2015 Board of Directors: Vacation Rental Manager

2015 Board of Directors:
Vacation Rental Manager Candidates
There are five open positions for vacation rental manager members to serve on VRMA’s Board of Directors.
Susan Doull (Incumbent) (Recommended by the Leadership Development Committee)
Owner ı Commendable Rentals ı Georgetown, South Carolina
Susan Doull is the owner of Commendable Rentals LLC, a vacation rental management company with more
than 50 vacation rental properties. Based in South Carolina, the company also has representation in Italy and
France, and is actively involved in promoting eco-tourism in Africa. Susan has been a member of VRMA since
2011, and served on VRMA’s European Seminar Planning Committee for two years in addition to serving on the
Board since 2014. Susan served as the president for the Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE) France
and on the boards of directors for the American International Club of Rome, American Women’s Association of
Rome (where she was responsible for sustaining members and raised a record amount of money to donate to
local charities) and the Palmetto Pigeon Plant.
Candidate Statement: “Now in the midst of my one year term on the VRMA board, I am keen to continue the
work that our strong Board team has started this year. I am proud that VRMA promotes our growing Industry, in
a climate of legislation that has often been carelessly conceived, while standing for integrity and professionalism
in the industry. As someone who has lived and worked in many countries and cultures, my personal interest
is to see VRMA continue its International reach to become a truly global institution in a globalized world. I feel
well equipped to help; I spend many months a year in a number of countries in Europe and Africa, for our own
businesses. I have lectured on cross-cultural issues, and speak French and Italian in addition to English. We will
all benefit from a more global perspective and a global organization through sharing experiences, opportunities,
and challenges.”
Ben Edwards (Incumbent) (Recommended by the Leadership Development Committee)
Manager ı Newman-Dailey Resort Properties ı Miramar Beach, Florida
Since joining VRMA in 2000, Ben Edwards has been involved in numerous industry initiatives. Ben served
on the VRMA Board of Directors from 2005-2011, including serving as treasurer from 2009-2011. Ben was
re-elected in 2013 and has served as president for the past two years. Ben is currently a member of VRMA’s
Finance Committee and has previously served on the HomeAway Advisory Board Committee, the Board of the
Florida Vacation Rental Managers Association and as an advisory board member for Vacation Rental Expo, the
industry’s first consumer-based tradeshow.
Candidate Statement: ”It has been an honor to serve as VRMA President over the past two years. I am running
for another term to expand on the following accomplishments achieved by the Board during my first term.
Those accomplishments include: membership growth, financial management and the change in direction of the
Association. Since coming into office, we’ve seen membership reach an all-time high. Financially, net assets
have increased more than 400% and we’ve met our financial reserve commitments to ensure the Association
can weather the most difficult storms. Lastly, changing the direction of the Association to one of education and
advocacy is evidence of a more membership driven culture and has been a major accomplishment that I have
been most proud of during my service to the Association. It is simply my hope to continue this momentum,
ensuring that the VRMA remains the leader of the professionally managed vacation rental industry.”
Michael Harrington (Incumbent) (Recommended by the Leadership Development Committee)
President ı Topsail Realty Vacations LLC ı Topsail Beach, North Carolina
Mike Harrington is the President of Topsail Realty Vacations in Topsail Beach, North Carolina. A VRMA member
since 2006, Mike has served on VRMA’s Conference Planning Committee since 2011, served as Vice President
in 2013-2014, as Co-Treasurer from 2014-2015 and also served on the Certificated Vacation Rental Manager
Committee. Mike is currently President for the North Carolina Vacation Rental Managers Association and
previously served on the Board of Directors for the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS.
Candidate Statement: “Having served the past two years on the VRMA Board of Directors, I’ve seen a wonderful
evolution and adaptation of the Association to where the Industry and overall vacation rental landscape is
heading. While I believe all projects, past and present, that the Board pursues are worthwhile endeavors, it
is encouraging to see that we have been able to pivot and adapt to the changing landscape and re-focus on
more core fundamentals of what we believe our Association was founded on. Topics like education, advocacy,
and networking are the three most requested and discussed at any meeting or event among fellow managers
and supplier members. I want to see VRMA continue to maximize these efforts within our resource limits, and
become THE Voice of the vacation rental industry.”
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Candidate Information continued on Page 2
2015 Board of Directors:
Vacation Rental Manager Candidates
(Continued)
Scott Leggat (Recommended by the Leadership Development Committee)
Vice President, Vacation Rentals ı Seaside Vacations ı Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
Scott Leggat has been an influential and innovative player in the development of pricing initiatives within the
industry. He is a past chairman of the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, where he helped to establish
Children and Youth Partnership and the Outer Banks Community Development Foundation. Scott is also a past
president of NCVRMA, and past chairman of the Outer Banks Visitors’ Bureau. He was most recently hired
to integrate the operations and cultures of two merged rental management companies and to revise revenue
strategies. He previously served as vice president of a nationally recognized property management company.
Scott currently chairs VRMA’s Ethics Task Force.
Candidate Statement: “I have had the pleasure of working in the vacation rental industry for over 20 years.
During that time I have been an active member of VRMA and NCVRMA. As a former president of NCVRMA I led
several successful legislative initiatives and advocated for our industry before the NC Real Estate Commission
and the NC Insurance Commission as well as the state legislature. I have also had the privilege of speaking on
a variety of topics at national and regional VRMA conferences including teaching the VRMA Certification Course
on Marketing. I am currently a member of the Ethics Committee Task Force. I have a passion for this industry
and a reputation for bringing innovative ideas that improve profitability while instilling a customer service culture
within the organizations I have been associated with. I would love to continue contributing to our industry by
serving on the VRMA Board of Directors.”
Jeffrey Paglialonga
Owner ı TeemingVR ı Winter Park, Florida
Jeffrey Paglialonga has been a member of VRMA since 2008. Jeffrey has previously served on the Florida
Vacation Rental Managers Association board from 2011-2015, serving as treasurer and working on legislative
issues. From 2003-2007, he was a founding member of the National Advisory Board of Allstate Insurance
Company, and since 2014 has been a HomeAway Property Manager AllStar.
Candidate Statement: “Raised in central Florida with my father working at the Kennedy Space Center, I have
a lifetime of fond memories of beach days and fun-filled family beach vacations. As a native Floridian, vacation
rentals owner, and extensive traveler I realize the importance vacation rentals play in our future as a nation and
state in further advancing our worldwide tourism reach. In both large and smaller markets we need to protect
the property rights of our business and owners, defending the right to rent. We also need to raise the bar for our
industry and become a leader, with a convincing voice to our state and local authorities who often overlook the
considerable contribution of our industry. I want to serve to make an impact for our industry in legislative affairs,
professionalism and technology. I believe my varied business background assists me in those goals.”
Carole Sharoff (Incumbent) (Recommended by the Leadership Development Committee)
President ı Atlantic Vacation Homes/AVH Realty, Inc. ı Gloucester, Massachusetts
Carole Sharoff has been in the vacation rental industry for 30 years, a VRMA member since 1994 and on the
VRMA Board of Directors since 2014. She is a founding member of the New England VRMA and now serves
as Chair. Carole is heavily involved in her local community, currently serving on the Professional Standards
Committee for the North Shore Association of Realtors and on the Boards of Directors for the Gloucester Rotary
Club and Discover Gloucester. In addition to numerous other community leadership roles, Carole has served
as chair of the Cape Ann Business Referral Group and as chair of the Tourist Committee for the Cape Ann
Chamber of Commerce. Carole also currently serves as President of the Gloucester Rotary Club.
Candidate Statement: “For two years, I have worked diligently as a member of the VRMA Board contributing a
New England and woman owned business perspective and encouraging diversity at every opportunity. I serve
on the Honors and Management Review Committees and as chair of the Membership Committee. I chair the
New England VRMA -sharing the value of the VRMA and conversely representing the needs and interests
of this largely ignored region to the attention of our leadership. Being a member of the Board has been an
exciting growth opportunity for me providing a stronger understanding of the complex issues facing our industry,
especially that of government regulation. I want to be re-elected because I am now poised to make a significant
contribution. My goals are: to grow membership; to increase diversity; and to make the VRMA organization itself
more efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of its membership.”
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Candidate Information continued on Page 3
2015 Board of Directors:
Vacation Rental Manager Candidates
(Continued)
Ken Willis
Chief Operating Officer ı DeBordieu Rentals ı Georgetown, South Carolina
Ken Willis has been a member of VRMA since 2007. Ken originally began his vacation rental management
career as a rental manager for a 100 unit oceanfront gated community. He then worked for HomeAway for
several years before returning to his original organization and focusing on expanding the business to multiple
locations. Ken has served on VRMA’s government relations committee and membership committee and has
completed the certificated vacation rental manager program.
Candidate Statement: “Nine years ago, I became a rental manager for a 100 unit oceanfront gated community.
I also spent 2 ½ years with the HomeAway organization expanding my industry knowledge and how third
parties affect rental companies. Currently, I am the COO with my original organization expanding our business
to multiple locations. Every guest satisfying, profit generating idea that I have implemented originated in some
way from VRMA. I have gotten so much as a member of VRMA. I am currently on the Government Affairs
Committee. I also serve on the Membership Committee. Yet, I think there is more that I can do. Education wise,
I have degrees in business management and accounting. I have an MBA. Plus, I am one of three individuals to
complete the certificated vacation rental manager program. Please allow me to give back to an organization
that has given so much to me.”
Jeff Zallaps
Chief Executive Officer ı Summit Vacations ı Castle Pines, Colorado
Jeff Zallaps joined VRMA in 2015 after acquiring Summit Vacations just over two years ago. Jeff is a lawyer and
served as the leader of a global real estate division for a Fortune 500 company, where he participated in over
$15 billion in merger and acquisition activity. Jeff has also served as president of the Saddlewood Homeowner’s
Association, where he completed a reserve study and restructured the HOA financials and obtained owner
approval for a significant dues increase to address infrastructure, landscape and other issues affecting the value
of properties.
Candidate Statement: “Given the amount of capital flowing into the vacation rental marketplace, I believe
vacation rental managers will need to be prepared for significant changes to their local markets in the next 3-5
years. As a lawyer and the leader of a global real estate division for a Fortune 500 company, I have participated
in over $15B in merger and acquisition activity. I acquired Summit Vacations 2.5 years ago and have made
numerous innovative changes to the business that has begun to disrupt our local marketplace. I believe all
vacation rental managers need to prepare for significant innovation in the market and I would like to help
vacation rental managers proactively manage the changes likely to impact all of us. I believe my legal, executive
and entrepreneurial experience would provide a unique perspective to the Board and the membership base.
Thank you for your consideration.”
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Candidate Information continued on Page 4
2015 Board of Directors:
Supplier Candidates
There is one open position for a supplier member to serve on VRMA’s Board of Directors.
Matt Curtis (Incumbent) (Recommended by the Leadership Development Committee)
Director, Government Relations ı HomeAway ı Austin, Texas
Matt Curtis is Director of Government Relations at HomeAway, working on best practices for the vacation rental
industry, including government relations. In addition to serving on the VRMA Board of Directors since 2014,
Matt’s past roles include serving on a number of political campaigns, holding high-level positions for various
local and state public figures and working as a publicist for 20th Century-Fox and a variety of independent film
projects. Matt serves on the U.S. Conference of Mayors Business Council, where he developed a policy on
vacation rentals that was adopted in June 2012. He has previously served on the Urban Policy Advisory Board
at Harvard’s Kennedy School, as well as on the Boards of Meals on Wheels, Austin Pets Alive, Students of the
World, Heritage Society of Austin and EPIC-Hill Country Conservancy.
Candidate Statement: “I would like to continue to serve on the VRMA Board of Directors because I believe
the organization offers incredible opportunities to members while growing the industry. The VRMA has done
a remarkable job building a positive atmosphere and should continue to expand our government relations
initiatives, a targeted education and outreach campaign, and public relations and promotions efforts. Serving
on the Board, I’ve found a natural platform working on government relations initiatives; however my strong
background in public relations and outreach also gives me the unique skills to lead on education campaigns,
as well as public relations and promotions efforts. Furthermore, I bring experience working on budget planning,
fiscal analysis, employee and member relations, as well as long-term strategy. I fully enjoy the VRMA. It is a
strong, dynamic and fun group with growth potential, and I look forward to being part of the Association in the
future.”
Tony Maganzini
President ı Floor Plan Marketing ı Miramar Beach, Florida
Tony Maganzini serves as President of Floor Plan Marketing, an architectural visualization firm that specializes
in creating beautiful and effective marketing images for vacation rental companies, realtors and residential and
commercial developers. Tony has been a member of VRMA since 2013.
Candidate Statement: “People who know me best say that I am driven. I like to tell them, ‘It’s easy when you’re
passionate about the work you do.’ Serving others has always been a real passion of mine. I enjoy meeting
new people and learning how I can better assist them in their journey. It could be improving a resort/ community
map. Or a high-end realistic architectural rendering that would allow new or pre-construction properties a way
to market their properties before they are built. I’m eager to find a solution and serve any need that’s brought
before me.”
James Mays
Chief Executive Officer ı RealVoice ı Memphis, Tennessee
James Mays is the Chief Executive Officer of RealVoice and joined VRMA in 2013. James previously served
as a Director for Infor Software, where he conducted user conferences and training sessions for educational
purposes for the end user. James is active in his community, and has volunteered for the Mid South Food Bank,
the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Alabama Kidney Foundation and other organizations. James has also
received the Department of Defense Recognition Award multiple years from multiple branches and admirals for
his work on web based enterprise suites of services (hospitality).
Candidate Statement: “Over the last three years I have immersed myself in the VR industry. My background
has been traditionally in the hotel/hospitality industry for 20 years. I have moved my experience in hospitality
technology management/product development into the leisure space after serving as Chief Operating Officer
and Engagement Manager at Immersion Technology and Infor Software Solutions. I have seen great proven
potential in the VR space and huge growth and hope to help the industry move to the forefront of the new ‘share’
friendly environment this new market holds. We only continue to grow if we start becoming more PROACTIVE
and less REACTIVE with our businesses. We need to place emphasis on creating new practices/ideas into our
field to revolutionize the industry as a whole. Thinking out of the box is one of my greatest strengths and I would
love to share that with my participation on the VRMA board.”
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Candidate Information continued on Page 5
2015 Board of Directors:
Supplier Candidates
Andrew McConnell
Chief Executive Officer ı VacationFutures ı Atlanta, Georgia
Since joining VRMA in 2013, Andrew McConnell has worked to serve the association through his passion for the
industry and desire to promote professionally managed vacation rentals. Andrew currently serves on VRMA’s
communications committee and conference planning committee. Andrew holds degrees from Harvard College
and Harvard Law, and also holds a Masters in Law from Cambridge University. Before founding VacationFutures,
he worked as a Management Consultant for McKinsey & Company. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of
SafelyStay, a company that offers security and trust solutions for the vacation rental industry.
Candidate Statement: “I am a big believer in the vacation rental industry, its future, and the force for good that
the VRMA can and should play in that. I also sincerely believe that I can be a strong asset to the organization,
and to the Board if elected. My core competency is that of a problem solver. I take a rigorous, analytical approach
to breaking down problems, and systematically solving them. This skill has been sharpened by my legal training,
and honed during my years as a management consultant. In addition, my cross-industry knowledge will be
useful to the VRMA in developing business best practices, knowledge sharing, and increasing our educational
offerings to our members. I am a team player, and I would like to put all of my skills, and myself, at the disposal
of VRMA and its Board.”
Peter Scott
President ı Bluetent ı Carbondale, Colorado
Peter Scott is a founder of and partner in Bluetent. After starting his Internet career in the roaring late 90’s with
a startup, he moved to create Bluetent in 2002. Peter has served on the Board of Directors for the Red Table
Acres HOA, Orchard Plaza HOA, Aspen Junior Hockey and Aspen Junior Golf. Additionally, Peter has instituted
and supported many community service initiatives at Bluetent including programs for LiftUp, Colorado Animal
Rescue, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, and YouthEntity.
Candidate Statement: “Since Bluetent’s inception in 2002, VRMA has been instrumental in helping our
organization grow from a startup to an established digital agency partnering with many members of the
association including both vacation rental managers as well as suppliers. Throughout my tenure, I have
witnessed the landscape for vacation rental properties evolve and change. This firsthand experience has
enhanced my understanding of professionally managed vacation rentals, enabling me to work with managers to
successfully and sustainably grow their businesses. For this, I trust my experience will be valuable on the Board
of Directors for VRMA in creating strategic goals and future growth for the professionally managed vacation
rental industry. I truly support the mission of VRMA and am honored to be considered for appointment.”
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