Michelle Sorando
Glen Burnie,MD
Summary
Operations and people leader with 10+ years of experience overseeing complex portfolios, driving financial performance, and leading high-performing teams. Proven success in process improvement, compliance execution, budget management, and stakeholder communication. Known for turning underperforming operations into stable, profitable environments through data-driven decision-making and strategic leadership.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Community Manager
Bell Partners Inc.
10.2024 - Current
- Supported planning and execution of multi-million-dollar capital projects including a standalone fitness and a comprehensive clubhouse redevelopment.
- Increased average occupancy from 89% to 94.5%, achieving long-term stabilization of the community.
- Supported successful transition to rent control compliance through policy implementation and ongoing operational oversight.
- Managed implementation of a rent compliance and banked rent program to maximize revenue potential while adhering to rent control regulations.
- Mentored and developed a 12 member team.
- Executed high-attendance events including grand opening events (100+ residents), increasing resident engagement and community visibility.
- Completed monthly variance reports to assess budget performance.
- Negotiated favorable contract terms with vendors, resulting in reduced operating expenses without compromising on service quality.
- Led delinquency mitigation and collections processes to protect cash flow, achieving a 28% decrease in delinquency, improving cash flow by $35k.
- Enhanced pricing accuracy by expanding the LRO competitive set and implementing appropriate weighting to support more precise, data-driven pricing strategies.
- Managed high-volume invoice processing and expense coding.
Community Manager
Avanath
08.2023 - 10.2024
- Created and supervised detailed community budgets.
- Increased NOI from -15.4% to 13.9% within 6 months by implementing strategic financial management, reducing expenses, and optimizing operational processes.
- Achieved a 93% retention rate through effective community building efforts.
- Processed renewals and recertification with precision to maintain full compliance with LIHTC regulations.
Community Manager
Maryland Management Company
02.2015 - 08.2023
- Demonstrated continuous professional growth, advancing from Leasing Consultant to overseeing the company’s largest property, a community of 630 units.
- Achieved commendation for outstanding contributions to community engagement and growth through Rising Star distinction within three years of tenure.
- Regularly sustained high occupancy rates between 93% and 100%.
- Increased resident event participation by 500% through engaging programming.
- Successfully reduced turnover rate by 35%, improving property stability and resident retention.
- Hired and developed staff. Monitored and supported team members, resulting in the promotion of four employees to managerial roles.
Real Estate Agent
Century 21 New Millennium
10.2013 - 10.2014
Education
Carroll Community College
Westminster, MDSouth Carroll High School
Sykesville, MDSkills
- Operations & Team Leadership
- Financial Planning & Budget Management
- Compliance & Risk Management
- Process Improvement
- Vendor & Contract Management
- Stakeholder Communication
- Court representation and legal coordination as an authorized business agent
Core Competencies
Financial & Operational Skills
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- NOI Optimization
- Variance Reporting
- Expense Control
- Monthly Close & Reconciliation
- Yardi, RealPage, Entrata, MRI
- Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
- CRM & Reporting Tools
Systems & Tools
Timeline
Senior Community Manager
Bell Partners Inc.
10.2024 - Current
Community Manager
Avanath
08.2023 - 10.2024
Community Manager
Maryland Management Company
02.2015 - 08.2023
Real Estate Agent
Century 21 New Millennium
10.2013 - 10.2014
Carroll Community College
South Carroll High School