Our Principals

Louie A. Lange III, Principal/Founder

Focus: Continues to grow the firm that started in his basement, to a team in excess of 250 people and $100 million in annual revenue. Louie has a keen eye for maximizing revenue opportunities from every opportunity in the development, construction and property management of real estate. Many times, this desire has led to horizontal and vertical integration of Commonwealth’s business through partnerships, acquisitions and the “start-up” of new ventures.

Experience: Louie Lange III received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management from Marquette University and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame – Mendoza College of Business. A former officer in the United States Marine Corps, Louie is the founder and Principal of The Commonwealth Companies, which was established in 2001. Commonwealth’s full development portfolio consists of over 125 affordable housing projects with 7,000+ units in 24 states and counting. Commonwealth has most recently been named the 2020 Best Affordable Housing Developer – USA by BUILD Magazine and 9th Largest Affordable Housing Developer in the U.S. by Affordable Housing Finance along with numerous other awards/accolades over the last two decades.


Kristi Morgan, Principal

Focus: Provides strategic leadership and oversight to the company to establish long-term goals, maximize revenues, and advance the company. Formulates and manages the company’s strategic and organizational tactics. Cultivates relationships to improve Commonwealth’s success by making a sound commitment to the team, long-term partners, and relationships with lenders, investors, professional partners, and the communities we serve.

Experience: Kristi has over 30 years of extensive experience in real estate management, development, real estate feasibility analysis, IRS Section 42 Tax Credit Program, HUD Section 8 housing, Tax Exempt Bond Financing Programs on local, state, and federal levels, capital and operational budgeting, property
inspection and evaluation. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Kristi has personally developed more than $305 million dollars in affordable housing, netting over 2,900 units.


Chris Jaye, Principal

Focus: Oversees all areas of the company, including portfolio performance and dispositions. Manages client, partner, and business relationships while helping to direct the company’s vision. Establishes long-term goals, identifies profitable ventures, and provides leadership to continue to move the company forward.

Experience: Chris has over 25 years of experience in multifamily finance with a focus on affordable housing. Prior to concentrating on real estate development in 2007, Chris spent 12 years involved in the acquisition and syndication of affordable housing developments, most recently as a Vice President of Acquisitions for a national provider of debt and equity financing. He received his degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Before focusing on development, Chris served two terms on the Affordable Housing Investors Council Board of Governors.