GCNKAA BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2023 LIVE EDITION PLK COMMUNITIES PERSONNEL AT TABLE

Melinda Howard is the Director of Training and Development for PLK Communities. Melinda joined PLK in February of 2017. She started her career as a Leasing Consultant in early 2011 and was quickly promoted to a Property Manager in 2012. Melinda has managed properties in Houston, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati. Melinda shifted to a Director role in 2016 managing business system platforms and training. Since joining PLK, Melinda has been successful in rollouts of new software platforms, policies and procedures, leading training initiatives all while establishing a Training Department. She is advocate for on-site team members and innovation to ease everyday business.

Phone: 513-360-2522

Email: melinda@plkcommunities.com

Maria Lashells joined PLK in August of 2019. She is focused on all aspects of marketing and advertising with the plan to advance PLK’s digital footprint. She is responsible for all items marketing and brand related, advertising, social media, printed content, and more. In addition, Maria is tasked with increasing PLK’s corporate and consumer value by building the PLK brand. Maria has over 28 years of marketing and training experience in the multi-family industry. She started her career as a leasing consultant after graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in Psychology. From there, Maria had the opportunity to grow regional and then national marketing and training departments for several large multi-family companies including Village Green, CWS Apartments, National Realty Management and Hills Properties. Her background includes market rate and affordable housing and her specialty is developing and successfully marketing new construction communities. As the owner of her own consulting firm, MAG Marketing LLC, Maria worked to provide consultative support for a diverse client base including but not limited to departmental strategic planning, market research, development and execution of marketing strategies and experience driven sales training. Maria has a passion for adding value with every interaction and for blending strong ideas with sophisticated strategy.

Phone: 513-561-5080

Email: maria@plkcommunities.com

Matt Weis joined PLK in May 2011 as Chief Financial Officer and served in that role for 5 years. He played an integral role in moving PLK’s corporate headquarters into a new Class A mixed-use development in September 2015 that served as a catalyst for future growth. In June 2016 he transitioned to Chief Operating Officer and held that role for 2 years. In these roles Matt played a key part in the substantial growth of the company’s real estate portfolio through the aggressive acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of multi-family properties. Now as Chief Capital Improvement Officer, Matt is responsible to manage the strategic capital improvement initiatives of the company including value add unit renovations to the legacy assets. His extensive real estate and commercial lending experience includes acquisition, finance, accounting, multi-family and commercial property management. Prior to joining PLK Communities, Matt had a lengthy and successful career with Huntington National Bank where he was a leader in the commercial lending group, serving as Vice President and Commercial Real Estate Area Risk Manager for the Cincinnati and Indianapolis markets. Prior to that, he spent 3 years at Safeco Insurance Company underwriting surety bonds on large scale construction projects throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

Phone: 513-403-2011

Email: matt@plkcommunities.com