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Women Making A Difference
Published November 2020
Welcome to FLCAJ’s fifth annual “Women Making a Difference” feature. We have long recognized the critical role that many women play in the community association industry; from community management to business leadership, the number of women in decision-making roles is accelerating. With that in mind, we invite you to take note of these exceptional women. Almost all facets of the industry are represented here: community managers as well as professionals in fields such as asphalt, banking, law, professional organizations, roofing, engineering, education, etc. These women have made an impact on the community association industry in Florida, and they have each made a difference in their respective fields. They are deserving of our congratulations and recognition.
Ashley Artiles
Marketing & Business Development Manager
Affinity Management Services
8200 NW 41 Street #200
Doral, FL 33166
(800) 977-6279
aa@managedbyaffinity.com
ManagedByAffinity.com
Lightly salted with a lot of soul—that’s Ashley Artiles. Inspired by her mother, Ashley understands the value of giving it your all and building long-term relationships. For Ashley, it’s never just about the transaction. She takes time to get to know her clients and understand what’s important to them and their association. Since joining Affinity Management Services, she has brought a keen understanding of the vendor side to the company and believes the most important factor to property management success is communication with the board and management alike. It is the simple things like returning a phone call or an email. With a grateful heart, she enjoys time at the beach, reflecting on all the great things in her life.
Asphalt Restoration Technology Systems Inc.
1523 Pine Avenue
Orlando, FL 32824
(800) 254-4PDC (4732)
connie.lorenz@asphaltnews.com
www.asphaltnews.com
Celebrating “Women Making a Difference” is always my favorite issue of the year. It’s tough sometimes being a woman and even more so in a climate like today. Therefore, we want to use this opportunity to celebrate all women who are keeping it together! Times are tough, our time is short, and more things are expected of us, and we want you all to know we see you! We appreciate you! We are here for you! Stay safe and thank you for being you and know you rock!
Mary Banmiller
Property Manager
Campbell Property Management
1215 E. Hillsboro Boulevard
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
Length of Service: 4 years with Campbell; 15 years total
(954) 427-8770
Sales@campbellproperty.com
www.CampbellPropertyManagement.com
Mary Banmiller went to FIU for business and started out in real estate. She loves her job because she helps people solve problems and accomplish any project no matter how difficult. Her most satisfying personal accomplishment is having and raising her son. God, family, and business are her top three priorities in life. She loves being in property management, which is a tough, fast-paced, and always-changing job, because she loves the challenge. Her advice is, “Pause; put yourself in the other person’s shoes before attempting a resolution.” Her coworkers and board members say she is patient, professional, dedicated, dependable, and empathetic. She approaches each day with a positive, solution-based mindset.
Betsy Barbieux, CAM, CFCAM, CMCA
Owner
Florida CAM Schools LLC
2501 West Main Street #110
Leesburg, FL 34748
(352) 326-8365
betsy@floridacamschools.com
www.floridacamschools.com
In 1999 Betsy fell into the community association industry. For the next 10 years, she developed and presented courses for CAMs statewide. In 2009, Florida CAM Schools was born, which she says was truly a gift from God. Betsy loves her work because she is hooked on being around people who want to learn! It is believed that Betsy is the only expert in the field of Florida CAM training who is a certified advanced behavior specialist, certified image consultant, professional development coach, speaker, author, trainer, a Florida licensed CAM, CFCAM—Certified Florida Community Association Manager, and CMCA. Betsy is also featured in CAM Matters™ on YouTube, iTunes, Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Sound Cloud, Stitcher, and TuneIn. Betsy’s son, Adam, is currently a USMC First Sergeant. Adam, his wife, Chasity, and son, Rhett, live in Jacksonville, North Carolina, where he is assigned to the 3rd Battalion at Camp Lejeune. Florida CAM Schools supports our military by donating to Folds of Honor.
Krista Barnby, CAM
Project Manager
Keystone Engineering & Consulting
166 Center Street, Suite 210
Cape Canaveral, FL 32929
Length of Service: 3 years
(321) 454-7300
Krista.keystone@gmail.com
KeystoneEngineeringPE.com
Krista loves her work because every day is new and exciting, and the routine is never the same because of the variety of projects. She comments, “I feel gratification when we educate our clients on the needs specific to their project.” Her next project is a two-year-long restoration of a condominium association in Orlando with unique details throughout the building.
Krista shares, “The best advice I have given is ‘give 100 percent in everything you do and always have integrity.’”
She is passionate about her family and counts raising her three wonderful children as her most satisfying personal accomplishment. Krista says others see her as motivated, dedicated, and possessing a thirst for knowledge.
Amanda K. Barritt, Esq.
Florida Bar Board Certified Condominium & Planned Development Law Expert
Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.
1715 Monroe Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Naples
(239) 344-1108
amanda.barritt@henlaw.com
www.henlaw.com
Amanda Barritt is a specialist in condominium & planned development law. She represents residential and commercial condominium, homeowners’ and property owners’ associations, social and recreational clubs, developers, and builders in all aspects of condominium and property association law. She writes on these topics on the “Legal Scoop” on Southwest Florida Real Estate blog.
Amanda is chair of Henderson Franklin’s real estate department and condominium and homeowners associations practice group. She enjoys listening to podcasts, bicycling with her family, and doing arts and crafts with her children. Amanda received her law degree from Florida State University.
Cindi Bass
Business Development Director
Florida Southern Roofing (FSR)
6653 19th Street East
Sarasota, FL 34243
(941) 954-8811
cindibass@floridasouthern.com
www.FloridaRoofing.com
Cindi began her community association career with Florida Southern Roofing in 1999. From 2008–2013, Cindi joined the CAIWFL Chapter’s team as their membership director. Cindi then returned to Florida Southern Roofing in 2015 as their business development director.
Cindi is a member of the National Women in Roofing Association, a member and former secretary of the SMRSMCA, has served on the board of directors with CAI West Florida Chapter for the past six years while also serving as the chair of their Ambassador committee. In addition, Cindi serves on the membership committee of the CAI Suncoast Chapter. Cindi strongly believes that educating community associations will make their association a better place to live.
Kathy Melikian Bramhall, CMCA, AMS
Vice President of Sales & Retention
Condominium Associates (CA)
Locations in Clearwater, Tampa, and Pasco County
(866) 259-3983
condominiumassociates.com
She never thought of herself as a “sales” person; however, after 25-plus years, Kathy found that she is a modern version of one. She began her career in Indiana. Desiring a career in an industry that would survive economic turmoil, where making money went hand-in-hand with helping people, she found that association management was a great fit. In 2002 she chose to work for CA over many other management companies. Larger companies don’t always provide good customer service, but medium-sized, locally owned companies are better able to control their practices. By that, she means they are free to tailor their services to supply customer needs. She also enjoys public speaking, teaching, and coaching board members.
Annette Byrd, CMCA, PCAM
Senior VP of Operations
RealManage Florida
(813) 288-2045 x 1701
Annette.byrd@realmanage.com
www.realmanage.com
Annette has served the management industry for 29 years in CA, IL, IN, and currently FL. She oversees RealManage’s portfolio of 70-plus communities. Her roles have included setting strategy, operational business management, training, mentorship and adaptability, and change management. Her leadership philosophy includes focus on a value-based approach and the importance of passion, purpose, and service as it relates to the ability to be effective, positive, and impactful. Over the years, Annette has been a frequent speaker and educator through CAI on industry-related topics.
Nicolo Coro
Marketing Manager
DirectPlus LLC
800 South Douglas Road, 10th Floor
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 406-1880
Nicole.Coro@mastec.com
www.directplusnow.com
It’s been said, “Marketing is no longer about the stuff you make, but about the stories you tell.” As marketing manager for DirectPlus, LLC., based out of Coral Gables Florida, Nicole Coro has always been a storyteller!
As marketing manager for a multi-billion-dollar telecommunications firm with a national footprint, Nicole uses genuine creative passion to focus on brand strategy, ensuring positive customer engagement at every turn. She often visits high-value clients and meets with property managers and multi-family building’s board members to gain feedback on what’s most important as a buyer and how to better market and sell fiber optic technology to those needing wiring infrastructure upgrades or telecommunications installs for new construction high-rise or community builds.
Michele A. Crosa
Partner
Backer, Aboud, Poliakoff & Foelster
400 South Dixie Highway, Suite 420
Boca Raton, FL 33432
(561) 361-8535 or (800) 251-3562
mcrosa@bapflaw.com
www.bapflaw.com
Michele A. Crosa is a partner with the Firm and an AV Preeminent® rated attorney. A Miami native, Michele received her B.A. in philosophy from Florida International University and her J.D. from the University of Denver. She has extensive experience in commercial litigation and for the past 10 years has focused her legal practice on representation of condominiums and community associations. Her passion for competition and desire to win began at a young age and have served her litigation clients well. However, what she loves most about her work is counseling and assisting association board members with all general legal matters that arise. Michele is an avid boater, spending most of her free time with family and friends on the water.
Suzette Diaz
Director of Human Resources
KW PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & CONSULTING
8200 NW 33 Street, Suite 300
Miami, FL 33122
Length of Service: 14 years
(305) 476-9188
sdiaz@kwpmc.com
www.kwpmc.com
Suzette Diaz oversees the human resources department at KW PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & CONSULTING, one of Florida’s largest residential property management companies, with more than 1,750 employees and 90,000 units under management. She has been an integral member of KWPMC since 2007, leading the growing company’s recruiting, hiring, and benefits.
The property management industry inherently presents challenges for anyone overseeing human resources, and Suzette relishes overcoming the challenges each new day brings. A recent accomplishment she is particularly proud of is the successful implementation of KWPMC’s brand-new HR and payroll system completed just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Susan J. Durante
Director of Sales and Marketing
Pavement Technology Inc.
24144 Detroit Road
Westlake, OH 44145
(800) 333-6309
sdurante@pavetechinc.com
www.gotmaltenes.com
Pavement Technology Inc. is just shy of celebrating its 50th anniversary. This family-owned business was founded in 1972 by Colin M. Durante in the belief that maltene replacement technology (MRT) could vastly improve the performance and longevity of America’s roads. His daughter, Susan J. Durante, has been riding the roads alongside her father since the age of seven, learning how asphalt can be successfully rejuvenated by restoring those natural maltene components the manufacturing process and subsequent oxidation have depleted. Susan officially joined the PTI team in 1996. As the Director of Sales and Marketing, she remains committed to her father’s philosophy of providing professional pavement restoration services using the highest quality American-made products, including the company’s most recent line of smog- and temperature-reducing road treatments that reduce airborne vehicular exhaust pollutants and help to mitigate heat island effect.
Nadine Edwards
Community Association Manager
FCAP Education Program Coordinator
nedwards@fcapgroup.com
Nadine Edwards is a semi-retired, licensed condominium association manager working in the profession for more than 25 years. She has worked in the construction industry and for several large professional organizations in numerous capacities. This includes property management of luxury associations, developer pre-sale, pre-filing budget preparation, mentoring new building managers, and most recently as a consultant and contributor to FCAP Group as their education program coordinator working on the CFCAM designation testing modules. She is committed to providing the information, resources, and services to elevate and further educate managers to operate associations effectively and efficiently.
Lisa Elkan
Vice President, South Florida Region
Alliance Association Bank
(561) 212-2091 or (888) 734-4567
lelkan@allianceassociationbank.com
allianceassociationbank.com
After graduating from Iowa State University with a B.B.A. in finance degree, Lisa Elkan moved to Florida. She joined Alliance Association Bank in 2013, and her philosophy is to be an advocate for her clients. Lisa believes the following quote from Collin Powell resonates with her as she looks back on her seven years with AAB, “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” She follows through with what she promises in order to meet each client’s expectations. Her position at AAB allows Lisa to establish strong relationships with her clients by listening to them and proposing options that best fit their association banking needs.
Christene M. Ertl
Senior Law Partner
Ansbacher Law, P.A.
1301 Plantation Island Drive, Suite 206A
St. Augustine, FL 32080
(904) 737-4600
Christene.Ertl@Ansbacher.net
www.ansbacher.net
Christene Ertl, a native Floridian practicing law for almost 20 years, has dedicated the past decade of her practice to assisting condominium and homeowner associations.
Christene is board certified in condominium and planned development law and is very active with the Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate and Trust law (RPPTL) section (as Vice-Chair of the RPPTL Condominium and Planned Development Law Certification Review course and member of several committees).
Christene regularly teaches condominium and HOA board certification review courses and annual legal updates. Christene received her bachelors (honors) from Florida State University and her law degree (honors) from the University of Miami.
Lucrecia Escalante
Site Developer and Acquisition Manager
Subcarrier Communications Southern Region
(305) 761-8364
Lucrecia@subcarrier.com
www.subcarrier.com
Lucrecia Escalante is a site developer and acquisition manager for Subcarrier Communications in the Southern Region. She has a strong passion for the telecommunications industry and has worked with all major telecommunication users and network design teams in the region. She also provides rooftop and tower management as part of her division. Lucrecia is a single mother working throughout the pandemic, with daily challenges getting the work done, recognizing that life is what you make of it, and keeping a positive attitude while making a difference in her life and the lives of others.
Lauren Fallick, Esq. Partner
Haber Law P.A.
251 NW 23rd Street
Miami, FL 33127
(305) 379-2400
LFallick@Haber.Law
Haber.Law
Lauren Fallick is a partner at Haber Law P.A., a 13-attorney boutique law firm that focuses on the following practices: condominium and homeowners association law, complex business litigation, construction defect litigation, and real estate transactions and litigation.
Lauren represents associations in various legal matters, primarily focusing on litigation. Lauren graduated from the University of Florida with honors and earned her law degree at Nova Southeastern University, magna cum laude, where she served on the board of editors of Nova Law Review. Lauren is known for her strong work ethic and results-oriented approach to helping clients achieve solutions that best serve their interests.
Lauren’s interests outside of work include Florida Gator football, traveling, art, and spending time with family.
Dania S. Fernandez
Miami Real Estate Attorney
Dania S. Fernandez & Associates P.A.
Offices in Miami & Coral Gables
(305) 254-4492
dania@dsfpa.com
www.daniafernandez.com
Dania S. Fernandez was born and raised in Miami, Florida. Before earning her law degree at Nova Southeastern University, she was an educator for special needs children. Her constant drive and willingness to help all those around her have been her keys to success. She is always focused and gives her heart to all she does. She has built her practice by educating her clients and filling the needs of the Hispanic community of South Florida. Her top priorities in life are happiness, good health, and family. Her drive to reach her goals is like no other, and she plans to continue guiding and helping communities for years to come.
Sherri Franzoi
Owner
Discover Interiors
2946 Del Prado Boulevard S.
Cape Coral, FL 33904
(239) 549-8300
sherri@discoverinteriors.com
www.discoverinterior.com
As business owner, Sherri created Discover Interiors Design Studio to showcase window treatments and area rugs for every taste. Discover Interiors has a beautiful, welcoming new showroom and a friendly staff. It offers shutters, blinds, shades, and draperies from many manufacturers you will not find in big-box stores or one-brand design centers, and we recently added the line of beautiful Surya area rugs.
Sherri’s 20-plus year passion is helping homeowners make beautiful selections. She and her team strive to make your shopping experience enjoyable and exciting. Stop in and enjoy a cup of tea with us as you shop.
Rebecca Furlow
President/CEO
Leland Management
6972 Lake Gloria Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32809
(407) 781-5793
www.LelandManagement.com
Being the best, not the biggest, has always been the goal of Leland Management’s President/CEO, Rebecca Furlow. Rebecca, who has been at the helm of the family-owned business for more than 20 years, has led by example, raising the level of professionalism and service to Florida community associations. Under her direction, guided by the philosophy of honesty and respect, Leland has grown to more than 525 employees serving more than 130,000 homeowners throughout the state. Even though Rebecca has received many individual awards, including CEO of the Year and the Orlando Sentinel’s Leadership Award, she cites her most significant professional accomplishment as creating a strong team of talented professionals she calls the “Leland Family.”
Emily E. Gannon, Esq.
Senior Associate
Kaye Bender Rembaum
1200 Park Central Boulevard South
Pompano Beach, FL 33064
(954) 928-0680
EGannon@KBRLegal.com
KBRLegal.com
Emily grew up in Westchester County, New York. She went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for her undergraduate studies and remained in North Carolina for law school, attending Wake Forest University. After earning her law degree in 2005, Emily decided to follow her family to South Florida.
Emily has enjoyed practicing community association law since joining Kaye Bender Rembaum more than eight years ago. She appreciates the opportunity to teach seminars to board members and managers. In her free time, Emily might be found playing sports with her nephews or playing adult kickball with friends.
Mariann Gerwig, CGC, HI, CFCAM
Primary Qualifier and CFO
Promar Building Services LLC
5383 Sandhurst Circle North
Lake Worth, FL 33463
(561) 598-4549
Mgerwig@PromarBuilding.com
www.promarbuilding.com
After 30 years in the concrete restoration industry I retired, but I soon realized I was not ready to stop working. The owner of Promar, Alfredo Amador, whom I had worked with for almost 20 years, asked me if I would be interested in joining his company. Sharing the same work ethic and values made it a perfect match.
Years ago, at job site meetings I realized there was a disconnect between how the contractor thought and how the managers and board members thought. Originally, I pursued my CAM license to better understand our clients and their needs. I took the CFCAM course to learn even more. Now we focus on creating relationships with clients and not just getting the contract.
Beth Gilbert
Sr. Director, Community Association Market
AppFolio Inc.
50 Castilian Drive
Goleta, CA 93117
(866) 648-1536
beth.gilbert@appfolio.com
appfolio.com/associations
Beth Gilbert is the Sr. Director of the Community Association Market at AppFolio and its all-in-one association management software. Beth brings more than 15 years of product experience to AppFolio and is currently responsible for developing the vision and strategy for the association market. Outside of work, you can find her training and competing in CrossFit—she is driven and has a unique ability to push herself to do things she never thought possible. You can read Beth’s articles in association management publications and hear her in webinars where she is often joined by industry experts.
Michelle L. Grojean
Director of Marketing
Crown Roofing LLC
240 Field End Street
Sarasota, FL 34240
(239) 994-9529
michelleg@crownrfg.com
www.roofwithcrown.com
Michelle Grojean has been with Crown Roofing for nearly half a decade, devoting her professional attention to brand awareness, client acquisition, and team building. She pursues continuing education, fueling her passion for storytelling and strategically targeted messaging in creating business-changing content.
She focuses much of her attention on the construction industry as a whole—especially among the young professionals. As the current Marketing Chair for the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Young Professionals’ Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, Michelle dedicates her spare time to assisting the local construction industry and helping fellow young professionals succeed in the industry.
She says, “It’s not easy being a woman in construction, but you’ve got to trust your knowledge, embrace your power, and truly love what you do.”
Anjanette Hanna
President
Seacrest Services Inc.
2101 Centrepark W. Drive #110
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
Length of Service: 20 years
(561) 656-6354
info@seacrestservices.com
SeacrestServices.com
Anjanette Hanna is president of Seacrest Services, a full-service property management company that was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida. She comments, “I love that the work is not monotonous. I enjoy variety, and every day I’m asked a question I’ve never been asked before.” The driving force for why she does what she does is to positively impact the lives of Seacrest employees and residents in the communities Seacrest serves.
When asked, what has been the highlight of her career, she says, “Being named as president of the company in 2017.
She finds great personal satisfaction in being a mom to Lloyd II (22), Erin (18), and Taylor (16).
Molly A. Hime
Senior Vice President (SVP), Director
Popular Association Banking
7900 Miami Lakes Drive W.
Miami Lakes, FL 33016
(786) 953-1268
MHime@popular.com
www.popularassociationbanking.com
Leveraging 43 years of banking experience and 30-plus years of specialization in community association financing, Molly is Division Director of Popular Association Banking (PAB), a division of Popular Bank1.
For Molly, people and relationships come first. She believes that strong leadership starts with investing in her team members, supporting and fostering their talents to create synergies and drive growth. Her hands-on approach has been key to retaining her core team for nearly 20 years and continues to fuel PAB’s successful customer-first philosophy.
Molly enjoys working closely with her clients to identify creative financial solutions. When she’s not “knocking it out of the park” at the office, she is committed to spending time with her family and giving back to her community. As an active board member of United Community Option (formerly United Cerebral Palsy), she leads several meaningful volunteer efforts every year.
1 Copyright © 2020. Popular Bank. Member FDIC.
Krysta Hughes
Business Development
Hunter Claims, Public Adjusters
4613 N. Clark Avenue
Tampa, FL 33614
(813) 774-7634
krysta@hunterclaims.com
www.hunterclaims.com
Krysta Hughes started off her professional career with Hunter Claims in March of 2019. She has always been passionate about advocating for those who need it most. Krysta‘s professional career is taking off, and she has developed a comprehensive understanding relating to property and casualty insurance claims. Although Krysta has revealed a keen sensibility when it comes to client relations, she credits her team with providing her the education and support necessary to excel in this industry. Krysta is grateful for the opportunity to share her story and do her part to help make a true difference in the world.
Beth King
Director of Management Services
Associa® Gulf Coast
9887 4th Street North, Suite 301
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
(727) 577-2200
bking@associagulfcoast.com
www.associaonline.com/locations/associa-gulf-coast
“Beth is very customer centric and believes that every client needs to be treated with utmost respect and professionalism and in the most pleasant manner. She also conveys the same manner for each team member. Having held several positions with Associa Gulf Coast during her tenure so far, Beth has been instrumental in the process, changes, and improvements throughout the company.” – John Hensley, Associa Gulf Coast Branch President
Beth says “Our team is committed to bring the best to every community. Even when a message may not be pleasant, it is brought forward with absolute transparency and honesty and with the community’s best interest at heart. After all, it may be your home, but we like to treat it the way we would want to be treated.”
Miriam Klocman
Sr. Account Manager
Envera Systems
4171 W. Hillsboro Boulevard, Suite 2
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
(855) 380-1274
ask@EnveraSystems.com
EnveraSystems.com
Miriam Klocman joined Envera in 2013, immediately becoming an impactful sales team member. Her care for Envera’s customers made the transition to account manager a natural one, following the best professional advice she has received—“If you take care of the customer and put the customer first, everything else will fall into place.” Miriam prioritizes her family and health (well-being) and aims to make a difference for clients. She says, “I love that I have the opportunity to give clients a great Envera experience every day…hearing what matters most to them so I can tailor my approach or suggest solutions.”
Anastasia Kolodzik, Professional Reserve Analyst (PRA), Reserve Study Specialist (RSS), CAM
Vice President
Expert Inspectors
210 Charles Street
Port Orange, FL 32129
(386) 677-8886
anastasia@flinsurancevaluations.com
www.flinsurancevaluations.com
Anastasia Kolodzik is the vice president and oversees the reserve study department of Expert Inspectors, which is a Florida-based, family owned and operated company servicing all 67 counties. Anastasia constantly works closely with board members and association managers and recognizes this as the key ingredient to preparing a proper reserve study. She has been certified by the state of Florida to teach reserve studies continuing education to community association managers.
Marcy L. Kravit, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, CFCAM
Community Association Management Professional
FCAP Education Program Director
mkravit@fcapgroup.com
Marcy Kravit has 20-plus years’ experience managing community associations in south Florida. She has established a reputation as being passionate about service, driven by challenges, and undeterred by obstacles. Marcy is committed to providing five-star service and educating others in raising the level of professionalism in the industry.
Marcy has earned every higher education credential offered by CAI and is recognized by FCAP as a CFCAM. Marcy is a contributing writer to the Florida Community Association Journal and writes the monthly column “CAM to CAM.” She is also serving FCAP as their Education Program Director.
Her passion, drive, and motivation were recognized in 2014 as she was named National On-site Manager of the Year, and she was selected as a Top 10 Finalist for 2018 National On-site Manager of the Year.
Stephanie Laing
Sales and Marketing Manager
M2E Consulting Engineers
5815 SW 68th Street
Miami, FL 33143
(305) 614-6124
slaing@m2e.com
www.m2e.com
Stephanie is the sales and marketing manager at M2E Consulting Engineers, a leading multi-disciplinary engineering firm in Florida. In less than a year, Stephanie has streamlined marketing efforts and increased the firm’s online visibility, driving M2E’s expansion into additional markets. She continues to build on the firm’s mission of staying 2 Steps Ahead, bringing in new business with a firm dedication to customer service and streamlined internal processes.
“I love M2E’s mission to its clients and its dedication to quality. We are setting ourselves apart every day,” says Stephanie. “I cannot wait to witness our strategic growth and the relationships we build as we continue expanding.”
Stephanie volunteers as a child advocate for the Guardian Ad Litem Program in Palm Beach County.
Lisa A. Lerner
Shareholder
Siegfried Rivera
201 Alhambra Circle, 11th Floor
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Length of Service: 34 years
(305) 442-3334
LLerner@siegfriedrivera.com
www.siegfriedrivera.com
www.FloridaHOALawyerBlog.com
Lisa A. Lerner has represented community associations in all aspects of the operation and management of their communities since 1983 when she first joined Siegfried Rivera. Since then, she has played a pivotal role in the firm’s growth and outstanding reputation.
Lisa is board certified in condominium law by The Florida Bar, which appointed her to the committee overseeing the launch of this area of certification in 2016. Throughout her career, she has received various recognitions for the essential role she has played in developing the community association practice area in Florida. Her clients, many of whom she has represented for more than 30 years, would say Lisa’s work ethic, experience, and accessibility make her the perfect advocate for their association.
Alejandra Mahecha
Service Manager
Best Roofing
1600 NE 12th Terrace
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305
(888) 892-BEST
www.bestroofing.net
Alejandra Mahecha is one of six service managers at Best Roofing in Fort Lauderdale. She is one of six; the other five are men. So begins the story of how Alejandra carved a space for herself in a male-dominated industry and carved it well.
She came to this country from Colombia four years ago, and in those four years, she found her calling almost immediately: construction. Starting in stucco work, she then moved to waterproofing and ultimately roofing. Alejandra’s career is a drastic change from her previous one in Colombia where she ran a successful I.T. company in addition to obtaining a master’s degree in business management. After moving to the U.S., she realized life did not have to be so linear, combining school, work, marriage, and kids.
She thanks those who saw her resilience to succeed, especially Gregg and Ian Wallick, who welcomed the idea of a woman with determination to break through this common barrier. And what a great decision it was, as she is responsible for hundreds of roof repairs in South Florida year-round.
She came to Best Roofing almost two years ago on October 5th, and that was when her life took a turn for the best. This was where she met her new family. She speaks only kind and loving words of her team members in the service department, especially Sara, Scott, and Raul, who have helped her learn English, master the craft of roofing, and even helped her with the duties of being a mom to her six-year-old daughter, Juanita.
Being a woman in this industry and doing exactly what men do was not an easy task in the beginning, but looking at her now, you would never know she had hardships. Physically, it was exhausting to get used to. Emotionally? Even more. Being alone in this country, a reoccurring frustration she faced was the common exclusion from conversations in the workplace—before joining the team at Best Roofing.
But, she proved them wrong. What is one of her proudest moments? Finding a horrendous leak in a roof that other roofing companies failed to discover for two years and ultimately repairing it.
Alejandra learned to be proud of herself when no one else would recognize her. With her skills and knowledge, she can do things that people in the industry have spent 20 years learning to master. Through the years, she sees women in this industry naturally develop hard shells, but her hope is to maintain a healthy divide between being a real woman and what she does in a male-dominated world. From the outside, one would not know that she is an incredible salsa dancer and loves to get her hair and nails done routinely, and that is exactly how she likes it. Alejandra Mahecha is an example for all women in this industry who have been told ‘no’ based solely on their looks.
Every day in the construction business has taught her to work smarter, not harder, but to be able to work as physically hard as the men. For those reading this and wondering how she has gotten so far, she has this to say, “If you are having a difficult moment, just know it is only a moment in time and does not define who you are. Keep pushing forward.”
Monica Martinez
Business Development Manager
The Water Restoration Group (WRG)
555 NW 95th Street
Miami, FL 33150
Length of Service: 12-plus years
(844) DRY-WATER
info@wrgfla.com
wrgfla.com
In her 12-plus years with WRG, Monica Martinez has established and managed both the business development and marketing teams, directly reflecting the growth of the company. Not only has she modeled the company’s ideals of forthrightness, integrity, and honesty before her fellow colleagues, but her ethics and dedication to putting WRG’s clients first has allowed her to form meaningful and lasting relationships with property managers and associations. Just as Monica is committed to her team, she also remains devoted to her family, friends, and her faith in God, showing us that some women really can do it all!
Danielle McKay, LCAM
Client Relations Manager
Greystone Management Company
620 N. Wymore Road, Suite 240
Maitland, FL 32751
Length of Service: 10 years
(407) 645-4945
Danielle@GreystoneFL.com
www.GreystoneFL.com
Danielle McKay serves on the executive team as the client relations manager for Greystone Management, a well-respected, boutique-style association management company. She provides oversight of the company’s client services and new business development while managing a portfolio of her own. With more than 25 years of project management, Danielle is a strategic, results-oriented leader with expertise in all facets of client relations, operations, and marketing within the real estate and property management arena. Danielle’s proven success record at several high-profile organizations includes executing business growth initiatives and building high-performing teams that continually exceed service goals. Her sound business acumen and communication skills generate results with emphasis on collaborative relationships which contributes to Greystone Management’s operational objectives and principles.
Georgia Miller
VP/Relationship Manager
BB&T Association Services
Jacksonville Florida area
(904) 520-4266
GGMiller@BBandT.com
BB&T.com
As a Vice President, Relationship Manager for BB&T Now Truist Association Services for 16 years, Georgia has been able to utilize her 38 years of experience in the banking industry serving in numerous capacities that include retail banking and consumer and residential lending. Her consultative approach to understanding each relationship helps her to identify solutions to her client’s needs and goals, including funding through loans and lines of credit, convenience from payment processing services, and security of deposits through access to FDIC insurance protection. She believes in acting as the client’s advocate in determining financial needs and providing a level of service she, as a consumer herself, would like to receive. Georgia enjoys working with communities within her market, which includes North Florida and the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, and Georgia.
Linda L. Mlacak, BA, B.Ed.
Vice President of Communications
Pavement Rejuvenation Technologies Group
N. Fort Myers, FL 33903
(484) 557-0353
rodgerintransit@prt-group.com
prt-group.com
Linda L. Mlacak has been named vice president of communications for the PRT-group.com, (Pavement Rejuvenation Technologies Group). The PRT-group is a national group of contractor/dealers using conditioning pavement rejuvenator (CPR) and equipment for the asphalt maintenance industry. The PRT group’s primary function is assisting our contractors/dealers through education, both online and job site training.
As an educator, teacher, and editor, Linda has always understood the importance of education and is capably introducing clients to our newest cutting-edge technologies. The most important factor is communicating the latest pavement preservation methods to contractors, property managers, and board members via email, verbal communication, and personal meetings.
Linda is an avid tennis player, coach, and family educational mentor.
Dawn Pelikan
Sales Development Representative
Kings III Emergency Communications
751 Canyon Drive, Suite 100
Coppell, TX 75019
(423) 402-7500
dpelikan@Kingsiii.com
www.kingsiii.com
Making a difference in the life of others is a common thread in the life and work of Dawn Pelikan. For the last 18 years she has been a staple at Kings III Emergency Communications and views what she does not as work but as an opportunity to help bring peace of mind to her customers. As a top performer with the industry leader in emergency help phone monitoring, her commitment is unparalleled. “I have been fortunate to work for a company in whose core values I believe and with management that encourages personal as well as professional development.”
Joanna Ribner
President
Southern Chute Inc.
Locations in Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers, FL
Length of Service: 19 years and president since 2016
(954) 475-9191
joanna@southernchute.com
www.southernchute.com
Joanna has lived in Florida since the 1980s. She worked in hospitality/special events until she opened Southern Chute with her husband in 2001. She loves working with her team and watching them grow and develop. Outside of work, she volunteers for a dachshund rescue and is a “failed foster” to four wiener dogs! The most influential person in her career was one of her hotel managers, Keith Wolling. He always strived to achieve excellence. The best advice she ever received was from her husband, Chet. He said, “Everyone is in sales.” It is so true because every contact with a customer is an opportunity to sell!
Chrissy Richie
Vice President & Corporate Controller
Vesta Property Services
245 Riverside Avenue #250
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 355-1831
Crichie@vestapropertyservices.com
www.VestaPropertyServices.com
Chrissy has been with Vesta Property Services for more than seven years as the vice president and corporate controller. She is most proud of her contributions to growing Vesta and mentoring others when she can. She says, “I like watching people and businesses grow, teaching people . . . for me, that is one of the biggest impacts someone can have.”
Chrissy believes strongly in the power of teamwork and the importance of pulling together for others. She contributes much of her success to her love of learning and her refusal to give up.
Chrissy loves to spend her time with her family, renovating houses and gardening when she’s not working.
Ana Sanchez Rivero
President and Business Development Coordinator
Allied Property Group
12350 SW 132 Court, Suite 114
Miami, FL 33186
(305) 232-1579
arivero@alliedpropertygroup.net
www.alliedpropertygroup.net
Ana Sanchez Rivero has been managing communities for more than 28 years. Her experience and knowledge in this field make her one of the most well-informed individuals in property management. She hosts her own podcast, Community Association Matters, dedicated to educating association board members with the latest information in property management. She has also received the Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation from IREM (International Real Estate Management).
Ana loves helping people, which is the primary reason why she has stayed in the industry. She also loves the challenge that property management brings each and every day as well as the reward of seeing a community transform, whether in a financial capacity or aesthetically.
Robyn Rocco, CAM/RE
Vice President
Landex Resorts International, Inc.
1100 Homestead Road N., Suite D
Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
Length of Service: 11 Years
(239) 369-5848
robyn@landexresorts.com
www.landexresorts.com
Robyn Rocco, VP, holds both associates and bachelor’s degrees and has a background in mass communications, business, and green design. Robyn offers a wide range of expertise to her clients. She has had several properties awarded Green Building designations for sustainable practices. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and 5-year-old son. Robyn is proud to be a part of a family business where their motto is, “Focus on people, and where a handshake means a lasting friendship.” This belief has proven successful as Landex just celebrated its 40th birthday on August 1st.
Stephanie Saunders
Director of Marketing and Client Relations
United Claims Specialists
520 NW 165th St. Road #110
Miami, FL 33169
(561) 320-2979
stephanie@ucsfl.com
www.ucsfl.com
For author, executive, and wellness advocate Stephanie Saunders, her career path appeared headed directly toward a future as a lawyer until two seismic economic events reshaped her life.
“When the subprime mortgage crisis hit in 2006 followed by the Great Recession, I suddenly needed a Plan B,” said Stephanie. One day fate intervened when she met Joe Suskind, founder of United Claims Specialists, a highly respected public adjusting firm specializing in residential and commercial properties. “I not only fell in love with public adjusting, but the fact that his company was helping to protect the interests of so many people was appealing,” she said. “By then, I was more than ready to ‘turn to the good side…and I couldn’t be happier.’”
Cathy Schrader, PE
Director of Marketing & Communications
Association Reserves
110 E. Broward Boulevard, Suite 1700
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(800) 733-1365
cschrader@reservestudy.com
ReserveStudy.com
From professional engineer to marketing specialist, Cathy Schrader has a reputation for “bringing insight and order to a distracted and cluttered world.”
After purchasing a unit in an underfunded HOA, Cathy started her own management company. During her initiation to the industry, Cathy relied on reserve studies to improve her clients’ financial health, quickly realizing how pairing top-notch reserve studies with unparalleled customer service was a potent combination for bringing HOAs from the stressful present to a secure future.
In 1986 Cathy joined forces with Robert Nordlund, PE, to launch Association Reserves. Over the next 33 years, Cathy is proud to have helped grow Association Reserves from a two-person office into the nation’s leading reserve study provider!
Kristen Searle
Vice President of Human Resources
Castle Group
12270 SW 3rd Street, Suite 200
Plantation, FL 33325
(800) 337-5850
info@castlegroup.com
www.castlegroup.com
Kristen began her career in early childhood education and found her true calling in human resources. With more than 15 years of experience, she is passionate about supporting others in accomplishing their personal and professional goals. At Castle, she focuses on the employee experience and attracting and retaining top talent in the community association industry. Kristen is widely known as an authentic and strategic leader, recently receiving South Florida Business and Wealth’s 2019 Excellence in Human Resource Award. Kristen is both Professional in HR® and SHRM-CP® certified. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending her free time with her husband and two children.
Alycia Seevers
Human Resources Director & Office Manager
Forge Engineering Inc.
P.O. Box 113040
Naples, FL 34108
Length of Service: 6 years
(239) 514-4100
aseevers@forgeeng.com
www.forgeeng.com
Forge Engineering, established in 1996, is a multi-disciplined engineering firm based in Florida.
Alycia began working at Forge Engineering in 2014. Her many responsibilities include overseeing the day-to-day operations of Forge Engineering’s accounting and administrative department along with all human resource affairs. One area she is particularly enthusiastic about is new hire training. Alycia is passionate about serving and giving back to the community, through involvement with Collier County Schools, FGCU, and HR Collier.
When Alycia is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Cody, and two adorable sons, Barrett (5) and Baker (1).
Angela Timmons, CAM
Portfolio Manager
Greystone Management Company
620 N. Wymore Road, Suite 240
Maitland, FL 32751
(407) 645-4945
angela@greystone-mgmt.com
www.GreystoneFL.com
Angela is an industry professional who started with a local management company in 2006. Since then, she has transitioned through various aspects of our industry from bookkeeping and collections to a vendor supplier, and for the last 11 years, she has been a portfolio community association manager. Angela is a dedicated team member with unlimited energy. Her passion for this industry, its vendors, boards, and homeowners is what drives her. Every day brings a new opportunity to grow or help someone else grow. Outside of the office, Angela enjoys the beach, travel, and cooking for friends.
Alexandra Turner, LCAM, Lic. Realtor
Business Development Manager
Associa® Gulf Coast
9887 4th Street North, Suite 301
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
(727) 577-2200
Alexandra.turner@associa.us
www.associaonline.com/locations/associa-gulf-coast
Alex has been in the property management industry for 25 years. In 2009 she started her own association management company in Sarasota, FL. She grew the business to service 50 associations over a 10-year period. Alex joined Associa in 2019 and has been able to dedicate more time to board member education. “Better board members make better decisions, and better decisions make successful communities. This is an industry I am passionate about, and I would be proud to be a part of your community.” Alex enjoys her time off with her husband, John, and dogs, Rocco and Winston.
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