The Peebles Team
R. Donahue "Don" Peebles, Jr.
CHairman and Ceo
Recognized as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the nation, Don Peebles is founder, chairman and CEO of The Peebles Corporation, one of the country’s most active privately held national real estate investment and development companies. Mr. Peebles engages in practices of Affirmative Development™ to provide transformative economic inclusion for minority and woman owned businesses within their multi-billion dollar portfolio of projects in New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Mr. Peebles is also the author of top-selling books, “The Peebles Principles” and “The Peebles Path to Real Estate Wealth,” a regular guest commentator on FOX Business, CNN, CNBC and FOX News and a highly sought-after speaker who has addressed educational, business and professional audiences across the United States.
Chris Leng Smith
Managing Director of Development, Northeast Region
Chris Leng Smith is responsible for the overall execution and day-to-day management of The Peebles Corporation’s development activities in the Northeast region of the United States. Mr. Leng Smith oversees the implementation of long-term business objectives, identifying new business opportunities, addressing compliance issues, and staying informed about market trends. His role encompasses strategic planning, financial oversight, team leadership, and proactive engagement with project stakeholders to ensure the company's success and growth.
Prior to joining the company, Mr. Leng Smith was Senior Vice President for the New York City Economic Development Corporation where he led the structuring and negotiation of public-private partnerships and transactions for more than 2.5 million square feet of developments including Flushing Commons, the Battery Maritime Building and Coney Island, among others. Previously, Mr. Leng Smith managed the financial analysis, project planning, market positioning, design, and preliminary leasing of more than $5 billion of world-class domestic and international real estate projects as Senior Director of Tishman Speyer and Vice President of AIG Global Real Estate Investment Corp.
Mr. Leng Smith began his career as a resident engineer and engineering project manager on large-scale renovation and construction projects in New York, Trinidad, Malaysia and London. He earned a BA in Engineering from Cambridge University in England and an MBA in Finance and International Business from Columbia University’s Business School.
Donahue Peebles, III
Chief Operating Officer
Donahue Peebles, III, Chief Operating Officer of The Peebles Corporation, oversees the company’s day-to-day operations and national portfolio execution. In this role, he is responsible for optimizing organizational performance, streamlining development workflows, and ensuring the successful delivery of the company’s multi-billion-dollar pipeline.
Mr. Peebles actively pursues both off-market transactions and public-private partnerships in The Peebles Corporation’s key markets. As COO, he integrates asset management, capital markets, and construction oversight to advance projects throughout the development process by way of strategic partnerships, project management, and community engagement.
In addition, Mr. Peebles is the Chairman and CEO of Legacy Real Estate Development, the affordable housing division of The Peebles Corporation, which develops and acquires low-income housing projects across ten markets in six states, including South Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and the New York tri-state area.
Mr. Peebles plays an active role in both The Peebles Corporation and Legacy’s public engagement efforts by participating in business summits, entrepreneurial forums, and real estate panels. He is also deeply involved in philanthropic initiatives in Washington, D.C., and New York City, with a focus on youth development and expanding access to entrepreneurship.
A committed advocate for affordable housing and economic equity, Mr. Peebles is dedicated to increasing opportunities for Black- and minority-owned businesses nationwide. His leadership has been recognized with the Affordable Housing Trailblazer Award in 2023, and he has been featured in the Commercial Observer Power 100 and Haute Living 100 for his impact on the industry.
Beyond his real estate endeavors, Mr. Peebles is actively involved in community empowerment, supporting organizations such as the NYC Mission Society, Best Buddies, and Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. He serves on the boards of Florida International University’s School of Hospitality and the Silver Arts Project, reflecting his commitment to fostering equity, creativity, and opportunity in underserved communities.
Mr. Peebles holds a B.A. in Economics from Columbia University, where he was awarded the prestigious George William Curtis Prize in Oration.
Irving Padron
SENIOR STRAteGIC ADVISOR to the chairman
Irving Padron is a Senior Strategic Advisor to Chairman and CEO, R. Donahue Peebles. Since 2007, Mr. Padron has advised Mr. Peebles on various aspects of business, including corporate operations, real estate development, capital, sales and marketing, and strategic expansion. In addition, he has periodically acted as interim CFO for The Peebles Corporation, as well as interim Asset Manager for The Bath Club.
Mr. Padron is the Founder & CEO of Deering Companies, a leading Miami-based real estate investment and consulting firm founded in 2006. Deering provides advisory services on over $8B in luxury mixed-use real estate developments and transactions in select gateway cities. The company is also developing a $350M portfolio of ultra-luxury single-family home developments in Florida.
With over 35 years of real estate industry experience, Mr. Padron has cultivated an extensive network of real estate investors and sponsors, and he utilizes his financial, operational, and sales experience to empower his clients.
Mr. Padron began his career at KPMG, later serving as CFO of Terremark, which went public in 2000 and in 2008, was sold for approximately $2 billion. Afterward, he was the Principal and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty and Engel & Voelkers’ franchises, overseeing over $5 billion in luxury homes and projects in South Florida and the Caribbean, achieving record-breaking sales in luxury residential and commercial real estate.
Mr. Padron holds a BA and an MBA from the University of Miami. He is a Florida Certified Public Accountant, a Florida Real Estate Broker, and holds Series 7 and 63 securities registrations with FINRA.
Emil Dominique
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT & IT SOLUTIONS
Emil Dominique manages the back office and accounting for The Peebles Corporation current assets and developments. Mr. Dominique has more than 10 years of experience in public and commercial accounting. His vast knowledge and skills contribute to management dashboarding, financial reporting, project accounting, maintaining banking relationships, assessing internal controls, project onboarding and maintaining accounting information management systems.
Additionally, Mr. Dominique serves as The Peebles Corporation Network Administrator with nearly two decades of experience in information technology. He administers The Peebles Corporation network environment, architect and integrity. Which consist of defining network policies, procedures, assuring hardware and networking infrastructure bound to Peebles data network are effectively maintained. Since joining The Peebles Corporation his roles have evolved from clerk to his current positions he holds. Mr. Dominique studied Computer Engineering and holds a Bachelor of Business Administrator in Finance from Florida International University.
Kendall Pryles
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Kendall Pryles serves as the Communications Director, where she leads the strategic oversight of both internal and external communications, manages community relations, and fosters key business partnerships. Her role includes supervising public relations consultants and developing comprehensive communication strategies to enhance the firm’s public image. Ms. Pryles is instrumental in securing high-profile speaking engagements and expanding media coverage for the corporation and its Chairman and CEO, R. Donahue Peebles.
With over 20 years of experience in public relations and marketing, Ms. Pryles has a specialized focus in the real estate sector. She has consistently driven successful corporate branding initiatives and led impactful media campaigns.
Ms. Pryles holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Université Jean Moulin in Lyon, France, and a master’s degree in communications from Université Paul Valéry in Montpellier, France.
Chris Minichello
director of investments
Chris Minichello is a real estate investment professional and Director of Investments at The Peebles Corporation, where he leads the sourcing, evaluation, structuring, and execution of complex acquisition and development opportunities across the firm’s platform.
In his role, Mr. Minichello is responsible for originating new investment opportunities, leading transaction execution from initial underwriting through closing, and overseeing assigned investments post-closing to ensure alignment with approved business plans and return objectives. He works closely with senior leadership, joint venture partners, and capital providers to structure and negotiate transactions, optimize capital stacks, and manage risk on a deal-by-deal basis. His experience spans acquisitions, development, recapitalizations, and dispositions, with particular expertise in complex joint venture structuring and tailored debt and equity solutions.
Mr. Minichello maintains day-to-day accountability for the commercial performance of his investments and collaborates across development, construction, asset management, and operating teams to drive execution and value creation. He is also actively involved in investor relations and capital-raising efforts and plays a leadership role in mentoring junior investment professionals.
Mr. Minichello has executed and overseen transactions across a broad range of asset classes and deal structures. His investment experience includes more than $1.3 billion of equity deployed across $2.5 billion of aggregate acquisition and development value, encompassing acquisitions, ground-up development, recapitalizations, joint venture formations, and dispositions. His transactional scope includes complex capital stack structuring, multi-party joint ventures, senior and subordinate debt financing, and negotiated equity participations across both stabilized and development-stage assets.
Prior to joining The Peebles Corporation, Mr. Minichello worked as an investment associate at Carter Funds, where he was involved in all aspects of the real estate investment lifecycle, including acquisitions, underwriting, asset management, and portfolio strategy.
Mr. Minichello holds a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Finance from Florida Gulf Coast University.
Jessica Desir
Accounts Payable Manager
Jessica Desir is a member of the accounting department at The Peebles Corporation. She oversees the entire accounts payable process, maintaining accurate records of financial documents and payments to suppliers. In addition to her responsibilities in accounting, Ms. Desir prides herself on building lasting relationships with vendors and employees.
Ms. Desir has spent more than a decade working in various accounting roles for local civic associations and organizations throughout New Jersey, such as the Nishuane Group, LLC. Prior to joining The Peebles Corporation, Ms. Desir worked as an accounts payable coordinator at Kent International.
Ms. Desir holds a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University, with a concentration in Budgeting and Financial Management.
Erika Avila
Executive Assistant to the chairman
Erika Avila serves as the gatekeeper to The Peebles Corporation’s Chairman and CEO, R. Donahue Peebles. She also serves as the direct liaison to all other departments of The Peebles Corporation.
Prior to her position as Executive Assistant, Ms. Avila served as accounts payable associate, where she handled various accounting duties for Mr. Peebles, The Peebles Corporation, and project-specific payables, as well as minor administrative duties for the office and staff.
Ms. Avila holds an AA in Biology from Miami Dade College and a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Florida International University.
Chloe Peebles
CHIEF OF STAFF
Chloe Peebles serves as Chief of Staff to the Chief Operating Officer at The Peebles Corporation, where she leverages her background in brand strategy, operations, and communications to support executive leadership and firm-wide initiatives. In this role, she acts as a strategic partner to the COO, ensuring organizational alignment, optimizing internal workflows, and managing high-level projects across the company’s national portfolio.
Prior to her appointment as Chief of Staff, Ms. Peebles developed a versatile professional foundation through roles in brand development and marketing. She previously served as a Brand Development Consultant for Thryve Wealth Management and held positions as ReflexGroup in New York, where she assisted in production management and creative copywriting for global luxury brands. Her experience also includes tenure at Bespoke Luxury Marketing, where she supported residential rebranding efforts and lifestyle marketing for high-end real estate listings.
Ms. Peebles’ unique blend of experience ranging from hands-on real estate marketing to strategic brand consulting allows her to effectively bridge the gap between creative vision and operational execution. At The Peebles Corporation she is focusing on advancing the firm’s legacy of excellence and supporting its mission of economic inclusion.
Ms. Peebles graduated magna cum laude from Texas Christian University with a B.A.S. in Strategic Communication and competed as an NCAA Division 1 student athlete on the Women’s Equestrian Team.
Chris Leng Smith
Managing Director of Development, Northeast Region
Chris Leng Smith is responsible for the overall execution and day-to-day management of The Peebles Corporation’s development activities in the Northeast region of the United States. Mr. Leng Smith oversees the implementation of long-term business objectives, identifying new business opportunities, addressing compliance issues, and staying informed about market trends. His role encompasses strategic planning, financial oversight, team leadership, and proactive engagement with project stakeholders to ensure the company's success and growth.
Prior to joining the company, Mr. Leng Smith was Senior Vice President for the New York City Economic Development Corporation where he led the structuring and negotiation of public-private partnerships and transactions for more than 2.5 million square feet of developments including Flushing Commons, the Battery Maritime Building and Coney Island, among others. Previously, Mr. Leng Smith managed the financial analysis, project planning, market positioning, design, and preliminary leasing of more than $5 billion of world-class domestic and international real estate projects as Senior Director of Tishman Speyer and Vice President of AIG Global Real Estate Investment Corp.
Mr. Leng Smith began his career as a resident engineer and engineering project manager on large-scale renovation and construction projects in New York, Trinidad, Malaysia and London. He earned a BA in Engineering from Cambridge University in England and an MBA in Finance and International Business from Columbia University’s Business School.
Donahue Peebles, III
Chief Operating Officer
Donahue Peebles, III, Chief Operating Officer of The Peebles Corporation, oversees the company’s day-to-day operations and national portfolio execution. In this role, he is responsible for optimizing organizational performance, streamlining development workflows, and ensuring the successful delivery of the company’s multi-billion-dollar pipeline.
Mr. Peebles actively pursues both off-market transactions and public-private partnerships in The Peebles Corporation’s key markets. As COO, he integrates asset management, capital markets, and construction oversight to advance projects throughout the development process by way of strategic partnerships, project management, and community engagement.
In addition, Mr. Peebles is the Chairman and CEO of Legacy Real Estate Development, the affordable housing division of The Peebles Corporation, which develops and acquires low-income housing projects across ten markets in six states, including South Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and the New York tri-state area.
Mr. Peebles plays an active role in both The Peebles Corporation and Legacy’s public engagement efforts by participating in business summits, entrepreneurial forums, and real estate panels. He is also deeply involved in philanthropic initiatives in Washington, D.C., and New York City, with a focus on youth development and expanding access to entrepreneurship.
A committed advocate for affordable housing and economic equity, Mr. Peebles is dedicated to increasing opportunities for Black- and minority-owned businesses nationwide. His leadership has been recognized with the Affordable Housing Trailblazer Award in 2023, and he has been featured in the Commercial Observer Power 100 and Haute Living 100 for his impact on the industry.
Beyond his real estate endeavors, Mr. Peebles is actively involved in community empowerment, supporting organizations such as the NYC Mission Society, Best Buddies, and Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. He serves on the boards of Florida International University’s School of Hospitality and the Silver Arts Project, reflecting his commitment to fostering equity, creativity, and opportunity in underserved communities.
Mr. Peebles holds a B.A. in Economics from Columbia University, where he was awarded the prestigious George William Curtis Prize in Oration.
Emil Dominique
Senior Accountant & IT Solutions
Emil Dominique manages the back office and accounting for The Peebles Corporation current assets and developments. Mr. Dominique has more than 10 years of experience in public and commercial accounting. His vast knowledge and skills contribute to management dashboarding, financial reporting, project accounting, maintaining banking relationships, assessing internal controls, project onboarding and maintaining accounting information management systems.
Additionally, Mr. Dominique serves as The Peebles Corporation Network Administrator with nearly two decades of experience in information technology. He administers The Peebles Corporation network environment, architect and integrity. Which consist of defining network policies, procedures, assuring hardware and networking infrastructure bound to Peebles data network are effectively maintained. Since joining The Peebles Corporation his roles have evolved from clerk to his current positions he holds. Mr. Dominique studied Computer Engineering and holds a Bachelor of Business Administrator in Finance from Florida International University.
Erika Avila
Executive Assistant to the chairman
Erika Avila serves as the gatekeeper to The Peebles Corporation’s Chairman and CEO, R. Donahue Peebles. She also serves as the direct liaison to all other departments of The Peebles Corporation.
Prior to her position as Executive Assistant, Ms. Avila served as accounts payable associate, where she handled various accounting duties for Mr. Peebles, The Peebles Corporation, and project-specific payables, as well as minor administrative duties for the office and staff.
Ms. Avila holds an AA in Biology from Miami Dade College and a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Florida International University.
Jessica Desir
Accounts Payable Manager
Jessica Desir is a member of the accounting department at The Peebles Corporation. She oversees the entire accounts payable process, maintaining accurate records of financial documents and payments to suppliers. In addition to her responsibilities in accounting, Ms. Desir prides herself on building lasting relationships with vendors and employees.
Ms. Desir has spent more than a decade working in various accounting roles for local civic associations and organizations throughout New Jersey, such as the Nishuane Group, LLC. Prior to joining The Peebles Corporation, Ms. Desir worked as an accounts payable coordinator at Kent International.
Ms. Desir holds a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University, with a concentration in Budgeting and Financial Management.
Chris Minichello
director of investments
Chris Minichello is a real estate investment professional and Director of Investments at The Peebles Corporation, where he leads the sourcing, evaluation, structuring, and execution of complex acquisition and development opportunities across the firm’s platform.
In his role, Mr. Minichello is responsible for originating new investment opportunities, leading transaction execution from initial underwriting through closing, and overseeing assigned investments post-closing to ensure alignment with approved business plans and return objectives. He works closely with senior leadership, joint venture partners, and capital providers to structure and negotiate transactions, optimize capital stacks, and manage risk on a deal-by-deal basis. His experience spans acquisitions, development, recapitalizations, and dispositions, with particular expertise in complex joint venture structuring and tailored debt and equity solutions.
Mr. Minichello maintains day-to-day accountability for the commercial performance of his investments and collaborates across development, construction, asset management, and operating teams to drive execution and value creation. He is also actively involved in investor relations and capital-raising efforts and plays a leadership role in mentoring junior investment professionals.
Mr. Minichello has executed and overseen transactions across a broad range of asset classes and deal structures. His investment experience includes more than $1.3 billion of equity deployed across $2.5 billion of aggregate acquisition and development value, encompassing acquisitions, ground-up development, recapitalizations, joint venture formations, and dispositions. His transactional scope includes complex capital stack structuring, multi-party joint ventures, senior and subordinate debt financing, and negotiated equity participations across both stabilized and development-stage assets.
Prior to joining The Peebles Corporation, Mr. Minichello worked as an investment associate at Carter Funds, where he was involved in all aspects of the real estate investment lifecycle, including acquisitions, underwriting, asset management, and portfolio strategy.
Mr. Minichello holds a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Finance from Florida Gulf Coast University.
Irving Padron
Senior Strategic Advisor to the chairman
Irving Padron is a Senior Strategic Advisor to Chairman and CEO, R. Donahue Peebles. Since 2007, Mr. Padron has advised Mr. Peebles on various aspects of business, including corporate operations, real estate development, capital, sales and marketing, and strategic expansion. In addition, he has periodically acted as interim CFO for The Peebles Corporation, as well as interim Asset Manager for The Bath Club.
Mr. Padron is the Founder & CEO of Deering Companies, a leading Miami-based real estate investment and consulting firm founded in 2006. Deering provides advisory services on over $8B in luxury mixed-use real estate developments and transactions in select gateway cities. The company is also developing a $350M portfolio of ultra-luxury single-family home developments in Florida.
With over 35 years of real estate industry experience, Mr. Padron has cultivated an extensive network of real estate investors and sponsors, and he utilizes his financial, operational, and sales experience to empower his clients.
Mr. Padron began his career at KPMG, later serving as CFO of Terremark, which went public in 2000 and in 2008, was sold for approximately $2 billion. Afterward, he was the Principal and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty and Engel & Voelkers’ franchises, overseeing over $5 billion in luxury homes and projects in South Florida and the Caribbean, achieving record-breaking sales in luxury residential and commercial real estate.
Mr. Padron holds a BA and an MBA from the University of Miami. He is a Florida Certified Public Accountant, a Florida Real Estate Broker, and holds Series 7 and 63 securities registrations with FINRA.
Kendall Pryles
COMMUNICATIONs DIRECTOR
Kendall Pryles serves as the Communications Director, where she leads the strategic oversight of both internal and external communications, manages community relations, and fosters key business partnerships. Her role includes supervising public relations consultants and developing comprehensive communication strategies to enhance the firm’s public image. Ms. Pryles is instrumental in securing high-profile speaking engagements and expanding media coverage for the corporation and its Chairman and CEO, R. Donahue Peebles.
With over 20 years of experience in public relations and marketing, Ms. Pryles has a specialized focus in the real estate sector. She has consistently driven successful corporate branding initiatives and led impactful media campaigns.
Ms. Pryles holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Université Jean Moulin in Lyon, France, and a master’s degree in communications from Université Paul Valéry in Montpellier, France.
Chloe Peebles
CHEIF OF STAFF
Chloe Peebles serves as Chief of Staff to the Chief Operating Officer at The Peebles Corporation, where she leverages her background in brand strategy, operations, and communications to support executive leadership and firm-wide initiatives. In this role, she acts as a strategic partner to the COO, ensuring organizational alignment, optimizing internal workflows, and managing high-level projects across the company’s national portfolio.
Prior to her appointment as Chief of Staff, Ms. Peebles developed a versatile professional foundation through roles in brand development and marketing. She previously served as a Brand Development Consultant for Thryve Wealth Management and held positions as ReflexGroup in New York, where she assisted in production management and creative copywriting for global luxury brands. Her experience also includes tenure at Bespoke Luxury Marketing, where she supported residential rebranding efforts and lifestyle marketing for high-end real estate listings.
Ms. Peebles’ unique blend of experience ranging from hands-on real estate marketing to strategic brand consulting allows her to effectively bridge the gap between creative vision and operational execution. At The Peebles Corporation she is focusing on advancing the firm’s legacy of excellence and supporting its mission of economic inclusion.
Ms. Peebles graduated magna cum laude from Texas Christian University with a B.A.S. in Strategic Communication and competed as an NCAA Division 1 student athlete on the Women’s Equestrian Team.
THE PEEBLES CORPORATION®
NEW YORK
BOSTON
WASHINGTON, DC
CHARLOTTE
ATLANTA
MIAMI BEACH
SAN FRANCISCO
