Contributed by Matthew Green, CAE CMCA
Jordan Ritter, CMCA, AMS, recently became the 25,000th professional to earn the Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) credential — a milestone that demonstrates the history, strength, and success of the program administered by the Community Association Managers International Certification Board. As a valued member of Property Management People in Maryland since 2019, Ritter’s journey into the world of community association management is as inspiring as it is rooted in personal connection.
After graduating from college in 2019, Ritter returned to his hometown of Frederick to manage the community pool at Spring Ridge Conservancy — where he had lived for over 20 years and where his mother served on the board. “Hearing her stories of the community always fascinated me,” Ritter recalls. “But it wasn’t until I worked closely with the community manager that summer, effectively running the pool operations, that I truly saw the broader impact of a community association manager.”
That hands-on experience sparked a passion. With longstanding ties to PMP, which managed the Spring Ridge community, Ritter applied for a compliance inspector role and began what would soon become a promising career in the field. From day one at PMP, he noticed a trend: The seasoned managers all held their CMCA credential and CAI’s Association Management Specialist (AMS) designation.
“For me, the CMCA was the industry gold standard. I knew I had to earn it,” he says. “It’s more than just letters after your name. Professionally, it shows knowledge, credibility, and commitment. Personally, it affirmed that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.” Ritter also is now working toward CAI’s prestigious Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) designation — driven by a hunger to learn and grow alongside peers in his office who are doing the same.
What keeps him energized? The unpredictability and the sheer variety of what he does each day. “There’s never a dull moment,” he says. “No two days are the same, and I thrive on that. Whether it’s collaborating with board members or navigating new challenges, every day brings something different.”
Jordan Ritter, CMCA, AMS
He holds special admiration for volunteer board members: “They give their time to create safe, welcoming, and well-managed communities. That kind of dedication is something I deeply respect.”
Ritter’s advice for managers aspiring to earn the CMCA? “Study the key terms, and use all of the available study materials. The exam is rigorous and covers every aspect of the job. But passing it is worth it; it symbolizes determination and opens doors across the profession.”
Being number 25,000 in 2025 feels especially meaningful. “It’s surreal,” he says. “This credential represents resilience, growth, and a career I truly love.” As the industry continues to evolve, Ritter is ready to grow with it. “When associations choose a management company, having credentialed professionals on staff says everything. It reflects our knowledge, our standards, and our shared commitment to excellence.”
Matthew Green is executive director of the Community Association Managers International Certification Board (CAMICB).
