2023 Annual Awards Nominees

Sponsored by

NOMINEE INFORMATION

Candice Bladt Community Manager of the Year Nominees

Shelia Adams, CMCA, AMS: I am honored to be nominated for the Candice Bladt Community Manager of the Year Award. Understanding that Candice left big shoes to fill, I am inspired by her legacy, and I am striving to follow in her footsteps. In 2003, I was offered an opportunity to manage a 214-unit co-op property. Little did I know this transitional job would actually kick-start my career in property management. It’s been a long journey that hasn’t been easy. I was devastated when I learned I didn’t pass my CMCA exam. I felt like giving up. But there were people in my corner that encouraged me to take it again. So, I pushed past my fears, and in 2014, I obtained my CMCA. In 2017, I received Taylor Management’s North Region, Rising Star Award. I used this recognition to motivate myself to continue my studies. I went on to receive my AMS designation in 2018. Last year, I joined the CAI Conference & Expo Committee, and this year, I have accepted the position of Vice Chair.

I am currently the on-site manager of a 300-unit condominium in West Orange. Here, I oversee the day-to-day operations, and work closely with the Board of Trustees to guide them on policy development, budgeting, and contract negotiations. My homeowners credit me with resurrecting a sense of community through a variety of social events. In addition to my Property Manager designations, I have a Bachelor of Science in health education from Montclair State University. I am the founder and CEO of Bikers Against Breast Cancer, Inc., a founding member of the Women of Wisdom (W.O.W.) Sisterhood, and an ordained missionary. I love motorcycling, dancing, and traveling. As your Candice Bladt Community Manager of the Year, my commitment would include my continued support and promotion of CAI’s mission and vision. I vow to remain teachable, available to help when needed, and role model the characteristics of a quality Property Manager. My goal is to learn more, so that I can do more. Therefore, I implore your vote to help me move to the next level in my career. I believe I deserve this award because of my abilities: 1. My Flexibility – Over the years, I’ve learned that as a property manager, I must be able to bend or accept change without breaking down. I’ve also learned not to allow that change to discourage me. 2. My Adaptability – Learning to adapt to sudden changes in the work place takes skill. I’ve mastered working with new board members, owners, and vendors. This is not always easy. But often necessary. Adapting to new environments and situations could cause inexperienced managers to throw in the towel. But my go with the flow attitude has helped me to hold on. 3. My Durability – I believe 19 years, shows I’m tough and I can withstand the many pressures of the job. These 3 characteristics coupled with my sensibility, reliability, and capability warrants why I should receive this award.

Nicole Ancona: How do you sum up 4 years of incredible opportunities, powerhouse leaders, and learning experiences in a short paragraph? Two words ‘You Can’t’! In 2018 I was hired by RCP Management Company, AAMC as a temporary/seasonal CSR. I had zero experience in property management but many years in customer service and restaurant management. As always I jumped in feet first to learn anything I could about the job at hand. My career in community management moved quite expediently!

Within two weeks I was called into our HR department for a “talk”. I was asked to join RCP full-time as a CSR. I was excited, to say the least, to be joining a company that treats every employee like family. I quickly began to learn anything and everything I could about how our communities are run. I had seen firsthand something extraordinary and I wanted to learn more! Fast forward 5 months and I am called into HR again for another “talk” but this time it was much bigger. I was asked to take on an admin position at a new community. A year later I was promoted again, this time to a portfolio admin position, assisting some of the most amazing managers and individuals I have ever met.

Candice Bladt Community Manager of the Year Nominees

At the start of the pandemic, I was asked to take on another role within my company, one that since the very beginning I have strived to obtain. I was asked to become a Community Manager! Now came the true test of my abilities and knowledge; not just in the industry but throughout my entire adult life. With the help of my amazing mentors, classes, and the support of my teenage son and family I have worked hard (and sometimes really late into the night) to learn my new role and learn a new way of working. I am currently working on my CMCA designation. I have a plaque in my office that I was given many years ago that says: “Don’t Look Back You’re Not Going That Way” but I cannot help but to look back on everything and feel so much joy and love. I feel I deserve this award because of my passion, persistence for excellence, inquisitiveness, and contagious excitement show not only in the way I communicate with those around me but in my work every day. I strive to achieve new experiences, skills, and information that improve my abilities. The combination of each of these has helped shape me into who I am today and will help me to reach my goals and beyond. To say that I alone deserve this award is an understatement because of the amazing individuals and leaders who came before me and are here alongside me guiding, teaching, and empowering me to greatness. Coming from a culinary and patient care background, community management was a nuova grande avventura (a great new adventure)! This industry and the pandemic not only taught me a new way of communicating but also how community managers are indeed the keys to community living.

Donna Galindo, CMCA: I could not have imagined that 13 years ago accepting a part time position in a local community would result into a fantastic career. I have worked every desk doing every position at one time or another over the years. I have absorbed myself in the community, the board and the staff. After 45 years being self-managed the board choose TaylorManagement tomanage the community and I was lucky to be part of the transition and have grown since. There have been some trying times over the years but the community has come out from under all of it including the weight of Covid and dissension and is now a happier place to live and work. We have become a secondary family to many with a sense of community and togetherness. Isn’t that what it is all about? There is no better feeling than getting it right!

I wanted to be home for my children when they were young. After quite a few years, I decided to start getting back in the workforce slowly. It is funny thinking back now. I went from part time to full time in months not years and closing administrator to facilities in a short time with a stop in finance on the way and then on to management. The board asked me to take my CMCA and in 6 months, I had my certificate. I always looked for more and found it. In 2017, Taylor Management was hired to manage the financing for the community and since finance was mostly done in the Taylor main office and there was an on-site accountant, I moved over as Operations Administrator, dealing with day-to day operations of all common facilities, working with the Facilities Manager and the General Manager. This was a great opportunity and gave me even more knowledge of buildings and build relationships with vendors. In 2019, Taylor was contracted to manage the community and not just finance. After a few managers had come and gone, one was hired that put down roots. I was offered the assistant manager position and I accepted without a second thought. Then there was Covid, a very rough time for all of us but especially the residents. Some showed little kindness and understanding when the common buildings were closed and restrictions were in place. Unfortunately, the previous manager and board took the brunt of it. The board and community needed someone that was strong but kind with the knowledge of the community. It was a position that I have done on and off for years so when asked, I accepted. I was happy taking a roll that I knew would

Candice Bladt Community Manager of the Year Nominees

make a difference with the board and residents. Then it started, moving staff and changing duties, working with the Facilities Manager and board on huge projects, HVAC in the Clubhouse and Cultural Center, road paving, roof replacement at both buildings, budgeting, reserve and ending 2022 better than expected with a small increase in maintenance fees. I am proud of my accomplishments through the years but especially excited for the future. This community is my 2nd home and I will continue to make it a better place.

Ross Goldfarb: After only being on the property management side of the Real Estate industry for a little over a year, I have found my home. I have found a passion for the industry, and for doing what I can to help make my homeowners lives that much easier and their enjoyment living in their community that much greater. Being nominated for this award alone is an honor I do not take for granted, but to win and share this with my employer, my colleagues, my homeowners and my family would mean the world to me. I have so much more to give to this industry, and to win this award would fuel that fire in me even more, to be the best possible manager I can be. My journey into property management was out of the ordinary, to say the least. I was hired by Taylor Management in August of 2021 as a community administrator, after almost two years of working as a Leasing Agent, renting apartments across the state. As my first day concluded, I was instructed to meet with one of our on-site community managers at their property, and was

under the impression this was part of my training process. When I arrived on-site the next day, my second day on the job, I was informed to my surprise that said community manager had given notice, and I was the one they assigned to fill in until they were able to get a permanent manager in place. Talk about being thrown to the wolves and learning on the fly! After only being on the job for 3 months as Interim community manager, my superiors at Taylor Management, and the board members of the community, decided that I had done all they needed to see, and they were going to make me the full time on-site community manager of the community. Over my first full year as an on-site community manager, I dealt with multiple sewer backups to units, a fire that displaced homeowners from 16 units, a hostile election, multiple ADR hearings and much more! If there was one property to learn by doing, this was it! As my first full year on property came to a close, through no fault of my own, Taylor Management and this community decided to mutually agree to part ways. With that said, Taylor Management made the decision to promote me from an on-site community manager to portfolio community manager. I went from being a community administrator, to an on-site community manager managing one property of 354 units, to now being a portfolio community manager managing 4 properties around the state, totaling upwards of 1000 units, all within the span of my first year on the job. The open-door policy and unwavering support from Paul Santoriello, PCAM, Gale Braunstein and the entire Taylor Management team has been crucial to my success, and I cannot thank them enough for this opportunity given to me.

Stephanie Harmon, CMCA, AMS, PCAM: Over the course of my career, I have never stopped taking the opportunity to learn and then share that information with others. The last three years have been challenging for all managers, board members and homeowners alike. It takes strength, commitment, confidence, conviction, and leadership to bring your community to the other side of a major challenge as we all experienced. The question – why do I feel I am deserving of this award? Community Management is not something I do, but who I am. I believe in this profession and know that I make a difference in people’s lives every day. What an amazing opportunity has been given to me through managing properties and I am grateful for it everyday. During the shut down of 2020 into 2021 I was on my property seven days a week so all outdoor amenities remained open and homeowners had peace

of mind that I was there for them.

Candice Bladt Community Manager of the Year Nominees

I began my career working part time at a community over 25 years ago. I was so intrigued by the industry that I needed to know more and more. As learned, on the job, as many of us did then, I grew to love what I was doing and looked into making it a career path. I joined the ranks of FIrstService Residential, AAMC in October of 1999 and have never looked back or questioned my choice to build a career in Property Management. I was fortunate enough to call Candice Bladt my friend and she introduced me to the world of CAI and the education programs. There is no better feeling going through the education process and obtaining your accreditations and pushing yourself for the 4 letters PCAM. The day I received my PCAM certificate is one I will never forget. The role of Manager is ever changing with the changes to the industry, laws, acts and the evolvement of boards and homeowners. I recall my first property and the challenge to get a printer - I hand wrote 7 copies of a board packet, boy times have really changed. Every manager, community, board and company has goals they have achieved and accomplishments that they are proud of, it is so difficult to highlight just a couple to provide you an insight into the manager I am. I personally feel that my greatest accomplishments in the industry is when I run into a board member or homeowner from a property I had managed and they still compliment the work I had done. This is a great feeling I am humbled to be nominated for this award and grateful to work with FistService Residential, AAMC, a company that allows it’s associates to grow both personally and professionally. I appreciate your time and to every contractor, vendor, board member, homeowner and FirstService associate I have had the pleasure to work with - Thank You for being part of my journey - you all have had a part in my growth and the manager I am today.

Katherine Henriques: I consider myself fortunate to have a career in property management. It is extremely important to know that every day will be different, and we will be faced with different challenges. I make sure that my mindset is always ready for what they day might bring my way. I am comfortable to say that one of the things I feel is very important and that I have incorporated into my everyday life is being a very detail-oriented person. I make sure to keep track of everything-whether leases are signed or budgets created-so they can be used as reference points later down the line if something needs to be referred to. It is important to know that every Community is different. My heart is fully invested in what I do, I love property management. Being a portfolio manager and waking up daily and not knowing what will transpires is what I look forward too. It means that I might get the opportunity to learn something new, or face a challenge that I will get to prove to myself that I am doing what I love to do.

I feel that one of the reasons I was nominated for both a Candice Bladt Community Manager of the Year Award and the Outstanding Young Professional Award is because of the strengths one needs to have in this industry. Every manager must be able to handle difficult situations with tact and diplomacy. Communicating effectively with all types of people. Always remain calm and professional in the face of any conflict. Always be Professional, have an investor mindset, quick response time, assertiveness, and patience. I am proud to be part of Denali Property Management team that is full of leadership and has a reputation for innovation and customer focus and I am honored to be working with them where we are taking Property Management to the next level. Over the last 10+ years in Property Management I am have worked my way up the management ladder and I am happy to report that I have learned many things along the way. In the last year I was: recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Distinguished Business Professional in the Real Estate and Retail Entrepreneurship fields and in acknowledgment of her work as Portfolio Manager and shortly after that I was Inducted into the Prestigious Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry. I have also successfully gone from owning and running my online boutique to opening a storefront in Vineland, NJ.

Candice Bladt Community Manager of the Year Nominees

Steven Hodges, CMCA: Being the onsite manager of a large 55+ active adult community with a full-service bar, restaurant and 18-hole golf course is a challenging but rewarding experience. For me, it’s all about the people—the board and committee members, vendors, staff and, most importantly, the residents. My goal is to provide them with the best possible environment to enjoy their well-earned retirement. I’m passionate about what I do, going above and beyond to ensure the community runs smoothly. This includes making myself available outside of regular business hours to attend meetings and address any issues that arise, such as monitoring snow removal and providing regular updates in the overnight hours to keep residents safe and informed. Communication is key to managing a successful community. Throughout my eight year tenure, I’ve developed an open, inclusive environment where residents are comfortable approaching me and my staff with any situation (good or bad).

My journey into property management was indirect but interesting. After graduating with a Political Science degree, I was working in government when I became intrigued with real estate. My career in this industry began with managing all aspects of an individual’s real estate portfolio. I found new properties, coordinated renovations and repairs, leased units and handled tenant relations. It was a 24/7 lifestyle. After getting married and having children, I decided to focus on one aspect of the business. Something where my political background could be an asset—property management. Being a property manager requires a similar skill set to working with your local government. In essence you are the business administrator, the board is your council and the residents are your constituents. I’m proud to share some of my key accomplishments: • Portfolio manager responsible for three properties totaling ~900 units, each with unique challenges: an aging apartment complex (built in 80’s), a new community beginning transition and the third a mixture of low-income apartments and single family homes • My company never lost a site contract while under my management • After three years of successful portfolio management, promoted to current role as onsite manager at Westlake Golf and Country Club—one of NJ’s larger 55+ communities with 1,400+ homes, including a bar, restaurant and 18-hole golf course • Oversee a $6 million budget, State-issued Club Liquor License, Bingo license, DEP Water Allocation Permit (for golf course) plus management of 20 association and three company employees • Worked with my Board and staff to update the community’s aging infrastructure (20+ years). Successfully coordinated road repaving, clubhouse roof replacement, golf bunker renovation, golf course irrigation system replacement as well as full renovation of locker rooms and restaurant, including bar relocation. • Stellar leadership and guidance during the pandemic. Researched/implemented technology which allowed video conferencing for the Board’s executive and open meetings—providing access for all households. Helped institute safety protocols and procedures which allowed usage of outdoor amenities (initially) and eventually indoor amenities in full compliance with State mandates. I’m honored to be recognized by my board for these achievements and look forward to future successes.

Diana Janos, CMCA, AMS: I was very shocked but pleased to hear I was nominated for the Candice Bladt Community Manager of the Year. I joined this industry back in 2010 when I was hired as an Association Administrative Assistant. I was very happy when Taylor Management Company informed me, they had the perfect Community for me. That was quite an understatement! I took the helm of Carlton Tower Condo Association in September 2013 and could not be happier. The best compliment I can receive from my residents is that since I have been the manager here it has indeed become a community. I manage all the daily requirements of property management, writing those violation letters, accounts payable and receivable, budgets, monthly financial reports and, as we all are, 24/7 therapist. While I may not

Candice Bladt Community Manager of the Year Nominees

be the MOST deserving of this prestigious award, I am probably the happiest community manager I know. My history into this fun world of Property Management started in 2010 when I took a position as an Administrative Assistant at Harmon Cove Towers in Secaucus, NJ. While it wasn’t what I ever envisioned for a career path I embraced it and never looked back. I worked in the management office performing many day to day tasks and even worked with the contractors/ engineers on a garage reconstruction project relocating as many as 100 cars for extended periods of time while their area was being worked on. I was offered a position in September 2013 with Taylor Management Company managing Carlton Tower Condominium Association, a 21-story aging high-rise with 228 residential units. The building was built in 1964 and converted from apartments to condos in 1990. My time at Carlton Tower has been an amazing journey. Being a one-person office, I cannot delegate or pass blame for any missteps. As many know managing an aging property has its own challenges. I am currently working with my Board on a multi-million dollar loan to perform all the items on the reserve study and several capital improvements. The major job will be a garage and parking deck reconstruction. Being the sole contact person for the 500+ residents can be challenging also but I find it very rewarding. Even when tasked with calling and writing regarding violations. While it isn’t pleasant most times the residents understand and comply with my request. In addition to managing the building, I am also the “social director” who plans and organizes a large annual BBQ that started in 2016. The community always has a great time and I appreciate the love that comes back to me. One thing I am sure of is that while I try my best to be the best manager I can, I am nothing without my in-house maintenance staff, housekeeping, concierge and all the vendors I work with. They all make me look good and for that I am grateful. While I have my CMCA and AMS credentials currently, my 3 year plan is to obtain the all-important PCAM!

Sherri O’Keefe: I have been in the property management business for almost 30 years managing condos, co-ops, rentals and commercial space in both New Jersey and New York. I have worked with a few management companies as well as self-managed properties. I am happy to currently be part of the Taylor Team. Along the way I have been mentored by some of the best colleagues, who have taught me the value of great leadership. I am so lucky to have cultivated so many lasting friendships. I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly and can certainly tell some interesting stories as well ! I absolutely love what I do and am extremely passionate about my work. I strongly believe that teamwork is essential to succeeding. I know that there are MANY that are deserving of this award, and it is truly a surprise and honor just to be nominated.

It can be difficult dealing with the various politics and multiple personalities managing a community association and I embrace the challenges. I have forged great relationships with the clients along the way. I have left and been offered to come back to properties I have managed multiple times. I am currently with Taylor Management and thank them for providing me with this opportunity to work with a great team. This was not my career of choice and I pretty much fell into property management, as many have, but I love my choice ! I have had success in managing the day-to-day business as well as overseeing many multi-million-dollar replacement projects. I think the greatest accomplishment is the awesome relationships that have been formed along the way with everyone residents, vendors and co-workers. Many memories and the best party shenanigans. I run the business side, but there is also the human side in dealing with many situations. I am an empathetic person. I was managing a rental property when working in NYC and had a very elderly resident that had been living in the building for almost all of her life. She did not have any family and had a few elderly friends in other states. It was clear that her health was diminishing for a long time. She needed assistance and there was no one to help. I knew I had to step in. She was in some very unpleasant situations, not eating properly, poor hygiene, hoarding and dementia setting in quickly. She was scared and lonely. I offered her my friendship did what I could and fought long and hard with the system in NYC to get her the help she needed and deserved. After several years of fighting,

Candice Bladt Community Manager of the Year Nominees

she got the help she needed and was comfortable in a nursing home (while the home also knew that someone was looking out for her). Although this was what was needed, I struggle sometimes with that decision as Covid then hit and nursing homes were not the ideal situation to be in. Unfortunately, Ms. Judy passed away in 2021 from Covid. Ms. Judy had shared with me a funny memory of when she was young and vivacious on the game show $10K Pyramid with her partner Tony Randall. Cherished memories from my work life!

Barbara Parker: Since the initial outbreak of Covid, I have taken on additional responsibilities with board permission to be a liaison with Montgomery Township Board of Health to utilize the Pike Run Clubhouse to administer Covid injections, boosters and flu shots. The partnership grew to a monthly Walk in Clinic for Township residents where medical/sanitary protocols are followed with removal of Clubhouse furniture and new set up needed with tables/ chairs placed in a clinic formation for patients. The Clinic continues now as needed. During Covid the School Board asked to use the parking lot for daily milk and lunch distribution for children remotely schooling. The relationship continues today with Montgomery Public Library holding story hour at the Clubhouse. I have been responsible for all coordination with Montgomery Township donating my time and thankfully achieving a sense of self-worth during Covid’s challenging months.

After receiving my NJ Real Estate license, I began my 24 year career in Property Management renting and managing apartments in Jersey City, Edgewater and Princeton. I am currently employed for 5 years as a Senior Property Manager managing single family homes and a Master’s Association at Pike Run, Belle Mead, NJ. After 14 years in the rental market I wanted to advance my career and became interested into managing HOAs. Managing HOAs was different, however, it was a transition that became easier with gaining knowledge within the industry. All of this experience gave me the opportunity to move ahead in my career. My career path journey has led me to understand what to value within myself and the value I can give to my employer and my Board. My take away is simple. If you do not fit the property that property you manage probably does not fit you. With all the responsibilities of a Property Manager, Board correspondence/meeting/budgets contracts/site inspections, etc. the day is never ending, but now I have found a property giving me the right fit. I am grateful for the support of my employer and the Pike Run Master Association Board of Trustees that includes 11 Board members appreciating my services. I would like to thank CAI-NJ and its members as I am honored to receive this nomination. Lastly, in every job interview in property management, I try to express Property Management is probably the only career that you can leave your home everyday and come to an environment of someone else’s home to care for their home as you would yours.

Holly Teufel, CMCA, AMS: I believe I was nominated for Manager of the Year for my proven history and current ability to manage and operate a large, full-time community, while also managing a growing portfolio. I believe whomever nominated me knows my longevity in this industry, my involvement with CAI-NJ, my visible hunger and excitement for opportunities to learn, and my ability to not only thrive but excel in managing communities that most consider challenging. My desire to obtain my credentials has always been a priority and I’m currently working towards the PCAM. I believe I was nominated because I’m vocal about my future in this industry, striving to evolve from a manager to a role in leadership. I’m consistent in seeking possible new business connections and have a natural knack for sales, bringing together new relationships for management companies I have worked for. I believe my overall industry knowledge, that I’m teachable, and that I am not timid and embrace pressure, makes me a strong and confident manager.

Candice Bladt Community Manager of the Year Nominees

I have worked in property management for 16 years, beginning in commercial and residential rental management. Working for a private real estate investor allowed me to gain a wealth of knowledge, as the company was employed by three others, requiring me to wear many hats, allowing me to obtain extensive accounting knowledge and experience. I managed 20+ properties, with over 10,000 tenants and oversaw 15 superintendents. From there, I entered the HOA world and never looked back, in fact I have only proceeded forward into this world. I have held multiple positions within a management company, while managing a full portfolio. I have a proven history of repairing broken relationships with communities, and taking on contracts that have one foot out the door. I have been successful in saving those contracts. I have been a member of CAI since 2017 and am a regular at all of the events over the last five years. I served on the Women’s Leadership Committee in 2020 and have been on the Conference & Expo since 2021. I currently hold the CMCA and AMS designation and am actively pursuing the PCAM, with several of the PMDP already under my belt. I am also a published writer in Community Trends Magazine and continue to seek new opportunities to write articles. I take advantage of the many opportunities and resources that come with CAI-NJ and never miss a chance to learn something new.

12/13/22, 4:33 PM

Resized_20221208_143134.jpeg

Mariaellen Varelis: I would first like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude in being considered for this prestigious award amongst my colleagues and mentors-without whom I wouldhave run screamingmanymoons ago! Iwouldnot bewhere I amtodaywithout their support and encouragement. Starting out in the community association industry as an administrator and now community manager, I have realized over time, that the role of a community manager is ever changing, and the ability to adapt is key. As we know the communication of rules, regulations and laws to our homeowners guide an important piece of our job as community managers. However, I have found that it is equally important to ensure this information is conveyed in such a way that helps them understand that our ultimate goal, is to do everything we can to help maintain and enhance their investment in their home; which is likely the largest purchase an individual will make in their lifetime.

In addition to the experience I have gained as a portfolio manager, I have also found the education and networking within CAI to be a very valuable tool in our ever-changing role as community managers. The CMCA is one of my goals. The CAI -NJ team should all be commended for keeping us up to date virtually through these unprecedented times. When I am not managing my communities, I enjoy serving on RCP’s charity committee, Hands of Hope, and working with individuals with special needs at the Arc of Ocean County. In 2019, I was the proud recipient of the Cabot Celebrity Award from Cabot Cheese Company, for my community service work such as Paddle for Pink with the Hands of Hope and Step up for the Arc Walkathon. I also enjoy time with Fiona and Freddy, the furry additions to the family that rescued me during the pandemic. In closing, it is my belief that the most successful managers are armed with knowledge and strength but tempered with empathy. In the words of Plato, The highest point of knowledge is empathy, for it requires us to suspend our egos and live in another’s world . Thank you again for the opportunity to be considered for this prestigious award!

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/WhctKKXpPWbSzlZhVxzBGzxfSddGKRMkMBZnPTdKRlGtztbtTkHmFgknntKqLPlcfXvRvwl?projector=1&mes… 1/1

Denise M. Becker Woman of the Year Nominees

Linda Courain, CMCA, AMS: It is an honor to be nominated for the Denise M. Becker Women of the Year Award. Denise was an inspirational person who motivated others to believe in themselves, she inspired me to go beyond my comfort zone. Through her guidance and leadership I obtained my AMS and I am currently working towards my PCAM. Her mentoring allowed me to excel and transition into my new role in the high rise sector. I have adopted Denise’s managerial style, which I am applying with my new team. I work daily to ensure that all are appreciated and I continually encourage their growth within the industry. I hope I am making her proud. I have been working in this industry for the past 30+ years managing properties throughout Essex, Ocean and Bergen County. I have earned the CMCA and AMS and I am currently serving on the CAI-NJ Women’s Leadership Committee.

Kristina Munson, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, CPM: I am honored to be considered for the Denise M. BeckerWoman of the Year award. I love being a part of a company and industry that is driven by women in leadership! There were a lot of women who supported and mentored me along the way at RCP and in the relationships I have developed through membership in CAI-NJ. I am grateful to be in a position where I can help other women through educational opportunities, networking, and just being on the other end of a phone call for someone who needs to talk. I am currently serving on the CAI-NJ Board of Directors. I help to facilitate the Coffee & Cram study group for managers taking the CMCA exam, I enjoyed being on the “Boss Lady” panel at the Conquer & Connect Retreat, and most recently speaking at the Managers Leadership Workshop. I served on the CAI-NJ Managers Committee for several years and in the role of Committee Chair in 2020. I am an advocate for the advancement and promotion of professional community management through education, certification, recruitment, information sharing, and best practices. As a founding member of RCP’s Charity Committee, Hands of Hope, I work with other RCP employees to plan and execute charitable events and community service projects. In 2019, I received the “Hometown Hero” award presented by the Institute for Real Estate Management, New Jersey Chapter (IREM-NJ). In 2015, I received the distinguished “40 Under 40” award presented by NJBIZ, a prestigious awards program honoring men and women under the age of 40 who have been making headlines in their field and who share a commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and the community.

Cheryl Rhine, CIC, CIRMS, EBP: I am beyond honored and humbled to be nominated for such a meaningful award. I knew Denise well and she was and always will be known for her compassion, kindness, and integrity along with fostering successful women in business relationships which is something we shared. I also have a passion for this industry and giving back. I have built my career on my integrity and promoting and assisting others. When I do something or share my expertise it is without concern or expectation of anything in return. I strive to be a good mentor and set a positive example for all women in the industry. I began specializing in Community Association Insurance 25 years ago. I received my CIC

Denise M. Becker Woman of the Year Nominees

designation in 2001 my CIRMS designation in 2016 and EBP in 2021. During my years in the industry, I have trained as a Community Insurance & Real Estate Specialist. As a professional in the field, I have authored articles as well as provided educational classes and credited seminars on insurance, risk management and disaster planning. I have served on a CAI committee for over 20 years. I have twice chaired the Conference and Expo committee and was a charter leader of the inaugural CAI Women’s Leadership Committee as Vice Chair and subsequent Chair. As part of the WLC I was instrumental in implementing new initiatives and programs to benefit members. During my terms on the Conference & Expo Committee we were three-time Committee of the Year award winners and USI a two-time CAI Business Partner of the year award recipient. I have been appointed to serve on both the CAI Finance Committee (2017-2019) and the CAI Nominating Committee (2017). On a National level I was on the CIRMS Risk Management and Insurance Task Force to respond to the Surfside tragedy and have been elected to serve on the CAI National Business Partners Council starting in January 2023. Along with CAI I am also active with IREM and the POA. I currently serve as an IREM Industry Partner representative to the Executive Board and have received the IREM Industry Partner of the year award in 2019 and 2021. I was a founding member of the Ladies Business Development group which fosters business relationships and networking among professional women. I am also a two-time USI PEAK award winner and volunteer with the USI Gives Back Initiative. In addition to my professional accomplishments, I have volunteered and served locally in my community with the Green Township Clean Communities, North Jersey Civic Youth Ballet, Green Township PTA, and Girl Scout Junior Troop Leader. I have beenmarried for over 20 years and I am the proudmomof two awesome kids, a 19-year-old daughter and 17-year- old son.

Lauren Vadenais, EBP: I am truly honored to be nominated for this award. Denise Becker was someone I really looked up to in our industry, as a friend, a mentor and a leader. I respected her for the accomplishments she made, the way she carried herself and mostly the kindness she shared with everyone she met. Denise was someone I could always count on for honesty, advice and a good laugh. I hope that I exude this same energy to my fellow CAI peers. I measure my success and accomplishments through making connections in our industry and helping others do the same. If I can make one new person feel welcome and excited to be part of our organization, that is the biggest win in my book. I am the Director of Business Development for Rezkom Enterprises, Inc. assisting Community Associations throughout NJ with on-site porter, maintenance, and carpentry services. I oversee all new business sales, retention, and customer relations. Rezkom has been serving Community

Associations with their customized service plans for over 33 years and is a proud Ultimate Partner for CAI-NJ. I have been a member of CAI-NJ for over 10 years and has served on several committees including the Awards, Spring Break and Beach Party. I really dug her heels into the F.A.S.T Committee as a founding member and has served as chair twice since its inception in 2015. I was so honored to receive the Committee Chair of the year award in 2018 for my efforts on F.A.S.T. and the Outstanding Young Professional of the Year Award in 2021. I spearheaded the creation of the Adopt a Family fundraiser, which F.A.S.T has been hosting since 2017 to help support local families with gifts for the holidays. I also received a lot of positive feedback for participating in a panel for the 2022 Conquer + Connect Retreat about the “Power of No”.

Community Association Board of the Year Nominees (Under 1,000 Units)

Seabreeze at Lacey Community Association, Inc.: The Seabreeze Board of Trustees is leading its community into the future with expertise, vigor, and the commitment of its time and talent. This Toll Brothers, age-restricted community, located in Forked River, NJ, is currently undergoing “transition,” leading to complete independence from the developer in 2023. The board sees “service” as its imperative, knowing that a board’s work will never meet with 100% approval, yet fully understanding its fiduciary role in serving the best interests of all its members. This five-member board has spent nearly 5,000 man-hours of effort this year alone and encompasses members with accounting, CFO, banking, credit analysis, sales and

legal backgrounds at high corporate levels and local business acumen, too. The Seabreeze Board, which reached majority control in October 2019 and full control in December 2021, has effectively managed the community wtth sound financial planning and budgeting, the creation of a nearly “fullyfunded” replacement reserve, significant surplus and working capital funds, coupled with the ongoing process of professional reserve studies, to effectively meet its financial imperatives over the next 30 years. The board continuously avails itself of expertise from its legal, engineering, accounting, and other professional partners, including CAI-NJ, to remain at the forefront of best practices in the community association world, including the planning for, and understanding of, developing technologies, e.8., smart irrigation systems to become better stewards of our water resources, as well as the landscaping necessary to reduie our water needs into the future. The board looks to the future for continuous knowledge and improvement by engaging peer communities, especially through its CAI-NJ involvement and activities-via webinars, publications, social events, and conferences. To carry on its good work, the board is also actively engaging its leaders of tomorrow in the important work and roles of Board service. We seek to engage potential future leaders now, so that they can look to the future, while building upon the work that has occurred before they ascend to board service. Thank you for the opportunity to showcase our efforts to the greater CAI-NJ community.

Villagio South Brunswick HOA: The Board of Directors of Villagio HOA were met with a difficult situation upon being elected in May of this year. Transition just completed, the clubhouse was severely damaged: sprinkler pipes broken, walls wet and stained, the entire stucco facade had rot and mold. Funds for the repairs were just barely awarded. The community had no committees and there was an overall lack of trust. We have turned this community around in 6 months. Our board is committed to transparency and service to the community. Our 5 committees meet regularly & have a total community involvement of 30 residents. Our committees have had significant input into our budget preparation. We have met the significant challenge of replacing

the damaged clubhouse exterior while staying within the constraints of the transition settlement. The board and community manager have forged a strong and positive relationship with South Brunswick Township officials including the police and fire departments. We have hired an outstanding full-time manager who immediately started weekly newsletters for the residents which allows them to know exactly what is going on with the Association. We worked diligently with our trusted engineer to begin the process of getting our clubhouse back in shape with facade work going out to bid. Repairs were done internally, and we hired a highly respected fire suppression firm to manage our system so we would have no further breaks. We opened the call for volunteers for committees and have given them the ability to make valid changes for their neighbors. We created a coffee cafe from an unused reception desk area so residents could feel welcomed and have a place to stop in and chat. The pool surface that was cracking and on the verge of inward collapse was repaired in time for a safe and fun pool season. We’ve done all this with a Board of Directors who have never served in this capacity but have taken the time to learn from both CAI and our trusted management partner. We continue to grow and learn and are proud of the work we have accomplished with so much against us. We recently gave a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, the first in our community, to give back to our resident committee volunteers with the Board of Directors serving as wait-staff and hosts for the evening. We work diligently to make the best possible and most objective decisions for the community, recognizing our part in the future of this community. We are a very “young” board, and yet, very proud of the work we have done and continue to do. We have taken a “broken” association and created a community.

Community Association Board of the Year Nominees (Under 1,000 Units)

Montgomery Hills HOA: Montgomery Hills HOA is part of a 441 multi-association community with a Master Association, Homeowners Association, and Condominium Association. The community is unique in that the three boards all work cooperatively together to govern the community with a single vision and purpose. Many of the boardmembers have served since the community was built in the early 2000’s. The boards also work cooperatively to serve as ADR committees for each other. Is a beautiful community located right outside of Princeton in Montgomery Township, NJ, conveniently located in between Philadelphia and New York. The homes are well maintained and nestled within wooded areas, mature trees, and desirable landscapes. The board members are familiar with the community and actively involved with day-to-day operations. They are fiscally responsible and delinquencies are consistently low. Deferred maintenance and capital improvement projects are reviewed regularly and performed in an effort to maintain the standard of living the homeowners are accustomed to. The boards work with the Design Committee to create modification standards and rules and regulations in an effort to enhance property values. The homeowners are from diverse backgrounds and cultures which creates a true sense of community. They are proud of where they live and how they maintain their homes. The community is surrounded by forests and beautiful natural areas with walking paths throughout the community as well as three playgrounds, two tennis courts and a basketball court.

Black Tie Optional

BE SURE TO REGISTER TO ATTEND THE EVENT!

You won’t want to miss it! Click here... https://cainj.org/awards/

Outstanding Young Professional of the Year Nominees

Matthew Carter: I am honored and grateful to be nominated as an Outstanding Young Professional of the Year. It is the amazing professionals and colleagues I am surrounded by that have helped me advance in my career. I feel I am deserving of this award because of the hard work, determination and loyalty that I continue to put forth. I aspire to continue to grow as a leader and professional and strive to be a mentor to guide future young professionals.

With thirteen years in the industry, I have been involved in several facets of community management. I heldmany roles within FirstService Residential, most recent a Regional Director of the NJ Condo/HOA division. As Regional Director, I provide leadership and oversight to managers and interface with the community association boards we serve in New Jersey. Having a variety of roles at FirstService Residential has allowed me to see different perspectives and have a better understanding of different levels throughout the industry. I was also selected to be as a member of the first Emerging Leader class within FirstService Residential in 2017. Being a part of this program inspired me to seek advancement and growth within my profession. As a member of Community Association Institute (CAI), I have earned and maintained the Certified Manager of Community Association (CMCA®) designation and am working towards obtaining my AMS designation.

Shelby Evans, CPA, CMCA: It is an honor to be nominated for Young Professional of the Year! As a family business, GEM Property Management has always been an integral part of my life. After graduating from Rutgers University and obtaining my CPA license, I spent a few years at PwC before realizing I missed the energy and uniqueness of the property management field, which I grew up around. Also, having the opportunity to help grow a small business, started by my father, was something I could not pass up. I channeled my entrepreneurial spirit and haven’t looked back since! Since starting full time with the company, we have tripled the number of properties managed, doubled our staff and expanded our office. I have spearheaded modernizing our processes and promoted the spirit of continuous improvement. Also, it has been empowering to attend large on-site capital project meetings with engineers and contractors and be the one calling the shots, as a woman in a male dominated field.

Our unofficial office logo is “Get It Done” and I am proud to have created a culture of teamwork at GEMwhere we all roll up our sleeves, rely on each other’s expertise and figure it out. It is very fulfilling to watch staff members who start as property administrators learn and advance to property managers, under my mentorship. No matter how busy the day is, I make a conscious effort to always have my door open to provide guidance to the team members under me, whether the topic be on accounting, maintenance, insurance claims or just connecting on how our week was. During my time with CAI-NJ, I have obtained my CMCA and have been an active member of the F.A.S.T. Committee for the past 4 years. I am proud to have helped fundraise for Make-A-Wish New Jersey and the Adopt A-Family program through planning the Olympics, Kickball Event and Snaps with Santa. Also, attending the CAI Conquer + Connect retreat was a highlight of my year. I look forward to expanding the breadth of knowledge required to be successful in this industry and appreciate all those who have guided me thus far. Thank you for considering me for Outstanding Young Professional of the Year!