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Join Our Team

Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Centinel has a mission to create outstanding, caring communities where people live, work and thrive. If you’re passionate about building communities and shaping the future of real estate, a career at Centinel might be a great fit for you.

Perks and Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance available on first day of work
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance
  • 401(k) and company matching contribution available on first day of work
  • 11 paid annual holidays
  • Paid time off
  • Paid parental leave
  • Monthly phone stipend
  • Pre-tax spending accounts for health care (FSA and HSA depending on insurance plan) and flexible spending accounts for dependent care

Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on the role, Centinel employees may be based in Centinel headquarters in Brentwood, Tenn., or at one of our project sites spanning 26 states and Puerto Rico. Select roles may also be remote.  

We are a team of hardworking, motivated people who care deeply about the communities we develop and the residents we develop them for. We have an entrepreneurial spirit and encourage our employees to develop innovative solutions to everyday challenges that positively impact the lives of our clients and set new standards for the industry at large.  

At Centinel, we look for talent from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Provided you meet the role qualifications, we are looking for self-starters who can learn and lead in equal measure. We are passionate about working hard, creating community, and delivering outcomes that support both our business strategy and Centinel community residents. 

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement 

Centinel is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating outstanding, caring communities where our employees work and thrive. We believe a strong community is the foundation for people to flourish. As such, we comply with all federal, state and local laws, including the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Act and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities. 

Open Roles

Executive Assistant – Nashville, TN

The Executive Assistant provides high-level administrative and operational support to two senior leaders, ensuring efficient day-to-day execution across scheduling, travel, communications and meeting logistics. Responsibilities include managing complex calendars and inboxes, coordinating domestic travel and events, preparing documents and reports, handling expenses and time entries, and serving as a key liaison with internal teams and external stakeholders, including government and military representatives. The role requires exceptional organizational skills, sound judgment, discretion and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

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Assistant Development Manager – Fort Knox, KY

The Assistant Development Manager (ADM) assists in planning, managing and executing new construction, renovation, repair and upgrade projects across residential homes and common area amenities. Responsibilities include prioritizing recapitalization needs, developing long-term project schedules and managing scopes of work. The role also serves as the on-site contact for utility infrastructure, handling budgeting, maintenance and reporting. Additionally, the ADM supports sustainability initiatives through planning, resource management and stakeholder engagement. 

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Chief Commercial Officer Kevin Davis is responsible for Centinel’s commercial services, including transactions, operations and government relations. He also oversees risk and compliance, along with leadership of Environment, Health and Safety, and Marketing and Public Affairs. Kevin spent 18 years with Lendlease in senior business development, commercial and legal roles, following earlier experience in private law practice and service in the U.S. Air Force.

With nearly two decades of experience in marketing and communications, Meryl Exley leads Centinel’s brand, communications and public affairs strategy as Executive Vice President, Marketing and Public Affairs. She oversees corporate communications, client and customer engagement, public relations, media, and crisis management, strengthening the company’s reputation and community connections. Before Centinel, Meryl held senior marketing leadership roles at Lendlease, where she advanced growth and visibility for its military housing and lodging platform.

Matthew Garrett is Executive Vice President responsible for Centinel’s Air Force Housing and Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) portfolios. He directs operations and strategic initiatives across both programs. Before joining Centinel, Matt held senior leadership roles at Lendlease, where he expanded its student housing platform and managed a military housing portfolio of more than 40,000 homes. He also led federal lobbying and outreach efforts, engaging with congressional and Department of Defense stakeholders. Earlier in his career, Matt served as a U.S. Army officer, earning a Bronze Star for Valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Leading Centinel’s legal, compliance and governance functions, Heather Niemeyer provides strategic counsel to support growth and manage risk across the portfolio. She brings more than 15 years of experience advising global organizations, including senior legal roles at Lendlease and earlier practice with two international law firms.

As Centinel’s Chief Financial Officer, Jeremy Martin is responsible for financial strategy, operations and reporting, guiding the company’s long-term growth and performance. He has more than 20 years of experience in corporate and real estate finance, with expertise in financial planning, compliance and risk management. Jeremy served as CFO for Lendlease (US) Public Partnerships Holdings LLC prior to the company’s acquisition by Centinel, where he directed financial operations for Lendlease Communities.

Gretchen Turpen serves as Executive Vice President, Asset Management, where she directs operations and asset, property and development management for Centinel’s Army housing portfolio of more than 25,000 homes. In this role, she leads corporate strategy, financial performance, and client and customer relationships. Previously, Gretchen was Head of Lodging, where she delivered the Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) program including the renovation of over 12,000 hotel rooms across 40 military installations nationwide.

In his role as President, Phillip Carpenter guides operations for Centinel’s Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI) and Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) portfolios. He is responsible for property management, asset management, development, construction, and environmental health and safety. With more than 40 years of experience supporting the Department of Defense, Phillip has held senior leadership positions with Lendlease and J&J Worldwide Services, bringing expertise in real estate, development and facilities management. 

Justin Kern, Chief Executive Officer of Centinel, sets the company’s strategic direction with a focus on long-term sustainment and outcomes for customers, partners and employees. He has more than 20 years of leadership in real estate finance, construction and operations. Prior to Centinel, Justin served as President and CEO of Lendlease (US) Public Partnerships Holdings LLC, where he oversaw asset management, property management and development for military housing and lodging communities.