Industry veteran brings over two decades of rental housing research expertise to lead the firm’s research and strategy
Middleburg today announced the appointment of Mark Franceski as Chief Strategist. In this role, Franceski will direct the firm’s research and strategy, translating market intelligence and data analytics into the insights that shape Middleburg’s investment decisions, drive internal alignment, and advance the firm’s investment thesis with capital partners and stakeholders. He will oversee research publications and presentations across all departments and will serve as a key architect of the annual Middleburg Housing Summit, the firm’s closed-door research forum for capital partners and industry analysts.
“Research has been the foundation of how we operate at Middleburg since the beginning. Our investment decisions are driven by data and rigorous analysis—not market sentiment or instinct,” said Chris Finlay, CEO and Founder of Middleburg. “Mark brings the depth of expertise and strategic discipline to sharpen that edge as we expand into new markets and continue identifying the opportunities others miss.”
Franceski brings over 20 years of experience as a commercial real estate market research expert and data strategist specializing in the multifamily sector. He joins Middleburg from Zelman & Associates, where he served as Managing Director of Research and Securities, leading multifamily industry and REIT research for the firm.
“What drew me to Middleburg was the research infrastructure. This firm doesn’t just track the market—it anticipates it, and I’m here to build on that discipline, translate proprietary data into sharper investment decisions, and help the team identify the next opportunities before the broader market catches on,” said Franceski.
Prior to Zelman, Franceski served as Executive Director of Multifamily Analytics at global brokerage Avison Young. He also spent a decade as Director of Research at Bozzuto, a national mixed-use investor, developer, builder and operator, where he focused on market research, business intelligence and data analytics. Franceski earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Washington and Lee University and his Master of Business Administration from George Mason University.
Additionally, Franceski serves as adjunct faculty for Georgetown University’s Master’s in Real Estate program, where he teaches real estate market research and analysis. He resides in Alexandria, Northern Virginia, with his wife and four children.
About Middleburg
Middleburg is a vertically integrated real estate investment, development, and construction firm operating in the highest growth markets across the United States. Since 2004, the firm has completed more than $4.5 billion in transactions and delivered over 32,000 homes across nine states. Headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, Middleburg operates through four integrated companies and has achieved a 30%+ realized IRR across multiple market cycles. For more information, please visit www.middleburg.com.
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