Directory

We pledge to surround our members with gracious hospitality in a luxurious tropical setting that always feels like home and every member leaves satisfied every time.
We will inspire, encourage and motivate others to be at their best and always achieve
Excellence

Department Heads

Thomas Kassner

General Manager

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Thomas's impressive background is marked by extensive international experience. He studied economics and hotel management in his home country of Germany. He acquired managing experience from some of the most recognized and esteemed properties and brands in the hospitality industry, including luxury hotels, high-end resorts, and exclusive country clubs in Europe, the US, and the Caribbean.

His work at the Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews, Scotland, and his involvement in managing the clubhouse operation at "The Duke's" demonstrate his adaptability and global perspective. His leadership of the Banquet team at the Westin Hotel in San Francisco and his progression to the Food and Beverage Manager role at the Regent Palms Resort in Turks and Caicos, where he received several outstanding awards, further underscore his success. His tenure as the youngest Director of F&B with Royal Caribbean and his impact on Equinox from Celebrity Cruises are additional testaments to his global leadership skills.

Thomas's innovative leadership in the hospitality industry and his years of expertise in ultra-luxury hospitality and private club management are genuinely inspiring. His role as an executive F&B Director at the Boca West Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida, where he was at the helm of all Clubhouse and culinary operations, is a testament to his visionary approach. After his successful tenure as Clubhouse Manager at the La Gorce Country Club in Miami Beach, Florida, where he oversaw all operations, member relations, and activities within the Club, he joined the Key Biscayne Yacht Club in October 2023 as General Manager/COO, bringing his innovative spirit to a new setting.

As General Manager, Thomas sees his role as serving all employees and members, and his Principles are all about the people and the culture.

"We pledge to surround our members with gracious hospitality in a luxurious tropical setting that always feels like home, and every member leaves satisfied every time.

We will inspire, encourage, and motivate others to be at their best and consistently achieve Excellence."

Massiel Valdes-Sabellico

Executive Assistant

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Massiel Valdes-Sabellico has been an integral part of the Key Biscayne family since April 1, 2000. As Executive Assistant, she provides a wide range of complex office administration and support to managers and Members. Her responsibilities include answering and routing phone calls, emails, and other correspondence, as well as writing, editing, and preparing documents such as memos and presentations.
Known for her resourcefulness and quick thinking, Massiel is adept at handling problems and crises with professionalism and composure, always maintaining strict confidentiality. She also oversees office supply purchases and inventory management, among other daily tasks, ensuring the smooth operation of the office.

Amerily Clemente-Flacon

Controller

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Amérily Clemente-Falcón serves as the Controller at Key Biscayne Yacht Club, overseeing the Administration and Finance Department. She brings a strong passion for integrating financial solutions with technology to her role. Amérily holds a degree from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master's degree from the University of Phoenix. Her career in finance began in the manufacturing sector, and she has since gained extensive experience across various industries, including hospitality. Now, she enjoys contributing to the dynamic environment of the Club world at Key Biscayne Yacht Club, embracing the unique opportunities the finance profession offers.

Diana Rodriguez

Membership Director

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Diana Rodriguez, Membership Director with 19 years of dedicated service in member engagement, retention, growth strategies and cultivating strong relationships with the members. Diana’s expertise spans from member recruitment, retention, personalized member services to ensure a seamless and enriching experience for all.
Known for a warm smile and an approachable demeanor she has a deep understanding of the Yacht Club lifestyle and club operations creating a welcoming atmosphere that embodies the club’s values.
Her commitment to excellence continues to elevate the club’s reputation and member satisfaction.

Jason Lowe

Assistant Controller/IT Manager

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Jason Lowe is a Senior Accountant and the IT Manager for the Key Biscayne Yacht Club. He has been with the Club for over 15 years. He has witnessed and participated in the delightful growth of the Club over the years, focusing on making improvements in the Accounting Department and everything IT, including overseeing the IT infrastructure of the entire property. He has interests in everything tech related and is the go-to guy when you’re looking for some additional knowledge.

Cynthia Amaro

Director of Human Resources

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Cynthia Amaro is a dedicated Human Resources professional with 19 years of experience in talent management, employee relations, and organizational development. She has built a strong career in the hospitality industry, holding key HR roles at renowned establishments, including Novotel Miami Brickell, Fisher Island Club, and Hilton Miami Downtown. Cynthia is passionate about fostering positive workplace cultures, driving employee engagement, and supporting organizational growth through strategic HR initiatives. Her extensive expertise and commitment to excellence have earned her a reputation as a trusted leader and advocate for people and performance in the workplace.

Carol Craiglow

Waterfront Amenities Director

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Carol Craiglow serves as the Waterfront Amenities and Sailing Director at the Key Biscayne Yacht Club, where she oversees all aspects of the club’s youth sailing programs. From organizing clinics, regattas, and the KBYC summer camp to managing the sailing department, Carol plays a pivotal role in fostering the next generation of sailors. She is responsible for hiring and supervising high-level race coaches and camp instructors, ensuring the highest quality of instruction.
With a background in creative and business management, Carol brings a unique combination of expertise and leadership to her role, seamlessly blending her history and passion for the Club with her strong organizational skills. Her dedication to excellence has made her an integral part of the KBYC sailing community.

Brandon Collura

Facility & Marina Director

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Brandon Collura joined the Key Biscayne Yacht Club team in April 2022 as our Marina & Facilities Director. He oversees operations & projects for both the marina and the entire facility. Brandon’s management experience dates back to 2011. His background includes managing private club and government marine facilities. He worked a number of years in the financial industry upon graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2005, focused in private equity and wealth management. He also served as a water rescue boatman on Geneva Lake, WI for fourteen seasons.

Matthew Medrano

Executive Chef

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As the Executive Chef at Key Biscayne Yacht Club, Chef Matthew Medrano is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the club's culinary operations, from menu development to staff management, ensuring that each dining experience is a reflection of the club's values of excellence and sophistication. Chef Medrano takes pride in crafting menus that reflect both seasonal ingredients and the diverse tastes of the club's members, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and consistency. Chef Medrano is known for a hands-on leadership style, fostering a collaborative kitchen environment, and mentoring young chefs to help them grow in their craft and is excited to continue creating memorable dining experiences and fostering a sense of community through food at KBYC.

Nashali Santiago

Food & Beverage Director

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Nashali Santiago is the dedicated and results-oriented professional serving as the Food & Beverage Director at the prestigious Key Biscayne Yacht Club. In this pivotal role, which she has ascended to after four successful years with the club and two well-deserved promotions, Nashali expertly manages the operations of the Club's three distinct dining venues and bars, ensuring exceptional service and quality across all outlets.

Hailing from Porto Rico, Nashali brings a rich and diverse background in Restaurants Management to her current position. Her experience in the vibrant culinary scene of Porto Rico has instilled in her a deep understanding of hospitality, operational efficiency, and the importance of creating outstanding guest experiences.

A key strength for Nashali lies in her ability to cultivate and retain high-performing teams. She is passionate about fostering a positive and collaborative work environment, empowering her staff to excel and grow. Ultimately, Nashali's unwavering goal is to craft memorable experiences for the members of the Key Biscayne Yacht Club, ensuring that every visit is enjoyable and exceeds expectations.

Leslie J. Godsil

Catering Director

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Leslie Godsil is the Catering Director here at KBYC. She started back in May of 2021 as a server looking for additional income and a place that would value her skills and knowledge of hospitality, management, and training. She quickly rose up through the ranks as a Trainer, Event Supervisor, then finally Catering Director. As Director, Leslie not only handles private events such as birthdays, baptisms, holiday parties, baby showers, and weddings but also aids in the organization of Club Events such as Easter Brunch, Thanksgiving Dinner, the 4th of July BBQ, and Mother’s Day Brunch. She works with the Seabelle/s to throw energetic parties for Oktoberfest, the Cornhole Tournament, and the New Year’s Eve Ball, to name a few. She also works with the Youth Committee to bring families events to enjoy together such as the Wild Animal Show, candy-apple decorating, and of course, Kid’s Christmas.

Ariana Rosasco

Communications Manager

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Ariana Rosasco serves as the Communications Manager at the Key Biscayne Yacht Club, where she is responsible for shaping and executing the Club's comprehensive communication strategy. Her role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, all aimed at enhancing the Club's brand, fostering strong member relationships, and promoting engagement.

Ariana is the driving force behind all internal and external communications, ensuring that members are well-informed and connected to the Club's activities. This includes the strategic promotion of all Club events, aimed at maximizing participation and creating a vibrant community atmosphere.

A key aspect of Ariana's work involves managing the Club's brand identity and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms. She has modernized the Club's digital presence through the creation of a new website and a dedicated mobile application, significantly improving the accessibility of information and services for members. Additionally, Ariana's expertise extends to social media management, where she develops and implements strategies to engage members, expand the Club's reach, and enhance its online presence.

Pedro Mascarenhas

Sailing Director / ILCA Head Coach

Pedro Mascarengas is an experienced Brazilian sailor and sailing coach. With over 34 years of experience in the sport, Pedro has an extensive track record of success as both an athlete and a coach, excelling in various national and international competitions. In addition to his passion for sailing, he has a strong academic background, holding an Executive MBA in Finance and an Executive MBA in Business Management, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Pedro began his coaching career in 1996 and has since gained extensive experience training young sailors and high-performance teams. His key roles have included positions as Head Coach at the Rio Yacht Club in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and as a coach at the Coral Reef Yacht Club, Palmer Trinity High School and USODA. Pedro is currently the Sailing Manager and ILCA Head Coach at Key Biscayne Yacht Club in Miami. His work involves preparing teams for major championships, such as the ILCA World Championships and continental Optimist championships, where he has achieved impressive results with athletes across various categories.

As a sailor, Pedro has also achieved remarkable accomplishments, competing in classes such as Optimist, Snipe, ILCA, and J70, with titles that include Brazilian Championships and participation in World and continental championships. His expertise has led him to coach international competitions, representing U.S. teams in events such as the Optimist South American and North American Championships and the ILCA World Championships.
In addition to his work in sailing, Pedro has gained corporate experience, holding positions in finance and business development at several companies. This combination of sports and corporate skills makes him a versatile and dedicated professional, committed to developing young sailing talents and pursuing continuous improvement in the sport.