Movers & Shakers: the Conrad hires a new sales director…and more

Nearly two years after Cervera Real Estate took over sales of the Ocean Resort Residences Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, the developer has tapped a new director of sales.

Cari Cascio is now leading sales, replacing Philip Freedman. Orchestra Hotels + Resorts is the latest developer behind the project, a $40 million redevelopment that includes 109 condo residences and beachfront villas, and 181 resort residences. When completed, the project will feature a Conrad-branded spa, heated swimming pool, Jacuzzis, a serenity deck, poolside restaurant and lounge, beach services, a gym, meeting rooms and event space, and a Jewel Box, a five-story glass-enclosed building that connects the hotel-condo, and a sixth floor Sky Beach with sand.

Cervera has reached 35 percent sales at the Fort Lauderdale Beach project, a spokesperson told The Real Deal. Move-in ready units start in the $400,000s. The spokesperson declined to provide an opening date, and said that the developer is converting the construction loan to a permanent hotel loan.

Cascio has more than 10 years of experience and previously worked for Hemisphere Sales Group at Sabbia Beach. She has also handled in-house sales for Beachwalk Resort and the Slade, as well as the Whitney West Palm Beach.

FirstBank Florida promoted Angela Hernandez to vice president, residential business officer of residential lending. Hernandez was a residential loan officer for nearly six years. As a vice president, Hernandez is responsible for originating loans.

Amanda Davenport, a former traveling chef and “Hell’s Kitchen” contestant, is putting cooking on the back burner. Davenport is now a real estate agent with Re/Max Advance Realty at its South Miami office.

Compass made four hires, bringing the tech-oriented brokerage to 48 agents in South Florida. Lianne Graubart, Reyna Rosenshein, Diego Ramos and Haissam Jaber are now real estate advisers at Compass Miami.

Ana Marie Fernandez joined Copeland & Co. Real Estate in its West Palm Beach office. Fernandez focuses on residential real estate throughout Palm Beach County.