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Meet The Team
Marnie Pate
Partner
Marnie, friendliest face in the office, is our owner. Marnie is a Real Estate Broker and well-respected member of the Port Aransas community for 35 years. Marnie invests her time into her community through volunteer work and by being on the Board of Trustees for the Port Aransas Independent School District and Vice-President of Animal Friends of Port Aransas. She is a pet parent and all-around animal lover. She is also a grandmother of three!
Christi Knoll
Partner
Meet Christi! Christi has been part of the ownership team at Port A Escapes since December 2023 and brings a big-picture perspective to the company’s operations. She has a knack for seeing how each department works together to keep things running smoothly. Around the office we like to joke that Christi “reserves the right to change her mind”—and in a constantly evolving business, that flexibility is a great quality to have.
When she’s not focused on the business, Christi enjoys spending time with her husband Charlie and their boys, Caleb and Carter. As a family, they love fishing, spending time outdoors, and catching a good country concert whenever they can.
Charlie Knoll
Partner
Have you met Charlie? Charlie joined the ownership team at Port A Escapes in December 2023 and brings decades of experience in the local real estate and vacation rental markets. Known for his honesty, sharp insight, and quick wit, Charlie has been a licensed Realtor/Broker with Coldwell Banker Island Escapes for over 23 years.
When he’s not working, Charlie loves spending time outdoors—especially fishing and hunting with his wife, Christi, and their sons, Caleb and Carter. And if you run into him, chances are he’ll have a great story to go along with those adventures.
Terry Cox
Partner
Here's Terry! Terry has been part of Port A Escapes since day one and brings more than 40 years of real estate experience with Coldwell Banker Island Escapes. Affectionately known as “Bossman,” Terry is well known for his honesty, integrity, hard work, and determination.
When he’s not working—though is it really work if you love it?—Terry enjoys spending time with his wife, Phyllis, their kids and grandkids out at the family land, and making sure the laundry department runs like a well-oiled machine.
Harry Collins Jr
Office Manager
A proud member of our team since 2015, Harry is our office manager. When he isn’t assisting guest or solving problems, he’s out hunting or attending one of his kids’ games. Harry loves a good joke and is a favorite of our Winter Texans.
Nic DeLao
Director of Operations
Nic is our esteemed Director of Operations. After starting as an inspector in 2022, Nic has quickly moved through our ranks. Nic is our biggest team player, if something needs to get done, he will rise to the occasion to accomplish it. Nic is always available to help if anyone needs it. In his spare time, Nic runs a successful business in carpet cleaning. He is also a fitness fanatic. Like so many in our office Nic and his fiancé, Maddy, are avid pet parents. If you ever see a blur of black curls, that’s probably just their dog Sophie.
Elaine Peterson
Director of Owner and Guest Relations
Elaine is our Director of Owner and Guest Relations. She joined our team in 2024 and has been vital to our success since! Elaine is also a real estate agent and the President of the GFWC in Ingleside. Elaine is a mother and spends a good deal of her time with her family. She one of our office’s biggest coffee enthusiasts and can often be found making a new cup. Elaine has the best stories, especially from her time working in the state’s capital.
Sarah Biggs
Reservations Manager
Meet Sarah! Sarah B is our Reservations Manager and a valued member of our Port A family! She started out as Front Desk in 2014, working hard for going on 11 years! She is a proud pet parent to 2 cats and a very sweet Doberman named Cuda. In her off time, Sarah is crocheting projects, big and small. Sarah works remote but is always present with her big personality!
Niki Peterson
Bay Tree Manager
Started out in our Owner and Guest Relations department, Niki is now, proudly, the manager of our Bay Tree office. She is cat mom of 2, Fen and Han. In her off time, Niki has a Bachelor’s in Applied Arts and Sciences and is pursuing her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.
Jamie Pineda
Director of Housekeeping
Meet Jamie! Jamie Pineda is the Director of Housekeeping and has been helping keep our properties guest-ready. When she’s not making sure everything is clean and running smoothly, Jamie enjoys trying new restaurants and coffee shops, going to concerts, and spending time with her two energetic pre-teen boys.
Jeremy Clayton
Revenue Management Specialist
Meet Jeremy Clayton, the man behind the scenes in our Marketing and Pricing Department. A veteran since the beginning, Jeremy is the numbers guy who adds the magic touch to our strategies.
When he`s not decoding marketing mysteries, Jeremy is a true outdoor enthusiast. You`ll often find him hiking trails, exploring nature`s wonders, and creating lifelong memories with his family.
Speaking of family, Jeremy`s world revolves around his lovely wife, Lauren, and their two adventure companions, Cooper and McKinley.
Jeremy believes every data point tells a story, and he has an unparalleled ability to turn those stories into successful marketing strategies.
Heather Whichard
Onboarding Specialist
Heather’s background spans over 17 years in Hospitality and over 9 in Operations Management, experience that shapes her steady, thoughtful approach as Onboarding Specialist. For years, she has played a key role in keeping operations organized – coordinating projects, onboarding new properties, and supporting both the team and property owners through clear communication and follow-through.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, soaking up the coastal views, and catching the warmth of Texas sunrises and sunsets.
Lucy Siller
Housekeeping Assistant
Meet Lucy! Lucy Siller works in our housekeeping department with Jamie, helping keep our properties clean, comfortable, and guest-ready. When she’s not at work, Lucy enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Scooby, and taking drives in her Charger.
Sage Viator
Laundry & Inspections
Savannah McGrath
Operations
Melissa Murphy
Owner & Guest Relations
Melissa is our Senior Reservationist and Social Media Coordinator. Beginning in 2020 as a Reservationist and Front Desk, she has proven herself as a dedicated member of our team. Her coworkers would say she is a fierce and loyal friend. You can always count on her to help. After office hours, Melissa spends her time taking care of her father. She is a writer, artist, and fellow coffee enthusiast.
Sara Mendoza
Reservations
Sara has been a dedicated and valued member of our team since 2020. An avid DIY-er, she loves a project! She is also a proud mom of 2 kids and 3 fur babies. Between her love for her family and the arts, she also has a love for music. If you’re walking past her office, you can often hear her radio, always set at 93.9.
Derek Palmer
Maintenance
Meet Derek! He is our HVAC certified member of our maintenance team. He has been an esteemed member of our team since 2022. Derek is a devoted father of 3 and spends all of his time outside of work with his family. He coaches for all the sports his kids are involved in with his wife.
Rudy Garcia
Maintenance
Our specialty maintenance man since 2023. A project needs getting done, Rudy will do it! From carpentry to painting, Rudy is your guy. He enjoys travelling and being with his family.
Angel Larson
Reservations
Angel has been a valued member of our reservations team since 2023. She is always a sweet smile and charming voice with our guests. Angel loves to help and strives to offer the best to our guests. Angel holds a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Administration. Angel is a dog mom and loves going for drives on the beach with her husband.
Angelica Rodriguez-Mendez
Reservations
The first welcoming face you see when entering the Port A Escapes office, Angelica is our Front Desk Reservationist. When she’s not in the office, she can typically be found at one of her kid’s sporting events. In her free time, Angelica enjoys a family beach day or relaxing at home with her 3 kiddos. She is also an avid reader, currently building an at home library.
Randall Brewer
Maintenance
Jaeden Carroll
Maintenance
Lorenzo Lopez
Laundry Supervisor
Amanda Carr
Laundry Team
Cynthia Ayala
Laundry Team
