About
John M. Church – Owner/Broker
704-560-4857
John M. Church is the Owner of Centra Properties, LLC, bringing more than 45 years of experience in commercial real estate. His background includes banking, institutional performing and non-performing asset management, and real estate development, providing a strong foundation for strategic investment and long-term asset planning.
John earned a Master’s degree in Real Estate Management from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, and a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. He arrived in Gaston County in 1996 and quickly recognized the area’s potential for thoughtful commercial real estate development. A resident of Gaston County for over 25 years, he has remained deeply committed to the region through responsible ownership, redevelopment, and community involvement.
John purchased the historic Chronicle Mill in Belmont, North Carolina, and partnered with Armada Hoffler to redevelop the property into a 244-unit mixed-use residential community, contributing to the revitalization of downtown Belmont.
John serves on the Board of Preservation Gaston LLC, which works to identify, stabilize, acquire, and market historic properties in Gaston County that are in danger of being lost. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the nonprofit Our Neighbors, Inc., which works in partnership with organizations to provide affordable housing opportunities throughout Gaston, Lincoln, and Cleveland counties in North Carolina. He and his wife, Jennifer, are active members of Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church and the Gastonia East Rotary, reflecting their shared commitment to community engagement and service.
Jennifer Church - Owner/Broker in Charge
704-651-9605
Jennifer Church is the Owner, Manager, and Broker-in-Charge of Centra Properties, LLC, bringing more than 20 years of experience guiding commercial real estate deals from concept to close. She specializes in office, retail and commercial real estate development transactions.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has worked closely with buyers, sellers, investors, landlords, and tenants, with a particular appreciation for small business owners and the vital role they play in creating strong, vibrant communities. She has also helped clients navigate complex commercial real estate transactions focusing on creating long-term value. Her experience includes the development of the Chronicle Mill, a historic 238-unit mixed-use residential project in Belmont, North Carolina.
Jennifer is actively involved with the Belmont Main Street Program, where she has supported initiatives focused on downtown revitalization, local business growth, and community engagement. Her commitment to small business success and thoughtful development reflects her belief that strong communities are built through collaboration, strategic planning, and long-term relationships. She is also active with the Downtown Belmont Development Association (DBDA).
An active leader in the regional business and real estate community, Jennifer is a member of the Charlotte Regional Commercial Board of REALTORS (CRCBR), Gaston Association of REALTORS, Gaston Business Association, and Montcross Chamber of Commerce. She holds active real estate broker licenses in North Carolina and South Carolina.
A University of South Florida graduate with a degree in Finance, Jennifer has called North Carolina home since 1996. She is committed to community service, volunteering with organizations including the Gastonia East Rotary, Cathy Mabry Cloninger Women’s Shelter and Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church.
Grounded in service and trusted relationships, Jennifer is known for delivering strategic guidance, market insight, and thoughtful counsel; helping her clients succeed while strengthening the communities they serve.
James Pata - Broker
704-839-9371
James brings a unique blend of analytical expertise and market insight to Centra Properties. Before transitioning into real estate, James served as the Informational Technology Application Architect at Bank of America for backend ERICA mobile development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with applied mathematics from UNC at Chapel Hill, Class of 2014 and a post- bachelor degree in Information Technology in 2016.
James specializes in property data collection and analysis. This experience gives him a strong foundation in county and city zoning codes, property valuation, site planning, and development feasibility.
James is a licensed real estate broker in North Carolina and an active member of several industry organizations, including the Charlotte Region Commercial Board of Realtors (CRCBR), the Gaston Association of Realtors (GAR), and the North Carolina Association of Realtors.
Outside of work, James is a dedicated volunteer with various non-profits. He enjoys backpacking to new countries and is an enthusiastic supporter of Charlotte FC. He is a Charlotte native and is inspired by the continued development in the greater Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord metro area.
