Meet Our Team

Bernard Fromherz,

Broker | Owner

Bernard has been in the Real Estate industry for over 20 years. He serves as Founder and Broker of UMR. His experience includes Historic Tax Credit projects, Land Development, Asset Management, Property Management, & Business Development. Bernard attained his Louisiana Commercial Contractors License in 2007, & is the owner of several properties managed by UMR. 

Bernard has led UMR in countless real estate development projects. From concept to completion, each development bears the hallmark of thoughtful design and a vision to create not just structures, but homes and businesses that compliment the community.
Bernard remains a trusted broker, while leveraging a deep understanding of market trends, pricing dynamics, and an extensive network to ensure your real estate portfolio exceeds expectations. 

Bernard has an M.B.A. from The University of Georgia, an undergraduate business degree from The University of Mississippi, and is a proud alumni of Jesuit High School in New Orleans.

Olivia Ford,

Partner | REALTOR®

As a strategic leader, Olivia has played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of UMR, where she currently serves as Managing Partner.

Originally from Atlanta, Olivia moved to New Orleans to attend Tulane University. She majored in Social Policy, with a minor in Urban Studies. 

With over 10 years experience in the industry, Olivia has cultivated and maintained a network of partnerships with clients & investors. Her positive attitude and fun nature always makes the buying/selling process more enjoyable. 

She has contributed to the company's growth and success with over 40 million in sales. Her guidance extends beyond day-to-day operations to include the mentorship of aspiring real estate professionals. She currently oversees the Sales and Leasing departments.

From her early days navigating the nuances of the industry to current role as Partner, Olivia has consistently demonstrated an innate ability to turn challenges into opportunities. She credits much of her success to creating a collaborative experience with both her clients and colleagues within the industry. Olivia believes respect and kindness go a long way.

Richard Fergunson,

Director of Maintenance

Richard is a Canadian, Cuban & American citizen who came in from Canada after working 8 years in the oil field Industries. He first started in property management in 2016 where he was involved in a large new development project in The New Orleans Business District, hosting commercial and residential spaces. His eager and hardworking personality led him into a leadership role as Maintenance Director for Green Coast Enterprises, 100+ unit portfolio. Richard’s professional background includes the management of new development energy efficiency projects in the New Orleans area. 

Richard also holds a general contractors license; as well as a master’s degree in Music and Education. Mr. Fergunson truly enjoys his profession and looks forward to many additional years of service.

Brandi Musgrove,

Director of Property Management

Brandi joined UMR in January of 2021 as a property manager and has since been promoted to Director, leading UMR’s property management division, both residential & commercial.

With 9 years of property management experience, prior to joining UMR Brandi managed not only market rate communities but Tax Credit, Affordable, Elderly and conventional housing. Her experience includes luxury lease ups & nominee’ for “Leasing professional of the year 150 units+” in 2016, at The Greater New Orleans Apartment Association.

Brandi has had the opportunity to gain experience in the many different roles of property management starting her career as a leasing agent and working her way into a Property Manager position.

Brandi’s favorite thing about her job is that she gets to positively impact so many different people and their everyday lives with providing them a comfortable place to call home and a property manager that cares.

Shannon Jelin,

Director of Finance

Shannon is a native of Mountain Brook, AL and attended Tulane University where she completed her Bachelors of Science in Finance in 2009, and her Masters of Accounting in 2010. Following graduation, Shannon started her career as a Staff Accountant for The Stewart Organization, Inc. in Birmingham, AL. A love of New Orleans food, and her now husband, Ben, brought Shannon back, where she became the Finance Director for a local public relations firm until 2017 when she joined a New Orleans Accounting firm until 2020.

Shannon’s accounting education, knowledge and experience, combined with her interest in Real Estate made her a great fit. We are pleased to announce Shannon joining our team in February 2020 as our Finance Director.

Melaina Gibbs,

REALTOR® | Marketing and Social

Mel is a native New Orleanian (-turned New Yorker-turned-back-to-New Orleanian) who joined our team back in 2020.

She is a licensed REALTOR®, and makes up half of the agent duo Olivia + Mel (www.oliviaandmel.com), who have done over 25 million in sales since joining forces in 2021. In addition to buying and selling, Mel also heads up our Leasing and runs our Marketing and Social.

When she’s not in showings, she spends her time sampling local menus, filling up her library shelves, obsessing over art or design, & spending quality time with her dog, Finn! Whether you've lived your whole life in NOLA, or are planning a big move here, she's here to help you find the perfect place for you.

Tyler Lyon,

REALTOR® | Leasing & Commercial

Tyler grew up in Detroit, Michigan, attended college at Ferris State University, graduating in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Business, majoring in Marketing/Professional Golf Management. After college, Tyler was a Golf Professional for many years. He eventually moved to Colorado full time, where he started and operated a catering company. Tyler has worked in the hospitality industry, and truly enjoys daily interactions with people. This is one of the many reasons Tyler decided to become a Real Estate agent after moving to New Orleans in 2013.

Tyler has worked in some of the city’s most popular restaurants, while also learning about New Orleans and the Real Estate market. Tyler gained knowledge and experience while working for Gardner Realtors, but eventually joined the Upper Management team in July of 2016.

Martha Eager Allen,

REALTOR®

Martha is a skilled, customer-focused Realtor with 10 years of industry experience, and an inexhaustible passion for New Orleans real estate, culture, and history. A Baltimore, MD native, Martha moved to New Orleans in 2007 to attend Tulane University, where she studied

Communications and Public Health. She joined Upper Management Realty in 2020, having worked previously as a Real Estate Agent at RE/MAX N.O. Properties (2016-2019), and an Assistant Property Manager and leasing agent at HRI Properties (2012-2016).

In 2018, Martha was listed as one of City Business “Ones to Watch in Real Estate.” She has been quoted in City Business and featured on WWLTV for her expertise in New Orleans’ Neighborhoods and Real Estate trend and has presented for the Preservation Resource Center “Sellabration” on “Navigating Online Property Listings.”

Kristine Sullivan,

Office Manager | Accounting

Kristine joined the UMR family in 2020, bringing 25 years of hospitality and leadership experience to our team. Kristine played a major role in the accounting department as well as event staffing for all programs at Hosts New Orleans, which is a large destination management company.

At UMR Kristine takes on not only the office manager role but is a huge asset to our accounting department where she assists in security deposit returns, payables and receivables, and daily operations.

Kristine sets the welcoming tone for Upper Management Realty and is always found with a smile on her face. Kristine is a New Orleans Native and avid animal lover. In her free time she enjoys spending time

with her daughter Sam and their pup, Teddy.

Francesca Puglia,

REALTOR®

Francesca is a dedicated and dynamic real estate professional in New Orleans, who brings a wealth of market knowledge and a client-centric approach to every transaction.

Born and raised in LA, Francesca is known for her warm demeanor, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to excellence. With a passion for guiding clients through significant life decisions, Francesca offers personalized service tailored to individual needs. Her innovative marketing strategies, community engagement, and passion for all things real-estate make her a one-of-a-kind team member and leader. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, seasoned investor, or looking to sell, she is ready to make your real estate journey a seamless and successful experience. She is also dedicated to leasing typically in the University area. When she is out of the office, you can find her out and about listening to live music with friends and family.

Josh Pitts,

Maintenance Team

Josh is a dedicated and skilled Maintenance Technician with years of hands-on experience ensuring the seamless operation and upkeep of diverse facilities.

He is adept at identifying and addressing challenges promptly, minimizing downtime and optimizing overall operational efficiency.

Dean Stadler,

Maintenance Team

Dean is a native New Orleanian with 36 years in construction both commercial and residential. He takes great pride in his work and making the clients happy.

He's a family man and has never met a stranger. We are thankful to have him on our stellar maintenance team!

Gary Elzey,

Maintenance Team

Gary, a lifelong New Orleans Native and huge family man, brings The HVAC background to UMR. He is a professional & certified HVAC technician with several years of experience with new installs and routine repairs.

He is a valued part of our team and is always willing to go above and beyond for our clients and residents.