Women of the Industry
Published November 2017
FLCAJ is excited to present the “Women of the Industry” 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: both community managers and 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.
Jennifer Agravat
Manager of Marketing and Customer Relations
Asphalt Restoration Technology Systems Inc.
1523 Pine Avenue
Orlando, FL 32824
Length of tenure: 4 years
www.asphaltnews.com
Services: AR Tech has been servicing Florida since 1993 and is a leader in asphalt maintenance, rejuvenation, education, and consultation.
In the last four years, Jennifer has worked her way up from office assistant to become the Manager of Marketing and Customer Relations. Having the same passion about giving back that the owner does, Jennifer has also taken the lead in their volunteer department, The Asphalteers. She has made sure to put their team in the field to meet the community’s greatest needs! With Hurricane Irma, Jennifer not only coordinated keeping their team safe, but also reached out to their favorite charity, Sunshine Village, and arranged for their crew to help dig them out of the aftermath as well.
Marve Ann M. Alaimo
Partner
Porter Wright
9132 Strada Place Third Floor
Naples, FL 34108
(239) 593-2964
malaimo@porterwright.com
www.porterwright.com
Services: Tax, estate planning, and personal wealth
When designing an estate plan, Marve Ann believes it’s important the plan achieves the client’s financial and tax goals and also preserves their family’s values and attitudes toward wealth while maximizing opportunities for productive family relationships and minimizing future conflicts. She strives to truly know and understand her clients so she can incorporate each of these elements into their estate plans. Marve Ann uses her experience and skill as a probate, trust, and guardianship litigator to anticipate problems where others may not, and to craft solutions far in advance of when conflicts might occur. She also represents charitable organizations in shepherding charitable gifts. In this regard, Marve Ann says she is most proud of her role as a Trustee of the National Kidney Foundation of Florida Inc., for which she has served as a planned giving advisor for more than 15 years.
Betsy Barbieux, CAM, CFCAM
Owner
Florida CAM Schools LLC
2501 West Main Street #108
Leesburg, FL 34748
(352) 326-8365
www.floridacamschools.com
Services: A full range of innovative, discussion-driven educational classes and training for managers, community volunteers, manager applicants, and service providers.
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! The expertise and knowledge inside each CAM is amazing, so her classes are designed to allow everyone to share. Her son, Adam, is her best accomplishment. Currently a USMC Gunnery Sergeant, Adam, Chasity, and Rhett (6 years old) live in Northfield, VT, where Adam is assigned to the faculty of Norwich College.
Amanda K. Barritt, Attorney at Law
Shareholder
Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.
1715 Monroe Street ~PO Box 280
Fort Myers, FL 33902
Offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Sanibel
email
(239) 344-1108
www.henlaw.com
Services: A full-service law firm with attorneys experienced in handling all aspects of association legal issues.
Amanda received a Bachelor in Industrial Design at Auburn University, followed by a J.D, cum laude, from Florida State University in 2003. She has gained valuable experience in community association law during law school while clerking at the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes and throughout her time practicing in Destin and Fort Myers. She currently chairs the firm’s condominium and homeowners association practice area, where she enjoys delving into the community’s structure and governing documents to anticipate and solve her clients’ legal issues.
Jane F. Bolin, Esq.
Founding Member, Chief Marketing Officer, Rising Star 2015 & 2016
PeytonBolin, PL
Offices in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, and Tampa
(877) 739-8662
peytonbolin.com
Services: Florida real estate and community association attorneys and FLCAJ Readers’ Choice Awards Winner 2014–2017.
Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Jane received a B.A. in political science from Radford University, a masters in sports management from the United States Sports Academy, and her juris doctorate from St. Thomas University School of Law. Prior to founding PeytonBolin, she owned a portfolio community management company. That company grew from one employee to eight, and from the first 14-unit community to more than 3,000 units under management in less than two years. In July of 2008, she and Mauri Peyton merged their solo legal practices to form PeytonBolin PL. Today, their firm represents hundreds of Florida community associations and individual unit owners.
Kathy Melikian Bramhall, CMCA, AMS
Vice President of Sales & Retention
Condominium Associates (CA)
Locations in Clearwater, Tampa, and Pasco County
(866) 259-3983
www.condominiumassociates.com
Services: A full-service association management company, providing facilities management, financial management, and administration services.
Kathy Bramhall has always said, “Life is too short to be unhappy,” and she has lived her life with that in mind. In 2002, she moved to Florida to be closer to family—career is important, but personal life and family come first. She started her employment with CA in the Harbour Island office; and, after four years, Kathy approached the owners about opening a much needed Pasco County office. She promised them that within five years she would grow the office to be larger than the HI location and met that goal. In 2015, Condominium Associates was sold and new ownership offered Kathy the role of VP of Sales & Retention. Over the past few years, she has started teaching and coaching board members.
Marita A. Butzbach
Vice President of Association Management
Lang Management Company Inc. (24 years)
www.langmgmt.com
Services: Lang Management offers property management services.
Marita Butzbach’s background is in construction and landscaping. She was employed by the Trump organization in New Jersey prior to relocating to Florida. Marita says the best advice she has been given was, “know what you don’t know, and don’t pretend you know something you don’t.” One rewarding aspect of her career is the interaction with local government officials and making positive changes for communities Lang manages. After 24 years, Marita says she is fortunate enough to say she truly enjoys her career with Lang Management.
Dorian Danys, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®
Executive Vice President
Associa Gulf Coast
www.associaonline.com
Services: Associa Gulf Coast provides the full spectrum of HOA, condominium, and rental property management services throughout the Fort Myers, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Tampa, and Longboat Key areas.
Dorian Danys has been with Associa Gulf Coast for more than six years. She started with Associa in 2010 and has been in the community management industry for almost 25 years. Dorian holds her PCAM® designation, which is the highest professional recognition available nationwide to managers who specialize in community association management. She also holds her AMS® and CMCA® designations. Her most recent promotion to Executive Vice President was announced in April 2016. This is the fourth promotion for Dorian who previously served as the firm’s Vice President for Southwest Florida. She handles all of Associa’s clients with the integrity of their E3 campaign of “every client, every day, every time.” She is a Sarasota, FL, native and has a daughter who recently graduated from The Riverview High School IB program and is now attending as a pre-med student at University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa.
Trisha Delatte
VP Treasury Sales Manager
Axiom Bank
258 Southhall Lane, Suite 400
Maitland, FL 32751
email
(321) 316-4394
AxiomBanking.com
Services: Deposit relationship experience tailored to the individual needs of the commercial and small business clients. This includes depository accounts in addition to electronic treasury services.
Trisha started at Axiom Bank in May 2016, where her primary responsibilities are growing and maintaining commercial deposit relationships. She began her 24-year banking career as a teller at a small bank on the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL. Since then, she has held several positions with increasing responsibility at various banks and credit unions. The best advice she ever received—you can be whomever you want to be—has influenced her entire professional life. Because her top priority is to be a difference maker, she takes pride in demonstrating a positive spirit and helping people achieve their goals.
Annie Dondero
General Manager
Roof-A-Cide
9 years as owner; 15 years sales & administration
roof-a-cide.com
Services: “No More Roof Cleaning,” Roof-A-Cide, roofing, painting, and pressure cleaning
With the passing of Annie’s husband John on July 28th her life has changed, and her new priority is the legacy and success of Roof-A-Cide. John had a relentless drive and passion for Roof-A-Cide. He loved growing the company over the years and was extremely proud of it. Roof-A-Cide was built with a solid foundation thanks to John and will continue to succeed into the future. John will be missed by those who knew him, and he will never be forgotten.
Having been a HOA board member for her community for more than 13 years and a member of many national organizations has given Annie the knowledge to provide quality service to property managers, HOAs, POAs, and COAs. Annie’s goal is to provide homeowners, communities, and contractors with an environmentally safe and cost-effective alternative to repeated roof cleaning with pressure cleaning or toxic chemicals like chlorine bleach.
Lisa Elkan
Vice President
Association Financial Partner for South Florida region
Alliance Association Bank
Cell: (561) 212-2091;
Toll-free: (888) 734-4567
email
www.allianceassociationbank.com
Services: Alliance Association Bank (AAB) is a division of Western Alliance Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Western Alliance Bancorporation. Western Alliance Bancorporation is rated #4 on the 2017 Forbes Magazine’s Best Banks in America List. AAB specializes in deposit products and loans to associations and their management companies across the country.
Upon graduating from Iowa State University with a finance degree, Lisa Elkan moved to Florida and enjoys living here. Lisa’s philosophy is to be an advocate for her clients. 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. She is a board member of the CAI Southeast Florida Chapter and a member of the CAI Gold Coast Chapter.
Abby Elliott, AMS®, CMCA®
Vice President of Operations
Associa Gulf Coast
www.associaonline.com
Services: Associa Gulf Coast provides the full spectrum of HOA, condominium, and rental property management services throughout the Fort Myers, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Tampa, and Longboat Key areas.
Abby Elliott has been with Associa for more than nine years and brings with her more than 20 years in customer service. Abby holds her AMS® and CMCA® designations and is working on her PCAM® designation, which is the highest professional recognition available nationwide to managers. Her most recent promotion as Vice President of Operations was announced in April 2017. Prior to this, Abby served as the Director of On-Site Management. As a community association manager, Abby has managed and supervised luxury, high-rise condominiums and large-scale HOA properties. In her spare time, she volunteers with the Free Clinic of St Petersburg, FL, Women’s Shelter, which focuses on those women who seek to improve personally and professionally. In addition, she works with Associa Cares; in 2012, Abby and her team held a golf event that raised more than $45,000 for the local area.
Dania S. Fernandez
Miami Real Estate Attorney
Dania S. Fernandez & Associates P.A.
Offices in Miami and Coral Gables
(305) 254-4492
email
www.daniafernandez.com
Services: The Law Offices of Dania S. Fernandez and Associates P.A. practices the field of community association law in the state of Florida. They focus on the development, formation, and representation of community associations and similar clients, including property managers, service providers, builders, and land developers.
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 has been her key to success. She is always focused and gives her heart to all she does. She has built her practice by educating her clients and meeting 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.
Rebecca Furlow
President and CEO
Leland Management
6972 Lake Gloria Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32809
(407) 447-9955
www.lelandmanagement.com
Services: Association management, association governance, association record maintenance, accounting, assessment and billing, collections, tax and association reporting, vendor management, full-featured community website, and technology and communication.
Rebecca Furlow started Leland Management almost 20 years ago with one employee and 13 communities. Through her dedication, knowledge of the association management industry, and focus on customer service, she has grown Leland to a company that employs more than 350 people, serving more than 100,000 homeowners throughout Florida. As president of Leland, Rebecca remains focused on developing an excellent reputation based on honesty, respect, trust, and customer service. As a result of her hard work, Rebecca has been recognized personally on multiple occasions and has led Leland Management to be named “Best Places to Work” by the Orlando Business Journal for six consecutive years. A true leader, she takes an active role in all aspects of the company and leads by example.
Lynn Powell
Membership Specialist/Advertising Executive at Florida Community Association Professionals and Florida Community Association Journal
1000 Nix Rd.
Little Rock, AR 72211
(800) 443-3433
email
Services: Florida Community Association Professionals (FCAP) is the only statewide member organization dedicated to serving the community association industry. FCAP has more than 2,200 members statewide consisting of community association managers, volunteer leaders, and service providers.
Florida Community Association Journal is Florida’s oldest and most trusted magazine serving the community association industry. For more than 30 years, managers and board members have turned to FLCAJ for the practical information they need to manage their communities. We routinely cover topics ranging from legal, financial, and management advice to maintenance, repairs, and reconstruction. The Journal covers almost everything that communities deal with.
Lynn Powell has been instrumental in the recent growth of FCAP membership and is also involved in the day-to-day operations of Florida Community Association Journal magazine. She specializes in finding the best fit for businesses and individuals who provide services for the community association industry in Florida. Lynn explains, “My mission is to find quality service providers and then to make them available for Florida communities that need those services. We want our members and our readers to have trust in the businesses that advertise and provide educational content through FCAP and the magazine. This particular season has presented many challenges, and I want our readers to know we are here to help them with both information and professional contacts and referrals.”
Anjanette Hanna
President
Seacrest Services
2400 Centerpark West Drive
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
(561) 697-4990
seacrestservices.com
Services: Property management, landscape services, maintenance, commercial property, and commercial janitorial
Anjanette Hanna joined Seacrest Services in 2001 and as the Director of Customer Service and Information Technology and was appointed Executive Board member in 2003, Executive Vice President in 2014, and President in 2017. Anjanette is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company while bringing outstanding service to clients, improving overall efficiencies to the organization, and expanding its market share. Her focus is to create strategies that will continue to place Seacrest at the forefront of the property management industry. As a native Floridian, Anjanette is committed to the local community. She takes the time to volunteer and assist in a wide range of community organizations.
Gina Hough
President
GNM Hough Inc.
10392 W State Road 84, Ste. 110
Davie, FL 33324
(954) 797-6886
email
www.gnmhough.com
Services: GNM Hough Inc. specializes in the installation and service of access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection systems.
In 1999, Gina began working in the administration department for a global company that provided fire and security installation and service. After several years, she went back to her roots and transitioned into a sales role within the company. As a sales professional, she consistently exceeded her goals and in 2007 won Sales Professional of the Year. In 2009 Gina and her husband formed GNM Hough Inc. She left corporate America and never looked back.
Gina is an Executive Board Member of the Davie-Cooper City Chamber of Commerce and is also secretary on the board of directors. She is solution driven, has a passion for business, and enjoys networking with other professionals. In her spare time, she enjoys watching her husband coach their youngest son at baseball and loves spending time in her garden.
Debby Keil, CMCA® and AMS®
Vice President of Operations
Associa Gulf Coast
www.associaonline.com
Services: Associa Gulf Coast provides the full spectrum of HOA, condominium, and rental property management services throughout the Fort Myers, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Tampa, and Longboat Key areas.
Debby Keil comes to Associa with more than 26 years of experience in the automotive industry, where she has held many positions including general manager and CFO. In 2009, Debby relocated to Florida and worked as an on-site community manager and as the director of management services in Associa’s Fort Myers office. As vice president of operations, Debby is responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of the strategic vision and planning for current and potential clients. Debby is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of the office and oversees the management of Tampa area community associations. Debby has a driven attitude and the ability to connect with Associa’s clients. Her efforts have helped expand our community and customer outreach. Debby has a B.A. in business administration with a minor in accounting from Baker College.
Stephanie Koury
Chief Operating Officer (12 years with Bass)
Bass United Fire & Security Systems Inc.
3000 Gateway Drive
Pompano Beach, FL 33069
www.bassunited.com
Services: Bass United is a family- owned and -operated commercial fire alarm and security system provider serving South Florida and the Caribbean for more than 40 years. Bass United provides a wide range of services—from inspections and testing, engineering and design, full scale installations, consulting, service, and routine maintenance.
Stephanie Koury began her career at Bass United after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida. During her 12 years at the company, she has spearheaded several initiatives to increase company efficiency, improve customer service, and streamline operations, all while expanding her knowledge of the life safety industry. Stephanie genuinely loves her job and is eager to continually develop Bass United’s team through support, employee morale activities, and implementing efficiency processes. Her co-workers would say, “Steph is always thinking and planning; she balances a soft personal side with a tenacious work ethic.”
Marcy L. Kravit, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Management Executive
AKAM On-site
As the recipient of the 2014 National Onsite “Manager of The Year” Award, Marcy has made an impact by recognizing her team’s strengths, minimizing weaknesses, seeking out opportunities, and eliminating threats (SWOT). She sets out to create a completely new culture of teamwork within her organization. Her open communication with staff and unique management style encourages a teamwork mentality that greatly improves all aspects of any organization. Rod White, former president for 16 years, notes, “Ms. Kravit cultivated an outstanding rapport with her team and our organization.” With her passion and drive, she continues to strive to improve more than just the physical state of the organization by utilizing her leadership style in creating a happier work life for her staff and, most importantly, the entire organization!
Tammy Leeman
Owner
Absolute Patio Furniture Restoration
1254 NW 21st Street
Pompano Beach, FL 33069
(954) 917-2715
www.absolutepowdercoat.com
Absolute Patio Furniture Restoration is a division of Absolute Powder Coating, which is a leader in the architectural industry. They specialize in patio furniture restoration for hotels, condominiums, country clubs, designers, homeowners, and manufacturers. All refinishing is done in their 30,000 sq. foot facility in Pompano Beach. Their process includes sandblasting to remove existing finish and surface corrosion, chemical pretreatment, and a two-stage powder coating system for ultimate performance. They offer a large selection of colors and textures. They are certified refinishers for some of the largest furniture manufacturers in the country. They are certified by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA).
Services: Their professional restrapping and sling replacement division offers quality workmanship along with a wide selection of the latest colors and patterns to choose from. Their services also include custom cushions using Sunbrella Fabrics.
Lisa A. Lerner
Partner
Siegfried, Rivera, Hyman, Lerner, De La Torre, Mars & Sobel P.A.
Offices in Coral Gables, Plantation, West Palm Beach
www.srhl-law.com
Services: Partner Lisa A. Lerner with the South Florida law firm Siegfried, Rivera, Hyman, Lerner, De La Torre, Mars & Sobel P.A. has focused on representing condominium and homeowners associations in all aspects of community association law since 1983.
A shareholder with the law firm since 1986, Lisa Lerner has developed and shaped its community association practice over the years and helped to steer its growth into one of the largest in the state. She has earned a reputation as one of the leading and most highly respected South Florida attorneys in community association law, and she was the first female attorney to be recognized as a “Top Lawyer” in this area of practice by the South Florida Legal Guide. She is listed in The Best Lawyers in America, which is the oldest and one of the most respected peer-reviewed listings in the legal profession, and she co-authored a chapter for the Third Edition of the Florida Condominium and Community Association Law Manual published by The Florida Bar.
Tracie Martin, CAM
Owner
The CAM Firm Inc.
Destin, FL
(850) 424-5751
www.thecamfirm.com
Services: A full-service association management company that still believes in customer service, while providing a hands-on approach to management. Services include financial management, facilities and contract management, record maintenance, association governance, and administrative services.
At the age of 23, Tracie was the mayor of her town, serving several years on the city council after working as a reporter for a local, daily newspaper and covering city council, county commissioner, city hospital, and school board meetings. She worked closely with local police departments, county sheriff departments, and the district attorney’s office. She credits those years of experience as the building blocks that enable her to work as a community association manager because the requirements are so similar. Being a business owner in the convenience store industry for more than 16 years, she learned how to be successful in business. Known as a “mover and a shaker,” she started the first PTA in her local school system and was the charter president. Tracie is a member of the Walton County Taxpayers Association and enjoys traveling, writing, and living and working at the beach.
Karin Mayfield
Executive Director since April 2013
West Florida Chapter Community Associations Institute
www.caiwestflorida.org
Services: CAI provides information and education to community associations and the professionals who support them. The West Florida chapter advances excellence through seminars, workshops, conferences, tradeshows, and educational programs, some of which lead to professional designations.
Karin Mayfield has more than 30 years of non-profit association management experience. Early in her career, she worked at the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She left MDA to join a home furnishings trade association in High Point, NC, for more than 24 years before relocating to Florida to join the West Florida Chapter of Community Associations Institute, where she has been for more than three years. On a personal note, Karin is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University and an avid Buckeye fan! She has one son, Justin, who is 23 years old and works for a public relations firm in Tampa. Karin has two adorable dogs, Lexi and Bella. Her favorite thing to do is to go to the beach.
Beth Miller
Business Development Manager (1 year)
Castle Group
West Palm Beach, FL
(561) 455-1078
email
www.castlegroup.com
Services: Castle Group is Florida’s choice for community management specializing in serving the finest condominium and homeowner associations throughout the state. Castle’s philosophy is an unwavering focus on the resident experience; at Castle we call it Royal Servicesm.
Beth Miller is dedicated to the community association industry and enjoys combining her professional and volunteer activities to make the community a better place to live. At Castle, she enjoys serving board members who tirelessly volunteer their time and talent to their association. As president of her HOA, she shares their passion, motivation, and vision. Beth is also treasurer of COBWRA, a civic organization that advocates for quality of life for 113 associations in Palm Beach County. She enjoys family, friends, and fitness, and credits her father, a Navy captain, for instilling in her integrity and a strong work ethic.
Katherine Montgomery
Vice President—Association Management
The Melrose Management Partnership
(800) 647-0055
www.melrosecorporation.com
Services: The Melrose Management Partnership serves as The Melrose Corporation’s management branch to provide professional on site and portfolio management of both resident and developer-controlled community associations in some of Florida’s most desirable neighborhoods.
Katherine Montgomery, LCAM, has been a member of the Melrose team for more than 13 years. She started as Director of Operations and was thereafter promoted to Vice President of Association Management Operations. As Vice President, she is responsible for and in charge of the community management operations for the entire company. Kat does a phenomenal job working with Melrose’s developer liaisons as well as homeowner board members. Katherine started her HOA career as the Land Development Manager for MI Homes, where she worked for seven years and was a board member for all Florida projects. In addition to being a licensed community manager, she also has a real estate sales associate license and is a member of the Community Associations Institute.
Wendy Murray, CAM, CMCA, AMS and Anne Middleton
Executive National Bank
www.myassociationbanking.com
Services: Executive National Bank is a locally owned financial institution that has proudly served Florida’s communities since 1972. We understand the challenges faced when managing associations and pride ourselves on providing premium products and personalized service to meet your ever-changing business needs.
Wendy Murray, CAM, CMCA, AMS
VP/Relationship Manager
Executive National Bank
(239) 641-0110
email
Bonita Springs, FL
Wendy Murray has been involved in the HOA industry for more than 20 years. Prior to joining Executive National Bank, she served on an HOA board for 12 years (10 of those as president and 2 as VP). She was also president and CEO of two management companies, where she was able to help hundreds of communities. She is thrilled to have crossed-over into the banking industry, where she uses her specialized experience to provide financial assistance to communities by understanding their unique needs.
Anne Middleton
VP/Relationship Manager
Executive National Bank
(239) 317-9512
email
Clearwater, FL
Anne Middleton has specialized in the finance industry for more than 20 years. She previously worked at Fifth Third Bank and Florida Community Bank, where she began working with homeowners associations and found it to be her preferred line of business. She provided clients with personalized service and expert guidance when it comes to financial matters. She hopes to retire someday but for now is ready to grow business and help bring Executive National Bank to the forefront of community banking in Florida.
Melissa L. Nash
President / CEO
ARI – Accounts Receivables Inc.
PO Box 1301
West Palm Beach, FL 33402
www.4aronline.com
Services: We put the “check” back into your association. ARI is known for successfully helping businesses with the improvement of cash flow by utilizing non-aggressive measures designed to decrease delinquencies while not creating a huge cost for recovery.
Founder Melissa Nash loves her work and takes pride that ARI has a 70 percent success rate of files resolved during the statutory wait period. “The best business advice I have ever received was to focus daily on my three Ps: priorities, profession, and person,” Melissa shares. “I credit my grandmother for inspiring me in life. Despite many challenges, nothing ever took her down—she lived with grace, dignity, and a smile. I strive every day to do the same.” Melissa is a board member of the Florida Collectors Association, Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast, and the Police Athletic League. She takes an active role in the community by volunteering and supporting community events with a strong passion for youth.
Roxann F. Nolton
CAO/President
Forge Engineering Inc.
2224 Trade Center Way
Naples, FL 34109
www.forgeeng.com
Services: Forge Engineering, established in 1996, is a locally owned, multi-disciplined engineering firm based in Florida. Forge’s services are utilized by clients to assist them in one or all phases of a project’s life.
Roxann is a proven administrator with a successful background of 30-plus years of experience in the marketing and administration of engineering companies. Her background includes being the Florida Region Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of an international engineering firm with more than 300 Florida-based personnel. During her tenure with engineering firms, she has been responsible for the day-to-day operations ranging from individual departments to large complex multifaceted engineering offices. She is credited with being the spark and laying the framework for the creation of Forge Engineering Inc. Roxann and husband Matt are parents of four children and two grandchildren. They live in Naples.
Carmela Paladino
Management Executive
AKAM On-Site Inc.
1815 Griffin Road, Suite 101
Dania Beach, FL 33004
(954)843-2526
AKAMOnSite.com
Services: The unique AKAM On-Site ‘flexible options’ custom management program offers clients their choice of on-site, full-service, or boutique management.
Originally from the Jersey City, NJ, area, Carmela has worked with AKAM On-Site for more than 8 years and enjoys the challenges of property management. “No day is ever the same,” says Carmela, “There’s never a dull moment, and I truly enjoy helping others so property management was the perfect fit for me.” This is evident by Carmela receiving the AKAM Volunteer of The Year Award, which she considers one of her most satisfying achievements. Along with her community service, some of Carmela’s favorite activities include soccer with her daughter, cooking, and horse racing with her husband.
Brie Peterson
Sr. Business Development Consultant for 1 year
Envera Systems in Coconut Creek, FL
Contact: (877) 936-8372 or email
Services: Envera specializes in assisting residential communities with more effective and efficient security solutions. Envera’s services include the Virtual Gate Guard, active video surveillance, access control, passive video surveillance, and burglar alarms.
What Brie loves about being the Sr. Business Development Consultant is the variety of ways that she is able to reach out to communities and assist them with their security concerns and needs, while also helping the different departments at Envera. Sometimes she gets to be out in the field at trade shows, continuing education classes, and other events to speak directly with current and potential customers. At other times, Brie is in the office assisting Envera’s security consultants or working on marketing materials and articles. She is grateful to do what she loves and hopes it continues to help people.
Lisa Pinder
CondoJobs Recruiting Service
1128 Royal Palm Beach Boulevard, 223
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
(561) 791-0426
email
www.condojobs.com
Lisa Pinder has been working for the magazine for 30 years, since the very first issue in January 1987. Her current position for the last 12 years is with CondoJobs Recruiting Service, where she has been assisting Florida associations and management companies in their search for licensed community association managers. CondoJobs Recruiting Service is Florida’s premier recruiting service dedicated to meeting the needs of board members and managers. Lisa’s resolution is to continue to meet the changing and growing needs of community associations, condominiums, homeowners associations, and cooperatives. She is committed to providing the information, resources, and services needed to operate associations effectively and efficiently. It is her ongoing goal to match managers with communities and management companies who are in need of their services.
Joanna Ribner
President
Southern Chute Inc.
3772 SW 30 Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 475-9191
southernchute.com
Services: Southern Chute offers trash chute cleaning, maintenance, and repairs; odor control; and dryer vent cleaning.
In 2001, Joanna was recruited by her husband and her brother-in-law to start their own business, and Southern Chute was born. Joanna loves interacting with their customers, and being “Mama” to all their employees. She has watched her employees grow over the years, and it is very satisfying. Her other passion is animal rescue. She serves as VP for Dachshund Rescue South Florida. Joanna’s top priorities are to give customers the best value for their money and excellent service, to excel in their industry, and to create a work environment for their team that makes them proud to represent Southern Chute.
Danielle Riggin
Attorney
Backer Aboud Poliakoff & Foelster, LLP
(561) 361-8535
email
bapflaw.com
Services: Provides legal services related to condominium associations, homeowners associations, master associations, related areas of law and regulation, evictions, foreclosures, and litigation.
Danielle Riggin is an attorney with the South Florida law firm of Backer Aboud Poliakoff & Foelster LLP. Danielle has represented condominium and homeowners associations since 2010. She provides general and litigation legal counsel to scores of the Firm’s community association clients, with an emphasis on covenant enforcement, assessment collections, foreclosures (lien and mortgage foreclosures), evictions, and other litigation matters.
Danielle Riggin was born and raised in the same area in South Florida where many of her clients’ communities are located. She takes great pride in her hard work and in her dedication to her clients. Her work ethic and preparedness have earned her a remarkable reputation with the judges before whom she litigates. Outside of the office and courtroom, Danielle makes it a point to give back to the community and volunteers every Saturday and Sunday with local animal rescue groups.
Arlene-Frances Ring
Director of Public Relations
Clayton & McCulloh, P. A.
Offices in Maitland (Orlando) and Melbourne
email
(888) 793-1486
www.clayton-mcculloh.com
Services: Full service community association law firm finding solutions for frustrated community association board members and their managers while offering numerous flat rate/complimentary services with a personal touch throughout Florida. Also provides year around complimentary educational programs.
In 1991, Arlene joined the Clayton & McCulloh team helping community associations solve the challenges that they face. In 1996, she created and organized the firm’s very successful seminars to educate board members and managers, which continue today, and she also serves as a frequent speaker for Clayton & McCulloh as well as numerous other organizations. She has served on the board for many organizations (as well as founded two), such as NECAM, BCAM, and the Mid Florida Chapter of CAI. Going above and beyond the call of duty is demonstrated by her availability 24/7 for board members and managers. Arlene credits the success of the firm to the awesome C&M team who give 110 percent to their clients. Her other passions include pet rescue and politics, working in local, state, and national campaigns.
Negar Sharifi
Vice President Commercial Insurance
AssuredPartners Inc.
300 Colonial Town Center, Ste. 270
Lake Mary, FL 32746
(407) 405-8569
email
Services: AssuredPartners is the fastest-growing independent insurance agency in the U.S. Founded in 2011 as a national partnership of leading independent property and casualty and employee benefits brokerage firms, they are now one of the largest brokers in the nation, with offices in 30 states and two countries.
Negar graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s of Science in accounting. In 2008, she decided to learn more about the insurance side of real estate, where she quickly developed a niche within community associations. She works with more than 250 associations throughout Florida. What does she enjoy most about her job? “I love getting to know the owners living in the communities I insure. I enjoy teaching them about insurance and how the various coverages work. It is the best feeling when a client thanks me for explaining insurance in a way they understand. That’s when I know I have done by job.” One of her most satisfying accomplishments was earning her CIRMS (Community Insurance and Risk Management Specialist) designation, which makes her one of only a handful of agents within the state of Florida with this certification.
Tina Yamada
President and Managing Member
Vista Community Association Management
225 S Westmonte Dr, Ste 3310
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
(407) 682-3443
www.vista-cam.com
Services: Vista Community Association Management is a local firm that specializes in off-site or on-site management, accounting, and administrative support for community associations.
From a young age Tina’s grandmother always taught her to “make sure you leave the world a better place than when you entered it.” It has always been a goal she has strived to reach. Her fiduciary background coupled with the loving support and endless insightful advice from her wonderful husband/business partner have helped her to accomplish just that. In becoming president of Vista, Tina has been able to spend her days impacting families in the most important place to them—their home. The amazing Vista CAM team allows their company to lend a helping hand to more than 15,000 homeowners.
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