Kevin O’Keefe is Ridgehouse’s Chief Investment Officer. In this role, he oversees financial modeling, sourcing new investment opportunities, asset management and capital partner relations. O’Keefe holds a strong background in financial strategy, investment analysis and capital management — making him integral to Ridgehouse’s growth and success. 

O’Keefe previously served as the Chief Financial Officer of Saint Louis Bank, where he managed financial strategy and operations. Prior to that, he spent two decades as a buy-side research investment analyst, specializing in financial services at several long-only funds and hedge funds. O’Keefe received two bachelor’s degrees from Georgetown University. 

As Director of Finance, Emily oversees company and property financial performance, leading budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting across the Ridgehouse portfolio. She brings deep expertise in disciplined budgeting, process improvements, and operational insight that supports accurate, efficient decision-making. Emily partners closely with leadership and project teams to strengthen financial controls, enhance performance visibility, and safeguard the integrity of Ridgehouse’s financial operations.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern University and an MBA from Florida Gulf Coast University.

As development finance manager, Anthony Kifue immerses himself in financial modeling, asset management, underwriting, due diligence and market research. His work ensures top-notch portfolio performance for Ridgehouse, empowering value generation and net positive returns for stakeholders. 

Previously, Kifue gained management consulting and private equity experience across three continents, including Africa, the Middle East and the United States. His global perspective lends itself well to optimizing Ridgehouse’s strategies and processes. Kifue holds an MBA in Finance from Washington University in St. Louis and a master’s in project management from Saint Louis University.

As a project accountant, Michele Galloway is responsible for the accounting aspects of Ridgehouse’s multifamily projects. She processes A/P, A/R, tracking insurance, lien waivers and more. Additionally, she supports the Ridgehouse Construction team by monitoring project progress, investigating variances, approving expenses and ensuring billing issuances and payment collections. 

On the office side, Galloway completes bank reconciliations, payables, journal entries and deposits and assists with month-end details. Since receiving an associate degree from St. Louis Community College, she has gleaned a wealth of knowledge from the Ridgehouse team to further her professional growth.

As Project Manager at Ridgehouse, Jeremy Axtetter oversees multifamily construction projects in Knoxville and Charlotte. He leads projects from pre-construction through completion, managing budgets, schedules, and on-site teams to ensure efficient execution and high-quality delivery. 

Known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and collaborative leadership style, Axtetter effectively balances multiple priorities while keeping projects on track and aligned with Ridgehouse standards.

As Superintendent at Ridgehouse, Keith Townsend brings extensive industry experience to the field. He leads daily on-site operations and currently oversees construction of the firm’s Lake St. Louis project. Townsend manages subcontractors, coordinates schedules, and ensures work is executed safely, efficiently, and to Ridgehouse quality standards. 

His hands-on leadership and deep construction expertise keep projects progressing smoothly from planning through completion.

Christian Paolinetti serves as Superintendent for Renza, Ridgehouse’s multifamily development in Charlotte. He oversees all aspects of the construction process, ensuring efficiency, quality, and timely delivery. Prior to leading Renza, Paolinetti played a key role in the successful completion of Somerset, the firm’s multifamily project in Glendale, Arizona, where he managed daily on-site operations. 

His experience, steady leadership, and strategic, proactive thinking position Ridgehouse projects for continued success.

Jim Mathes brings more than 25 years of construction management experience spanning residential, restaurant, hotel, and multifamily developments, with a strong concentration throughout the Southeast. He leads day-to-day site operations for Ridgehouse’s Knoxville project, The Aster, overseeing subcontractor coordination, schedule execution, budget management, and adherence to safety and quality standards. 

With steady leadership and deep field expertise, Mathes helps ensure The Aster is delivered on time and to Ridgehouse Construction’s high standards.