Meet the Team
R.E.M.’s team consists of bright, spirited and experienced professionals. As a result of teamwork, motivation and flexibility, we have developed a vibrant working atmosphere and outstanding collaboration. Due to the changing nature of the business, our staff frequently attend seminars and continuing education classes to ensure that we are always knowledgeable and operate effectively for our clients.
R.E.M. understands the importance of great staff, and the stability that having long term dedicated staff members brings to an organization. We treat our staff like family, providing them with the environment they need to succeed, whether that is time off to rejuvenate, support in time of need, or assistance with difficult projects. Our staff are happy to be with R.E.M. and their happiness and commitment is evident in every client and tenant experience.
Our Staff
R Rick Elezi
President and Founder
Rick Elezi
President and Founder
Rick Elezi is the president and founder of R.E.M. Residential. He has extensive experience in the real estate business with a concentration in the residential real estate management sector in New York City. He began R.E.M. Residential to put the knowledge he gained from his uniquely diverse background into practice.
Why is he so driven to succeed? Rick believes it comes from his roots. Arriving from Albania when he was two years old, he recalls how he grew up in the South Bronx as the child of working class parents. Both parents worked several jobs to support their family. Rick’s father instilled in him the strong work ethic that has driven him where he is today: running a thriving company based in a 5000 square foot, newly renovated Midtown Manhattan office. Managing his business keeps Rick working 60 hours a week, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. He thrives on multitasking and the constant action that rental management demands. Rick is the story of the American Dream personified.
He began his career as a porter, handyman and doorman at several luxury Manhattan buildings throughout his high school and college years, where he developed a great interest and awareness of the immense and exciting opportunities that the real estate world had to offer. He earned a B.A. degree in Finance and Business Management from Iona College.
Rick’s ascent in the real estate industry started when he was merely 18 years old. He worked as a doorman at a luxury building and was quickly promoted to concierge. Finally, he was offered the position of an on-site manager. Accepting the position was a risk because it came with a drop in his salary, but he decided to take the leap. From there, he held senior property management positions at Lawrence Properties and several other well-respected firms, where he efficiently managed a diverse portfolio of real estate assets including Residential, Retail and Co-op properties. The hands-on experience was invaluable. It fed his love for the industry and was key to his career in residential management. A career during which he has mastered the art of balancing compliance, cost-cutting and income-producing strategies. Rick is dynamic, positive and operates with a can-do attitude. His integrity, determination and competence are well known in the industry.
Mr. Elezi is an active member of numerous professional organizations including CHIP, NYARM, SABMG and REBNY. In 2004, he was recognized by his peers in the industry and named Property Manager of the Year by the Scandinavian-American Building Managers Guild. In that same year, REM received the Trailblazer of the Year Award from NYARM. REM Residential went on to be named NYARM’s 2016 Property Management Company of the Year, and receive the 2017 SiteCompli Pioneer Award, which is given to companies who spearhead innovation across their organization, including the use of technology. He received the 2019 NYBMA award for the Property Management Company of the Year
Rick Elezi lives in New York together with his wife and daughter.
S Shpresa Elezi
Director of Tenant Relations
Shpresa Elezi
Director of Tenant Relations
Born and raised on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Shpresa witnessed the ins and outs of apartment real estate from an early age, as her father was a resident manager of some of the most high-profile buildings along Park Avenue and the Museum Mile. It was then that she developed a profound appreciation for the real estate world. She later lived in the West Village and acquired her taste for cozy, intimate spaces and sense of community that guides her business practice today.
Shpresa Elezi has been a licensed real estate broker in New York City since 2001. Shpresa’s organizational skills and assertiveness are some of the necessary traits she brings to Julianna Realty (her Real Estate Brokerage Firm), but it is her energetic and nurturing nature and her remarkable interpersonal skills that set up a wholehearted and welcoming atmosphere. It is this cheerful personality that not only puts a smile on everyone’s face but it is that very nature that also forms longstanding relationships with clients, owners and tenants, whom she likes to keep in touch with long after they have moved out, easing renters through life’s little transitions.
As the proverb goes, behind every successful man, there is a great woman. This has never been truer than in the case of Rick’s wife, Shpresa, who balances out her husband’s serious business mindset by instilling an equally important feeling of personal attention to the staff, residents and clients. Where else can a client be greeted with candy, flowers and music generating a warm and caring atmosphere as soon as one steps inside? “I have worked with Rick since 2000” says Shpresa, “together we present a supportive family environment that our clients, residents and staff say they have never before experienced.” Shpresa’s unflappable nature and her warm welcoming spirit make everyone in her presence feel relaxed and cared for.
M Maria Guzman
Controller
Maria Guzman
Controller
Maria’s diverse career began in her native country Colombia, where she worked for a brokerage company as a Financial Risk Manager. Two years later in 2004 she moved to NYC where she initially worked for a construction company as a bookkeeper. There she learned the basics of compliance with the NYC DOB Code. She later joined a development and construction firm where she was an Asset Manager supervising a portfolio of 11 affordable housing buildings, including 892 residential units, and commercial and parking components located in the Bronx and Brooklyn boroughs.
When Maria joined R.E.M. she brought several years of experience with Low Income Housing Tax Credit buildings with her. During her first year at R.E.M. she was the head of the Compliance department, assisting owners in remediating and correcting violations with NYC DOB. She coordinated with the lawyers the ECB hearing associated to FDNY, NYC DOB, and Sanitation violations. Maria maintained updated Certificates of Insurance for subcontractors, commercial tenants, and for the Property, General Liability, Umbrella, Workers Compensation and Disability policies for the buildings. She moved into the Accounting Department where she currently deals with Accounts Payable, Bank reconciliations and Preparation of Monthly reports, as well as coordinating weekly payroll with the third-party company. Maria’s expertise is extensive and includes (but is not limited to) proficiency in preparing budgets, reviewing operating and financial statements and tax returns, managing accounts payable and insurance policies, and efficiently dealing with owners, developers, investors, syndicators and lenders. Maria has a bright and energetic personality and consistently provides R.E.M.’s current and prospective clients with a new business perspective.
Maria achieved a B.S. degree in Economics from Universidad del Valle (Cali-Colombia), and being the powerhouse that she is, she completed her B.B.A degree in Finance from Queens College (New York) Cum Laude while working full time. She is a Certified Credit Compliance Professional (C3P) for Low Income Housing Tax Credit.
As a landlord herself, Maria has a keen eye for numbers, always looking to lower costs for the owners whenever possible. Maria is a team player and is always both eager to learn from others, and willing to contribute her knowledge to her peers.
M Mergim Elezi
Director of Finance
Mergim Elezi
Director of Finance
Mergim Elezi graduated from Pace University and attained his executive MBA from Columbia University.
He worked for some of the major Investment Management and Banking institutions, which include 15 years at Goldman Sachs, 9 years at Citi Prime Finance, and 6 years in total at BlackRock, AIG, and JP Morgan. He held diverse roles, including Senior Investment Advisor, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Head of Middle Office and Infrastructure.
Mergim has extensive experience in building support and property management as well, initially having worked full time, through High School and college as a building doorman, porter, and part-time superintendent.
With over 30 years banking experience under his belt, he decided to start his own business, and founded a RIA (Registered Investment Advisory Firm). Mergim helped start up REM Residential back in 2000 and then went back into Financial Services, and has recently rejoined REM Residential.
He lives in Norwalk, CT, with his wife and 2 daughters.
J Julia Bohush
Director of Sales & Rentals
Julia Bohush
Director of Sales & Rentals
Julia is originally from Belarus where she taught Information Technologies and Programming to college students. She moved to New York in 2004.
Prior to joining R.E.M. Residential, Julia had vast and varied experience in many aspects of the Real Estate industry. She began her career as a project manager at a software development company specializing in 3D laser technology for surveyors, architects and contractors. This role offered her an opportunity to spend time on construction sites, learning about the construction process, terminology, and requirements. Her experience includes project costing based on Autodesk AutoCad for the construction industry, budget planning, coordinating project workflows with different construction trades, and managing client expectations on active projects.
Julia moved on to work as a Real Estate Development Consultant, where she gained invaluable experience in all aspects of development and property ownership. She performed ongoing analysis of the real estate market, performed project and site due diligence for new projects, prepared cash flow projections and rent rolls, projected return on invested capital and capitalization rates, worked with 1031 tax deferred exchanges, searched for residential developments sites, conversions, residential investments, researched zoning regulations, prepared condo and coop packages for rentals and sales and negotiated with rent-stabilized tenants as well as residential and retail lease negotiations. Her experience has enabled her to substantially assist our clients with all aspects of their properties.
Julia is Organized, punctual and focused. She genuinely cares about her clients and truly enjoys helping them. She knows that New York City offers a lot of choices and it is easy to get lost in the process of looking for that special place to call home. Her clients value her patience and ability to explain real estate jargon and helping them find the perfect home tailored to their needs. Julia makes the process a seamless and pleasant experience.
Julia is fluent in Russian and has a working knowledge of Polish. She keeps an active lifestyle and has traveled throughout Europe and the US
S Shpresa Nela
Director of Insurance
Shpresa Nela
Director of Insurance
Shpresa Nela’s background spans almost three decades of Insurance, Marketing and Customer Relations experience. She joined R.E.M. in 2019 as the Director of Insurance as an added value to our customers. Her experience as an Insurance Underwriter will help us become proactive in ensuring the safety requirements and controls expected from Insured Companies as well as the adequate Insurance premiums that today’s market demands.
Shpresa has 10 years of marketing experience, and has managed a staff of over 15 employees. She has a strong background in sales that includes closing deals and maintaining long term relationships. She is an innovative thinker – her work ethic and ability to solve problems as they arise will prove valuable to R.E.M. and our clients.
Shpresa’s knowledge of the Insurance underwriting, building violation codes and structural aspects of a building makes her invaluable, especially when improvements are necessary towards safety and loss prevention. She provides peace of mind that our customers need to ensure that they are adequately covered and are not paying above market premiums for their buildings.
Shpresa is very professional, knowledgeable, driven and personable which are a great recipe for a successful career at REM.
M Michael Besse
Director of Compliance and Transition
Michael Besse
Director of Compliance and Transition
His experience includes asset management of cooperative residential properties and knowledge of budgeting large scale capital projects to improve the quality preservation of the properties managed.
Michael has managed portfolio commercial properties across the US. He maximized profits for the properties he managed, and assisted in the financial structure for current and future capital projects to modernize the appearances of distressed properties. Michael understands and executes all HUD, Fair housing laws, NYC DOB, NYC HPD housing protocols to ensure overall compliance.
He has managed a a wide range portfolio of properties located in NYC; as well as throughout the US. His knowledge encompasses compliance measures to building agencies outside of NY. Michael has managed widespread portfolios through NYC and Long Island with property values excess of $20,000,000.00; in addition to solving critical property deficiencies to preserve and maintain their values at high peak.
Michael’s past work experience includes management of staff and addressing concerns pertaining to tenant/shareholders requests - around the clock management.
Michael is experienced in performing inspections throughout all properties to identify deficiencies or needed upgrades. He has knowledge of mechanical components and does routine inspections to preserve the life of the equipment.
Michael Besse graduated from CUNY John Jay, with a Bachelor's in criminology. He is professionally invoiced and volunteers his time with Pa’Lante Harlem, which is a tenant advocacy group who provides assistance to rent stabilized tenants in need of social housing services throughout Manhattan and the Bronx.
J John Cacaj
Senior Account Executive
John Cacaj
Senior Account Executive
R Rashaad Middleton
Senior Account Executive
Rashaad Middleton
Senior Account Executive
Rashaad Middleton has a well-rounded experience of more than 15 years. He has a degree in Sociology and holds a Real Estate license from NYU. Rashaad traveled the world extensively for almost a year, and this is when he developed his skill and love of working with people from all walks of life.
His career path has been in the Real Estate and Customer Service Industry. He spent ten years working in Customer Service Management and five years as a Real Estate Salesperson in New York City. During this time he was able to further his talents and cultivate the necessary skills and qualifications to succeed.
Rashaad’s ability to efficiently handle any situation and his warm yet direct and hands-on approach has been very well received. He is a very hands-on manager, and effectively oversaw the installation of solar panels at two of our largest buildings. Rashaad has proven himself as a knowledgeable leader, winning the respect of his tenants and building staff and our clients. He hopes to one day use these talents in the management of this own properties.
Rashaad’s divers and well-rounded background has added to his ability to develop close relationships with tenants and staff has contributed to him being such a well-liked and top performing Property Manager.
A Alana Stridiron
Senior Account Executive
Alana Stridiron
Senior Account Executive
When R.E.M. acquired LWL Associates in the beginning of 2012 Alana had the opportunity to join the R.E.M. team and since then she has proven to be an important asset to the company. She has been working in the Real Estate industry since 1999 and has more than four years of property management experience.
Before pursuing a career in Real Estate, Alana worked in several different companies concentrating in the Accounts Receivable Department and Customer Service Management Department where she furthered her talents and interests in effectively dealing with clients and customers resolving various billing and service issues.
Her career in the Real Estate Industry began at LWL Associates, Inc. where she first started with a temp position in 1999. Alana’s interest in learning every aspect of the business soon landed her a full time permanent position. Through the years she worked as an administrative assistant and handled all matters dealing with issues in accounts receivable, legal, repairs and leasing. She continued broadening her duties and communicated with clients, tenants and contractors. In addition she learned to file the annual rent registrations and other necessary filings. Her attention to detail and knowledge of a broad spectrum of the management business led to her promotion to a property manager in 2009.
Alana has a comprehensive knowledge of the rent guidelines and regulations and she is now the head of the lease department. Her ethic of hard work and her love of what she does has resulted in her gaining affection and respect from Owners and tenants alike.
Alana holds a Real Estate Salesperson License in the city of New York and is a certified Notary Public.
L Lara Lapysh
Senior Account Executive
Lara Lapysh
Senior Account Executive
Lara is originally from Belarus and moved to New York in 2001. She enjoys living in the city and exploring every corner of the Big Apple. By now she is a true New Yorker with a deep understanding of the city and in depth knowledge of the Real Estate Industry and Property Management. Her broad experience with marketing, management, and project management have been a great asset to her career in Real Estate. Lara has been in the Real Estate industry for over 10 years.
Client oriented, professional and an efficient problem solver, Lara has been helping New Yorkers with all aspects of buying and selling their homes, whether it’s assisting them through a challenging co-op board process, or buying a new home or even more challenging ordeal of renovating it. These roles prepared her for what she considers an art: managing New York City co-ops and condos with experience, attention to detail, and total commitment to service.
Lara graduated from Belarus State Linguistic University and holds a Bachelors Degree from Baruch College. She is also a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson and a Certified Property Manager.
A Alen Dervisevic
Property Manager
Alen Dervisevic
Property Manager
Alen is a New York native. He grew up in Brooklyn, NY and has always loved real estate. He attended NYU Schack and attained a Masters in Real Estate finance and investment.
His experience is well rounded - working as a Realtor, Operations Manager, and as a property manager for many years before joining R.E.M. Residential. Alen is detail oriented, personable and his wealth of experience and skills are a great asset to R.E.M.
When Alen is not working, he enjoys basketball, soccer and swimming - he even swam for the Montenegrin National team at multiple championships worldwide.
C Cristina Peguero
Property Manager
Cristina Peguero
Property Manager
Cristina was born in the Dominican Republic, and moved to the United states when she was a child. She attained a Bachelors degree in Business Management and against overwhelming odds, is the only person in her family to ever go to college.
Cristina’s extensive experience in the Property Management field include legal coordination, and both residential and commercial buildings. She is extremely detail oriented. She is also a Notary Public.
Cristina lives in NYC with her mother and daughter. She is an animal and plant lover and enjoys traveling.
A Ambra Rusta
Business Management Analyst
Ambra Rusta
Business Management Analyst
Ambra has a strong background in business and business management. She was an honor student at St. Francis College, attaining a bachelors degree in Business Management, and an associates degree in Business Administration & Accounting.
Ambra worked in many sectors ranging from financial to HR until she found a career she loves - Property Management.
Her experience in Property Management includes legal coordination, residential buildings, co-ops, condos, and receiverships. She has handled Annual Recertifications for Affordable Housing, and assisted in preparing co-op abatements correction forms and RPIE reports.
When she’s not working, Ambra likes to…. actually she is a workaholic and tries very hard to make sure that she has no free time. What she loves to do best is keep busy working.
S Sophie Burns
Social Media Manager
Sophie Burns
Social Media Manager
C Chandra M. Mitra
Financial Officer
Chandra M. Mitra
Financial Officer
Chandra Mitra is currently working as a Finance Officer at R.E.M. Residential. Ever since Chandra was a child, she has been obsessed with everything math-related. This infatuation with numbers was most likely instilled in her by her father, who was the head of audit-vigilance and foreign exchange division in a well-known bank in Bangladesh. She enjoyed listening complex discussion and case analysis from her father, which encouraged her to choose accounting as my major.
Chandra has over 15 years of experience in various streams of accounting practices. While working for some reputed groups in New York, she gained extensive work experience in real estate and property management accounting. Chandra achieved a bachelor degree in accounting from the National University of Bangladesh, located in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She also obtained an A.A.S. degree in accounting from Borough of Manhattan Community College, in New York. She was an honors graduate, and repeatedly on the Dean’s list.
Chandra is a multitasker. She worked her way up from an accounts payable clerk to Corporate Accounting Manager, and R.E.M. was lucky to gain her experience when she became a Financial Officer.. Her passion for numbers helped her excel in analysis of financial statements; account receivables & payables; cash management; bank reconciliation; inventory accounting; payroll; preparation of tax files; and budgeting. She is a team player and organizational goals and team spirit are her priority.
Professionally, Chandra enjoys the challenge of identifying and solving problems, listening to the needs of clients, and managing multiple projects. In her free time, Chandra enjoys music, reading and meeting new people.
A Elena Yershov
Financial Officer
Elena Yershov
Financial Officer
Elena attended Brooklyn college and graduated with a BA in Accounting. She is a professional bookkeeper with more than 8 years of diversified accounting experience.
She began her career as a title clerk where was responsible for preparation of title reports, various policies and obtaining clearance for closings as well as recordings. After leaving the title industry, she became a legal assistant and part time bookkeeper in a healthcare law firm. Elena was responsible for client billing, accounts payable and receivable, maintaining operating and escrow accounts, assisting with audits among other duties. On the legal side, she was responsible for pharmaceutical provider applications with various government offices.
Prior to joining the R.E.M. Residential team, Elena worked as a junior accountant in a real estate and hard money loans firm where she was involved in accounting, financial analysis, accounts payable, receivable, payroll and month end closing for 70 accounts.
E Enejda Mila
Financial Officer
Enejda Mila
Financial Officer
Enejda is originally from Albania, and moved to New York in 2012 together with her family.
She has a B.A. in Business Administration from Faculty of Economics, University of Tirana, and is currently studying accounting at Baruch College. Enejda has a passion for foreign languages. She is multilingual, and speaks English, Italian and Spanish.
Enejda joined R.E.M. Residential in 2015. She has worked in many aspects of the business, particularly compliance and accounting. She is a quick learner and is a valuable member of our team. Her experience is very hands-on, working with the City agencies, and complying with the requirements for the properties.
She is dedicated, hardworking, knowledgeable, and an important asset the the R.E.M. team.
G Gerta Begolli
Financial Officer
Gerta Begolli
Financial Officer
Gerta Begoli is a Financial Officer at R.E.M. Residential. We were fortunate to gain her wealth of experience when she moved to the United States in 2018.
Gerta is originally from Albania, where she graduated with a bachelor degree in Finance and Accounting from University of Tirana in 2007. She worked at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which is a department of the Albanian Government, in charge of regulation for the protection of rights and liberties of the Albanian citizens.
Between 2008 and 2015 Gerta worked as a Financial officer at the Department of Finance. In 2015, she was promoted to Head of Assets Management and Administrative Services Department and remained there until she moved to the USA on November 2018. She joined the R.E.M. team in December 2018.
B Besjana Martini
Financial Officer
Besjana Martini
Financial Officer
Besjana grew up in Albania, where she graduated from University of Tirana, Faculty of Law. She achieved a master’s degree in EU Business Law.
After graduating, she worked with a law firm, and then began working at General Directorate of State Police as Jurist of Procurement sector, where she was tenured for 4 years. She left when she emigrated to the United States.
Besjana has significant experience in both the legal and accounting fields.
When she is not crunching numbers, Besjana loves to read, spend time with her family, ang go on long walks.
A Avi Baron
Senior Leasing Agent
Avi Baron
Senior Leasing Agent
Avi began his career in financial services, where he worked at several premier institutions in various roles. He has a master’s degree in accounting and is a licensed CPA, yet Avi is a full-time real estate salesperson.
Yearning for an opportunity to help people in a tangible way, Avi saw the real estate industry as a place where he can make the most impact. He actively served as a Co-op board president and constantly seeks ways to develop his ever-growing skill set. Clients value Avi’s knack for numbers and conveying concepts in a way that makes complete sense.
Outside the workplace, Avi enjoys spending time with his growing family. His analytical mind and keen eye for quality are manifest in his personal interest in automotive racing and photography. Avi’s closest colleagues and friends would agree that his thoughtfulness and meticulous nature allow him to connect with clients and anticipate their needs and in a unique way.
His unrelenting focus on improvement and exceptional value-added service makes Avi the agent of choice for many!
J Julianna Elezi
Director of Leasing
Julianna Elezi
Director of Leasing
I Irisa Aliaj
Transfer Department/ Leasing
Irisa Aliaj
Transfer Department/ Leasing
Irisa holds a masters degree from the University of Tirana in English translation and interpreting. She also achieved a bachelor’s degree from European University of Tirana in General Legal Studies and a Master’s degree in General Legal Studies from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Prior to her arrival in the Unites States, Irisa worked as a translator for an English newspaper in Tirana, which is called Albanian Daily News. She has also worked on important projects like the Trans Adriatic Pipeline project supported by then prime minister Sali Berisha, who was one of the speakers.
Irisa worked for 2.5 years (2014-2016) as Jurist at Albanian Social Insurance Institute, which is a government agency that administers the coverage of pensions and other social insurance services in Albania. Since moving to the United Stated in 2017, Irisa has become a valuable team member at R.E.M. Residential.
K Keysi Rustemi
Accounts Receivable
Keysi Rustemi
Accounts Receivable
Keysi Rustemi is a dynamic and highly motivated graduate student, specializing in Urban and Management Planning with a passion for environmental policies and public service.
Keysi is very social, outgoing and easy to talk to. She is dedicated to learning and expanding her knowledge of the property management industry, which has captivated her interest. She is passionate about her job, and real estate in New York.
Currently Keysi lives in New York City. She is a fan of historic and cultural books, and loves traveling and visiting new places.