Craig Livingston
At PeopleDem property we believe in celebrating our community by spotlighting black excellence in property. Today we are celebrating Craig Livingston.
Craig is the Managing Partner of Exact Capital, He has helped shape skylines while shaping a legacy of leadership, vision, and community-centred development. His work sits at the intersection of entrepreneurial ambition, strategic finance, and transformative urban development.
Exact Capital is not your average development firm. From mixed-use towers to affordable housing, the company is deeply engaged in the acquisition, financing, and execution of real estate projects across the USA. But for Craig, it’s not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about impact. “We are committed to developing real estate assets to their highest and best use,” he says, “while honouring the obligations of our partners and caring for the environment and communities we serve.”
Before entering the world of real estate, Craig earned his stripes on Wall Street. He began his career at Merrill Lynch in Equity Trading before moving on to Booz Allen & Hamilton, where he consulted on post-merger integration and operational performance for major financial institutions. Then he worked at Goldman Sachs in Equities Management and led efforts to reposition the division for growth, spearheading initiatives in strategic acquisitions and CRM integration.
Today, Craig serves as the Board Chair of the New York Real Estate Chamber, continuing to advocate for diversity in real estate and inclusive development practices. He’s also part of the powerhouse team behind Affirmation Tower, set to be the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and developed by a majority-Black team. It’s a monumental project with a monumental message: Black excellence belongs in every corner of the skyline.
At the University of Connecticut, he discovered the book that would help define his path: Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun? by Reginald F. Lewis.
Under his leadership, Exact Capital has executed over $1.5 billion in transactions across the USA, from luxury hotels to deeply affordable housing. He was the driving force behind Harlem’s first world-class hotel next to the historic Victoria Theatre a project symbolic of his commitment to cultural and economic revitalization.
Craig Livingston is more than a dealmaker he’s a movement-maker. From multimillion-dollar projects to neighbourhood-transforming developments, Craig’s story is a testament to what’s possible when vision meets discipline and heart meets hustle. We’re honoured to share his journey and can’t wait to see what heights he reaches next.
