
Deering Estate Staff

Deering Estate Foundation Staff

Board Members
Executive Board
Liede is a graduate from American University with a BA in international business. Originally from Pennsylvania she has made Miami her home for more than 20 years with her husband Frank and raising her three children Jonathan, Michael, and Jacqueline. Liede’s passion for real estate and unyielding determination to provide a sophisticated level of service keeps her at the top of her real-estate profession with the Keyes Company. Community involvement has always been a vital component to her. She has been an active community leader serving as past president of the Palmetto Bay Business Association,chair of the Palmetto Bay Community Outreach and Parks and Recreation committee, past president of the Old Cutler South Association. Currently she serves as President of the 100 Ladies of Deering and part of the executive board as Secretary of the Deering Estate foundation.
Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja is the Associate Head of School for Communications and Strategic Partnerships at Palmer Trinity School, an independent college preparatory school in Miami. She began at Palmer Trinity in 2005 as the School’s director of communications and community relations, where she initiated strategic brand building and strengthened relationships within the community as well as with the media.
Prior to moving to Miami and joining Palmer Trinity in 2005, Gottlieb Calleja worked in the entertainment industry for more almost two decades. She began as an assistant producer and later producer for Walter Cronkite’s independent documentary company, Cronkite Ward & Company (CWC), located in Washington, D.C. and New York City. CWC produced international documentaries for the Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, A&E and PBS. In 1995, Suzanne worked with producer Lou Arkoff on the Disney film Gone Fishin’ starring Joe Pesci and Danny Glover.
Gottlieb Calleja also worked on a number of films and documentaries for Fox, Paramount Pictures, Miramax, MGM Studios and the Hallmark Channel. She later became the executive director for a digital animation/live action entertainment company formed in Los Angeles, Moon Crescent Studios. Before transitioning to the education sector, Gottlieb Calleja produced special edition DVD documentaries with the entertainment marketing company Blue Collar Productions for films including The Stepford Wives, Network, Deep Impact, Raging Bull and Clueless.
Active in the community, Gottlieb Calleja is an amateur cellist and has played with the Alhambra Orchestra, a local chamber group. She is a board member of the Palmetto Bay Business Association; was a steering committee member of the 100 Ladies of Deering; is a member of Smith College Club of Miami; and was a board member at Temple Beth Am Religious School. She has also been a commissioner on the Council of Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Marketing Commission.
Gottlieb Calleja holds a bachelor’s degree from Smith College and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Communications. She is fluent in French and Spanish. She and her husband, Jose, have one son.
Directors
Jeffrey Flanagan is the Managing shareholder of the Flanagan Law Firm in Coral Gables. Jeff received his undergraduate degree from the University of Rhode Island and a law degree from the University of Miami Law School where he graduated cum laude. Jeff served nine years on the Coral Gables Planning and Zoning Board. According to Jeff, “I want to give back to the community. I have been to the Seafood Festival, and I loved it.”
Doreen Furnari is a member of the 100 Ladies of Deering. She has a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, an MBA from University of Miami Business School, and a law degree from University of Miami Law School. Doreen graduated cum laude. She serves as Company Secretary at Carnival Corporation since June 2023, and has been at Carnival Corporation since August 1995. According to Doreen, “As a long time South Florida resident, I’ve looked for ways to make a broader difference in the community where I live, all while developing connections and friendships. Being a part of the Deering Board is an honor.”
Raul Garcia has a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Florida State University. He joined Kauffman Rossin in 1998 in the areas of banking, hedge funds and private equity. Raul is a leader in the community. He is also the chair of the Miami Finance Forum. According to Raul, “I love and admire the Deering property.”
David Santiago attended the Universidad De Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Miami Dade Community College, and the University of Miami. David is an Independent Claims Adjuster and took on that career in 1985. He also worked for Eastern Airlines for eighteen years. According to David, “I believe in the cause of the Estate, and its history.”
Aleksey Shtivelman has a Bachelor of Arts from Stony Brook University and a J.D. in law from Boston University Law School. Aleksey is a partner in the Miami office of Shutts & Bowen, LLP, where he is a member of the International Dispute Resolution Practice Group. According to Aleksey, “beyond my qualifications, my personal connection to the Deering Estate drives my desire to serve on the board. I have enjoyed countless visits, educational programs, and events at the estate, and I am committed to ensuring that future generations can do the same.”
Walter Evanson owns NR Hair Salon in the Falls. Walter served as a volunteer with Christ Fellowship at the Deering Estate Seafood Festival on the Bay. He is currently volunteering with student leadership at Christ Fellowship. Walter has been involved with the Seafood Festival for eleven years. According to Walter, “as a member of the board of directors who loves the Deering Estate Foundation, I believe I would be a great asset by sharing new ideas and bringing awareness to the great programs and events that already exist at the Estate. I will also add diversity to the already wonderful culture at the Estate.”
Mr. England is a 30+ year resident of Palmetto Bay, and has been totally involved in the life of his community. Previously, he was elected to two terms on the St. Petersburg, FL City Council, including a term as Vice-Mayor.
He currently serves as Chairman of the Fundraising and Development Committee of the Deering Estate Foundation Board; and as Chairman of the Palmetto Bay Partnership, a Committee of the Palmetto Bay Council tasked with maximizing the economic potential of the Village. Peter is also a former National Board Member of Bread for the World, a Christian based grass roots advocacy organization which lobbies Congress on behalf of the poor and hungry, here and abroad. Mr. England is a member of the Palmetto Bay Business Association.
Mr. England has been the chief marketing officer with both Florida Federal Savings, and FPL. He concluded his professional career as Director of Government Relations with Camillus House. Retired, he is working for the community he loves. Peter believes in Economic Development for South Miami-Dade, and particularly in Palmetto Bay. He considers the Deering Estate his backyard on the Bay, and is committed to its future development for generations to come.
Mr. England and his wife, June, have three adult sons. They enjoy traveling, especially to visit their grandson in Atlanta. June is a member of the 100 Ladies of Deering.
Born and raised in Miami Florida, Eric Haas received his BA in History, and Broadcast Communications. He was initiated into the Kappa Alpha Order, and served as the president, at Mercer University, Macon Georgia.
Working construction in a restaurant, over a summer break, he became interested in the restaurant business.
While based full time, in Miami, as a Flight Attendance for Eastern Airlines, Eric worked various second jobs in different restaurants. During this time he met his wife Lori, and together they opened the original Sports Frill on Sunset Dr. in 1987.
Sports Grill had become known locally, for their “famous, Special Grilled Wings”, and their family friendly atmosphere. There are now six locations in Miami-Dade County, and in 2014 they opened their first store in Broward County.
Sports Grill participated in the “Make-A-Wish” foundation for the first time in 2015, and were able to grant four “wishes”. Sports Grill has also catered and participated in many community events over the past 29 years!
Eric has been on the Diaconate at Old Cutler Presbyterian Church since 1992. He was elected to the board of directors of the Deering Estate Foundation in 1998, and serves as the president 2011-2013.
Eric and Lori have two daughters and reside in Miami, Florida.
President/CEO
Community Health of South Florida, Inc.
For more than 30 years, Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. has provided leadership toward the accomplishment of the mission of Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI), a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Under his direction, the non-profit health care company has grown from two health centers into now 11 state of the art community health centers and 34 school based programs providing integrated primary and behavioral health care services to the residents of South Miami-Dade and the Florida Keys, including the uninsured and underinsured. In addition, CHI was recently awarded the coveted Governor’s Sterling Award.
Hartley is a Founding member of Health Choice Network and previously served as Chairman of the Boards of Health Choice Network, Inc. (HCN), and Health Choice Network of Florida (HCNFL). HCN is a national model of successful collaboration among health center controlled networks, community health centers and other health partners. Through its cutting-edge health information technology and business services, HCN participants increase efficiencies, decrease costs and provide better and more accessible patient care.
He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University (FAMU). He received a Masters of Hospital Administration degree from Baylor University in 1968 and was recognized with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Florida A & M University in 2001.
He served 26 years in the Army Medical Services Corps, including assignment as Executive Officer, 93rd Evacuation Hospital, Republic Vietnam; U. S. Army Hospital, Camp Zama, Japan; U. S. Army Hospital, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland; and Nuernberg Army Hospital, West Germany. Hartley retired from the Army on January 1, 1983 with the rank of Colonel.
He is a Rotarian, Chairman Emeritus, FAMU Foundation; President, President Emeritus Alpha Rho Boule Foundation; Deering Estate Foundation; Vice Chair; Trustee and Past Chair, Chamber South; Member, Palmetto Bay Business Association; and Member Christ Fellowship Church.
He has received numerous awards including FAMU Distinguished Alumni Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, the “Hero in the Fight” award from the South Florida Mental Health Association, the Luis Garcia Migrant/Community Health Award from the National Association of Community Health Centers, and the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Dade County Medical Association.
In 2012, Mr. Hartley was widowed after 55 years of marriage to the former Jacquelyn Thomas of Madison, Florida. He has a son Brodes III; a daughter Jacquelyn Kha; six grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Becky Roper Matkov, a preservation consultant and writer, manages RG Heritage, LLC, overseeing land and historic property. For 18 years, she served as CEO of Dade Heritage Trust, Miami’s largest nonprofit historic preservation organization. In 2015, she received the Florida Secretary of State’s Award, given to one “whose passion for historic preservation has forever changed the face of Florida.”
A graduate of Duke University, Becky has a master’s degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina. She is the co-author of the book Florida’s Historic Restaurants and the editor of the coffee-table book, Miami’s Historic Neighborhoods. She is a past president of the Junior League of Miami, a former chairman of the State of Florida’s Historic Preservation Advisory Council and the founding editor of Preservation Today magazine. For 10 years she managed the Elizabeth Ordway Dunn Foundation, which funded environmental initiatives in Florida. Becky serves on the board of the Deering Estate Foundation, the Stiltsville Trust and the Florida Trust and is a member of The Villagers and the International Women’s Forum.
She is married to attorney Tom Matkov and they have a son, daughter and granddaughter. She loves to seek out historic places—around the world or down the street.
Courtney Reeder was born, raised, and is currently a Palmetto Bay resident along with her husband and three children. She graduated from Florida International University in 2004 with a degree in Marketing & Hospitality.
She served as PBBA Chairwoman from 2015-2016.
Courtney is the Operations Director for Golden Rule Seafood, a family owned & operated seafood market, with a longstanding reputation for having the finest quality and greatest selection of seafood in South Florida. She has also been very instrumental in the creation of the newest family business, a family friendly, local seafood restaurant in Palmetto Bay
Originally from Illinois, Jerrod now lives in Palmetto Bay with his husband, Geoff, and their son, Josh. As a high school student in the Midwest farm belt, Jerrod first learned of the Deering family and their invaluable contributions to agriculture and its industrialization. Over the years his interests in historical properties and conservation have led him around the world, only to return full-circle to the amalgamation of his Illinois roots with his Florida life by settling just across the street from The Deering Estate.
Jerrod pursued an interest in linguistics which eventually led him to work in the field of interpreting – serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community as an American Sign Language interpreter in the greater Washington D.C. area, North Dakota, and northern Florida. He’s now a stay-at-home parent, spending lots of quality time with his family at Deering. Jerrod also enjoys traveling, collecting artwork, playing the piano, fishing and reading.
Charles Deering’s estate exhibits virtues which demand protection and preservation as hallmarks of south Florida heritage and our nation, as well as promotion to the general public as an historical and ecological gem not to be missed. Jerrod couldn’t be prouder to serve on the Board of Directors dedicated to this purpose.
Trustees
Walter has lived in the Palmetto Bay area for almost 50 years. Walter has a strong passion for preserving and enhancing the Deering Estate, and has worked as a volunteer of the Deering Estate Foundation since 2005. Over the years he has served as Chairman of the board as well as a participant on various fundraising committees. Walter and his wife Pamela Mullins own Golden Rule Seafood Market & Restaurant. Their three grown children, Courtney Reeder, Jordan Mullins-Flores and Taylor Mullins-Flores work in the family business as well. Golden Rule Seafood has been a major contributor to the Deering Estate Foundation. It has been the sponsor of the annual Deering Seafood Festival for over a decade, including being the title sponsor for several years. Golden Rule Seafood provides 80 – 100 volunteers for this event each year to help raise funds for, and awareness of the Deering Estate.
Barry E. Johnson has been active in leadership in the south Florida community for over 30 years. In addition to the Deering Estate Foundation board, he is a member of the Orange Bowl Committee, chairing the Press Conference and Media Day events, a trustee of HistoryMiami, and a lifetime member of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors.
Previous leadership roles include chairman of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade County and co-chairman with the Mayor of Miami-Dade County of the community’s original long-term economic development plan, One Community, One Goal.
He is the immediate past president and chief executive officer of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, South Florida’s first and the longest sustaining business organization and one of the largest chambers in the southeastern U.S.
Barry joined the chamber following 25 years in corporate communications leadership at AT&T. As vice president-corporate affairs for AT&T’s Florida operations he established national benchmarks for local branding, public relations, media relations and community engagement initiatives. Today, Barry is principal of the consulting firm, Engage South Florida.
Among honors and recognition, Barry is the recipient of the Americanism Award of the Anti-Defamation League, Outstanding Alumni Award from Missouri State University, Royal Palm Award from the Miami Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and the Heart of Haiti Award from the Haitian Parliament.
Barry and his wife, Cathy, have two children and five grandchildren in Cutler Bay and Holly Springs, North Carolina.
David A. Marley is President of Creative Financial Solutions, Inc. and a Corporate Registered Investments Advisor specializing in full service financial planning. Originally from Rhode Island, he is married to Beth Ann Guthrie and has two children, Ashley and Nicholas. He is a past Trustee of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, Founder and Ambassador of the Mercy Foundation and an active member of St. Louis Catholic Church where he is a Eucharistic Minister and guest speaker at the Engagement Encounter Weekends.