Padre GetawaysAbout Our Team

Wally Jones • Chief Executive Officer

Wally’s entire business career has been within the hospitality industry, serving as CEO for public and private companies from Dallas to Chicago. Wally grew up in Oklahoma but has a long history with SPI. He was first a tourist in the early 80's, then a vacation property owner, so he truly knows both sides of the business. In 2007, he moved to South Padre Island and founded Padre Getaways. As CEO (or as Chloee Rose refers to him: the Alpha Dog), he is the driving force behind our efforts to remain an exemplary model for all property management companies on South Padre Island. Wally is a founding board member and the vice president of the Vacation Rental Management Association of SPI (VRMA-SPI). He served as chairman of the South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Advisory Board for 4 years and the President of the Sunchase IV Homeowners Association for 8 years.

Eleana Jones • Chief Financial Officer

Eleana (our Greek Eleana) is a CPA, Real Estate Broker, and Realtor, so that makes her the only logical choice for CFO. After starting her career in public accounting, Eleana was the Tax Director and CFO of private companies in the hospitality and entertainment industries before moving to South Padre Island full time. Eleana serves on the Board of Directors of Island Matters, South Padre Island’s online newspaper, and is the Treasurer of the Vacation Rental Management Association of SPI (VRMA-SPI). Eleana has served as the President of the Sunchase IV Homeowners Association, the Treasurer of the South Padre Island Board of Realtors, and on the South Padre Island Hotel Occupancy Tax Task Force. When she’s out of the office, this Parrothead loves attending Jimmy Buffet concerts, spending time with her 2 grandkids in Dallas, and cheering on the Seattle Seahawks (Go Hawks!).

Julie Cunningham • Vice President Sales

Julie serves as our Associate Broker and Realtor Sales Agent, and is happy to help existing clients and new owners with all their real estate needs. She also provides human resource guidance to Padre Getaways' leadership team. Before joining Padre Getaways in 2017, Julie spent over 15 years in the financial world, including Bank of America, Edward Jones, and Prime Lending, among others. Julie graduated from Texas A&M University and like a true Aggie, she bleeds maroon and white. Gig ‘em! She is an animal lover, a bookworm, and enjoys spending her free time planning for the next big adventure with her husband and kids.

Jessica Perales • Director of Marketing

Jessica joined Padre Getaways in 2014 and is primarily responsible for maintaining our brand across our digital platforms. Also born and raised in the area, Jessica is ready to give recommendations in both English and Spanish. Jessica studied at Fordham University in New York before graduating with a degree in communications from UT Brownsville. Before returning to Port Isabel, she worked remotely from Houston for 6 years, while she completed her dual master’s degree in hospitality management and business administration from the University of Houston. In her free time, she spends time with her husband and 3 children! Margaritas, reality tv, and carbs are a few of her favorite things.

Lissa Garcia • Director of Accounting

Lissa is tasked with managing the daily financial and administrative functions of Padre Getaways. A Brownsville native, Lissa grew up in the area and is also ready to help guests find the perfect accomodations and make recommendations for things to do in either English or Spanish! She has nearly 10 years experience in the hospitality industry - from retail sales to management - before transitioning to accounting for a local resort hotel and then joining our team in 2017. On the weekends, you can catch Lissa at the beach with her husband, 2 children, and their big puppy, Marley. She's a Leo, loves sweet wine, and her favorite food is…well, all food!

Sulmy Sian • Accounting & Vacation Specialist

Sulmy knows our vacation rental portfolio well and is fully qualified to assist guests in finding the perfect vacation accommodations that best suit their needs. She also works in conjunction with Lissa to maintain our financial records and ensure accuracy and compliance. As a Port Isabel native, she is also familiar with the island and is able to make tailored recommendations that are sure to make your South Padre Island getaway a memorable one.

DeeOnda Ahadi • Hospitality & Sales Manager

Esmeralda Rodriguez • Inspector

Marie Ann Mateo • Inspector & Laundry Technician

Chloee Rose & Cocoa Chanel • Welcoming Committee

Chloee and Cocoa are our 4-legged team members and will usually be the first to greet you when you arrive at our office! They are primarily responsible for greeting our guests (both 2-legged and 4-legged) and providing our team members with the occassional puppy break. They enjoy treats, naps, and snuggles!