BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION
Kenneth D. Colen, Chairman
Charles McAllister, Vice Chairman
C. Guy Woolbright, Secretary/Treasurer
James F. O’Neil
Virgil Ratliff
Gail Sanders
Russell Ciokiewicz
Maria Avdelas
Michael Spodeck
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR BOARD MEMBERS
KENNETH D. COLEN
On Top of the World-Clearwater
KENNETH D. COLEN
On Top of the World-Clearwater
Board Service: Re-elected to the Board of Administration in 2019
QUALIFICIATONS
• Licensed by the State of Florida as a General Contractor, Class A
• Licensed by the State of Florida as a Community Association Manager
• Licensed by the State of Florida as a Real Estate Broker
• State licensed Water Treatment Plant Operator “B”
• State licensed Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator “C”
STATEMENT
It has been a privilege to serve on the Board of Administration. With your support, I hope to be able to serve your community for many more years. Together with the other Board members, we have had to work together in a highly collaborative manner to address the day-to-day challenges of operating a community the size of OTOW-Clearwater, within the cost constraints of the Association’s budget. Maintaining the assets of your community, as well as the safety and affordability for residents continues to be highest priority.
The Board has directed the Management Company to engage qualified contractors to replace aging underground water infrastructure and to monitor and repair collections system infrastructure. Maintaining adequate casualty and windstorm insurance at affordable costs is always a challenge. Fortunately, the Association’s current insurance premiums are competitive because of your Board’s diligent work with insurance brokers and carriers. Managing funding for necessary roof replacements, replacing aging pipes and service connections in the water delivery system, and updating walkway railings in the community, are all considered in the coming budget cycles. Road and parking lot improvement work is yet another ongoing challenge that your Board is charged to manage.
Both as an individual member of the Board, and as a team, your Board has always taken an interdisciplinary approach to community operations. By being both objective and goal focused in providing services to you, the residents of OTOW, your Board delivers tangible value to Association members. We have a job to do and we do it to the best of our ability and within budget.
CHARLES W. MCALLISTER
On Top of the World-Clearwater
CHARLES W. MCALLISTER
On Top of the World-Clearwater
Charles (Chuck) McAllister dedicated his life to serving our country. He retired in 2010 as a Chief Warrant Officer Five after 35 years in the U.S. Army.
Chuck entered the Army in 1974 in a program called “Stripes for Skills”. In 1980, he attended flight school at Ft. Rucker, Alabama and became a Warrant Officer aviator.
After retiring, Chuck developed an interactive Air Traffic Control program used in all unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) simulation across the Department of Defense.
Chuck holds a bachelor’s in business from Excelsior College, and a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in educational technology integration from Penn State University. He resides at On Top of the World with his wife, Theresa, and has been a resident since 2014.
Q & A
Why did you decide to join the On Top of the World Board of Administration?
My wife and I have been owners at OTOW for 7 years and the Board has done an exceptional job maintaining and updating the community over the years. I see it as an opportunity to serve the community, participate in the inner workings, and have a positive impact on the day-to-day operations of the community as we move forward. Things are good—as we move forward, we want to make it better.
What do you hope to accomplish on the Board/what is your vision for the future of On Top of the World?
One of my biggest priorities is to speak on behalf of the residents, as a resident. My wife and I make a point to get input from others in the community as well. We volunteered at the COVID-19 vaccine event hosted here and that gave us an opportunity to speak with many of the residents as 1,600 received COVID vaccines over three days.
We have a great bunch of people here and the community is well maintained with top-notch amenities. To me, serving on the board is about taking what we have and continuing to update and improve it as we go along based on the people who live here.
What are some of your favorite things about living at On Top of the World?
The people are great: once you get to know them, you see how great they are. It is a very close-knit community where people look out for each other. Everything is exceptionally well maintained: the buildings, the streets, all the facilities. As an example, within the past few years they have changed the fitness center and it is top-notch – the layout and the equipment.
There are so many different things here that are excellent, but they all require maintenance. I want to take what we currently have to offer and continue to update and improve it based on the people moving in. As a younger group of people move in, we need to make sure we offer a community that meets their needs and desires too.
What has surprised you most about serving on the Board?
The Board is very forward-thinking and constantly working to improve the structure and operation of the community for all residents.
I have also been surprised by the boundaries some residents will cross to express their discontent. With so many residents in the community it is not a surprise that someone might be unhappy, but it has been surprising that anyone would go so far as to personally threaten me and my fellow board members.
What one message would you like to share with the people who live at On Top of the World that we may not have covered?
OTOW is a great place to live. Being aware of some of the other communities in the area, we have some of the best facilities, activities, maintenance, and opportunities available to us. We live in paradise. In a population of close to 10,000 residents, you cannot please everyone with everything, but I am happy to be here and proud to be serving on the board.
C. GUY WOOLBRIGHT
On Top of the World-Clearwater
C. GUY WOOLBRIGHT
On Top of the World-Clearwater
Board Service: 2009 to present
QUALIFICIATONS
- Bachelor and Master Degrees in Accounting
- CFO at On Top of the World Communities, 2003-present
- Condominiums and Homeowners Associations, 2003-present
- Master the Possibilities, Inc., Board Treasurer
- Hospice of Marion County, Board of Directors, 2014
- 2013KPMG, LLP Audit and Tax Staff, 1984-1988
- Real Estate and Property Management, 1988-present
STATEMENT
All members of the Association Board of Administration are acutely aware of the need to keep costs at a minimum while providing the necessary and expected level of services needed for a well-run community.
I have worked closely with your Board and management company in formulating budgets for the Association. Budgeting and long-range capital planning is a process where forward thinking and planning are keys to the success. My goal is to maintain an affordable community, sustaining the beauty by ensuring all projects whether common area maintenance, or large projects such as road improvements, painting, elevator replacements and roofing, to name a few, are scheduled and sent for bid to get the best value for the dollars invested.
JAMES F. O’NEIL
On Top of the World-Clearwater
JAMES F. O’NEIL
On Top of the World-Clearwater
Jim and his wife have lived at OTOW-Clearwater for more than 15 years now after retiring from a career in the New Hampshire Court System. Prior to serving as a Security Manager and District Court Regional Manager in New Hampshire, Jim spent 22 years in the US Army serving in counterintelligence and security operations. In his retirement, Jim continues to work as a security consultant for the National Center for State Courts, conducting courthouse security assessments across the country. Jim and his wife, Mary Ann, have been married for 55 years and have 3 children and 4 grandchildren.
Q & A
Why did you decide to join the On Top of the World Board of Administration?
My wife and I bought a condominium here in 2004. In 2005 I retired and we moved down. We’ve been full time residents ever since. It’s a great place to live. That’s why I was interested in the board of administration. I was aware of an opening on the board – this was less than a year ago – and was approached by one of the board members who asked if I would be interested in doing this. I said I was thinking about applying. About a month after submitting my resume I was contacted, went in for an interview, and was quite impressed by the other board members. I love it here and want to keep costs down including minimal increases during the year. I’ve done this sort of thing before in my other life and I wanted to take part in management. I have a lot I can share.
What do you hope to accomplish on the Board/what is your vision for the future of On Top of the World?
I want to keep improving the conditions here at OTOW. I want to make sure we do this in a fiscally responsible manner. Since the board of administration is responsible for the budget I want to make sure we keep costs down and improve services to the res
idents.
What are some of your favorite things about living at On Top of the World?
There’s a number of things I really appreciate here – the amenities we get by being residents. The social atmosphere as well. My wife is the president of the entertainment committee and the committee brings in quality entertainment for the residents.
We do shows, we do dances. We haven’t been able to do that for the past year and I really miss it. When everything gets back to normal we’ll start it up again. I love the social aspect of it. We had quality entertainment come in for the residents and we enjoyed it. The pool is also great.
We have a newspaper that comes out once a month that covers everything from activities to profiles on residents that go places and report back on what they’ve done.
What has surprised you most about serving on the Board?
I don’t have anything bad to say about serving on the board. My experience with the board is that these people are dedicated. They are very intelligent. Ken Colon is a very approachable person. He listens to everything you say. He may not always agree with you but he listens to what you have to say and so do the rest of the board members.
We’re all volunteers – that’s the most important thing. No one is getting paid to do this. We do this as volunteers.
What one message would you like to share with the people who live at On Top of the World that we may not have covered?
It’s a great place to live. I call it the best kept secret in Florida. OTOW is one of my favorite places. I want to tell people that.
We just recently got permission to give the vaccine shots here at OTOW. I can’t tell you the quality of the people who volunteered to help. We had people who were helping people fill out forms, helping people get up stairs, helping people get seated, and get them through as fast as we could. These were all volunteers and residents.
The upkeep is great. The grounds are kept beautifully. I love it here.
VIRGIL (CORBY) RATLIFF
On Top of the World-Clearwater
VIRGIL (CORBY) RATLIFF
On Top of the World-Clearwater
Board Service: 1999 to Present
QUALIFICATIONS
• 47 Years in residential and commercial construction
• 42 years of employment with On Top of the World-Clearwater
STATEMENT
In the course of my long tenure with the On Top of the World Condominium community, I have worked alongside, managed and supervised numerous trades people and sub-contractors in the construction of the residential and recreational buildings and facilities, including a detailed photographic record of each building’s exterior. After completion of construction, I have continued working with the maintenance of the amenity facilities. I have both managed the Service Department and the recreation areas of the community. A few years back, I participated in the renovation of the 18-hole golf course here at On Top of the World, which was received as a great success by residents. I continue to work with contractors on recent ongoing improvements to the course and the irrigation system.
My detailed knowledge of the community is an asset to your Board and the Association members.
I hope to continue to work with my fellow Board members to provide the best solutions and answers to issues and concerns facing the On Top of the World Community.
GAIL SANDERS
On Top of the World-Clearwater
GAIL SANDERS
On Top of the World-Clearwater
QUALIFICATIONS
- Resident of On Top World, 2007-present
- Board of Administration, On Top of the World Condominium Association, 2010-present
- Real Estate Broker – Bob Baucom & Associates – 1994-2004
- Property Manager – Dept. of Veterans Affairs – 1978-2004
- Administrative Assistant – Dept. of Justice – 1976-1983
LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS
- State of Kansas Real Estate License 1992-2004
- State of Florida Real Estate License 2006-present
- State of Florida Notary
STATEMENT
My father began to operate his own real estate company in 1972. Growing up in a real estate family had it challenges. He spent many hours working to understand the real estate business and operations. In order to spend time with him I would hasten to help him out in any way that I could in his office. While working alongside him he instilled within me a high work ethical standard. Upon his retirement I assumed operating the real estate business from 1994 until 2004.
Since that time, I’ve gained extensive experience in property management. My knowledge includes current city, county, state and Federal Fair Housing laws and practices as well as utilizing the National Association of Residential Property Manager (NARPM) which oversees the ethical and professional standards of conduct for property managers.
It has also been a privilege to work alongside a professional, knowledgeable, and capable team of Board members here at On Top of the World. I am especially fond of the residents here at On Top of the World, full time, seasonal owners, and tenants, it is a joy to help them with their questions, comments and concerns.
When I was approached in 2009 asking if I would consider filling a vacant spot on the Board of Administration for this community, it was a precious privilege. I am honored to serve on the Board and I would love to continue to serve on it now and on into the future.
Q & A
Why did you decide to join the On Top of the World Board of Administration?
I had been an employee about eight or nine years and had already fallen in love with the community. With a vacancy on the board, it was certainly a privilege when Ken Colen invited me to apply to serve on the board to a community that I was very impressed with.
What do you hope to accomplish on the Board/what is your vision for the future of On Top of the World?
My role on the board is mainly concerning the leasing of the condominiums in the community. I hope to communicate an accurate understanding about the rules and by-laws for owners and tenants as regards leasing here at OTOW. I have an opportunity as a resident when I am at the activities and functions to set matters straight when people have questions, concerns or have been listening to false rumors.
What are some of your favorite things about living at On Top of the World?
I’ve lived here for the past 14 years. I was 50 years old when I came to work/live here. I could legally live here because my roommate was my cousin who was 55+. At 50 years old, I was the youngest person in the office at that time. I really enjoy living in a community of mature people. I’ve had the opportunity to listen to the life experience of these residents. They are so very interesting and I have been so very impressed by them. I really love the people here.
The amenities are abundant and lots of fun. At first, I thought it was going to be a drag living here with so many older ones, but at the dances and concerts; those elderly men and women would pull me on the dance floor and swing me all around it! I have come to learn the key to a happy and healthy retirement life is to remain active.
What has surprised you most about serving on the Board?
I thought there might be times where there could be some heated discussions but it’s been just the opposite. I really appreciate the even temperament of the members on the board. They are very solution-oriented. I really appreciate that there’s a genuine common respect for each other despite the personality differences and the background differences.
I am grateful that the Board works so well and we all have each other’s backs. I think that is mainly due to the mutual respect that we have for one another and what OTOW means to each of us. You can feel and hear that sincerity when you are with the board members.
It’s a family-owned business and I myself have a background with a family-owned business. My father owned and operated his own real estate company back in 1968. Bob Baucom & Associates Real Estate so I could appreciate the dynamics of a family-owned operation and how there is more dedication involved.
What one message would you like to share with the people who live at On Top of the World that we may not have covered?
99.9% of the people love living here. That small percentage that have complaints – Ken feels for them and wants them to be satisfied as well. I want everyone to keep in mind that the majority of the people who live here love living here.
I respect that the board takes into consideration the complaints – they need to be given attention – but not to let it get us so down that we have negative thinking. The majority of the people love it here and recommend it to their friends and family. It has a very good reputation in and around the city and state.
It has been a privilege and pleasure to serve. I hope to continue to be a part of it as long as I can.
MICHAEL SPODECK
On Top of the World-Clearwater
MICHAEL SPODECK
On Top of the World-Clearwater
Mike and his wife Debbie of 32 years moved to Clearwater just last summer. Originally from Detroit, Mike met his wife in Atlanta while working together in the hospitality industry in 1987. They soon married and lived in suburban Atlanta until 2020. Mike moved on from the restaurant business to work for Empire Distributing and then National Distributors, both purveyors of Liquor and Wine. Advancing to several management sales positions, Mike worked in the industry for thirty years before retiring and settling here at OTOW-Clearwater where his parents had resided for nearly forty years.
Q & A
Why did you decide to join the On Top of the World Board of Administration?
My parents lived at On Top of the World for more than 35 years so I would come often to visit. They loved it here, my parents always said this was the best place in the world. When they passed away I decided to move here and I was given the opportunity to serve on the Board and I decided it would be a good opportunity to get involved in the On Top of the World community, because I had been visiting for years but I didn’t know a whole lot of people here.
What do you hope to accomplish on the Board/what is your vision for the future of On Top of the World?
We live in a great community. It’s extremely affordable, they continue to offer superior amenities to everyone living here, and I just want to keep that ball rolling. I think OTOW is running well and it’s a self-supporting community. One of my parents’ favorite things about living here is there is never a special assessment. You know, our building was just repainted and buildings are repainted every year on a schedule and as needed, roads are repaired regularly. While the community is getting older, the upkeep on it has been really good and all this is done with money paid just from our dues. We don’t get a special assessment when an elevator goes down or a tree falls. It’s remarkable that this place has been open for so long and no one has ever paid a dime more than their fees, and the fees are more than reasonable. The budget is balanced every year and all the money that is taken in is put back into the community to improve it.
What are some of your favorite things about living at On Top of the World?
My wife and I enjoy all the amenities the community has to offer—the library, the pools, the state-of-the-art exercise room. I also love the golf courses. I had never played golf but I wanted to learn so I joined one of the men’s leagues and the people couldn’t have been friendlier or more accommodating. They took me in and taught me how to play the game, and now I go out and really enjoy it. They’re a great group of guys and I’ve become friends with quite a few of them. We’re still meeting people as much as we can.
What has surprised you most about serving on the Board?
We work a lot on updating and modernizing things which is great and something that needs to be done. Updating these agreements gives residents more opportunities to manage themselves. The Board is trying to get more resident feedback and more residents involved. I think that’s what people want—people want to be involved.
What one message would you like to share with the people who live at On Top of the World that we may not have covered?
It’s been a tough year and things haven’t been normal, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel now. We’ll get past this and back to normal everything the community offers will be opened back up. There will be club meetings, dances, and entertainment opportunities. Then we’ll really experience all the things you can do here to make your life that much more enjoyable.
RUSSELL CIOKIEWICZ
On Top of the World-Clearwater
RUSSEL CIOKIEWICZ
On Top of the World-Clearwater
Russell Ciokiewicz has spent his life in service as Airborne Infantry in the US Army, and as an Accountant and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the business world where he has served various positions from Clerk to Chief Financial Officer, and most positions in between.
His wife and he have lived in the Clearwater area for over 30 years, with a short break when they lived in NE Georgia. Upon moving back to Clearwater in 2019, they moved directly into OTOW, where they now reside permanently.
Russell holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Accountancy Degree from Mercer University. Russell also holds an active Certified Public Account (CPA) license and is an active Florida Notary Public.
MARIA AVDELAS
On Top of the World-Clearwater
MARIA AVDELAS
On Top of the World-Clearwater
As a driven individual with a proven track record of success, I am excited to bring my unique perspective as a disabled person to serve as an advocate for the residents at OTOW. With a background spanning my education at Ohio State University, State Senate candidacy, and multiple business ventures, I possess a diverse skill set that includes organizational, time management, and communication.
Having owned and operated three Zen’s Camera locations, owner of Maria’s Crafts-Design, and held prominent roles like Promotions Coordinator at FIRMA and COO at Alpha Dogs, Inc., my experiences have cultivated a high level of commitment to every project I undertake. My involvement in various events, including fundraisers and community activities, further demonstrates my dedication to making a positive impact.
My role as a parent with five children for over three decades has honed my ability to remain level-headed, courteous, and ethical. These qualities have become an integral part of my reputation.
Since becoming a resident of OTOW in December 2021, I have been actively engaged in the community, organizing cookouts, participating in events coordinated by fellow residents, and even being featured in the OTOW newspaper. My love for this community led me to move here permanently.
With a desire to maintain OTOW as an affordable and welcoming place, my objective is to streamline our maintenance program, particularly for our elevators. By doing so, we can better cater to the needs of our aging and disabled residents, fostering a sense of inclusivity and comfort.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that my qualifications, dedication, and unique perspective as a disabled individual serves as a valuable asset to the OTOW community. I am committed to advocating passionately for our residents, ensuring that OTOW remains a place of warmth. Together, let’s make OTOW an even more exceptional place to live.
QUALIFICATIONS
-Studied at Ohio State University
-State Senate Candidacy
-Multiple Business Ventures:
-Zen’s Camera, Inc
-Avdelas Custom Homes, Inc
-ACCT, Inc
-CEO Maria’s Crafts-Design
-Promotions Coordinator Firma
-Founder Guided Greece
-Cofounder & COO Alpha Dogs LLC
-Creator Needfulgifts.net
-Mother of 5
ABOUT WORKING GROUP OF BOARD:
A Working Group was formed by the Board, in 2021, to address specific pending matters concerning proposed changes to certain Association agreements with the Management Company and Amenity Provider. All Working Group meetings were properly noticed so interested residents had an opportunity to attend each meeting. The Working Group of the Board completed their task.
The Board has no plans to reconstitute the Working Group in the foreseeable future.