International Community Association Managers Day gave me an opportunity to reflect on my journey to becoming a community manager — one that began as a board member. That transition gave me a perspective I carry with me every single day. Being a homeowner and a manager of the community where I live shapes every decision I make.
Community associations are typically required to maintain some level of insurance to protect the association, its members, and shared assets from the risk of financial loss. These requirements are shaped by governing documents, laws and regulations, lender requirements, and best practice. One of the most common — and consequential — questions in community associations is about how insurance responsibilities are divided. Who covers what?
The pools at Captain’s Cove in Greenbackville, Va., serve as far more than summertime retreat spots. They are vibrant gathering places that bring the community together. Thanks in part to a junior lifeguard program, the community has woven pool safety into the fabric of daily life.
For years, community association management has focused on strengthening its foundation of technical skills. While those capabilities remain essential, they are no longer what differentiates excellence in community management. Emotional intelligence is.
When my wife and I moved into our community association, I was simply excited to be part of a new building. As I got to know my neighbors, attended board meetings, and saw how deeply people cared, I realized how meaningful it would be for me to help guide our community transition from developer control to homeowner-led governance.
