About Island Real Estate - Your Top Choice For Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals

Meet Our Vacations Team

Island Real Estate Vacations has recruited the best of the best local leaders to develop our Vacation Rental Division. Those that were with Island Real Estate in prior years will recognize a few faces below. We are prepared to invest in our business and that starts with the core leadership team managing our Anna Maria Island vacation rental properties. No history with Island Real Estate? Visit our testimonials page to see firsthand how our employees from the past have made a big difference for our owners.

Lawrence Chatt

Owner/Broker, Island Real Estate

Co-Owner, Island Real Estate Vacations and Island Sip & Shop

Larry Chatt is the Owner and Broker of Island Real Estate and Co-Owner of Island Real Estate Vacations and Island Sip & Shop on Pine Avenue. For more than 20 years, Larry has led the Island Real Estate team with a strong commitment to professionalism, innovation, and community involvement, helping guide the company’s continued growth and success on Anna Maria Island. Larry earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Prior to his career in real estate, he held executive leadership roles with General Motors, General Electric, and Precision Castparts Corporation. His extensive corporate leadership experience, combined with his analytical and operational expertise, has uniquely prepared him for his role as Broker and business owner. In addition to his professional leadership background, Larry brings valuable firsthand experience as a real estate investor. He has owned Anna Maria Island investment property while residing in Europe, New England, Ohio, Iowa, and Colorado. As an absentee owner, he developed a deep understanding of the concerns, challenges, and expectations associated with purchasing and managing resort property from afar. This perspective allows him to effectively guide clients through both the acquisition and management processes with insight and empathy. As a local for over 20 years, Larry is also deeply committed to the local community. He currently serves as Vice President of the Anna Maria Island Vacation Property Association and is a former Chairman of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. His active involvement reflects his dedication not only to the real estate industry, but to the continued vitality and success of Anna Maria Island as a whole. Email: Larry@IslandReal.com | Direct Line: (941) 345-1288

Jodi Nichols

Co-Owner and Chief Executive Officer, Island Real Estate Vacations and Island Sip & Shop 

As Chief Executive Officer, Jodi Nichols has been a driving force behind Island Real Estate Vacations rental management program since 2012 and as co-owner in 2020. With more than 30 years of experience in resort hospitality and vacation rental management, Jodi brings comprehensive expertise spanning all aspects of operations—from guest services to owner relations, to employee training, team development, and operational leadership. Jodi is dedicated to ensuring that every facet of the vacation rental program consistently exceeds both owner and guest expectations. Her hands-on approach and deep industry knowledge have helped elevate the company’s standards in hospitality, operations, and property management. In addition, Jodi has overseen the renovation and interior design of over 50 properties within the vacation rental program over the years, enhancing both guest experience and owner investment value. She has also developed and implemented personalized service strategies tailored to meet the unique needs of property owners. In 2025, Jodi served as the visionary behind Island Sip & Shop, a vibrant new beach retail store located on Pine Avenue. Collaborating with IRE owner and leadership partner, Larry Chatt, shop manager Tiffany Miles, and shop partners AMI Coconuts to bring this fun shop concept to life, expanding the Island Real Estate brand into a dynamic new venture. Jodi’s creativity, along with extensive expertise in hospitality, operation leadership, property rental management, team building, interior design, and training and development continues to propel Island Real Estate Vacations rental division to new heights. Email: Jodi@IslandReal.com | Direct Line: (941) 345-1294

Logan Nichols

General Manager

Leading our Operations team for Vacation Rentals, and the onboarding of new owners. He is also on the board of directors for the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and possesses his CAM license and his Florida Realtors license. Logan is a decorated Air Force Veteran who started with Island Real Estate Vacations in 2020, first as the Community Association Manager and then as our New Owner Onboarding and Owner Relations Manager. In 2026, his role was expanded as one of IREV's executive team members leading the entire organization for vacation rental as General Manager. Logan's time in the United States Air Force as a Technical Sergeant (E-6) not only gained him the experience and knowledge needed to lead a team, but also the valuable professional and leadership skills needed for this role. While in the Air Force, Logan served 2 tours in Afghanistan, received 3 Metals of Commendation and 2 Metals of Achievement for his accomplishments and leadership in Afghanistan, for overseeing a 40+ personnel team at the San Antonio Trauma Center, and for improving effectiveness and process implementation for 2,600 users and devices worth $56 million dollars. Logan also earned his bachelor's degree in health care management, graduating with honors. At IREV, Logan is a valued member of our team and liked by all! Since starting with IREV in 2020, Logan has proven his dedication to serving our team, our rental owners, our rental guests as well as the local Anna Maria Island community.    Email: Logan@IslandReal.com 

Ashley Gagnier

Director of Property Operations

Ashley Gagnier serves as the Director of Property Operations, overseeing all back of the house operations to include housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance operations with the support of her leadership team across all our vacation rental properties. With nearly nine years of experience in vacation rental housekeeping, inspection, and commercial laundry management, she brings extensive industry knowledge and a deep understanding of the standards required to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Ashley coordinates with seven cleaning companies and manages a team of five property inspectors to ensure consistent quality across every home. She schedules cleanings and inspections, resolves issues quickly, and maintains property readiness for both guest and owner arrivals, and always with an upbeat positive “can do” attitude. As the primary point of contact between housekeeping teams, inspectors, and operations department leaders for maintenance and laundry, Ashley ensures clear communication and seamless collaboration at every stage. Known for her strong leadership and communication skills, Ashley effectively manages multiple teams and vendors while maintaining high cleanliness scores and efficient turnover times—even during peak seasons. Her proactive approach and attention to detail help prevent issues before they arise, keeping operations running smoothly. Ashley’s focus on consistency, accountability, and quick resolution of housekeeping concerns protects both the guest experience and the owner’s investment. Through her leadership, every home is thoroughly cleaned, carefully inspected, and fully prepared to welcome guests and owners with confidence. Email: Ashley@IslandReal.com 

Karen Astor 

Accounting Manager

Kacey Varga

Owner Revenue and Marketing Lead

Kacey Varga serves as Island Real Estate Vacations Owner Revenue and Marketing Lead, overseeing the day-to-day revenue and rate management for properties within the vacation rental program, along with website marketing strategy and performance. With a strong focus on maximizing owner returns, Kacey leads revenue optimization efforts to ensure each property remains competitive and strategically positioned within the Anna Maria Island marketplace. Most repeat vacationers know Kacey well, her history with IRE dates back to January 1999! In her 25+ year career with Island Real Estate, Kacey has progressively advanced into leadership roles, starting in reservations, and gaining extensive experience over the years across multiple departments. She has supported rental owners, vacation guests, real estate sales clients, and community leaders, giving her a well-rounded understanding of both the hospitality and real estate industries. In her current role, Kacey develops localized pricing strategies for each vacation rental property, utilizing forecasting tools, market data, and statistical analysis to maintain competitive rates and maximize rental revenue for owners. She prepares weekly revenue and competitive market reports, along with comprehensive monthly operational performance charts to guide strategic decision-making.Kacey also helps with new property onboarding, including writing compelling property descriptions, incorporating owner-provided reviews across various platforms, and ensuring accurate system setup. Her responsibilities include fee implementation within Track and related systems, managing city and state licensing requirements, and maintaining Manatee County tax accounts for property additions and removals. In addition, Kacey coordinates marketing email campaigns, works with ICND to implement website modifications, and provides support to the reservations and guest services teams as needed. She helps the team to manage VRBO and Airbnb listings, including new property launches, content updates, requested changes, and renewals, while ensuring promotions and specials are properly activated across all platforms and internal systems. Kacey’s extensive industry knowledge, analytical expertise, and long-standing commitment to Island Real Estate continue to drive revenue growth and marketing excellence for Island Real Estate Vacations. Email: Kacey@IslandReal.com | Direct Line: (941) 345-1292

Cheryl Hindle

Vacation Rental Specialist Manager

Cheryl Hindle is our Vacation Rental Specialists Manager, overseeing Reservations and Guest Services with a strong commitment to service excellence and operational efficiency. As the primary point of escalation for guest concerns, Cheryl resolves issues swiftly, diplomatically, and effectively ensuring guest satisfaction, loyalty, and positive guest experiences. She works closely with housekeeping, maintenance, and operations teams for overall stay experiences. With formal training in professional communication, conflict resolution, and service excellence, Cheryl brings a refined and guest-focused approach to every interaction. Cheryl's extensive 20+ year background in sales, customer service, and owner relations management strengthens her ability to build trust, foster long-term relationships, and handle challenges with confidence and care. She is known for maintaining calm professionalism and solution-focused leadership—even in high-pressure situations. When needed, Cheryl maintains consistent communication with guests before arrival, throughout their stay, and after departure to ensure clarity, comfort, and satisfaction at every stage. She also cultivates a safe, supportive, and positive work environment for staff, allowing operations to run smoothly behind the scenes. Acting as a reliable liaison between guests and ownership, Cheryl protects property standards while delivering a high-quality hospitality experience that benefits both guests and owners alike.  Email: Cheryl@IslandReal.com 

Rod Washington

Laundry Supervisor

Rod Washington serves as the Laundry Supervisor at our commercial laundry facility, bringing a strong commitment to quality, organization, and team leadership to every aspect of his role. He ensures that all linens are thoroughly cleaned, carefully prepared, and consistently meet both guest expectations and company standards. By coordinating closely with laundry vendors, Rod guarantees that pick-ups and deliveries are handled on schedule, keeping operations running efficiently and without disruption. In addition to managing vendor relationships, Rod supervises and supports the laundry team, fostering a safe, productive, and positive work environment. He promptly addresses any issues that arise, maintaining smooth daily operations and contributing to overall guest satisfaction. Rod’s background in sales and customer service has equipped him with exceptional problem-solving abilities and a talent for building strong, professional relationships. His organizational skills allow him to seamlessly coordinate between vendors and internal teams, ensuring every detail is handled with care. Certified in safety training for handling laundry chemicals and equipment, Rod prioritizes both quality and workplace safety. Behind the scenes, he works diligently to ensure all linens are spotless, fresh, and ready for every guest stay—helping create a smooth, worry-free vacation rental experience for guests and owners alike. Email: Rod@IslandReal.com 

Tiffany Miles

Island Sip & Shop Retail Manager

Tiffany started with Island Real Estate Vacations (IREV) in June 2020 as a Vacation Rental Specialist, in 2022 was promoted to Property Operations and Interior Design Coordinator, and then promoted in 2023 to Owner Relations Manager. Coming this Summer, June of 2025, Tiffany will be part of the leadership team opening our new retail store on Pine Ave in Anna Maria City as the Island Sip & Shop Retail Manager. Email: Tiffany@IslandReal.com 

Heaven Garcia

Marketing Coordinator

Heaven Garcia serves as Marketing Coordinator for Island Real Estate Vacations, assisting with the company’s digital presence with creativity and a guest experience focus. Heaven plays a key role in promoting vacation rental properties through engaging digital content, virtual property tours, and curated highlights of local businesses, attractions, and experiences. Serving as a trusted liaison between guests and Anna Maria Island, she inspires visitors to choose AMI for their vacation destination and helps them feel connected long before they arrive. In addition, she helps with guest survey requests and responses, ensuring valuable feedback is carefully collected, analyzed, and leveraged to enhance the overall guest experience and strengthen brand perception while also maintaining the company’s social media presence across multiple platforms—including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Heaven collaborates with outside companies and local partners to promote their businesses to guests, creating mutually beneficial partnerships that enhance the visitor experience while supporting the local Island community. Her marketing initiatives not only increase visibility for vacation rental properties but also strengthen connections between guests and Anna Maria Island. With a background in vacation rental reservations and customer service, Heaven brings professionalism, fun, and adaptability to every project. You will be hard pressed to find someone on Island, or within our team, who doesn’t love Heaven! She ensures consistent content delivery, accurate information sharing, and the efficient management of multiple marketing initiatives in a fun and inspiring way. She is also completing specialized training in social media marketing, content engagement, and digital communication strategies to further elevate the company’s digital impact. Email: Heaven@IslandReal.com

Frank

Vacation Rental Specialist

Frank Feliciano is a Vacation Rental Specialist. Since starting in 2021, Frank has shown himself to be a dedicated member of our team known for delivering exceptional guest experiences while maximizing property performance for owners by driving booking success across multiple channels, including in-person interactions, phone inquiries, and social media platforms. His commitment to service and clear communication ensures a seamless experience for guests from their initial booking inquiry through their vacation rental check-out departure. In addition to reservations, Frank proactively coordinates with guests, property owners, and maintenance teams to address arrivals, departures, and any on-site concerns. His responsiveness and attention to detail allow him to resolve issues efficiently while maintaining a professional, friendly, and guest-focused presence always. In addition, Frank holds his real estate license and someone who continually expands his industry knowledge through specialized vacation rental training and seminars. His expertise, combined with a strong solution-oriented mindset, has made Frank a top reservation booking agent for four consecutive years generating more than $1 million in annual rental revenue! This while consistently balancing guest satisfaction with owner expectations provides maximize occupancy and return on investment for our rental owners. Recognized for his professionalism, adaptability, and ability to perform in high-volume, fast-paced environments, Frank serves as a trusted liaison between guests and IREV. He not only promotes and books properties successfully but also inspires visitors to choose the destination, helping them feel informed, confident, and connected well before they arrive. Email: Frank@IslandReal.com

Sarah

Vacation Rental Specialist

Sarah Wilson is an experienced Vacation Rental Specialist with more than 20 years of expertise in vacation rental management, sales, and customer service. She plays a vital role in driving booking performance while delivering exceptional experiences for both guests and property owners. At Island Real Estate Vacations, Sarah books vacation rental reservations across multiple channels, including in-person inquiries, phone communications, and social media platforms. She ensures a seamless experience from the initial inquiry through check-out, maintaining a consistent focus on service excellence, accuracy, and responsiveness. In addition to reservations, Sarah expertly handles guest relations during the guest stay, promptly addressing concerns and coordinating swift resolution of issues. She actively monitors all communication channels, maintaining a professional, solution-focused, and guest-centered presence always. Sarah’s professional development includes formal communication training with an emphasis on professional guest interaction, conflict resolution, and service excellence. She holds internationally recognized certifications from the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), British Airways Vacations, and Franklin Covey Management. Known for her composure in high-pressure environments, Sarah is highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to fostering long-term relationships built on trust. She maintains proactive communication with guests before arrival, throughout their stay, and after departure to ensure clarity, comfort, and satisfaction. As a trusted liaison between guests and property owners, she upholds property standards while delivering a consistently high-quality hospitality experience. Email: Sarah@IslandReal.com

Anita Thornton

Maintenance Department Lead

Anita Thornton is our Maintenance Department Lead, bringing dedication, efficiency, and hands-on expertise to every property on the Island Real Estate Vacations rental program. She oversees routine maintenance, home repairs, and maintenance inspections across multiple vacation rental properties, ensuring each home is safe, fully functional, and guest-ready always. Anita works closely with our maintenance technicians, vendors, homeowners, and rental departments to coordinate seamless turnovers and maintain high operational standards. She is highly skilled at troubleshooting and resolving both minor and urgent issues, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and appliance concerns—responding quickly to minimize guest disruption and property downtime. With strong organizational abilities, Anita maintains detailed maintenance logs and implements preventive maintenance schedules designed to protect property value and prevent future issues. She is known for her quick response times, effective problem-solving skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently. Anita has completed a customer service training course provided through IREV by Full Frontal Leadership, further strengthening her commitment to delivering exceptional service to both guests and property owners. Her goal is simple: to ensure every property is safe, well-maintained, and fully prepared creating a seamless and worry-free experience for every guest stay through Island Real Estate here on Anna Maria Island!

Mitch

Mitch started with Island Real Estate Vacations (IREV) in May 2020 as our Property Operations Technician for Vacation Rentals reporting to Anita. As a Property Operations Technician, Mitch’s main duties are to perform minor maintenance repairs and other maintenance related tasks for Island Real Estate Vacations. 

Theo

Theo started as our newest Maintenance Technician, January 2026, reporting to Anita. In this role, he will be responsible for handling minor maintenance repairs and other related tasks that help us provide the highest quality service to our guests and property owners. Prior to joining IREV, Theo worked as a maintenance technician in various settings, including resort grounds, apartment complexes, and most recently at a water plant. He also has experience as a freelance real estate agent.