MEET ELITE

MEET ELITE

We are a team of dedicated, customer service-driven professionals fueled by “What’s Next” in luxury amenity management, construction, and design.

THE “ELITE” DIFFERENCE

ELITE’s Founders and Principals Michael Zuchelli and Andrew Meditz are the driving forces behind the company’s impressive growth in luxury amenity management. With this talented duo at the helm, ELITE has soared to become the lifestyle company of choice among prominent developers, property managers, pool and fitness facilities, and private clubs.

Duncan MacIntosh

Elite Hydrodynamics
Chief Engineer &

Senior Partner

 

Having designed and built pools on five Continents over the past 40 years, Duncan is ELITE’s “secret weapon;” a sought-after engineer who has expertly serviced the company’s clients throughout the New York metropolitan area since 2009.

Duncan is the Director of Elite’s Engineering, Construction, Improvement and Maintenance Division. He holds a degree in Hydrodynamic Engineering from the British Naval Academy, is a certified commercial diver, and a two-time National Pool & Spa Institute Gold Award winner. Duncan is an expert in structural and esthetic design and construction, alteration, renovation, repair, and maintenance of all rebar and gunite, steel wall, and membrane fabricated structures.

Duncan MacIntosh

Elite Hydrodynamics
Chief Engineer &

Senior Partner

 

Having designed and built pools on five Continents over the past 40 years, Duncan is ELITE’s “secret weapon;” a sought-after engineer who has expertly serviced the company’s clients throughout the New York metropolitan area since 2009.

Duncan is the Director of Elite’s Engineering, Construction, Improvement and Maintenance Division. He holds a degree in Hydrodynamic Engineering from the British Naval Academy, is a certified commercial diver, and a two-time National Pool & Spa Institute Gold Award winner. Duncan is an expert in structural and esthetic design and construction, alteration, renovation, repair, and maintenance of all rebar and gunite, steel wall, and membrane fabricated structures.

Jon Matzelle

Chief Operating Officer

Jon is an “ELITE Lifer,” having been with the company since it opened its doors in 2006. He works directly with all of the company’s 70+ clients, ensuring that ELITE’s Standard Operating Procedures are implemented at each client location, state guidelines are followed, and the ELITE staff is properly certified and trained.

One of Jon’s many accomplishments is the development of an in-house ELITE Management Training program that encourages continuing education for the company’s top-notch staff. It is why our luxury amenity brand consistently attracts ELITE-level talent and one of the many reasons our seasonal employees return year after year.

Nick Santo

Director of Communications and Compliance

Over the past ten years, Nick has climbed the ranks of ELITE Amenity Management, becoming an integral part of company’s success. Nick supervises all of the company’s corporate information technology projects, including the development of ELITE training modules, the ELITE website, and internet security. He has spearheaded client and staff onboarding programs that have significantly increased the company’s efficiencies, and he supervises the compliance regulations for over 70 ELITE-run sites.

But Nick isn’t limited to technological and organization wizardry; he is super creative with an eye for marketing and branding. Nick is extensively involved with the launch of the ELITE Wellness brand and APP. He also coordinates company communications including monthly newsletters, flyers, and collateral pieces.

Nick Santo

Director of Communications and Compliance

Over the past ten years, Nick has climbed the ranks of ELITE Amenity Management, becoming an integral part of company’s success. Nick supervises all of the company’s corporate information technology projects, including the development of ELITE training modules, the ELITE website, and internet security. He has spearheaded client and staff onboarding programs that have significantly increased the company’s efficiencies, and he supervises the compliance regulations for over 70 ELITE-run sites.

But Nick isn’t limited to technological and organization wizardry; he is super creative with an eye for marketing and branding. Nick is extensively involved with the launch of the ELITE Wellness brand and APP. He also coordinates company communications including monthly newsletters, flyers, collateral pieces.

Annie Reeves

Director of Operations

Annie has been an asset to the ELITE team since joining the company in 2016. Her impeccable attention to detail, operational expertise, and understanding of the service industry’s unique demands have led to her steady climb at ELITE. Annie has worn every “operational hat” across a myriad of contracts in NYC. She is the go-to person among her peers, expertly communicating with team members to streamline operations and collaborating with ELITE’s executive team to implement consistent service standards in a safe and secure environment.

Annie lives and breathes healthy living. She touts a bachelor’s degree in Public Health from SUNY Potsdam, and she often travels internationally to further nutritional education for youth. Annie loves hiking and getting in a good run on the Joe Michaels Mile in her free time.

Nicolas Chavez

Manager of New Business Development

With more than a decade of hospitality experience, Nick has been directly involved in the evolution and growth of ELITE’s company portfolio across the 4 boroughs of New York City. Both analytical and creative, Nick is responsible for executing a smooth onboarding for ELITE’s largest and latest contracts.

His sound understanding of what the ELITE brand is and will become has been integral to the development processes that he brings to a new ELITE client. Through the last 10 years, Nick has developed into a multidisciplinary executive, that involves building custom operational procedures, creating innovative lifestyle events, and working with an extensive vendor list to delivery high quality experiences for residential tenants.

Nick’s travels around the world have also sparked his fascination with customized premium hospitality experiences, as well as creative bespoke event planning. His exposure to new ideas and innovations helps ELITE stay at the forefront of the luxury amenity market.

Nicolas Chavez

Manager of New Business Development

With more than a decade of hospitality experience, Nick has been directly involved in the evolution and growth of ELITE’s company portfolio across the 4 boroughs of New York City. Both analytical and creative, Nick is responsible for executing a smooth onboarding for ELITE’s largest and latest contracts.

His sound understanding of what the ELITE brand is and will become has been integral to the development processes that he brings to a new ELITE client. Through the last 10 years, Nick has developed into a multidisciplinary executive, that involves building custom operational procedures, creating innovative lifestyle events, and working with an extensive vendor list to delivery high quality experiences for residential tenants.

Nick’s travels around the world have also sparked his fascination with customized premium hospitality experiences, as well as creative bespoke event planning. His exposure to new ideas and innovations helps ELITE stay at the forefront of the luxury amenity market.

Nick Leone

Director of Fitness

A fitness enthusiast and trainer, Nick Leone has been a fixture in gyms since he was 14. When he joined ELITE nine years ago, Nick quickly saw how the company’s individualized approach differed from mainstream big-box gyms. He enhanced his fitness knowledge with management and operations skills and led one of the company’s largest residential amenity spaces.

Now as Director of Fitness, Nick oversees all phases of ELITE’s wellness programs and instructors, including all group fitness classes, personal trainers, swim instructors, massage therapists, and more. Nick is proficient in finding the right person for each client and optimizing career opportunities for outstanding wellness professionals.

Lisa Pecunia

Office Manager

With 25 years of experience in the customer service industry, Lisa is the backbone of ELITE Amenity Management, keeping all phases of the company running efficiently. She is a consummate team player who also works directly with ELITE’s Principals to assist and execute their directives while handling payroll for over 750 employees and accounting duties.

As a former successful retail business owner, Lisa appreciates the challenges of entrepreneurship and implements office systems and protocols that allow ELITE to maintain efficiency while continuing its exponential growth. She also actively assists with the company’s career placement, presently working with The Lexington School of the Deaf to create job opportunities for its students.

Lisa Pecunia

Office Manager

With 25 years of experience in the customer service industry, Lisa is the backbone of ELITE Amenity Management, keeping all phases of the company running efficiently. She is a consummate team player who also works directly with ELITE’s Principals to assist and execute their directives while handling payroll for over 750 employees and accounting duties.

As a former successful retail business owner, Lisa appreciates the challenges of entrepreneurship and implements office systems and protocols that allow ELITE to maintain efficiency while continuing its exponential growth. She also actively assists with the company’s career placement, presently working with The Lexington School of the Deaf to create job opportunities for its students.

Josh Krantz

Head Instructor, ELITE Live!

With his signature “Let’s Go!” attitude, Josh Krantz is the inspirational Head Instructor for ELITE’s new online streaming fitness platform, ELITE Live!  Josh is responsible for creating engaging workout schedules and attracting top-notch instructors that propel ELITE Live! followers of all athletic abilities to achieve their health and wellness goals.

Josh enjoys over a decade of experience as a popular Personal Trainer and high-energy Group Fitness Instructor, roles he relishes along with his position as a Physical Education teacher for the New York City Department of Education. Josh is a native of Bayside Queens, New York, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration.  

  • Allen Sneed

    Manager

  • Cedric Semiean

    Manager

  • Danny Littell

    Manager

  • Frendi Garcia

    Manager

  • Isaiah Dugan

    Manager

  • Jacky Cheng

    Manager

  • Joseph Lee

    Graphic Designer

  • Justin Nee

    Manager

  • Kathy Russello

    Manager

  • Kirstin Borrel

    Administrative Assistant

  • Lenny Saputo

    Area Manager

  • Natalie Ayala

    Manager

  • Melinda Acevedo

    Manager

  • Nicholas Soria

    Manager

  • Veronica Chavez

    Manager

  • Victoria Freeman

    Manager

Allen Sneed

Manager

Allen Sneed has been a valued member of the ELITE team since August of 2019, and he works as the General Manager of The Bay Club in Bayside, Queens. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Allen graduated with a B.A. in Business Administration from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. He also proudly served eight years in the U.S. Army.

Allen is enthusiastic about fitness and the camaraderie that it can create. One of Allen’s most unique qualities is his ability to develop and nurture relationships with members. Coupled with his passion for professionalism and high quality of service, Allen is poised to become one of the stars within the management team.

Cedric Semiean

Manager

A native Texan, Cedric Semiean fell in love with the lively and diverse culture of New York City, specifically the borough of Brooklyn, while participating in the West Indian Labor Day parade in 2007. Soon this native Texan decided to hang up his spurs and buy a one-way ticket to the Big Apple.

Cedric began his New York fitness industry career as an Equinox trainer and soon joined ELITE as a Group Trainer at Ariel West. Within two years, Cedric transitioned to management, becoming a Seasonal Manager at the famous West Side Tennis Club in 2019 and eventually becoming a General Manager for The Terrace Club in Manhattan. In September 2020, Cedric’s ELITE journey came full circle when he returned to Ariel West as its General Manager.

Danny Littell

Manager

Danny Littell is a proud native of Bayside, Queens. He began his professional career with ELITE in 2016 as a receptionist at the scenic luxury waterfront cooperative, Le Havre. Danny’s tireless work ethic has resulted in management opportunities at multiple esteemed locations in Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

With his positive attitude and drive and a commitment to establishing top-notch operations, Danny has succeeded at every site he has supervised and currently serves as the General Manager of Baybridge Condominiums. Danny holds a degree in English from C.W. Post University.

Frendi Garcia

Manager

Frendi Garcia has enjoyed a rapid upward trajectory since joining ELITE in the summer of 2019. With experience as an in-demand trainer in Brooklyn, Frendi also managed Retro Fitness – an athletic institution where he held the position of trainer manager. His fitness knowledge coupled with a tremendous work ethic and positive persona resulted in Frendi excelling as an Assistant General Manager at the award-winning residential complex, The Denizen Bushwick in Brooklyn, New York. 

In early 2020, Frendi’s dedication, commitment, and willingness to learn led to his promotion to General Manager of the CopperTone Club at The American Copper Buildings – two copper-clad towers situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan that define the latest in New York City amenity development. Frendi is known to bring a smile every day to work and lead his colleagues to new professional levels. 

Isaiah Dugan

Manager

Jacky Cheng

Manager

Jacky began his career with ELITE in 2018 as a receptionist at The Terrace Club and is the quintessential example of how dedication and hard work can lead to successful career advancement. Born in Manhattan and raised in Brooklyn, Jacky holds a bachelor’s degree in English Language Arts from CUNY Hunter College. He enjoys the responsibilities of his position as well as the collaboration with his co-workers daily.

Joseph Lee

Graphic Designer

Joseph Lee artfully brings ELITE’s products and services to life in printed marketing materials, social media posts, property event flyers, and corporate communications. Prior to joining ELITE, Joseph worked as a freelance graphic designer, often managing multiple clients simultaneously and perfecting the ability to match each brand with a unique creative theme.

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Joseph was voted Best Male Artist in his high school and holds a degree in Graphic Design from the prestigious Pratt Institute.

Justin Nee

Manager

Justin Nee takes ELITE’s philosophy of commitment to excellence and puts it into action. Initially hired by ELITE in the summer of 2017 as gate guard at a site in Queens, Justin evolved into a seasonal manager in 2019 and is presently the full-time Amenity Manager at the Spa at Water’s Edge, a longtime ELITE client.

Justin enjoys the close-knit community of ELITE that extends from the company’s owners and executives to managers and staff. He believes this relationship-building creates a first-rate lifestyle experience for his client’s members. Born and raised in New York, Justin is a volunteer EMT in Eastchester, New York, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing from Syracuse University.

Kathy Russello

Manager

Born in the vibrant neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, Kathy Russello brings dynamic energy to her role as the Manager of the Greens at Half Hollow on Long Island. Kathy is a member favorite with a professional background in fitness management and certifications in personal training, spin, and group fitness instruction.

In addition to the multiple fitness classes she enthusiastically teaches, Kathy oversees hiring the highest quality staff for the club and ensuring a safe and pleasurable experience for members. When not enjoying strenuous exercise classes, Kathy enjoys spending her free time with family and good friends.

Kirstin Borrel

Administrative Assistant

Queens, New York native Kirstin Borrel joined ELITE in July of 2021, at the height of the company’s busiest time of the year. Kirstin quickly proved herself an invaluable team member, jumping in wherever needed and using her organizational skills to provide superior office support for corporate staff and on-site managers.

Before joining ELITE, Kirstin served as an Assistant Spa Manager at Spa Mirbeau, honing her skills in customer service and creating a positive environment for those around her. It is that supportive environment that she enjoys most about ELITE.

“I wanted to join a company that made people feel cared about, not only for their customers but their staff as well. Thankfully this has been proven to me each day that I come to work, and it is the very thing I enjoy the most.”

Kirstin is a graduate of SUNY Albany with a bachelor’s degree in Communications.

Lenny Saputo

Area Manager

Natalie Ayala

Manager

From NYC’s Financial District to the Upper East Side, Natalie has spent over ten years managing the amenities in numerous luxury residential buildings. She believes that patience and communication are keys to successful management and that leading by example strengthens an entire team. Natalie joined ELITE in 2021 and enjoys the feeling of inclusiveness within the company. She currently supervises the amenities at one of ELITE’s premier luxury condominium buildings.

Natalie is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management. She is a Certified Pool Operator and is Lifeguard, CPR, and AED certified. In her spare time, Natalie loves interior design, decorating, and scouring real estate pages to learn about new properties.

Melinda Acevedo

Manager

Melinda was born and raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. She began her career at ELITE as a receptionist, quickly absorbing ELITE’s extensive hospitality and leadership training. In a short time, Melinda was promoted to Manager of two upscale ELITE-managed properties.

Melinda says, “Being acknowledged for my work and passion for the hospitality industry ensured that joining the ELITE family is the best decision.”

Melinda’s life goal is to visit all Seven Wonders of the World…two down, five to go.

Nicholas Soria

Manager

Veronica Chavez

Manager

Born and raised in New York City, Veronica Chavez climbed the hospitality industry ranks for over a decade before joining ELITE in the summer of 2019. Veronica holds a double bachelor’s degree in creative writing journalism, and psychology from CUNY Baruch. Veronica’s superior communication and writing, as well as her meticulous attention to detail, resulted in a promotion from a concierge at the amenity-rich Denizen Bushwick to Assistant Manager and then Manager at one of JDS Development’s crown jewels – the American Copper Buildings. Recently, Veronica returned to Denizen as its Manager overseeing the amenities and resident experiences.

Veronica’s passion for health and wellness motivates her to create an incomparable experience for ELITE members, whether coordinating meditation sound baths and virtual cooking classes or simply connecting with like-minded members and chatting about the growing wellness industry.

Victoria Freeman

Manager

Like many of ELITE’s outstanding employees, Victoria has worked her way up through the company ranks. She began as a seasonal lifeguard, was promoted to Seasonal Amenity Manager, and currently serves full-time as Manager of two ELITE contracts. Victoria’s hard work, perseverance, and “team first” attitude have led to her building long-lasting relationships with her peers and fellow managers.

Victoria was a Women’s Rowing Team member at Iona University before transferring to CUNY Queens College, where she is currently working towards an accounting degree.

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