Managing a 12-story condo building with 163 units is no small task, but at Hillcrest 26, it’s a labor of love. The Board members combine their unique talents, life experiences, and unwavering dedication to create a smooth-running building that residents are proud to call home.

At the center of it all is Board President Michael Newman, whose diverse background adds both levity and insight to his leadership. Once a comedian who opened for Jackie Mason, Michael uses his humor to bring people together. But he’s no stranger to detail, thanks to his career as a private investigator. Whether reviewing budgets or tackling maintenance challenges, Michael approaches each task with precision. He’s joined by his wife, Kimberly, the Board Secretary and fellow retired investigator. Together, their teamwork embodies both care and efficiency.

Vice President Mark Roth is a cornerstone of Hillcrest 26, drawing on decades of experience to guide the community. A former journalist for The Ralph Renick Report in the 1960s, a Vietnam War veteran, and a retired attorney, Mark’s story is one of service and resilience. Today, he uses his sharp eye for detail to navigate the complexities of condo management. By his side is his wife, Fran, a retired high school English teacher whose careful editing ensures all communications are clear and well-crafted. Together, Mark and Fran bring a thoughtful, steady presence to the Board.

Sylvia Parnis, long time resident and board member, brings her special brand of warmth and tact as the liaison with neighboring Hillcrest 27. The two buildings share a pool area, and Sylvia ensures the partnership runs smoothly by coordinating joint projects and maintaining open communication. Her efforts help keep this shared space a clean, welcoming oasis for residents of both buildings.

Board member Carlos Martin’s dedication is truly hands-on. His weekly inspections—covering every inch of the building from the rooftop to the ground floor—are key to spotting maintenance issues before they become bigger problems. Carlos’ vigilance has led to creative, practical solutions at those odd times when immediate professional attention is unavailable. 

The Board’s proactive approach extends beyond immediate fixes. Following their successful 40-year inspection, they worked to resolve even the smaller issues that were uncovered but did not impact the inspection results, underscoring their commitment to safety. Faced with inflation and rising costs, they navigate financial challenges with strategic thinking, always obtaining multiple bids and carefully selecting vendors who deliver quality and value. Recent successes include hiring VTS for elevator repairs, Executive Plumbing for plumbing needs, and GRC Landscaping—all of whom have improved services while keeping costs in check.

After numerous delays to secure elevator parts to modernize the elevators, the board learned a lesson. Going forward, to avoid delays in repairs, extra parts are stocked in advance—a small but impactful decision that will hopefully save time, money, and frustration. This forward-thinking strategy is just one example of how Hillcrest 26 tries to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring the building runs smoothly while preparing for whatever comes next. The result is less waiting time to make a repair, and potential savings because prices have continued rising the last few years. 

The Board’s collaborative spirit and open-mindedness shine in moments of discovery. When replacing hallway carpets, they found that asking for “corridor carpets” expanded their options and saved money. It’s these kinds of thoughtful choices that reflect their dedication to doing what’s best for their residents. 

Hillcrest 26 thrives not just because of its leadership, but because of the shared sense of purpose among everyone involved. Property Manager Calvin Levy sums it up with humor and wisdom, saying, “I even get three bids when looking for a new wife!” His lighthearted approach mirrors the camaraderie that defines life at Hillcrest 26.

This is more than just a building—it’s a community where collaboration, creativity, and care come together to make Hillcrest 26 one of the least assessed, structurally sound buildings in Hillcrest.