Linda Behmoiras, founder, publisher and CEO
Born and raised in New York, Linda has lived in Boca Raton for 28 years. She is the founder, publisher and CEO of The Boca Raton Observer and A & A Publishing Corporation.
Linda received her bachelor’s in business administration with a focus on finance from the University of Miami. She also attended The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and New York University. She worked in corporate finance at Ladenburg Thalmann in New York. She moved to Boca Raton in 1996 when she married her husband, Ralph. She was the equity syndicate manager at JWCharles, a securities brokerage firm. In 2003, after staying home with her two young boys, Adam and Andrew, for two years, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to start The Boca Raton Observer magazine, which has grown into the largest and most popular magazine in South Palm Beach County.
She has served on on several local boards committees and is currently actively involved with Impact 100 of Palm Beach County, Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services, Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, Women of Tomorrow, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation and the Adolph & Rose Levis JCC. She is an active member of B'nai Torah Congregation.
Ralph Behmoiras, COO
Ralph started his career with Price Waterhouse (now PwC—PricewaterhouseCoopers), providing operational and technology consulting services to some of the firm’s most prestigious clients both in the United States and across Latin America.
Ralph oversees The Boca Raton Observer’s supply chain and technology infrastructure along with leading the sales functions. A CPA by training and a business-process innovator by profession with several United States patents to his credit, Ralph led the organization to becoming the first regional magazine in the nation to provide its advertisers with the assurance of AAM-audited digital subscribers. The Boca Raton Observer also pioneered working with the U.S. Postal Service to become one of the nation’s first periodicals to expand its subscriber base with digital offerings.
Alona Abbady Martinez, editor
Alona Abbady Martinez has over 20 years of experience delivering dynamic stories covering everything from gastronomy, travel, lifestyle and business. Her stories have appeared in local and national outlets such as The Miami Herald, Saveur, Men’s Journal and Atlas Obscura. She is also the author of “My Culinary Compulsion, Serving Up Sizzle,” a memoir with recipes that recounts her experiences living in Venezuela, Israel, the United States and Mexico. She is endlessly curious about the world and her community and enjoys bringing such stories to her readers.
Xavier R. Marañón, art director
Xavier began his career as a graphic designer and art director 30 years ago and has had the pleasure of working for magazines throughout South Florida. Awards for his work have included Art Director of the Year and Best Overall Design Charlie Awards from the Florida Magazine Association. He has also worked in several newspapers, such as the Sun-Sentinel, an opportunity which landed him a design fellowship at the American Press Institute in Washington, D.C. During the past 10 years, his passion for photography developed from a hobby to a side gig; most recently capturing professional images of the Mahekal Beach Resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico for website and promotional materials. Editorial and ad design, typography, photography and illustrating are what keep him inspired and excited. Xavier is thrilled to be part the team at The Boca Raton Observer and looks forward to contributing to this award-winning magazine.
Candi Montaperto, production director
As a seasoned professional with more than 40 years of industry experience, Candi strives to provide the best possible service to all those who interact with the company. With responsibilities that weave through multiple departments, she continues to advance her knowledge base – blending new technology with old-school know-how for a seamless workflow. Eclectic in spirit, she is passionate about her loved ones, pets, garden and faith.
Ronnie Kaufman, account executive
Ronnie Kaufman brings over 30 years of advertising sales and marketing expertise to her role as an account manager at The Boca Raton Observer.
After graduating from the University of Miami with a degree in advertising, she ventured to New York City to launch her career in media buying. Soon after, she made the transition to ad sales at The New York Observer. In 1999, Ronnie returned to South Florida, where she not only raised her family but also cultivated a dedicated and loyal client base in ad sales within the South Florida market.
Residing in South Florida with her husband, Ronnie finds enjoyment in exercising, relaxing at the beach, traveling, and cherishing her spare time with her family and friends.
Daniela Ghelman, editorial assistant
Daniela was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, and moved to South Florida in 2018 to start her Journalism career at Florida International University. She later transferred to the University of Florida, where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism.
She has worked as a writer and editor for various publications, including WUFT News, Flamingo Magazine, College Magazine, The Authentic Insider, The Independent Florida Alligator, South Florida Media Network and more.
Her passion for writing and storytelling has led her to meet people with extraordinary experiences, and she is thrilled to bring those to The Boca Raton Observer.