About Us
Karina Roholte Befeld
Founder & Senior Crew Agent | karina@elitecrewllc.com
Founder and President of Elite Crew LLC, she has brought Elite Crew LLC to the forefront of the industry. After spend many years working onboard luxury yachts she saw a gap in the way crew were recruited and decided to bring a new approach to crew placement. Her knowledge, attention to detail, strength and experience has enabled her to put together a highly experienced team, whom have been with her for many years. They offer a hands-on approach with a more personal touch to more than 1800 Mega yachts worldwide. Her reputation in the industry continues to be unsurpassed. Karina Roholte Befeld and Elite Crew LLC have become the "go to" resource for industry questions, trends and surveys. As an industry authority, Karina has been quoted by major yachting publications worldwide. Karina also attends the International Boat Shows and has been a guest speaker at Captain Seminars for several large European shipyards.
Madeleine Bensch
Sr. Crew Agent / Accounts | madeleine@elitecrewllc.com
Madeleine became part of the Elite Crew LLC team in early 2006. Having a strong background in yachting and a Degree in Industrial Psychology, she’s one of our highly experienced Crew Agents! She looks forward to providing professional and dedicated service to our clients and crew.
Nora J. Lewark
Placement Coordinator & Receptionist | nora@elitecrewllc.com
Nora has been with Elite Crew LLC ever since its inception in 1998! She is the first person to welcome you with a smile into our head office in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Nora is a knowledgeable member to the Elite Crew LLC family and is invaluable to the day to day operations. No one goes unnoticed on her watch!
Annie Hilerio
Executive Assistant to Founder & Senior Crew Coordinator | annie@elitecrewllc.com
Annie joined Elite Crew LLC in 2007. She brings with her a background in human resources which has enabled her to be quite adept at screening and interviewing newly registered crew. She also helps educate crew of their rights (according to MLC 2006 guidelines), verifies references & licenses, and offers career counseling.
Bethany Laurenti
Crew Coordinator | support@elitecrewllc.com
Bethany came to Elite Crew LLC bringing with her clerical skills and a background in the legal field. She has a strong work ethic and is driven to succeed in this industry. Her dedication to her work and her proven longevity have made her a valued asset to her employers.
Amalie Ilsing Roholte
Reference Checks- Assistant | Crew@elitecrewllc.com
Amalie joined the Elite Crew LLC team in 2018. She came to us from Denmark with a background in hospitality. She was trained in our Barcelona office where she spent her first year, she is now in Copenhagen. She is a familiar face and charming personality during yacht shows and a presence in Europe with a welcoming smile. She specializes in checking and verifying references, licenses and certificates.
Selina Fanek
Jr. Crew Agent | jobs@elitecrewllc.com
Selina joined Elite Crew, LLC in 2022. She comes with a background in Real Estate/Corporate Sales, as well as solid experience in the Marine Industry. Her knowledge and welcoming personality assists crew members during the interview process and beyond. She is dedicated to assisting crew by listening to their needs and counseling them throughout the recruitment process.
Meet our Consultants
Fiona Johnson
With over 10 years in the Maritime industry, five years in Crew HR Management Fiona knows what it takes to make an impactful first impression. Her creativity and vision will transform your Resume from Ordinary to Extra Ordinary, representing the best of who you are to your prospective Employer. Her Resume and CV services and Pre-Interview Coaching will have you standing out among your peers with the confidence to landing your dream job. For more information please visit www.BlueStarStandardIntl.com or send her an email directly at: Fiona@bluestarstandardintl.com
Moira
With 27 years of experience in the Yachting Industry, previous work as executive assistant and Diploma in Copy Editing, Moira knows what it takes to transform your Resume from ordinary to extraordinary, presenting the best of who you are to a prospective Employer. You get only one chance to make a great first impression, and her Resume and CV services will have you standing out among your peers with the confidence to land your dream job. For more information, please visit www.topnotchresumes.com or send her an email directly at: moira@topnotchresumes