Our Team
Max Elias – Founder (1940 – 2019)
Our company’s founder, and my father, dedicated his life to building a business grounded in integrity, professionalism, and care for the communities we serve. His vision and leadership laid the foundation for everything we do today. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy continues to inspire us every day as we carry forward the values he instilled.
Howard Elias – President/CEO – Licensed Community Association Manager
helias@mahoganyservices.com
I am proud to serve as the President and CEO of Mahogany Services, Inc. As a graduate of the University of Miami and a lifelong supporter and current Golden Canes club member, the passion, integrity, and sound business practices I gained at the University of Miami continue to guide me in both my life and in leading our company.
After graduation and joining my father, my goal was simple: to run a property management company built on integrity, professionalism, and genuine care for the communities we serve. I believe trust, transparency, and accountability are the cornerstones of good management, and those values continue to guide me — and our entire team — every day. They are the foundation behind the success and reputation we have proudly built over the past 42 years.
Howard Elias – President/CEO – Licensed Community Association Manager
I am proud to serve as the President and CEO of Mahogany Services, Inc. As a graduate of the University of Miami and a lifelong supporter and current Golden Canes club member, the passion, integrity, and sound business practices I gained at the University of Miami continue to guide me in both my life and in leading our company.
After graduation and joining my father, my goal was simple: to run a property management company built on integrity, professionalism, and genuine care for the communities we serve. I believe trust, transparency, and accountability are the cornerstones of good management, and those values continue to guide me — and our entire team — every day. They are the foundation behind the success and reputation we have proudly built over the past 42 years.
Susan Ballard – CONTROLLER
susan@mahoganyservices.com
Susan is responsible for overseeing all accounting and financial operations within our office. She ensures compliance with accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies. Some of her core responsibilities include:
- Managing the preparation of monthly financial statements.
- Overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations and general ledger activities.
- Coordinating annual budgets, forecasts, and capital reserve planning in collaboration with property managers and Board members.
- Monitoring financial performance and preparing reports for Board review.
- Maintaining strong internal controls and coordinating external audits or reviews.
- Supervising accounting staff and supporting the executive team with financial strategy and planning.
- Providing HOA/Condo Insurance schedules and overseeing premium payments.
Michaela Klein – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SPECIALIST
michaela@mahoganyservices.com
Michaela is responsible for the collection processes related to homeowner assessments, and other fees with the office. Her key role is maintaining the financial stability of the properties managed by ensuring consistent cash flow and accurate records keeping. In addition, her responsibilities include:
- Recording and applying payments accurately to resident accounts.
- Monitoring accounts for delinquencies, following up on late or missed payments, providing past due notices to homeowners.
- Communicating with homeowners, and Board members regarding account balances and accounts receivable reports.
- Working closely with property managers and the Controller to resolve discrepancies, maintain accurate records, and provide aging reports.
- Assisting with collection actions, such as demand letters, coordination with attorneys, when necessary.
Michaela Klein – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SPECIALIST
michaela@mahoganyservices.com
Michaela is responsible for the collection processes related to homeowner assessments, and other fees with the office. Her key role is maintaining the financial stability of the properties managed by ensuring consistent cash flow and accurate records keeping. In addition, her responsibilities include:
- Recording and applying payments accurately to resident accounts.
- Monitoring accounts for delinquencies, following up on late or missed payments, providing past due notices to homeowners.
- Communicating with homeowners, and Board members regarding account balances and accounts receivable reports.
- Working closely with property managers and the Controller to resolve discrepancies, maintain accurate records, and provide aging reports.
- Assisting with collection actions, such as demand letters, coordination with attorneys, when necessary.
Lenny Marine – ACCOUNTS PAYABLE SPECIALIST
accounting@mahoganyservices.
Lenny is responsible for managing the full-cycle accounts payable process to ensure timely and accurate payment of vendor invoices and expenses related to property operations. Key responsibilities include:
- Receiving, reviewing, and coding invoices for accuracy and proper authorization.
- Entering invoices into the accounting system and ensuring payments are made in accordance with contract terms and company policies.
- Reconciling vendor statements and resolving discrepancies or billing issues.
- Preparing the check runs, electronic payments, and expense reimbursements.
- Maintaining accurate AP records and supporting documents for audits and compliance.
- Communicating with vendors, property managers, and the Controller regarding payment status.
- Maintains strong vendor relationships and ensures the financial operations of the properties managed by Mahogany are handled efficiently and accurately.
Lauren Heller – SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER / LICENSED COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MANAGER
lheller@mahoganyservices.com
Lauren is responsible for the overall management, operations, and administration of our HOA and CONDO Associations in compliance with state licensing laws, governing documents, and company policies. Lauren also oversees all other property managers and assistant property managers for compliance and efficiency as well as works closely with senior management within Mahogany Services. Core responsibilities include:
- Acting as the primary liaison between property owners, boards of directors, and vendors.
- Overseeing day-to-day property operations, including maintenance, repairs, and contracted services.
- Ensuring compliance with state regulations, association governing documents, and contractual agreements.
- Reviewing vendor contracts and proposals.
- Addressing resident concerns, enforcing rules and regulations, and ensuring a high level of customer service.
- Coordinating and attending board meetings, preparing board packages and management reports, and providing guidance on property-related issues.
- Supervising onsite staff, vendors, and contractors as required.
- Supporting the Controller and accounting staff by providing operational input for budgets, financial reports, and collections.
- Ensuring that properties are operated efficiently, legally, and in a way that protects and enhances the value of each community.
Lauren Heller – SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER / LICENSED COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MANAGER
lheller@mahoganyservices.com
Lauren is responsible for the overall management, operations, and administration of our HOA and CONDO Associations in compliance with state licensing laws, governing documents, and company policies. Lauren also oversees all other property managers and assistant property managers for compliance and efficiency as well as works closely with senior management within Mahogany Services. Core responsibilities include:
- Acting as the primary liaison between property owners, boards of directors, and vendors.
- Overseeing day-to-day property operations, including maintenance, repairs, and contracted services.
- Ensuring compliance with state regulations, association governing documents, and contractual agreements.
- Reviewing vendor contracts and proposals.
- Addressing resident concerns, enforcing rules and regulations, and ensuring a high level of customer service.
- Coordinating and attending board meetings, preparing board packages and management reports, and providing guidance on property-related issues.
- Supervising onsite staff, vendors, and contractors as required.
- Supporting the Controller and accounting staff by providing operational input for budgets, financial reports, and collections.
- Ensuring that properties are operated efficiently, legally, and in a way that protects and enhances the value of each community.
Charis Smith – ASSISTANT PROPERTY MANAGER / CURRENTLY OBTAINING HER LCAM LICENSE
charis@mahoganyservices.com
Charis is responsible for supporting the property managers in the day-to-day operations of the communities. In addition her job detail includes:
- Assist the property managers with daily operations of assigned communities, including administrative tasks.
- Serve as a point of contact for homeowners, residents, vendors and contractors, addressing inquiries and concerns promptly and professionally.
- Support the preparation and distribution of community communications, notices, and newsletters.
- Process work orders.
- Maintain accurate community records, files, and databases.
- Assist homeowners with our new Enumerate Engage community portals.
Donna Lehtinen – SALES & RENTAL APPLICATIONS COORDINATOR / ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COORDINATOR
donna@mahoganyservices.com
Donna is responsible for managing the intake, processing, and review of all rental and sales application for our community associations. This role ensures that applications are completed accurately, meet association requirements, and are processed in a timely, professional manner. Her core responsibilities with regard to sales and rental applications include:
- Receive and review all sales and rental applications.
- Verify applicant information including background checks, credit reports, and references as required.
- Prepare the application packages for Board of Directors’ approval, including organizing all necessary supporting documentation.
- Communicate with applicants, owner, and realtors regarding status of applications, missing documents, fees, or approval timelines.
- Issue approval, denial letters in accordance with Board decisions or management guidelines.
- Maintain electronic files for all applications in compliance with company and association record keeping standards.
Donna is also responsible for managing the submission, processing, and communication of architectural modification requests from homeowners in accordance with the community’s governing documents and architectural review guidelines. Her role ensures that all applications are completed accurately and presented to the Associations Architectural Review Committee (ARC) or Board of Directors for consideration, while maintaining accurate records and providing clear communication to homeowners and vendors. In addition her responsibilities include:
- Ensure that required documents (e.g., drawings, site plans, contractor details, color samples, permits, fees) are included before forwarding to the ARC/Board.
- Coordinate and distribute application packets to ARC members or the Board in advance of review deadlines/meetings.
- Track the review process and follow up on pending applications to ensure timely decision-making.
- Communicate decisions (approval, denial, or request for additional information) to homeowners in writing and maintain organized electronic records of all applications and decisions for compliance and future reference.
Donna Lehtinen – SALES & RENTAL APPLICATIONS COORDINATOR / ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COORDINATOR
donna@mahoganyservices.com
Donna is responsible for managing the intake, processing, and review of all rental and sales application for our community associations. This role ensures that applications are completed accurately, meet association requirements, and are processed in a timely, professional manner. Her core responsibilities with regard to sales and rental applications include:
- Receive and review all sales and rental applications.
- Verify applicant information including background checks, credit reports, and references as required.
- Prepare the application packages for Board of Directors’ approval, including organizing all necessary supporting documentation.
- Communicate with applicants, owner, and realtors regarding status of applications, missing documents, fees, or approval timelines.
- Issue approval, denial letters in accordance with Board decisions or management guidelines.
- Maintain electronic files for all applications in compliance with company and association record keeping standards.
Donna is also responsible for managing the submission, processing, and communication of architectural modification requests from homeowners in accordance with the community’s governing documents and architectural review guidelines. Her role ensures that all applications are completed accurately and presented to the Associations Architectural Review Committee (ARC) or Board of Directors for consideration, while maintaining accurate records and providing clear communication to homeowners and vendors. In addition her responsibilities include:
- Ensure that required documents (e.g., drawings, site plans, contractor details, color samples, permits, fees) are included before forwarding to the ARC/Board.
- Coordinate and distribute application packets to ARC members or the Board in advance of review deadlines/meetings.
- Track the review process and follow up on pending applications to ensure timely decision-making.
- Communicate decisions (approval, denial, or request for additional information) to homeowners in writing and maintain organized electronic records of all applications and decisions for compliance and future reference.
Tish Nelson – LICENSED COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MANAGER
tish@mahoganyservices.com
We are pleased to introduce Tish as the newest member of the Mahogany team. With extensive experience in community property management, she brings a wealth of knowledge that will strengthen our team and benefit the communities we serve.
Gene Pysher – FIELD SUPERVISOR
Gene is responsible for overseeing the on-site condition, maintenance and compliance of multiple properties within our management portfolio. His core responsibilities include:
- Conducting routine property inspections to ensure facilities, landscaping, amenities and common areas are property maintained and meet company and safety standards.
- Identifying maintenance needs, safety hazards, code violations, and reporting or coordinating corrective actions.
- Overseeing vendor performance for services such as landscaping, janitorial, pool service and general repairs.
- Assisting property managers with enforcement of rules, regulations, and architectural guidelines.
- Responding to urgent maintenance issues, storm damage, or emergency situations to coordinate timely resolution.
- Preparing detailed inspection reports, photos, and recommendations for property managers.
- Serving as a liaison between on-site vendors, contractors, residents, and the management office.
- Monitoring improvement projects or larger repair jobs to ensure quality and compliance with specifications.
- Supporting property managers by providing field-level observations that assist with planning and board reporting.
- Essential role in maintaining the physical integrity of our properties, ensuring they remain safe, attractive, and in line with community standards.
Gene Pysher – FIELD SUPERVISOR
Gene is responsible for overseeing the on-site condition, maintenance and compliance of multiple properties within our management portfolio. His core responsibilities include:
- Conducting routine property inspections to ensure facilities, landscaping, amenities and common areas are property maintained and meet company and safety standards.
- Identifying maintenance needs, safety hazards, code violations, and reporting or coordinating corrective actions.
- Overseeing vendor performance for services such as landscaping, janitorial, pool service and general repairs.
- Assisting property managers with enforcement of rules, regulations, and architectural guidelines.
- Responding to urgent maintenance issues, storm damage, or emergency situations to coordinate timely resolution.
- Preparing detailed inspection reports, photos, and recommendations for property managers.
- Serving as a liaison between on-site vendors, contractors, residents, and the management office.
- Monitoring improvement projects or larger repair jobs to ensure quality and compliance with specifications.
- Supporting property managers by providing field-level observations that assist with planning and board reporting.
- Essential role in maintaining the physical integrity of our properties, ensuring they remain safe, attractive, and in line with community standards.
Teresa Bishop – Property Manager Emeritus (Retired)
We are proud to honor Teresa Bishop as our Property Manager Emeritus in recognition of many years of dedicated service to our company and the communities we serve.
For over (40) years Teresa was a trusted leader, guiding countless homeowners, board members, and staff with professionalism, care, and commitment. While Teresa has retired from day-to-day management, her legacy of excellence, integrity, and community stewardship continues to inspire our team and the clients who had the privilege of working with her.
We remain deeply grateful for Teresa’s contributions and lasting impact on our organization.
Elite Services, Inc. – LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE & INSTALLATION
Bolo Jean Mesquerre – FOREMAN / LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DETAIL CREWS
Bolo has been with our company for over (10) years now and his responsibilities are working with and overseeing our landscape maintenance detail crews. Always willing to assist homeowners with a smile!
Elite Services, Inc. – LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE & INSTALLATION
Bolo Jean Mesquerre – FOREMAN / LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DETAIL CREWS
Bolo has been with our company for over (10) years now and his responsibilities are working with and overseeing our landscape maintenance detail crews. Always willing to assist homeowners with a smile!
K-9 STAFF
Our K-9 Staff: Bronx & Cooper
No property management company is complete without a loyal (and furry) support team. Bronx and Cooper proudly serve as our four-legged “staff,” keeping spirits high and making sure the office runs smoothly — at least when they’re not napping.
Bronx – Director of Security & Treat Enforcement
bronx@woofwoof.com
Bronx takes his security duties to heart, whether he’s patrolling the office or keeping a watchful eye on the property grounds. Every delivery truck, visitor, and suspicious squirrel gets his full attention. With his sharp ears, commanding bark, and unrelenting focus on treat-related contraband, Bronx ensures that nothing (and no one) enters the office without proper inspection.
Cooper – Chief Happiness & Resident Relations Officer (CHO)
cooper@woofwoof.com
Cooper’s specialty is keeping morale high and relationships strong. Whether he’s greeting team members at the door, offering tail wags during long meetings, or providing emotional support on tough days, Cooper makes sure everyone feels welcome. Out on property, he takes pride in being the unofficial ambassador — always ready to charm residents, win over vendors, and remind the team when it’s time for a walk (or a snack). His paw-sitive energy keeps the office and community running smoothly.
Cooper – Chief Happiness & Resident Relations Officer (CHO)
cooper@woofwoof.com
Cooper’s specialty is keeping morale high and relationships strong. Whether he’s greeting team members at the door, offering tail wags during long meetings, or providing emotional support on tough days, Cooper makes sure everyone feels welcome. Out on property, he takes pride in being the unofficial ambassador — always ready to charm residents, win over vendors, and remind the team when it’s time for a walk (or a snack). His paw-sitive energy keeps the office and community running smoothly.
Together, Bronx and Cooper prove that success isn’t just about good management — it’s also about wagging tails, muddy paw prints, and unconditional loyalty.