Lee Ellis
Riverhead
Summary
Estate management professional overseeing large private grounds, residential buildings, and specialized amenities in demanding live-in environments. Utilizes a team building approach to staff supervision, grounds care, and capital improvement projects while maintaining the day-to-day readiness of homes, guest spaces, and outdoor assets. Brings hands-on coordination to complex estates with waterfront, equestrian, and event-use features.
Overview
3
3
Certifications
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
On-Site Property Manager - Executive Leadership Aide
SUNY Research Foundation - Stony Brook
Stony Brook, NY
04.2020 - 05.2026
- Managed Sunwood Estate, the University President's residence, overseeing household routines, staff and facility needs.
- Led three renovations of the home and grounds across 8 waterfront acres in six years, coordinating scope, timing, and vendors.
- Managed renovation work totaling $2.25M+ while keeping residential operations aligned with executive household needs.
- Organized on-site events with vendors and staff, coordinating logistics, setup, and day-of execution.
- Oversaw household staff and vendors, balancing service standards, scheduling, and issue resolution across the property.
- Served as property manager for five additional historic estate residences, supporting maintenance and executive transition needs.
- Transitioned an acquired off-campus office building to the Stony Brook operations model and supported campus sites, including the Administration Building and Flax Pond Marine Lab.
Private Home Renovation - Live On Project Manager
Old Saybrook, CT
Old Saybrook, CT
10.2019 - 03.2020
- Directed and performed renovation tasks while coordinating schedules, trades, and on-site priorities for a historic estate project.
- Oversaw estate operations across living spaces, grounds, and support areas to maintain a secure, polished, sale-ready property.
- Coordinated maintenance work across building systems, repairs, and preventative upkeep to keep the property functioning smoothly.
- Tracked project budgets, contractor invoices, and expense details to support accurate financial reporting during the renovation.
Property Manager - Live On Site
Lippe Family
Setauket, NY
02.2016 - 09.2019
- Oversaw 25-acre estate operations and vendor coordination while managing a staff of 3 across daily property needs.
- Managed 12,000 SF main house, 3 guest homes, and a NYC apartment maintenance across the residential portfolio.
- Converted indoor riding ring into a 10,000 SF multi-sport complex with modular turf and hardwood flooring options.
- Maintained the outdoor clay tennis court and coordinated upkeep for basketball, soccer, and baseball batting cage areas.
- Directed equestrian facility operations across stables, barns, corrals, and pastures, covering repair and maintenance needs.
- Led landscape renovation work in excess of $1M that added orchards, sports fields, privacy greens, and mature driveway cherries.
- Prepared bay-front shoreline, dock, watercraft, and helipad conditions for aircraft arrivals and departures.
House Manager
Lichtenstein Family- Monsey, NY
Monsey, NY
01.2013 - 02.2016
- Insured the integrity of a 9 acre compound with two family homes and three guest cottages.
- Managed a staff of 9 plus all vendors to keep household operations running smoothly.
- Sustained daily operations for a multi-generational kosher household with consistent attention to service standards.
- Planned and executed on-site events while coordinating timing, readiness, and guest support.
- Directed upkeep of park-like grounds, including koi ponds and ornamental gardens.
- Conducted weekly visits to support maintenance and condition checks for the large NYC apartment.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Hotel Restaurant Management
Pennsylvania State University
State College, PA5 1991
Skills
- Property management
- Facilities management
- Estate operations
- Project coordination
- Maintenance coordination
- Vendor management
- Renovation project management
- Smart Home / Tech
- Staff supervision - Team Building
- Vendor Management
- Budget management
- Event coordination
- Grounds maintenance
- Residential operations
- Building Systems Operations
- Facility inspections
- Maintenance SOP's
- Contact Compliance
- Building systems maintenance
- HVAC coordination
- Space planning
- Emergency preparedness planning
- Operations budgeting
- Project Budgeting
- Financial Reporting
Certification
NYS Certified: Emergency Medical Technician
Timeline
On-Site Property Manager - Executive Leadership Aide
SUNY Research Foundation - Stony Brook
04.2020 - 05.2026
Private Home Renovation - Live On Project Manager
Old Saybrook, CT
10.2019 - 03.2020
Property Manager - Live On Site
Lippe Family
02.2016 - 09.2019
House Manager
Lichtenstein Family- Monsey, NY
01.2013 - 02.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Hotel Restaurant Management
Pennsylvania State University