A Resource For Homeowners Associations, Condominiums, Townhomes, and Cooperatives
President
Olivia Hurtado, CMCA
First Citizens Bank olivia.hurtado@cit.com
President-Elect
Wendy Hazelwood, CMCA Alliance Association Bank whazelwood@allianceassociationbank.com
Vice President
Diana R. Larson, AMS, PCAM Assured Association Management, Inc. dlarson@assuredmanagement.com
Director
Vanessa Burch, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
SBB Community Management, AAMC v.burch@sbbmanagement.com
Director
Leah K. Burton, Esq. Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC leah.burton@steptoe-johnson.com
Director
Madan Goyal West Park Homeowners Association goyaltexan@hotmail.com
Director
Mark Norton, AMS, PCAM Insight Association Management, Co. AAMC mnorton@insightam.com
Director
Deena Still Ridgecrest McKinney Homeowners Association dstill05@gmail.com
Director / Immediate Past President Joe Veach Globus Construction Group jveach@globusmanage.com
James Nicholson, Chapter Executive Director DFW Community Associations Institute 14070 Proton Road, Suite 100 Dallas, TX 75244-3601 (972) 246-3540
www.dfwcai.org office@dfwcai.org
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F O R C O M M U N I T Y S C R E E N W A L L S
Avoiding the Belly of the Whale
I come to you today a modern day Jonah. Most people have familiarity with the story of Jonah—his story is included in Christian, Islamic (where he is known as Yunus), and Judaic holy texts. God gave him a particular message to deliver to a particular audience-- an instruction rather specific for the Old Testament God of riddles and obscure signs in need of interpretation--but that is a discussion for another time.
At any rate, the story goes Jonah was explicitly instructed to go deliver a message to Nineveh. Jonah is clear about what he was supposed to do—his mission was clear. Go to Nineveh. Share the message. Done.
But Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh. He knew the message he carried would be unpopular. Maybe Nineveh was as polarized a political environment as we live in today, I don’t know. What I do know is that I can empathize with Jonah’s position because I, too, feel I’ve received an explicit mission in my life, and I’ve been squirming, avoidant in making a plan to fully implement how to deliver the message I’ve been tasked to deliver. Jonah experienced some hardships as he avoided his mission, and let’s just say I’m not nearly as stalwart in my ability to handle the modern version of the difficulties Jonah did. Since the clarity of my mission became clear, my ego, insecurities and doubts (and probably laziness if I’m being honest) have kicked into high gear to delay, delay, delay, and unique challenges and roadblocks have sprung up everywhere, adding stress, pressing me onward, to the path I’m supposed to follow. So maybe I’m on the boat in the ocean at this point, not the belly of the great fish, but believe me, I’d rather not take that swim.
Texas is experiencing explosive growth, and our water supplies are under extreme pressures. It is easy enough to blame people moving in, or Californians, or developers who just dig another well, but it is ALSO time for Homeowners’ Associations to lean in to their role as excessive water users, and also as leaders, decision makers, and trend setters in the space of doing more with less, i.e., not wasting our most precious resource: water.
Doing more with less aligns beautifully with the goal of most HOA boards. I’ve worked with over 20 different boards through the course of my career as a sprinkler renovator, irrigation educator, and water manager, and I’ve yet to meet a board who wasn’t looking for ways to maximize their residents’ annual assessments. Adjusting to a landscape that is lower impact reduces water use, chemical dependence, and if done correctly, the annual cost of landscape replacements and/or seasonal planting. It’s difficult to argue with potential reductions in multiple budget lines.
Lest I have to avoid all aquatic travel this summer, I’m crying Uncle and trying to avoid an extended stay in the belly of the whale or fish, whichever you prefer. So here you go, people of Nineveh. Sharpen your pitchforks and start your stake fires, while I tell you what I know, beyond all shadow of doubt, that I’m supposed to tell. Your landscape water use is unsustainable. There! I said it! What relief! Your landscape water use is UNSUSTAINABLE! It can not be sustained! We can’t go on this way!
There has never been a better time to think in this direction. Native, adaptive, and low impact landscape options are in their renaissance or their prime-- depending on how long you’ve been around plants-- with more options available in a variety of styles than ever before. If your idea of low impact is the Phoenix airport look, you are living in the past, man. Modern low-impact landscape is brilliant, dynamic, and can better connect us to our local cultural and ecological heritage. There is a reason spending time in nature releases endorphins and helps us manage stress and improves mental health. We can improve our neighborhoods by creating them to be micro-corridors of plants, habitats, and green spaces that thrive on
less water. Providing habitat for beneficial fauna and creating the kind of outdoor spaces that grow and change, that we can experience seasonality through, can allow us to enjoy our outdoor spaces with all of our senses. If we can build this kind of environment and have it use or require less water and external inputs, that is a win for everyone—animal, vegetable, and mineral.
Ready or not, here it comes. Since the inception of the Texas irrigator’s license in 1965, the state, via the TNRC and later, the TCEQ, as well as cities and water purveyors have slowly created more and more rules about how we can, should, and are required to utilize outdoor water. Spoiler alert: this is not going to reverse. From backflow prevention for water supply safety to what days you are allowed to water, government involvement in our ability to dump perfectly good drinking water on our never-ending sea of St. Augustine grass is only going to increase. Boards owe it to their residents to get ahead of the curve, while they still can, and they owe it to the rest of us to make it easier for homeowners to do the same things on their personal landscapes. The long-term water plan for the state, released and/or reviewed every 5 years by the Texas Water Development Board, includes almost 31% of future supply to come from demand reduction—that means conservation today will supply water tomorrow. This is not an optional assignment. With up to 70% of a properties’ water use being attributed to outdoor use, we--including me and every other
member of the green and blue industries, all HOA leadership, property management, homeowners, and yes even developers and builders—(I said what I said!) have to recognize the role we have, and mobilize to do our part.
The good news is, water projects are the only kind that can offer an actual payback on investment. Two reasons for this: 1) it is easy to compare how much water was used in past years with current use, and patterns can be identified, and opportunities can be revealed. If you do nothing else this year in the vein of this topic, for God’s sake start tracking your usage—dollars and gallons, and look at it. Peter Drucker said, what gets measured gets managed. Meanwhile, water is likely one of your top 5 budget items, and nobody is managing its waste, or use, or can tell the difference between the two. A little bit of data analysis can go a long way to set priorities and identify the best opportunities with the most promising payback. Second, the water you save with these initiatives is the most expensive water from your budget. Tiered billing means the more you use, the more expensive water is. It is the opposite of a bulk discount. Additionally, water rates are rising every year, so cutting future water from your budget is even more valuable to your HOA over time. Additionally, the opportunity to save water in common areas shares a lot of methodology and strategies that your own residents can adopt, which only magnifies the benefits and allows everyone to save money on water. Boards Continued on next page
can embrace their leadership position by starting these strategies in the common areas, and encouraging (or in the least, allowing) homeowners to do the same.
Jonah was tasked with warning the people of Nineveh of God’s judgement if they didn’t heed his message. I can’t say I am supposed to promise anything like that if we don’t act now, but the consequences of kicking the proverbial can down the road are very real and do not get less expensive in the future. Wouldn’t you rather start now and move at your leisurely speed to make incremental change, that will be less painful to your budget, than waiting until somebody tells you what you have to do, right now, your budget be damned (there it is—the damnation I was looking for)?
If you don’t know where to start, reach out to a professional that cares about water. This could be your Landscape Maintenance Contractor. If he or she doesn’t know water use is important to you, he or she will not make reduction of water use a priority. It is not in most contracts, and they have a lot of other priorities to focus on. Peruse the local Native Plant Society or Texas Nursery Landscape Association’s recommended plant lists. Check with your local city’s water conservation department for possible rebates and resources. Examine your landscape rules and consider which ones could use a tweak for the sake of conservation. You may want to think about a
water committee, or hire a planner or manager to help your team make a plan.
The overarching goal of every board is to preserve property values. Reducing a property’s water requirement positively affects its bottom line, and long term, a property that needs less water is more valuable in the Texas economy. Protect those values, and your grandchildren’s water supply, against changing weather patterns, increasing heat, and diminishing supplies by examining your water use now, and make substantive changes today that can help us all tomorrow. Texas Water Development Board is counting on it, and we all need to do our part in whatever small slice of water use we can affect.
I will continue to share this message, even if it is not popular, even if you want to throw me overboard. I just pray there is water in the lake when you do, and I hope those Volkswagen-sized catfish in the bottom of the lake have already had their breakfast*.
Amanda Griffin is a water educator, irrigation manager, and conservation advocate. She can be reached at agriffin@save-both.com.
*If you are new to Texas, you should know that Volkswagen sized catfish living “in the depths by the dam” is a popular legend around here, like the Loch Ness Monster. Catfish do get big, but despite the best of internet photoshop, getting that big is just a Texas Tale.
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Joanne Haluska, CMCA, AMS Senior Managing Director, Central Region (216) 314-9100 jhaluska@allianceassociationbank.com
Why Choose Alliance Association Bank: Alliance Association Bank has over 50 years of combined experience meeting the unique and complex banking needs of community associations. This experience, combined with our financial strength and stability, make Alliance Association Bank a key financial institution to build an alliance with to grow your business. Alliance Association Bank is a division of Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC. As one of the country’s top-performing banking companies, Western Alliance was #1 best-performing of the 50 largest public U.S. banks in the most recent S&P Global Market Intelligence listing and ranks high on the Forbes “Best Banks in America” list year after year.
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WHEN DISASTER STRIKES
What Property Owners Associations (HOAs) should know about levying assessments to fund repairs, maintenance, and loans.
Because of our aging communities and extreme weather events, Property Owners Associations across Texas are trying to figure out how to pay for the costly, unbudgeted maintenance and repairs of common areas, common elements and other items that are the Association’s responsibility. Such items may include screening walls, fences, siding, roofs, carports, garages, detention ponds, balconies, streets, lighting, trails, pools and landscaping. This article will provide a VERY brief overview of SOME of the legal issues and prerequisites HOAs should consider before levying a special assessment, increasing regular assessments, levying an individual assessment, or approving a loan.
First, consider whether your client is a Subdivision Association or a Condominium Association, and if it is a Condominium Association, know when its Declaration was recorded and whether Chapter 81 of the Texas Property Code applies. For the sake of this article, a “HOA” means a residential property owners association (including associations that administer condominiums and subdivisions). A Condominium Association is a HOA that administers condominium development, while a Subdivision Association is a HOA that administers a subdivision development. Each of these HOAs is subject to various provisions of the Texas Property Code. We will also assume in this article that the HOA is a Texas Non-Profit Corporation. But you, as the HOA’s counsel, should not assume anything. Just because the HOA has always called themselves a condo does not mean
they are a condominium development. I have seen a developer of a subdivision development prepare and record bylaws invoking the Texas Uniform Condominium Act. And be wary of the client who insists they are neither a Subdivision Association nor a Condominium Association but, instead, a “Townhome Association.”
Next, determine whether the expense contemplated is the HOA’s responsibility (often called a “common expense”), as opposed to an owner expense. Things to think about are whether the money the HOA needs is for maintenance, repair, an insurable loss, an insurance deductible, and/or a capital improvement. Maintenance and repair responsibilities can be different from insurance responsibilities, especially in condominiums. In order to make this determination, HOA’s counsel will need to analyze
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all of the HOA’s dedicatory instruments and for a condominium development, Chapter 82 of the Texas Property Code (and Chapter 81 if applicable).
Once you confirm that the money needed is for a HOA common expense, determine the HOA’s authority to increase assessments, levy a special assessment or any other kind of assessment, to obtain a loan, and/or to collateralize the Association’s right to collect assessments and to assign its rights to collect assessments. With respect to Condominium Associations, their own dedicatory instruments may provide such authority, but the Texas Property Code also grants Condominium Associations with certain powers and authorities. For example, Texas Property Code §82.102(f) specifically grants the Condominium Association through the Board of Directors the power by resolution to: (1) borrow money; and (2) assign as collateral for the loan authorized by the resolution: (A) the association’s right to future income, including the right to receive assessments; and (B) the association’s lien rights. Texas Property Code §82.111(j) provides that the cost of repair or replacement in excess of the insurance proceeds is a common expense, and the board may levy an assessment to pay the expenses in accordance with each owner’s common expense
liability. Conversely, for Subdivision Associations, there is no statutory authority to levy special assessments, borrow money or pledge assessments as collateral. If the Subdivision Association’s dedicatory instruments authorize the Subdivision Association’s board of directors to levy a special assessment, increase assessments or borrow money, Texas Property Code §209.0051 states that the board may not, unless done in an open meeting for which prior notice was given to owners, consider or vote on matters like increases in assessments, levying of special assessments, or lending or borrowing money. If the HOA lacks the authority it needs to obtain the money it needs, consider amending the appropriate dedicatory instruments to obtain that authority.
In short, reading and understanding the HOA’s governing documents, as well as the pertinent statutes, are important factors in appropriately obtaining the funds the HOA needs in order to do the things the HOA is supposed to do. Hiring counsel on the front end can make the process run smoothly.
Kate Kilanowski is a Partner at Cagle Pugh Ltd., LLP. She can be reached at kate.kilanowski@caglepugh.com.
HIGH RISE FORUM RECAP
On June 7th of this year, the Dallas Fort Worth Chapter of CAI outdid itself, yet again. For the second year in a row, the High Rise Forum had record attendance, and looking forward to next year, will have to expand in order to accommodate the increased demand.
This year, our presenting business partners included The Oak Lawn Committee, McKenzie Mena, Kerrane Storz, RMWBH, Cagle Pugh and this year’s Title Sponsor, Action Property Management. Topics for this year’s Forum included future developments in Dallas, governing document updates, Selling & Refinancing concerns, Raising assessments as a good business practice, Cyber Attacks, TLAC updates and Elevating Hospitality in the High-Rise environment.
A special thank you to the High-Rise Forum Committee for continuing to raise the bar and we look forward to next year’s event.
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Personal Attention. Proven Results for HOAs.
For over two decades, Henry, Oddo, Austin & Fletcher, P.C. has provided clients throughout Texas with trusted counsel. Their experience related to homeowners associations is unmatched – providing guidance, leadership and oversight to community associations. Their attorneys have experience resolving disputes and advising homeowners associations on legal issues.
Assist developers with drafting governing documents
Advise boards on governance and collection issues
Assist boards in enforcing bylaws and covenants
Attend association meetings to provide explanations of the association’s rights and responsibilities, to help maintain rules of order, and to address issues of concern to members and directors
Assist boards in interpreting governing documents
Draft revisions to association governing documents to clarify issues of governance
Work with boards and management companies in dealing with property owners
Cost effective and creative debt collection methods leading to revenue recovery
Active participation and support of Texas Community Association Advocates (TCAA) and Community Associations Institute (CAI)
Judd A. Austin, Jr. - Shareholder jaamex@hoaf.com Vinay B. Patel - Shareholder vpatel@hoaf.com
• All general construction repairs performed.
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• Professional roof and property inspection reports provided.
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MANAGING THROUGH CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS in High Rises
If you have ever opened a High Rise anywhere, you know that just because a building is brand new, does not mean that it is or will be issue free. Builders do not have intentions of any obvious or latent defects, but in most cases, there tends to be at least some construction related defects that managers will have to address. Experienced managers know the statute of repose in the state of Texas for High Rise condominiums is 10 years, with a two-year statute of limitations for issues that are known. Many times, for the managers working during Declarant Control, it is hard to know what to do and who to communicate to about defects that are suspected.
If a manager has knowledge of, or suspects that there may be defects in the building structure, or even in the mechanics of the building, they should do the following:
• In writing, send a notification to the Board of Directors about your findings and or suspicions.
• Reach out to an expert in the related field of the suspected defect and try to understand what the problem is and what the suspected root cause may be.
• Depending on the information that you gather, and in many cases the findings will not be through an official inspection, you should explain what you know, and what potential construction defect may be present in the building you manage.
• Once you fully explain, using photographs and any other supporting documentation, make suggestions on conducting an official inspection of the building.
• In some cases, developers have wrap insurance policies for construction defects. These policies, whether an OCIP (Owner Controlled Insurance Policy) or a CCIP (Contractor Controlled Insurance Policy) policies, provide a streamlined policy that makes filing claims much easier for developers and or builders.
• In many ways, it is in the best interests for everyone involved to be observant of these possible defects and report them as quickly as possible.
• Report these defects or possible defects, even if they end up being maintenance related, since the statute can create issues if a manager or the Board is aware of an issue and does not cause an action to be taken.
There are a number of Lawfirms that managers can turn to for advice. Do not come with preconceived notions, or what you believe to be the case in matters. The attorney that you talk to can listen to the facts you provide, and based off their review and even a possible inspection of the building, determine that a defect or defects are present.
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With communities that are Developer or declarant controlled, navigating this double-edged sword can be very difficult. To simplify the matter, all you need to know is that you did not build the building, but you hold the key to helping the homeowners resolve the issues that their building has or may have. Your actions can have a positive affect on the use of the wrap policies for the building, or the ability to file claims against the builder or the subs that were used in the construction of the project,’ Evey building will have unique issues, but many of the issues that you may come across, have been an issue in other new developments as well. It can be stressful to know what to do, to not upset one group over the other. The key is to be respectful of both the Developer/Builder and the homeowners in your community.
Developers and builders acquire insurance on these projects for a reason, and experienced managers will know that early detection and reporting of these issues can help with warranty work, or in the ability to file claims of suspected defects. Do not be afraid to have these conversations. Although at the time it may seem
intimidating, it puts everyone involved in the best position to resolve the issue(s).
At the end of the day, always put your best foot forward and represent your homeowners the best you can. You are their voice and regardless of who you work for, doing what is right is in everyone’s best interest, even if they do not see it that way at first. Always trust your instincts and if you are confident in your observations and supporting information, be the chief advocate.
Also, use other managers in your network that may have been through situations like these as a resource. Good luck to all of you. If you are a manager in a situation like this or a similar, call me, or reach out to me and I will help you. While I am not an attorney and will not give you legal advice, I will help provide a compass to help you navigate your situation(s).
Nathan Watson, CMCA, AMS General Manager, Bleu Ciel
Texas Legislative Action Committee (TLAC) is CAI’s only official voice with legislators and regulators in the State. This committee allows CAI to speak with a cohesive voice on legislative and regulatory matters that affect community associations, community association managers, and business partners. Our mission is simple – together, CAI’s TLAC advances, defends, protects, and strengthens public policy for the community association housing model.
TO FULFILL OUR MISSION AND PROMISE, WE NEED TO BUILD A FUNDING BASE THAT STARTS WITH YOU! YOUR CONTRIBUTION MAKES TLAC’S LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS POSSIBLE — WITHOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT, WE CANNOT BE AS EFFECTIVE IN PROMOTING SENSIBLE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LEGISLATION IN TEXAS.
MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO CAI TLAC!
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Gala Winners 2024 CAI
Support Staff of the Year
Frances Canfield | Envera Systems
Frances has been active throughout the state of Texas’ CAI chapters headlining our company, helping Envera’s sales double through the networking opportunities with the chapters and their involvement.
Nicole Cantatore, CMCA | Worth Ross Management, Co. AAMC
Nicole's commitment to continuous learning is evident in her innovative training programs, which are tailored to meet the evolving needs of our workforce. She has a unique talent for designing engaging and effective training modules that empower employees to reach their full potential.
Tina Crawford | Insight Association Management, AAMC
In a single year, Tina’s improvements have led to monthly community financials arriving a whopping ten days faster over one year ago. As any community management professional well knows, this industry is beleaguered by accounting challenges given the unique array of problems innate to the task. The years of in-depth corporate experience she has brought to this industry and this company shine like a beacon in an otherwise dark night sky.
Newcomer Managers of the Year
Thomas Czaus | CCMC
Tom's highly desirable skillset, coupled with his attitude, make him a well-rounded leader. He has led his team through tricky interactions with homeowners, steered the Board of Directors through sensitive legal matters, and received constructive feedback with perspective. One constant through these scenarios has been Tom's attitude and willingness to lift others. Tom accumulated recognition and rewards in his previous industry. I am also excited to see him make a mark in the management association industry. He is a true asset to our firm and the association management industry.
Rachel Drake | Insight Association Management, AAMC
One of Rachel's most notable qualities is her ability to bring positive energy to any situation. Her enthusiastic and optimistic approach is unmatched, creating a welcoming and productive atmosphere for both residents and colleagues alike. She is quick to compliment others and rarely passes judgment, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the communities she serves.
Volunteer of the Year
Kristy McCarthy | Neighborhood Management, Inc. AAMC
I believe what impressed me most was the amount of detail she brought to the Lifestyle program. I have worked with some amazing coordinators; yet, Kristy has the uncanny knack of tailoring each event and adding the little extras that most miss. She creates personalized insignias, websites, decorations, and many other items I can’t begin to name them all. Today, we work together on the Community Affairs Committee. She is a natural leader here as well. She is co-chair and my biggest supporter, advocate, and industry “family”.
Joeline Simien | Kerrane Storz, PC
She loves to make everyone feel warm and included. She is always making connections between vendors. Most recently, at a CAI event, she met a new member, and introduced him to a table of people, and figured out individually how we could each benefit each other. She's also introduced me to several vendors that I now use.
Lifestyle Director of the Year
Andrea Walker
The achievements of our HOA Lifestyle Director, Andrea Walker throughout the year is a testament to her unwavering dedication. Her inspired events and tireless efforts, she has brought joy, unity, and a sense of belonging to our neighborhood, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the Sendera Ranch homeowners who had the privilege of participating. It is with deepest admiration and gratitude that we nominate her for recognition of her exceptional contributions, and we wholeheartedly endorse her as a deserving candidate for this esteemed accolade.
Community Spirit
Gateway Parks | Monter’s Ball
Overall, the event encourages community interaction and engagement by providing opportunities for attendees to connect with one another through shared experiences. Whether it's bonding over a scary haunted house experience or admiring each other's creative costumes, the event series fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants and encourages socializing and networking within the community. Connections are made between residents, extended family, vendor partners, local businesses and other people in the greater community.
Community of the Year
Category 1
2 Category 3
4
5 Towne Lake of Addison Caruth Ridge Estates
Business Partner of the Year
Simply Horticulture
The great service provided by Simply Horticulture extends to the team members working out in the field. The workers from the irrigation and lawn service team are respectful and polite. Ronny takes care of his employees and maintains the same crew working onsite. They go beyond the expectations and are valuable to our onsite management team regarding the extended eyes and ears of the happenings within the community responsibilities.
Management Company of the Year
SBB Community Management, AAMC
SBB has been extremely active in CAI over the years and encourages its members to achieve their designations, which I believe has helped tremendously in maintaining my neighborhood, Deerfield, as one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Plano, TX. SBB also gives back to the community at large in big ways. They hold an annual charity golf tournament benefitting Childrens Cancer fund that has raised over $1,250,000 and they do companywide quarterly volunteer work. SBB keeps our board of directors informed and relevant by providing quarterly training and forums and legislative updates. This is invaluable to a neighborhood association board of directors. SBB also strives to keep up to date on their technology and works to provide a great customer experience for their neighborhood associations.
Community Manager of the Year – Portfolio
Kristi Breuning, CMCA, AMS
With her brilliant capabilities as a trainer, nurturing spirit towards people, and indefatigable energy for service, Kristi Bruening personifies excellence in community stewardship. Her ability to unify, uplift, and empower everyone around her has fostered an unparalleled sense of belonging. For cultivating such an extraordinary community through knowledge, compassion and selflessness, Kristi is hugely deserving of this prestigious award recognition.
Community Manager of the Year – High Rise
Noel Rodriguez, CMCA
Noel embodies the essence of an ideal community manager. His heartfelt dedication lies in fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie, dignity, and active participation while offering unparalleled service to homeowners. Within WRMC, he stands as a beacon of excellence, affectionately known as "What Would Noel Do, WWND?" He consistently rises to the occasion, readily lending a hand wherever it's needed. Through his guidance, Assistant Managers have flourished, finding advancement under his wing.
Community Manager of the Year – On-Site
Barry Jones, CMCA, AMS
Barry always approaches problems with a focus on solutions. The community had a hard time making quorum for the annual meeting and he changed the voting to an online service. For the first time in years, they made quorum within a couple weeks and the actual HOA meeting lasted less than 30 minutes due to his smooth handling of homeowner concerns, completion of several capital projects, community involvement, new inspection process and a better trained staff. This was a major change from prior annual meetings had a lot of contention and lack of turnout.
Theresa Muchler, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Teresea is smart, intelligent, thoughtful, and strategic; and while she is a fantastic community manager, you can see that her passion is for teaching people and growing the next generation of individuals into better people, often times resulting in them becoming fantastic community managers.
Gala Winners Congratulations! 2024 CAI
We’ve got you covered! Robert Riddick, the Foundation’s President-Elect, is a volunteer board member in his community and has relied on Foundation Best Practice Reports to navigate the good, bad, and ugly situations that have developed over the years in his own association, all while improving the quality of his neighborhood.
Former Educator of the Year Paul Grucza, also a Foundation board member, shares that Best Practice Reports are an important component of CAI’s education curriculum.
Castle Group is the premier choice for property management; we specialize in serving the finest residential communities. We do not manage an exceptional number of communities, just a number of exceptional ones.
Who We Serve
Large-Scale Communities
High-Rise & Condominium Communities
Self-Managed Communities
Communities in Development
To learn more about how Castle Group can serve your community, visit www castlegroup com or call (844) 815-5321
June Breakfast Recap
During our June Monthly Members Breakfast we hosted a panel discussion on The ABC’s of RFP’s and Project Management. The panel featured Ellis Little, President, Masix Construction, Robin Anderson, VP of Business Development, Classic Construction and Brett Grobarz, VP of Sales, Shepperd Construction. The presentation discussed what must be considered for an effective RFP and common pitfalls that are often made. Also covered were key components of an RFP including project overview, scope of work, timeline, budget, qualification criteria, submission guidelines and evaluation criteria. The presentation concluded with a discussion on the importance of project management to execute a project that stays on schedule, is delivered within budget and meets the highest quality standards.
August Luncheon Recap
Survival in ANY crisis is a mindset. This was the overarching theme of our August luncheon with Greg Shaffer, author of "Stay Safe—Security Secrets for Today's Dangerous World." His attention-grabbing presentation and delivery transported the room into some of our world's horrific acts of violence while navigating where the line of survival might have been overlooked or just under our noses. For millions, staying safe will be as simple as walking away from a potentially violent event. For others, whether in our communities, workplaces, or schools, having an active response to violence can be the difference between life and death. – Writeup by: LaWanda Brannon, CMCA, AMS
MEMBERSHIP
Steve Aguilar VSC Fire & Security (469)867-7838 steveaguilar@vscfire.com
Mr. Jerry Alexander, Esq. Alexander Law Office (903)530-5052 jalegal@aol.com
Gary Allen Continental (972)878-4473Adjusters gary@coadj.com
Mr. Chris Archambault, Esq. Porter Law Firm (713)621-0700 chris@porterfirm.com
Ms. Danielle Armstrong PMG North Texas (214)265-6433 darmstrong@principal-mgmt.com
Mr. Bill Arnold Stonebridge Ranch Community Association (405)360-0031 barnold@stonebridgeranch.com
Mr. Daniel Askari Construction Services (469)363-1414 Daniel@absoluteteam.net
Ms. Kathleen Susan Baerthel, CMCA, AMS RTI/Community Management Associates, Inc. (612)867-2188 kbaerthel@cmamanagement.com
Ms. Nancy Barcenas Blue Hawk (469)279-9144Management nbarcenas@bluehawkmgmt.net
Ms. Sarah Sukta eUnify, Inc. (480)802-4284 ssukta@eunify.net
Ms. Marjorie Taylor Trails Homeowners Association II marjorieptaylor@gmail.com
Mr. Guy R Thomas HC Pinnacle Club HOA (214)505-2580 guythomasd@aol.com
Mr. Jack Thuet (214)817-1215 jack.thuet@worthross.com
Ms. Elizabeth Turner CCMC - TX (972)899-5678 eturner@ccmcnet.com
Ms. Kristen Vartian Stonebridge Ranch Community Association (214)551-0112 kvartian@stonebridgeranch.com
Mr. Patrick Wallace The Greener Good. LLC. (817)330-9544 patrick@thegreenergood.com
Chloe Walter Advanced Association Management, Inc. (940)445-4930 chloe@advancedassociationmgmt.com
Mr. Michael Warner Stonebridge Ranch Community Association (214)551-0112 mwarner@stonebridgeranch.com
Ms. Elizabeth Webster HC Pinnacle Club HOA (214)522-1241 ewebster@upetro.com
Dr. Jennifer White Westfalls Village Homeowners’ Association, Inc. 2143948930 drjen96@hotmail.com
Cameron Whiteman True Star Outdoor Solutions (214)984-1110 Hello@truestaros.com
Ms. Iyesha Williams CCMC – TX (936)553-2439 iwilliams@ccmcnet.com
Ellis Wolbe Bonaventure Condominiums Inc. (214)536-3440 ellisw@bonaventuredallas.com
Mr. Barry BonaventureZweigCondominiums Inc. (314)540-4142 sesame470@gmail.com
Mr. Nicholas Abair, CMCA, AMS
Mr. Cole Adams
Ms. Amber Altarabulsi
Mrs. Cinnamon S. Anderson, CMCA
Mr. David Anderson
Mr. Thomas J. Armstrong
Mr. Judd A. Austin, Esq.
Mrs. Krystal Barbarito, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Ms. Roshani Bastola
Mrs. Audrey Beard, PCAM
Mrs. Dana Renee Beckwith
Ms. Stephanie Benham, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Ms. Gloria C Black, CMCA, AMS
Mr. Calvin Bogart
Mr. Stephen G. Bone, AMS, PCAM
Mr. Vic Bosnich, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Ms. Christine Bradley
Mrs. Megan Kenzie Brandes
Mr. Derek A. Brase
Mr. Keith Brookshire
Mr. Brad Bryan
Ms. Vanessa Burch, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Mr. Bryan Burgess
Mr. Brett Burris
Mr. Elimaris E Calo, CMCA, AMS
Mr. John Joseph Carona, CMCA, PCAM
Mr. Alan Carrette, CMCA, AMS
David Allister Carruthers
Ms. Chelsea Chambo, CMCA, AMS
Ms. Amanda Chapman, CMCA, AMS
Ms. Melissa Chestnut, CMCA, AMS
Mr. Robert Walter Clark, III, CMCA, AMS
Mrs. Marie Colon
Mr. Hal E Cone
Mr. Eric Corcoran
Mr. Javier Creixell
Mrs. Lea Crow
Ms. Robin Davis
Mr. Blair Descourouez
Mrs. Brianna Cheryl Dessaints, CMCA, AMS
Mr. William C. DeVane, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Ms. Julie Dickens
Ms. Amelia Duckworth
Ms. Gail Dwight, CMCA, AMS
Mr. Mathew J. Eberius, CMCA, AMS
Mr. Scott Andrew Ehrenberger, CMCA
Ms. Kathleen E. Epperson, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Mr. Brad Fraley
Mrs. Kathleen Nicole Frazier, CMCA, AMS
Cara Freeze
Ms. Leslie Gamel
Mrs. Christi N. Garcia, CMCA, AMS
Mr. Mark Garcia
Ms. Susan Garrett
Ms. Susan Garrett
Mr. Thomas Gilliam
Mr. Brandon Gladney
Mr. Dru Godwin
Mr. Madan Goyal
Mr. Brandon Gray
Mr. Jim Griffin
Mrs. Robyn A Gschwend, CMCA
Mr. James F. Hallas
Mr. Todd Hammer
Aubree Harris
Anthony S. Harris
Ms. Teresa Harris
Ms. Judy Haven
Tyler Hawkins
Mrs. Brenda B Hawkins, CMCA
Ms. Joan Hayes
Steve Hendrix
Mrs. Suzanne Henry, CMCA, AMS
Mrs. Kim R. Henry, CMCA, AMS
Mr. James L Hitt, CMCA
Mr. Robert Holte
Mr. Marcos Miguel Hopken
Mrs. Stacey A Howard
Mr. Bill Howard
Mrs. Courtney Kay Isham
Mrs. Catherine Ivy, CMCA, AMS
Ms. Jamie Lee Jakubowski, CMCA, AMS
Mr. John Jima
Ms. Josephine Johnson, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Mrs. Lori A. Jones, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Brandy Jones
Mr. Burt Jones, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Mr. Omar Jones
Mr. Steve Judge
Antony Kay, CMCA
Mrs. Marlo Ann Kelley, CMCA
Mrs. Velvet Dawn Kelly, CMCA
Mr. Robert Kennehan
Mrs. Katie Kim
Mr. Carl Klinke
Ms. Ashley Koirtyohann
Mr. Matt Kopchak, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Mr. John Kurtz
Mr. David Allen Lacy
Mrs. Diana R Larson, AMS, PCAM
Ms. Danielle Lascalere, CMCA, AMS
Ms. Prudence Lidbury
Ms. MaryKathryn Lightsey, CMCA
Mr. Tom Locke
Ms. Monika Karin Loeffler, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Barbara Louisell
Mrs. Veronica Luna
Mr. Brad Marshall
Mr. Anthoney J. Martinez, II, CMCA, AMS
Ms. Darla Mathews
Mr. Greg Maus
Mr. Alex Maxwell, CMCA, AMS
Ms. Margie A. Maxwell
Mrs. Jennifer Ashley Mayben, CMCA, AMS
Mr. Timothy D. McConville, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Ms. Angela McCulloch-Veah
Mr. Bruce Mcdonald
Mrs. Dena McHugh
Mr. Dean Mcsherry
Mrs. Aleah R. Miles
Mrs. Estelle Monroe, CMCA
Ms. Charmaine Bea Moran
Ms. Rosie Morataya, CMCA, AMS
Ms. Stephanie Morgan
Mr. Israel Munoz, CMCA, AMS
Ms. Lauren Murphey, CMCA, AMS
Mrs. Nicole R. Nelson-Hardeman, CMCA
Mr. Nick Newman
Mrs. Chelsea Nichols, CMCA, AMS
Mr. Justin Norris, CMCA
Mr. Scott North
Ms. Kristin Nowak
Mr. Shane P Ousey, CMCA, AMS
Mr. Derek Jay Adam, CMCA
Mrs. Crystal Avendano, CMCA, AMS
Mr. Brent Charles Benoit
Mr. Todd Blair
Mr. Louis Ellis, Jr., CMCA
Kimberley L Ezzerai
Lisa Gantz
Ms. Pierette Parker, CMCA
Mr. David Patterson
Mr. Brad Perry
Mrs. Lesa J Perry, CMCA
Ms. Megan Phillips
Mr. Randy Pickle
Ms. Lauren A. Potter, CMCA, AMS
Mr. William Stewart Powell
Mr. John Pumford
Ms. Cindy Rademacher, CMCA, AMS
Ms. Susan Record
Ms. Michelle L. Reynolds
Mrs. Nichole Rice, CMCA, AMS
Mr. Dean A. Riddle, Esq.
Mr. Daryl Roberts
Mr. James Robertson
Mr. Dustin Alan Robinson, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Mrs. Tracie Ross
Mr. Adam Rothberg
Ms. Esmeralda Rubio
Mr. Brett Russell
Mr. Sasha Russo, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Mrs. Maria Rust, CMCA
Mr. Alan Ruth, RS
Ms. Sherri Schmoekel, PCAM
Mr. Chad Schnitker
Mr. Hermanus Andre Scholtz
Mr. Kevin Michael Schoolcraft, CMCA
Mr. Brian Schoolcraft, CMCA, AMS
Ms. Morgan Schott, CMCA, AMS
Mr. Bryan Slaton
Mrs. Suzanne M. Smith, CMCA, AMS
Mr. Christian Smith, CMCA
Ms. Linda Soos
Mr. James Sowder
Mrs. Lisa Sutliff
Mr. John Tarlton, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Charlsie Taylor
Mr. Jerry Taylor Myers
Mrs. Thelma Terrell, CMCA, PCAM
Mr. Sam Timothy
Ms. Amy Tores, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Mrs. Kaitlin Ulrich, CMCA, AMS
Mr. Alex Valdes, Esq.
Ms. Rhonda van Tassell, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Mrs. Jantzen Mahlon Verastique
Mr. Spencer Vick
Mr. Roger Voss
Ms. Wendy Waldemar-auau
Mr. Nathan Watson, CMCA, AMS
Mr. Brad Watson, CMCA, AMS
Nicole Weiss
Mr. Bill White
Mr. Brett Wiklund, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Ms. Tracy Ellen Wolin, CMCA, AMS
Mr. Scott Wood
Mrs. Brianna Christine Yonkers
Mr. Scott A. Young
Ms. Megan Youngblood
Mrs. Georganne Virginia Zuppa, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Mr. Chad McBeam, RS
Ms. Ava Mueller, CMCA
Mr. Richard Nelson, AMS, PCAM
Mr. Michael Rendon
Mr. Christopher Schappaugh
Mrs. Lisa Marie Sewell
Mrs. Marbella Addy Torres
Ms. Deitra Walter
New Designations
Congratulations to our fellow CAI members who achieved new designations!
Mrs. Cinnamon S. Anderson, CMCA
CMCA 9/6/24
Ms. Shonna Camacho, CMCA CMCA 8/16/24
Mr. Erik Brandon Gould, CMCA CMCA 7/26/24
Mrs. Celeste Ann Cavin, CMCA CMCA 8/15/24
Ms. Eva Apelian, CMCA CMCA 10/24/24
Mr. Eusty Hermida, CMCA CMCA 7/19/24
Mr. Noel Anthony Rodriguez, CMCA, AMS AMS 8/29/24
Ms. Shelly L Hughes, CMCA, AMS AMS 7/23/24
Mr. John Crowley, CMCA, AMS AMS 10/22/24
Mrs. Laura Aileen Fenster, CMCA, AMS AMS 9/23/24
Ms. Lauren A. Potter, CMCA, AMS AMS 6/28/24
Ms. Rhonda van Tassell, CMCA, AMS, PCAM PCAM 7/18/24
Ms. Kendall Abbott, CMCA, AMS, PCAM PCAM 7/18/24
***Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA®)
From CAMICB - “As a CMCA®, you have shown a commitment to your profession by staying informed about current community association issues and holding yourself to a high standard of professional conduct.”
***Association Management Specialist (AMS®)
The second level in the career development track for community association managers.
The AMS® designation demonstrates a higher level of commitment to your career and the community association industry. An AMS® designation is recommended for managers who want to enhance their career opportunities by increasing their knowledge and expertise.
***Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM®)
The pinnacle of community association management. The PCAM designation is the highest professional recognition available nationwide to managers who specialize in community association management. Earn your PCAM and join the elite—the select—the best.
Recommended for experienced managers who want to demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge and who wish to be recognized as one of the best and most experienced managers in the nation.
***Reserve Specialist (RS®)
Community associations rely on qualified reserve specialists to assist them in extensive reserve planning to keep their communities running smoothly. Gain the confidence of board members by obtaining the Reserve Specialist® (RS®) designation.
The RS designation is awarded to qualified reserve specialists who, through years of specialized experience, can help ensure that community associations prepare their reserve budget as accurately as possible.
