Merus announces senior leadership promotions as firm scales across markets
February 24, 2026 – Merus, a nationally recognized, 100% employee‑owned design‑build development firm, announced two senior leadership promotions reflecting expanded responsibility as the firm scales its work across markets.
Jennifer Barnes has been promoted to EVP & CFO. Since joining Merus in 2023, she has led the accounting and finance teams that support an operating company with more than $1.3 billion in assets under management and has strengthened financial reporting and forecasting while reinforcing a disciplined approach to cost management and cash optimization, helping position Merus for sustained, strategic growth.
Patrick Poole has been promoted to SVP & Nashville Market Leader. Poole joined Merus more than five years ago as VP & Nashville Market Leader and has been instrumental in expanding the company’s development and design-build presence across Middle Tennessee. His entrepreneurial mindset, deep partner network, and market expertise have fueled significant growth, including the delivery of projects such as Rock Nashville, a state-of-the-art live entertainment rehearsal and production campus in Whites Creek, Tennessee, and The Hickory at Indian Lake Village, a 212-unit, amenity-rich multifamily community in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
“Each of these promotions reflects the strength of our employee-owners and the depth of our leadership bench,” said Molly North, CEO of Merus. “Jennifer and Patrick exemplify the drive, integrity, and collaborative leadership that consistently deliver outstanding results for our investors, clients, and employee-owners.”
ABOUT MERUS
We are a nationally recognized, employee owned, design build real estate development firm specializing in complex, multi phase projects across the eastern United States. We focus on the development, construction, ownership, and management of mixed use and commercial real estate, partnering closely with tenants, investors, and capital providers. With nearly 200 employee-owners operating from offices in Cincinnati, Nashville, Pittsburgh, and Raleigh, we’re committed to investing in people and projects that strengthen communities and deliver long term value.
In early 2025, Merus officially transitioned from Al. Neyer, a move that reflects a renewed strategic vision while honoring our legacy as a 100% employee-owned firm. The Merus name establishes a strong foundation for long-term brand equity as the company continues to grow across markets and asset classes.