Keena Laster
Middletown,DE
Summary
Seasoned Manager bringing proven skills in negotiating, preparing and finalizing Contract agreements. Meticulous, well-organized and decisive field professional skilled at cultivating and deepening productive relationships with owners, companies and agency representatives. Ready to bring knowledge and abilities to challenging role with potential for long-term career advancement and success. Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Portfolio Community Manager
Premier Community Association Management
03.2022 - Current
- Develop and implement annual budgets for the Association properties, ensuring financial stability and adherence to budgetary constraints.
- Manage onsite staff, contractors as required
- Collaboration with board members to establish and enforce community rules and regulations, and interpretation of governing documents.
- Oversee vendor contracts, negotiations and re-negotiations of services through Request for Proposals (RFP). Target savings of 5-10% annual on new contracts.
- Conduct inspections of common areas and facilities monthly to ensure cleanliness, safety compliance, and proper functioning
- Organize monthly regular meetings with homeowners', and boards for updates on projects, address concerns, and gather feedback from residents. Provide monthly training as needed on community reports.
- Provide effective communication strategies such as newsletters or online platforms to keep residents informed about upcoming events or important announcements.
- Ensure compliance with local laws/regulations with Delaware Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (DECIOA), Stay up to date on changes in legislation affecting residential communities.
- Address and quickly resolved residential complaints with speedy and knowledgeable support.
Business Manager (Consultant)
Team DM Fitness
01.2012 - 12.2024
- Negotiated and finalized contracts with contractors and vendors for payments.
- Conducted market research and community analysis for business plans and funding.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and contractors decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Trained contractors on "safety", "expectations as a new business owner" and "how to develop basic agreements".
- Processed vital documentation, completed forms and obtained appropriate insurance verification and authorization for services.
Community Manager
HDC MidAtlantic
03.2021 - 03.2022
- Managed portfolio of residential properties, overseeing leasing and tenant relations.
- Negotiated and executed contracts with vendors and service providers for unit turnovers (within 15-20 days).
- Coordinated and supervised property improvement projects to enhance property value by $100-250K.
- Supervised on-site staff and contractors to ensure property upkeep and safety.
Property Manager
Reliant Realty LLC
08.2020 - 03.2021
- Negotiated and executed lease agreements with tenants, addressing legal and financial considerations.
- Conducted property inspections and resolved maintenance issues in a timely manner.
- Managed a portfolio of residential properties, ensuring accurate application processing, Electronic Income Verifications (EIV), and Occupancy Rates to remain over 96%.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives keeping expenses within budget and streamlined operations to increase profitability by 5-10%.
Portfolio Property Manager
Shinda Management
08.2018 - 08.2020
- Conducted regular property inspections and handled tenant complaints and inquiries.
- Maintained accurate property records and financial documentation.
- Maintained original leases and renewal documents in digital and hardcopy format for property management office.
- Followed up on delinquency rates, keeping them under 10% of occupancy rates, coordinated collection procedures and documented all attempts for legal proceedings.
Program Coordinator
Carter Burden Network
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Negotiated and managed contracts with funder, housing providers and Community Based Organizations (CBO).
- Facilitated programming by coordinating resources and deliverables between Housing Provider, Hospitals & CBOs.
- Developed and recommended policies and procedures for evaluating programs for Funder Evaluations and Deliverables.
- Oversaw staff schedules and assignments to handle programming demands.
- Developed proposals and operational plans for a $1.5M grant, $6K additional for health & wellness coach.
Associate Program Director
Volunteers of America of Greater NY
08.2005 - 12.2012
- Managed health professional team of 25+, and supportive service staff, providing training, performance evaluations, (semi-annual).
- Oversaw the planning, execution, and evaluation of all program activities and events for 1,000+ underserved individuals and families in the social services systems.
- Created $6.5M budget for programs, ensuring efficient allocation of resources while maintaining financial targets.
- Established partnerships with community-based organizations (CBO) to expand program reach and impact.
- Assisted program director in designing, monitoring and revising Housing First Model program for Homeless Shelter System.
- Communicated regularly with stakeholders, updating on progress to build support for program.
Education
Master of Public Administration - Public Administration
Strayer University
Remote01.2015
Bachelor of Arts - DEVIANCE & SOCIAL CONTROL
John Jay College - CUNY
New York, NY06.1998
Skills
- Program development
- Team development
- Contract negotiations
- Operations management
- Budget administration
- Yardi Software/Vantaca Software
- Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Certified
- Tenant and Eviction Laws
- Daily operations oversight
- Income and expense management
- Employee performance management
Personal Information
Willing To Relocate: Anywhere
Timeline
Portfolio Community Manager
Premier Community Association Management
03.2022 - Current
Community Manager
HDC MidAtlantic
03.2021 - 03.2022
Property Manager
Reliant Realty LLC
08.2020 - 03.2021
Portfolio Property Manager
Shinda Management
08.2018 - 08.2020
Program Coordinator
Carter Burden Network
01.2015 - 01.2018
Business Manager (Consultant)
Team DM Fitness
01.2012 - 12.2024
Associate Program Director
Volunteers of America of Greater NY
08.2005 - 12.2012
Master of Public Administration - Public Administration
Strayer University
Bachelor of Arts - DEVIANCE & SOCIAL CONTROL
John Jay College - CUNY
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeContract WorkWork Location
RemoteHybridOn-SiteImportant To Me
Company CultureWork-life balanceFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsHealthcare benefitsPaid time offTeam Building / Company RetreatsPaid sick leave401k matchStock Options / Equity / Profit Sharing4-day work weekSimilar Profiles
Beth Parillon R.T.(R)Beth Parillon R.T.(R)
Assistant Community Manager at Premier Community Association ManagementAssistant Community Manager at Premier Community Association Management
PELUMI SIJUADEPELUMI SIJUADE
Case Manager at Cornerstone Community Association ManagementCase Manager at Cornerstone Community Association Management
Carrie HowlandCarrie Howland
Assistant to the Manager at Polk Community Association ManagementAssistant to the Manager at Polk Community Association Management