Meet The Staff (About)

Meet The Staff

  • Henry J. Amaya, CCM, CAM

    General Manager/COO
    [email protected]
    (239) 214-6646
    A native Colombian, Henry immigrated to the United States in 1999 to pursue a master’s degree in computers. There, he would discover his passion for the hospitality industry. While managing an upscale restaurant in Greenwich, Connecticut, he was presented with the opportunity to cross over into the private Country Club sector at the famed Sleepy Hollow Country Club. Henry was an integral part of the 20-million-dollar renovation of the Main Clubhouse, Pool Clubhouse, and Tennis Courts of Sleepy Hollow. His tenure at the Rivera Country Club also presented a great canvas to craft his skills and knowledge; it was a platinum club that opened year-round and had over 1300 members. Working in a club that operates at total member capacity year-round takes on different challenges and fine-tuned the strategic planning necessary to join departments, set goals, and cross-train successfully. Thus this enabled him to host the University of Miami dinner, the Orange Bowl Gala Dinner, and many other significant events. At River Crest Country Club as Clubhouse Manager, Henry managed 11 different departments, created multiple budgets, and hosted a private luncheon with Laura Bush, fundraisers for Ted Cruz, Debutante Galas, and White Glove Synchronized Dinner Balls to a Lockheed Martin Company reception for 1200 people. When Henry and his wife decided to find a home, the goal was to build a life and plan for retirement, This led them to Naples, Florida, and Legends Golf and Country Club, where he acquired skills in the inner workings of a bundled community. He was part of the 4.5 million dollar renovation of the Sunset Grill, Pool Area, Pickleball Courts, and Parking Areas. Henry formed great relationships with superiors, peers, members, and staff along the way. Henry continues to acquire more knowledge and expertise in the field by attending educational conferences, workshops, seminars, and classes; he has achieved CCM and CAM designations. His focus is on improving every aspect of a community for the betterment of the entire membership, creating a team environment within each department, and working toward a common goal as one unit. Henry leads by example and encourages others to strive to reach their full potential. Henry is equally dedicated to his family. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Monica, and their children, three dogs, traveling, food and wine, and the love of movies.

  • Barry Butensky

    Finance Director
    [email protected]
    (239) 317-0651

    Barry Butensky, hailing from upstate New York, is a seasoned finance professional with a rich background spanning over 25 years. Armed with an MBA from New York University, he has navigated the intricacies of finance across diverse landscapes, from small family-owned enterprises to medium and large corporations. Not just a numbers guy, Barry holds a Certificate of Music from the prestigious Julliard School in New York City, showcasing his multifaceted talents. For over two decades, Barry dedicated his expertise to Panasonic, honing his skills and contributing significantly to the company's success. Recently, he made the bold move from the Northeast to Cape Coral alongside his beloved wife Ilisa and their cherished Mini Golden Doodle, Kugel. Beyond the boardroom, Barry's passions run deep. A virtuoso musician, he's proficient in piano, violin, trumpet, and French horn, with a penchant for singing melodies that resonate. On the greens, he finds solace in golf, and on the courts, he's a fierce competitor in pickleball. A die-hard sports enthusiast, Barry's allegiance lies with the New York Yankees, Mets, and Knicks. Yet, amidst his varied pursuits, Barry treasures moments spent with his wife and Kugel, relishing in the warmth of companionship. Barry hopes to use his financial expertise to benefit Seven Lakes and looks forward to working with the residents here.
     
  • Siobhan Sotir

    Lifestyle Director
    [email protected]
    (239) 317-0633

    Siobhan brings over two decades of experience in Lifestyle programming to Seven Lakes. Siobhan has worked on both the East and West Coasts of Florida and has managed a wide variety of departments and amenities including lifestyle, fitness, salon services, pastoral care, transportation, security, concierge, and golf. She has a tremendous amount of experience with lifestyle programming and has spent a great deal of her career working in senior living for companies such as Marriott Senior Living, Vi Living, and most recently, at a boutique community on the way to Marco Island. Siobhan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and a Master’s degree in Management. When she is not working, she can be found spending time with her husband exploring all that the Gulf Coast has to offer.

  • Philip Masi

    Communications Director
    [email protected]
    (239) 214-7025

    Phil is a Florida local, born in Fort Myers. With over 25 IT certifications, he graduated from Dunbar High School's Academy for Technological Excellence. After high school, Phil joined the workforce and garnered over 8 years of experience in the Food & Beverage industry. From running food to serving tables, bartending, dishwashing, cooking, and front-of-house management, he has practically seen it all. Although he has worked other jobs in between, hospitality is what he returned to, working at Legends Golf & Country Club for over 3 years. He joined the Seven Lakes Team in 2022, working in the Tee Room, and loves interacting with the residents. Although he is no longer serving drinks in the bar, Phil is now using his technological knowledge to serve residents from the Administration side. He has a sister and two nieces, who mean a lot to him. In his free time, he may be cooking, drawing, playing guitar, or reading.
  • Bob Scampton

    Operations Manager
    [email protected]
    (239) 482-0071

    Bob was born and raised south of Philadelphia in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1986 from the Williamson Free School of Mechanical trades earning a degree in Power Plant Technology. Some of his classes at Williamson included electricity & electronics, mechanical and electrical equipment maintenance, HVAC, plumbing, and welding. During his summer breaks, he spent time working as a carpenter building houses. After graduation, Bob started with Philadelphia Electric Co. at the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station. Throughout his career, Bob held many positions as Technical Advisor, Equipment Operator, Reactor Operator, Senior Reactor Operator, General Supervisor of Operations/Operations Support/Services, and Nuclear Duty Officer. Bob supported the nuclear industry as a six-year chairman for the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations Clearance and Tagging working team. He eventually left the utility industry and worked for an IT company as a business unit department head. He was also a product owner and architect for a mobile applications development team. In Bob's spare time, he enjoys cooking, smoking food on his Kamado Joe, doing small handyman jobs, and spending time on the beach with his family and friends.

  • Joe DeAngelis

    Maintenance Manager
    [email protected]
    (239) 482-0071

    Joe originally came to Florida in 2008 from Buffalo, New York. Joe has been self-employed in the construction business for over 20 years. After much of his career was spent in construction, Joe decided to put his energy and skills to work in the maintenance industry. He formerly spent 10 years with Bonita Bay Club as facility manager, and was Chief Engineer at Courtyard Marriott Hotel for the past 2 years. Joe is excited to be working with the Seven Lakes team and looks forward to meeting our residents.

  • Bruce Zergott

    Grounds Manager
    [email protected]
    (239) 214-7898

    Bruce has been employed at Seven Lakes for over 17 years. In 1986, he moved to Fort Myers and started working in the landscape lawn service field, and then became a chef for the local culinary school in the 90's. Bruce worked both jobs for many years and became the Assistant Chef at the Culinary School. Past clients include Country Stars Alabama, Terri Clark, Trace Adkins, Jimmy Buffet, Paul Lynn, and Walter Cronkite, just to name a few. He has been married to his wife for almost 30 years and has an 18-year-old daughter who will be attending the University of Florida. During his free time, Bruce enjoys fishing, golfing and traveling.

  • Troy Speckman, PGA

    Head Golf Professional
    [email protected]
    (239) 481-6560 

    Troy grew up in Fort Myers and graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Criminology and Political Science. After attending FSU, Troy accepted an Assistant Golf Professional position at Boca West Country Club. After nearly 10 years in Boca Raton, Troy, and his family moved back to Fort Myers. In 2002, Troy opened The Club at Renaissance as the First Assistant and then opened the Plantation Golf and Country Club as the Head Professional. After nearly 4 years at Plantation, Troy moved on to Herons Glen as the Head Professional. Troy was also the Interim General Manager at San Carlos Golf Course and was most recently the 1st Assistant Professional at The Dunes on Sanibel. Troy is excited about the opportunities that Seven Lakes presents him and has brought with him a vast array of golf operations knowledge.
  • Christopher Spence

    Director of Golf Course Maintenance
    [email protected]
    (239) 481-6560 

    Born in Bishop Auckland, he is originally from England, where he attended Houghall Community College in Durham. After earning his degree in Horticulture, Chris took to work in the field at Crook Golf Club in England. When he was offered an internship in Turf Management through Ohio State University, he was placed at Talis Park Golf Club, where he met his wife, Melisa, who he has a daughter of 10 years with. Chris has worked his way up from an intern to a Superintendent at various clubs in Southwest Florida, from Naples to Sanibel. Before coming to Seven Lakes, he was most recently at Maple Leaf Golf & Country Club, where he achieved the “Top 25 Short Golf Course in America” status during his tenure. A golfer since age 11, Chris also enjoys billiards, darts, skiing, and spending time with his family. He considers it his greatest accomplishment to come to America and establish a life and family here.

  • Ryan Blakesley

    Executive Chef
    [email protected]
    (239) 433-0047

    Ryan is our Executive Chef here at Seven Lakes. He comes from Atlantic City, New Jersey. He moved to Florida in 2014 with his wife, and now has three children. He and his crew are always hard at work in the kitchen, preparing food for the Tee Room and our Lifestyle Events. He is relatively new to Seven Lakes, and joined our team in February of 2023. Besides serving up delicious cuisine at Seven Lakes, he also served in the United States Army for three years. He only wanted to serve for one term, so he left the army to pursue other interests before deciding to become a chef. He got his start in the culinary world by washing dishes at a bar, and gradually began to cook on the line. From there, he fell in love with the job and hasn't looked back since! Ryan has been professionally cooking for 14 years. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending quality time with his family. He likes to go on nature walks and enjoys fishing in his free time. 
     

  • Trish Sorce

    Executive Assistant
    [email protected]
    (239) 317-0681

    Trish was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and moved to Florida with her husband, Pat, and 3 children, Brittani, Carmine, and Brianne in 2001. She currently resides in Cape Coral. Trish worked as an Executive Secretary at Thomas & Betts Corporation, the very first designer and manufacturer of zip ties, better known as cable ties. She worked there for 10 years before resigning to become a stay-at-home mom. Trish and her husband then operated a successful family-owned construction business for the next 14 years before deciding to move to Florida. In 2003, Trish began working at Seven Lakes as a part-time Administrative Assistant and then became full-time in 2005. In 2017, she became the Executive Assistant to former General Manager, Tim Day. She recently celebrated her 20th anniversary with Seven Lakes on February 25th! Trish is amazed at the changes she has seen in her many years here, which include the reconstruction of The Tee Room and remodeling of the Atrium. In her free time, Trish enjoys painting ceramics, cooking, and spending time with her husband, children, and 2 beautiful granddaughters, Olivia and Gia. 
     

  • Brianne Lawrence, CAM

    CAM Manager
    [email protected]
    (239) 317-0693

    Brianne was born in Edison, New Jersey, and grew up right here in Southwest Florida. She graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2019 with her bachelor's in political science and a minor in Terrorism Studies & national security. Initially, she wanted to work for the government as an intelligence analyst. However, at the age of 26, Brianne was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, which set her career back. She maintained her position at Seven Lakes instead and chose to grow here. After winning her fight against cancer, she received her CAM license in June of 2022. Brianne enjoys learning and hopes to potentially manage a community on her own someday. In her free time, she enjoys baking and spending time with her two nieces, who are very special to her.