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation through IREM. Dana is also a member of the Real Estate Technology & Transformation Center (RETTC) Marketing and Engagement Committee.
Her charitable involvement includes support of Boca Helping Hands, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Happy Tailz Cat Rescue.
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J. Blake Dickinson
Managing Director, Head of Net Lease Strategy
Blake Dickinson serves as Managing Director and Head of Net Lease Strategy at CRC, where he leads a distinct component of the firm’s investment platform focused on unlocking value across the retail portfolio through pad-site initiatives, outparcel leasing, select land development and redevelopment projects, and strategic dispositions.
Since joining CRC in 2008, Blake has developed deep expertise in evaluating pad-site opportunities and has played an important role in expanding how CRC creates value across its retail investments. His work focuses on identifying opportunities to transform underutilized land and excess parking areas into income-generating assets and to separate, reposition, and monetize standalone parcels, creating additional value and flexibility within an investment and broadening the ways CRC can execute against an asset’s investment thesis. Over the course of his career, Blake has led and negotiated hundreds of transactions involving national and regional retailers, developers, and retail investors.
Blake holds a B.A. in History from Dickinson College and an M.B.A. from Loyola University Maryland.
Blake is a member of ICSC and ULI. He also serves as a Trustee of The Walters Art Museum, where he has been involved with the organization’s Gala Committee for nearly a decade and currently serves as Chair of the Building & Grounds Committee.
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Kristina O’Keefe
Senior Vice President, Retail Operations
Kristina O’Keefe serves as Senior Vice President of Retail Operations at CRC, where she leads leasing and property operations across the firm’s retail portfolio. Her responsibilities include oversight of leasing strategy and execution, property operations, center capital improvements and the continued positioning of CRC’s lifestyle centers to enhance asset performance and the customer experience. She works closely with CRC’s asset management, acquisitions, legal and accounting teams to support the performance and long-term growth of the retail portfolio.
Since joining CRC in 2009, Kristina has played an important role in the growth and evolution of the firm’s retail platform. She brings deep expertise in lease negotiations and has led the execution of hundreds of leases while building strong relationships with national and regional brands. As CRC’s retail portfolio has grown, Kristina has helped advance the firm’s approach to retail operations while developing talent, strengthening consistency across the portfolio and bringing teams together to drive performance and long-term value.
Kristina holds a bachelor’s degree from Denison University.
Kristina is a member of ICSC and NAIOP. Her charitable involvement includes support of Valerie’s House, Wounded Warrior Project and United Way.
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J. Mark Schapiro
Founder
- Mark Schapiro joined Continental Realty Corporation in 1964, working alongside his father, CRC founder Marvin S. Schapiro, during a formative period in the company’s history. A pioneer in Baltimore’s urban development, Mark led CRC’s multifamily acquisition and development activities and managed the company’s theater division prior to its sale in 1988. His relationship with John “Jack” Luetkemeyer, who would later become his longtime business partner and co-founder, began in 1970, years before Jack joined the company full-time, and developed into a decades-long partnership. Together, they expanded the company’s investment activities across multifamily, and commercial real estate and laid the foundation for the broader investment management and operating enterprise CRC would become.
Mark and Jack brought distinctly different but complementary perspectives to their partnership. Mark’s steady, disciplined approach and long-term view balanced Jack’s energy, creativity, and entrepreneurial instinct. Their differences became a strength, grounded in deep trust in one another and in the people around them. That belief in relationships, thoughtful decision-making and empowering a strong team became an enduring part of the company they built together.
A Baltimore native, Mark has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the city and its institutions through significant civic, philanthropic, and financial commitments. He has served on numerous mayoral task forces and committees, as a trustee of the Baltimore Museum of Art, on the board of Sinai Hospital, and as President of the Associated Jewish Charities of Baltimore from 1994 to 1996. His longstanding devotion to Baltimore, and to the communities connected to CRC, reflects a broader belief in stewardship and responsibility to the places where the company invests and operates.
Mark is a graduate of Baltimore City College and earned his law degree from the University of Baltimore.
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John Luetkemeyer
Founder
John “Jack” Luetkemeyer joined Continental Realty Corporation full-time in 1979 after serving as Treasurer of the City of Baltimore and as a commercial banker with Equitable Trust Company. His relationship with J. Mark Schapiro had begun nearly a decade earlier and developed into a longstanding business partnership. At CRC, Jack established the company’s Commercial Division and CR Restaurant Division, expanding the business into new areas and contributing to the diversification of its investment and operating platform. Together with co-founder Mark, he broadened CRC’s activities across multifamily and commercial real estate and laid the foundation for the larger investment management and operating enterprise the company would become.
Jack brought an energetic, creative, and entrepreneurial approach to the partnership, with an instinct for identifying opportunities and pursuing new ideas. His style complemented Mark’s steady, disciplined and long-term perspective, creating a balance that became a defining strength of their decades-long partnership. Their trust in one another, and in the people they surrounded themselves with, was central to how they built the business and shaped CRC’s culture.
A Baltimore native, Jack has maintained a lifelong dedication to the city and its institutions through civic, educational, philanthropic, and financial commitments. He has served as a trustee of several local private schools, including Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, and is Director and President of the Rollins–Luetkemeyer Foundation. His longstanding devotion to Baltimore reflects a broader commitment to the communities where CRC invests and operates.
Jack is a graduate of Williams College and holds an M.B.A. from New York University.
