Debra Kovach is Chief Executive Officer, and Vice President of Community Management. She took on these roles in 1996 when the company was founded by Debra and her husband Chuck.
As the driving force behind Optimum, Debra has consistently strengthened the company's position in the southern California community management marketplace by orchestrating the day to day operations while advancing processes and focusing on her vision for the company.
Debra was born in Michigan moving to southern California while in grade school. She studied business and marketing at the University of California Irvine. After beginning her career in community management in 1985, Debra earned the designation of CCAM (Certified Community Association Manager) in 1992 and moved forward in her career becoming a Vice President of an Orange County community management firm. After years of industry experience, Debra created Optimum Professional Property Management, Inc. (ACMF) in 1996. With continuous growth and professional purpose Optimum achieved the Accredited Community Management Firm (ACMF) designation in 2001, making Optimum one of a select few management companies in California to hold the designation. She remains involved on a daily basis, providing continuity with regards to performance and ever increasing expectations in her on going mission to establish Optimum as a premier community management company.
Chuck Kovach is the President, accepting that role in 1996. Chuck provides internal financial oversight, monitor's current systems and technology while researching and investigating the execution of systems and technology advancements which will best serve Optimum's clients and the company.
Chuck has held executive positions for several southern California corporations. In 1992 Chuck became the manager of a large collection department at a local management firm. He provided gifted insight into the development and execution of systems technology, which led to a position of Network Administrator for that firm. Chuck's experience and years of exceptional performance provide a grounded and systematic growth direction for Optimum's internal systems which benefits our associates and the communities we manage.
Joseph Boone is the company Controller, accepting that position in 2010.
Joseph was born in Orange, California and has lived in California his entire life. He attended California State University at Fullerton earning a BA of Business Administration degree. He graduated with honors and a Masters degree in Business Administration from USC while gaining twenty five years of financial management experience. Ten of those years he specialized in the field of community association management bringing a comprehensive understanding of association financial requirements.
Joseph has significant experience in identifying accounting computer system inefficiencies, executing solutions by leading system migrations to new software platforms. Most recently he has been performing consulting services for business owners to customize accounting packages and facilitating accounting system conversions.
Joseph has the experience and knowledge to build a stronger accounting scope and comprehensive financial based foundation to our company. He brings Optimum a solution based approach to accounting processes and efficiency while communicating accounting principles and information so our employees and clients can understand and practically apply that information.
Shannon Thornhill is the Director of Community Management accepting the position in 2008.
Shannon was born in Utah, spending most of her life in southern California. After serving in customer service and administrative capacities, she became a Director of Administration and then an Account Executive with a local management firm. She came to Optimum in early 2000 as a community manager and has been an integral part of the community management team ever since.
Shannon brings a wealth of knowledge and a common sense approach to community management, overseeing the accurate execution of Optimum's internal processes ensuring that the communities we manage receive our exemplary standard of service and that all Board Member directives are carried out efficiently and effectively.
Shannon leads the community management department, attending Board of Director meetings and partnering with community managers. Her direction leads the Senior Community Management group in the development and professional strength of Optimum's community managers.
Debbie Gemeinhardt is the Director of Operations accepting a position at Optimum in 2002.
Debbie was born and raised in southern California. Prior to Optimum she completed a fifteen year tenure with a local law firm specializing in landlord-tenant law. After determining it was time for a career change, Debbie moved to the community management industry as the Office Manager and Assistant to the CEO.
Debbie's current position as Director of Operations demands that she maintain an expertise in technical equipment support. She is responsible to oversee computer server maintenance while serving as a liaison with the company's information technology specialist. She allocates and coordinates all facilities equipment, furniture and supplies.
Debbie supervises all administrative and maintenance support associates, coordinating responsibilities, schedules and coverage.
Cynthia Hunter is the Director of Training joining the Optimum team in early 2010 bringing over fifteen years of experience in community association management along with five years in the real estate industry.
Cynthia was born in the state of Washington living most of her life in southern California. She has successfully completed numerous college courses at various state and community colleges in southern California. Her overall knowledge of management, operations, marketing and accounting reinforces her position as Optimum's Director of Training. Cynthia applies her studies in business and psychology to our associates along with her experience in the community management industry, providing our employees with an industry advantage that elevates Optimum to the highest level of professional management.
Her commitment to excellence, on going education and attention to understanding community needs will continue to support our associates with a foundation to succeed in providing every benefit and solution to the communities we manage.
Morgen Hardigree is a Senior Community Manager and the Director of Transitions coming to Optimum in the fall of 2008.
Morgen was born in southern California and has been employed in the community management industry for over fifteen years. She has managed a Master Planned Community consisting of 2,273 units and 39 sub associations along with other accounts. As a Senior Manager she imparts her extensive experience and knowledge to other community managers she partners with.
As the Director of Transitions, Morgen initiates and oversees the transition of accounts from other management firms to Optimum and ensures that all new community information is provided to the appropriate areas within the company. When an incoming transition occurs, she completes the association profile which provides direction and guides all Optimum associates to provide excellent service from the contracted start date.
Lynn Kardos is the Accounts Payable Manager for the associations we manage while serving as Optimum's corporate Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Human Resource Manager.
She was born in Michigan, moving to southern California as a young child. Prior to pursuing a career in property management successfully managed a law office. She then worked as a property asset manager, managing commercial and industrial properties for twelve years.
Lynn has a natural instinct to focus on the administrative and reporting details necessary to successfully manage the bills and expenses of community associations. Her ability to streamline the company's procedures and reduce expenses increased revenue by 100% shortly after coming to Optimum. In 2006, Lynn expanded her knowledge of the community management industry as she earned her Real Estate license in 2006.
Debbie Felder is a Senior Administrator overseeing the Administrative Assistant's who work closely with community managers creating all correspondence for the Association.
Debbie was born and raised in southern California becoming an Administrative Assistant with another local management firm and serving in that capacity for fifteen years. She has attended numerous CACM classes which provide her an exceptional level of knowledge supporting community managers and clients. Debbie joined Optimum in 2001 as a Senior Administrator to oversee the daily activities and requirements of the Administrative Assistants. Debbie advises and provides direction with regards to professionalism, accuracy and customer service to homeowners.
Her attention to detail and understanding of administrative processes incorporated through our correspondence documentation software, contributes to accuracy for and confidence from Board Members.
