many years—as it pertains to CAI, it feels like we grew up together. All professional accomplishments aside (of which there are numerous), Tony has created and fostered true friendships. I have many fond memories, most of them sharing laughs and a good meal during a chapter or national event.”
David Velasco, CMCA, EBP, APRI, shares a moment that turned into a running joke, “It was during the pandemic while we were all struggling with various things and looking for comfort where we could find it. After an event, Tony was craving a cookie and rushed to the dessert table for some sweet comfort, only to find that oatmeal raisin cookies were the only ones left. He expressed such disgust that it was comical. It’s become somewhat of an inside joke with many members.”
Past President David Dahan, Esq., reflects on Tony’s welcoming nature: “It’s hard to pick just one memory! But I will start from the beginning. When I first joined the chapter (before my hair turned gray), I did not know many people. Tony welcomed me from the start and always made me feel like an important part of what the chapter was seeking to accomplish. Tony, I have been blessed to work with many great people — and you are the best, my friend! You are the consummate professional. The growth and accomplishments of the chapter under your leadership is simply extraordinary. Nobody can talk about the chapter without mentioning all you have done for it! I know you will shine in your new role!”
Amanda Henderson, who served as both Chapter Administrator and Membership & Marketing Manager, remembers the teamwork that helped define Tony’s time with the chapter, “The behind-the-scenes
36 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 202 5
work of the annual expos. Work, it certainly was but also filled with many laughs and creative discussions. It was always great to see what new heights we were able to achieve each year through dedication and teamwork.”
President-Elect Joyce Sachs adds, “So many memories — taking trips to Pittsburgh, Poconos, the National Conference. Tony has made the Keystone Chapter a leader in CAI with his 22 years of experience which he shares to make each of us better members. Tony, congratulations on your position with the CAI national office. You will be missed, but Dawn made the right decision to promote you to Director of Government Affairs.”
A Lasting Legacy As Tony transitions to his new role as CAI’s Director of Government Affairs at the national level, the Keystone Chapter bids farewell to an era defined by his leadership. His legacy is reflected in the chapter’s growth, the respect it commands within CAI, and, perhaps most importantly, in the deep and genuine relationships he has cultivated.
Communications and Member Engagement Manager Michael Shaw reflected on working for Tony for seventeen by saying, “I had already known and worked closely with Tony prior to either of us joining CAI as staff. He’d been CED for five years and it was time for the chapter to grow. Tony reached out to his network and asked us to forward the job description for the newly created Membership & Marketing Associate position to anyone in our network we thought might be interested. I was ready for a change and reached out to Tony and told him I did know someone who would be interested in the position – me! Although I’d never
worked for a non-profit association before, had very limited sales experience, and had never worked in marketing per se, I believed I had translatable skills to be successful in the position.
“I’ll be forever grateful that Tony had enough faith in me to give me a chance to shine. Seventeen years and four title changes later, CAI Keystone has become my professional home and this opportunity transformed from a job to a career. I owe Tony for so many things, but the first and foremost is for believing in me.
“That’s a critical part of what made him such a terrific CED and makes him a wonderful human being—he trusts his instincts, puts faith in others to succeed, and provides the support and resources to ensure our shared success.”
Tony leaves behind an organization that is stronger, more connected, and more capable than the one he joined. He departs with gratitude from the people who shared the journey.
Above: Tony and his husband, Raymond, at the 2024 Excellence Awards Gala.
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