Leaders in Multifamily Investment & Management
Our leadership team at Providence Management consists of highly experienced professionals in multifamily real estate, asset optimization, and investment strategy. With decades of combined experience, we ensure that every property under management meets the highest operational and financial standards.
About
John Mejia
CEO and Founder
John Mejia’s journey began at age 10, when he immigrated to New York City with his single mother and two siblings. Growing up on welfare, his “bed” was a foldout futon on the floor for eight years. Yet, through determination and perseverance, John earned a full academic scholarship to Syracuse University, setting him on the path to fulfill his dream of becoming a military pilot.
Guided by his 5F Principles – Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness, and Finance – John has built a life rooted in resilience and purpose. He served with distinction as a Naval Officer in the U.S. Navy and later as an airline pilot with US Airways before transitioning to real estate.
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In 2012, John founded Providence Investments, where he has since led more than $500 million in acquisitions and development, encompassing over 4,000 apartment units across the Southeast. Under his leadership, Providence has consistently delivered strong returns while revitalizing communities.
Beyond his professional endeavors,
John is a devoted husband and father of two daughters. He and his wife have made their home in Birmingham, Alabama since 2001. Deeply committed to faith-driven service, he serves on the boards of A4one, Vapor Ministries, and USIEA, and is passionate about mentoring others to realize their potential and create lasting generational impact. John’s story stands as a testament that humble beginnings can give rise to extraordinary legacies—when resilience is matched with purpose.
About
Michael Russell
COO and President
Michael brings 25+ years of experience across finance, private equity, and real estate, including leadership roles at global firms and complex, cross-border environments
- Led the $1B+ Global Gateway Clark development, a 177-hectare master-planned project in Southeast Asia named among the Top 100 Global Infrastructure Projects
- Recognized industry leader, featured in CEO Magazine and a finalist for Asia CEO Awards Expatriate Executive of the Year
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- Brings deep expertise in project finance, restructurings, and risk management across real estate, healthcare, and energy, with a track record of transformative strategies and successful turnarounds
- Known for building high-performing international teams and adding operational and financial leadership that drives execution and long-term value creation
About
Amit Lavi
CIO
Founder of Nemean Capital, a boutique investment bank and M&A advisory firm specializing in lower-middle market transactions
- Amit brings 15 years of experience across private equity, investment banking, and real estate, including his tenure at Hilco Corporate Finance, the investment banking affiliate of Hilco Global, advising middle-market companies on M&A and private placements
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- Previously, he worked at iintoo Investments, where he executed nearly $1B in U.S. real estate transactions across residential and commercial assets, including mezzanine, preferred equity, and common equity investments
- Brings cross-border execution expertise and deep sector experience that strengthens Providence’s investment strategy across real estate and private capital markets
OUR TEAM
Founding Team
A team of proven leaders in real estate, finance, and operations—focused on delivering results for investors and value for communities.
John Mejia
CEO and Founder
Michael Russell
COO and President
Amit Lavi
CIO
Fund Operations & Support Team
Board of Advisors
Edward M. Kobel
- President & COO of DeBartolo Development, overseeing $4.6B+ in real estate investments
- Former founder of Trinity Development and recognized for civic leadership and strategic capital execution
- Brings over 25 years of expertise in structuring joint ventures and value-driven partnerships in the real estate sector
Steven Brickman
- Partner at Dentons, one of the world's largest law firms
- 40+ years of experience in real estate, finance, and fund formation law
- Advises institutional investors, developers, and fund sponsors on complex transactions across the U.S.
Duane Donner
- Founder & CEO of Founders Advisors (est. 2003), a middle market M&A Advisory firm serving founder-led companies; delivering client service through a "Golden Rule" servant-leadership model
- Brings 30+ years of operating and transaction experience—starting, running, buying, selling and advising businesses across multiple sectors;
- Founders has advised on more than $20 billion of completed transactions.
OUR TEAM
Expert Team Members
A team of proven leaders in real estate, finance, and operations—focused on delivering results for investors and value for communities.
At Providence, we don’t just invest in properties; we invest in communities and relationships that stand the test of time.
