March 2023

MANAGEMENT TRENDS

Year of the Woman — Leaders & Leadership By Elaine Warga-Murray, MA, CMCA, AMS, PCAM E.W. Murray Consulting, LLC

A ccording to CAI National, the number of women choosing careers in community association management continues on an upward trend. Currently, the ratio of professional managers by gender is 61% females and 39% males (2022 statistic CAI). These women have been and are instrumental in shaping and building the industry and encouraging women leadership in all the related fields. Since March is “Women’s History Month”, March 8 is “International Women’s Day”, and this chapter continues to recog nize the growing presence of women leaders who are members of CAI-NJ, it is

hardworking, and efficient administrators ever seen in those positions. Kudos to Jaclyn Oskierko, Robin Surgent, Brooke Stoppiello-Nevins, Jennifer Farrell, and Gail Bonus! Angela was kind enough to share her thoughts: “Building relationships and my experiences throughout my career with the New Jersey chapter of CAI has brought me to where I am today and prepared me for my role as the Executive Director. This organization enables us all to build our network of peers that support one another in our climb to success. I hope that I have also done that for others as their support has helped me to obtain my goals. As a woman, I try to bring to the table,

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important to bring attention to some of the women who are among the many outstanding members. By celebrating all the women among us who have achieved significant leadership roles and continue to inspire more women as attorneys, insur ance brokers, engineers, contractors, designers, builders, and managers to enter and excel in the community association business, we contribute to our future growth and success. Therefore, I am declaring 2023 as the Year of the Woman. This year’s slate of nominees for the Denise M. Becker “Woman of the Year“, was comprised of professional women who have been stand-out leaders and volunteers, helping to make CAI-NJ one of the best chapters in the nation. Nominees: Cheryl Rhine, CIC, CIRMS, EBP, USI Insurance; Lauren Vadenais, Rezkom Enterprises, Inc., Linda Courain, CMCA , AMS, FirstService Residential, AAMC and Kristina Munson, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, RCP Management Company, AAMC, AMO . It is also important to acknowledge that CAI-NJ’s Executive Director, Angela Kavanaugh heads a team of outstanding women, who have proven to be some of the most competent,

empathy, understanding, and the desire to listen. This all opens the door for creativity and innovation. A typical day is when a problem arises, the entire team gives their input and works towards a solution. Everyone’s contributions are significant and valued. As I lead my amazing team, I con‑ sider myself a mentor, leading by example, inspiring them to have a positive effect on their careers, through education while giving them the time for what is most important in their lives, their families.” As the first woman in New Jersey to receive the PCAM designation and to establish a successful management firm back in the 1980s, I am beyond proud of today’s women leaders and the fact that CAI-NJ continues to foster excellence and recognition of the women who comprise our membership. So, let us hear from some of them direct ly: The questions asked included: What inspired you to enter this business? How have things changed since you began your career? What accomplishment are you most proud of? What is the most important thing in your life today?

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