MWMA: Leading in Difficult Times

The many challenges presented by COVID-19 require strong community leadership and the ability to make tough decisions. Fortunately, MetroWest Master Association (MWMA) is led by a dynamic and involved board of directors, all of whom live in MetroWest. Recently, in light of the pandemic, the MWMA Board of Directors made the decision to suspend all community events through the end of the year, including the monthly MetroWest Food Truck Connection, October’s National Night Out and WinterFest in December.

“We made this decision with the health and safety of our community foremost in our considerations,” MWMA Board President Jim Drayton says. “We look forward to resuming these signature events when conditions regarding COVID-19 have improved.”

MWMA Board Vice President Stina D’Uva says, “As much as we love our wonderful community events, we want to protect our fellow MetroWest residents and businesses. So, with their well-being in mind, we decided to suspend these events.”

MWMA board members are elected for two-year terms. Following are the current MWMA board members:

Jim Drayton

President
Palma Vista

Jim Drayton’s professional background in banking, finance and real estate, coupled with his current role as the owner of mortgage company Orlando Home Loans, have helped manage the MetroWest Master Association wisely and well. A 13-year resident of MetroWest, Drayton served as a board member from 2010-2011 and currently serves as the president of the MWMA Board of Directors, a position he was elected to in December 2013. He combines his financial acumen with his passion for the community to ensure that MetroWest continues to thrive.

Stina D’Uva

Vice President
Fairway Cove

Agostina “Stina” D’Uva has been an integral leader in the Orlando community throughout her illustrious career. As president and CEO, her direction has helped grow the West Orange Chamber of Commerce into a thriving business force, recognized as a two-time winner of the coveted Chamber of the Year Award from the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals.

D’Uva’s career blossomed upon her arrival to MetroWest in 1989. She served as the Greater Orlando Mothers of Twins and Triplets Club president, MetroWest Elementary School PTA president, Gotha Middle School PTSA president and SAC chairman, board member and chairman of the Health Central Foundation, president of the Fairway Cove Homeowners’ Association and founding president of the Olympia High School PTSA. She served on the MWMA Board of Directors from 2008 to 2009 before becoming president in 2010 and serving through 2012. She was reelected to the board in November 2014. These are just a few highlights of her extensive community involvement.

D’Uva’s volunteer service was recognized as Orange County’s District 1 Citizen of the Year in 2007 and as the 2013 Central Florida Women’s League Heart of Central Florida Woman.

Madeleine Francois

Secretary
MetroWest Unit Five

A resident of MetroWest for the past 24 years, Madeleine Francois was a licensed independent life and annuity agent before retiring. Throughout her MetroWest residency, she has been actively involved in the MetroWest Master Association through committee service including the finance, security, landscaping, National Night Out event, fine & hearing and the DRB committees. Francois currently serves as president of the HOA 5 board and has served as chairperson for the beautification committee, as a member of the welcome committee and social committee, and as Neighborhood Watch Program coordinator.

Victor Garofalo

Treasurer
WSMS, LLC

A member of the MetroWest community for more than six years, Garofalo is a Brazilian immigrant, arriving in the United States in 2011 and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration (B.B.A.) focused in business with a minor in economy from Rollins College. He is a commercial landlord and CEO of AFAM INVESTMENTS LLC, a Florida-based company with real estate investments throughout Central Florida.

Warren Nash

Director
Vistas at Stonebridge Commons

Warren Nash has been a resident in MetroWest for the past 17 years. For the past decade, he has lived in Vistas at Stonebridge Commons. His background includes 18 years in flooring sales, restaurant server and manager at Hard Rock Cafe, and employment at Walt Disney World. He has served on the HOA board for Vistas at Stonebridge Commons for four years and as president of that board for three of those years. He has also served on the master board of Stonebridge Commons for three years and has been an active member of the Stonebridge landscape committee for three years.

MetroWest Master Association Management

Julie Sanchez

MetroWest Community General Manager

Julie Sanchez has been with FirstService Residential and the MetroWest Master Association since 2009. She possesses more than 35 years of experience in property management, including multi-family, condominium and homeowner association management, in addition to serving as president of eight COA boards, working alongside of a high-rise developer. Her licenses and certifications include Community Association Manager (CAM), Certified Apartment Property Supervisor (CAPS), Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) and Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT).

Sanchez has been continually recognized for her excellence as a community association manager, including receiving the statewide Manager of Excellence Award from Florida Communities of Excellence in 2013. She was recognized as one of the top 20 onsite managers in the entire nation via the 2014 National Manager of the Year Awards. She was also honored by the West Orange Chamber of Commerce with the prestigious 2013 George Bailey Award in recognition of demonstrated excellence in fostering partnerships for the benefit for the local community.

Mary James

Assistant Manager

Mary James comes to FirstService Residential with more than 13 years of property management experience with Aimco and other large organizations. She is active in the field and holds both professional designations and high standards as a property manager and employee. Her hard work and dedication have given her the opportunity to grow within the companies and organizations where she has previously worked. James possesses a unique ability to truly understand the operations and processes of the corporate world and governmental entities, and has hands-on experience in running small and large properties, facing any challenge and achieving her own goals and company expectations.