Nurturing Excellence:


CMCA Study Group Empowers Community Managers


October 27, 2023


Nicole Kardos, CMCA, AMS of Optimum Professional Property Management, Inc., AAMC


Community managers play a pivotal role in maintaining the harmony and well-being of community associations. They have a multitude of responsibilities, from financial management to governance and everything in between. To excel in this demanding field, many professionals aim to achieve the Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) designation, which demonstrates their commitment to excellence and dedication to their work.


In the pursuit of career advancement, community managers often find camaraderie and support through study groups. These groups offer valuable resources and a supportive community, enabling managers to achieve their CMCA designation and enhance their knowledge. Recently, the Community Manager Support Committee introduced an insightful and empowering CMCA Study Group that left a lasting impact on those who attended.


This innovative study group came to life October 27, bringing together a diverse array of community managers eager to take their careers to the next level. The idea behind this initiative was to assist managers in their quest to obtain the CMCA designation and further their careers within the industry.


The study group was met with resounding positivity from the attendees, demonstrating their hunger for knowledge and the drive to excel within the community management field. It is a testament to the industry’s dedication to self-improvement and commitment to delivering the best service possible to their communities.


The study group featured a panel of experienced presenters, including Marybeth Green of Seabreeze Management Company, Inc., AAMC, Michael Berg of Berg Insurance Agency, Dana Harle of Keystone, AAMC, and Christine Santisteban of Vintage Group. These seasoned professionals delved into the various areas of the CMCA test as outlined by the Community Association Managers International Certification Board (CAMICB). The study group covered the following topics.


1 | Governance, Legal, and Ethical Conduct This segment explored the intricacies of governance, the legal aspects of community management, and ethical considerations, setting a strong foundation for ethical conduct in the industry.


2 | Budget, Reserves, Investments, and Assessments Financial management is a cornerstone of community management. Attendees gained insights into managing budgets, reserves, investments, and assessments effectively.


3 | Contracting and Financial Controls Effective contracting, financial oversight, and controls were discussed to ensure managers can navigate these areas with confidence.


4 | Risk Management and Insurance The complexities of risk management and insurance were demystified, providing clarity on how to protect communities effectively.


5 | Property Maintenance Attendees learned how to handle property maintenance efficiently, ensuring communities remain attractive and functional.


6 | Meetings and Human Resources Effective meeting management and human resources practices were addressed, providing attendees with essential skills to lead with confidence.


The success of the CMCA Study Group has ignited excitement within the Community Manager Support Committee. The Committee is eager to make this an annual event, demonstrating its commitment to supporting the growth and excellence of community managers.


As community managers continue to pursue their CMCA designations and seek opportunities to enhance their careers, initiatives like the CMCA Study Group play a crucial role in fostering professional development and building a community of knowledgeable and dedicated individuals. It’s a reminder that success is achieved through shared knowledge, collaboration, and the continuous pursuit of excellence.


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