John Settles is a proven leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing organizational strategy, financial sustainability, and community-centered development. He brings deep expertise in real estate finance, real estate development, construction management, sustainability, and community and economic development.

Over the course of his career, John has designed innovative mortgage lending strategies for both prime and underserved markets, influenced public policy initiatives, and led adaptive reuse and revitalization efforts in historically underinvested communities. His work has consistently integrated real estate and finance into broader community development strategies that promote long-term economic stability.

John's experience spans entrepreneurship, development, and finance, including founding and leading companies in construction, real estate development, and real estate finance. He has also authored white papers and developed programs focused on community economic development. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles in the mortgage banking industry, including serving as a Vice President overseeing Sales and Operations for an Emerging Markets division, and began his professional career at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Howard University.