By Sandy Denton, CMCA, LSM, PCAM, Chair of the CAMICB Board of Commissioners

When I began my term as Chair of the CAMICB Board of Commissioners six months ago, I had no idea how gratifying it would be to serve in this role and to work alongside a committed, creative and insightful Board of Commissioners all of whom serve in volunteer roles yet work tirelessly to further and better our industry. 

A highlight of the Annual CAI Conference is the unveiling of the CAI Volunteer Award recipients. The Awards program highlights the efforts of those who go above and beyond to demonstrate leadership, excellence, and dedication to support and advance community association governance, management, and living, as well as CAI programs and initiatives.

I’m thrilled that three members of the CAMICB Board of Commissioners were honored by CAI for their significant contributions to CAI and the community association way of life.

Rob Felix, CMCA, LSM, PCAM, RS, received CAI’s most prestigious award, the Distinguished Service Award for his long-standing, extraordinary contributions to CAI. Rob has been an industry leader and served in numerous CAI roles for more than four decades. He served on the Inaugural Business Partners Council, the Audit Committee, the community management task force of the Community Next Initiative, and on the Foundation for Community Association Research (FCAR) board. In addition, Rob has served on the CAMICB Board as Chair and Secretary/Treasurer and was Chair of the CMCA Exam Development Committee.  Rob was instrumental in the move to expand international delivery of the CMCA exam and remains a driving force in shaping the future of CMCA credential.  Finally, Rob is an educator – he has taught thousands of students in CAI manager courses, was the first person to teach the M-100 course in Dubai and has been the key trainer for new CAI faculty for over 20 years!  Of course, Rob has earned many awards over the years but I was especially delighted to see him earn the Distinguished Service Award for his many contributions and dedication to CAI and the community association housing model.

Noelle Hicks, Esq. was awarded the CAI Rising Star Award which honors a volunteer whose leadership abilities and professional contributions forecast even greater accomplishments in the future. Noelle made her debut as a national speaker at the 2021 Virtual Law Seminar with a powerful presentation on overcoming Racism in Community Associations. The session manuscript earned the 2021 best manuscript award from the College of Community Association Lawyers and was turned into CAI’s Diverse and Inclusive Communities Guide. Now, Noelle serves on CAI’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. This award is so well-deserved and we are fortunate to have Noelle serving on our Board of Commissioners.

Each year, the Foundation for Community Association Research (FCAR) recognizes the incredible contributions a homeowner makes to his or her community and the industry writ large.  Our very own Mike Traidman, was awarded FCAR’s Extraordinary Homeowner Leader of the Year Award. Mike has lived in his community in Rancho Mirage, CA for 20 years and served on the Mira Vista Homeowners Association Board for 12 years. During this time, Mike has served in many different roles ranging from President to Treasurer and on multiple committees. Mike not only excelled as a Mira Vista Board member but he took his volunteerism to another level through his work with the CAI-CV chapter and CAI National. In addition, Mike serves as the President of the Desert Cities HOA Council which has been providing education to local Coachella Valley HOAs for the past 10 years. Mike’s multi-faceted work in and outside of his community shows his remarkable dedication to the industry and the Coachella Valley in which he lives.

It’s a privilege to work alongside Rob, Noelle and Mike and on behalf of my fellow Board members and CAMICB staff we congratulate you on these well-deserved awards and thank you for your contributions and dedication to our field.

Photo Credits: Brian Adams Photographics, Inc.