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See how this week's HOA Board Hero, Sue York, applies the Policy Governance Model to guide her community effectively.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Ever wonder how some HOA boards achieve remarkable success and navigate challenges with ease? In this episode, we feature Sue York, a dedicated board member with over 24 years of service in the Ewa by Gentry community association, overseeing 9,000 units with a $4.5 million annual budget. Sue shares insights on using the Carver Policy Governance Model, a framework that allows the board to set clear policies while empowering the executive director to handle daily operations within the budget.

Chapters:

00:00 Living With the Cultures of HOA Communities
01:13 Introduction to HOA Board Hero Sue York
02:55 What Motivated Sue to Join the HOA Board
04:15 What Keeps Sue Motivated to Stay Involved in Her Association
05:35 The Special Talents Sue Brings to Her HOA Board
06:16 Sue’s Current Board Structure
08:22 Carver's Policy Governance Model
11:43 Ad Break - OurFiPhO
12:14 Sue’s Feelings on Her HOA’s Operations
14:25 Sue’s Favorite & Least Favorite Parts About Her HOA Board
17:13 Sue’s Experience With HOA Board Meetings
21:23 Sue’s Biggest Challenges While Serving Her HOA
25:24 Sue’s Experience Being a Guidance Counselor & How That Has Helped Her HOA
28:03 Getting People in the Policy Governance State of Mind

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
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Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

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Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
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Feeling like a placeholder HOA board member? Find out how to lead with intention, make real contributions, and create a community that thrives!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Are you just filling a seat on your HOA board, or are you making a real difference? In this episode, Julie Adamen and Robert Nordlund discuss the power of intentional leadership for HOA board members. Julie shares how board members can break free from stagnant roles, engage with residents, and actively contribute to the HOA’s success—even if your initial agenda didn’t work out. Learn how being visible, approachable, and involved in your community can boost property values and improve overall satisfaction.

Chapters From Today's Episode:

00:00 The Problem With Joining an HOA Based Off of an Agenda
03:23 Feeling Like You Aren’t Making a Contribution to Your Board
05:36 Get Past the Singular Issue That Got You on Your HOA Board
08:21 Bring Yourself and Your Traits to Your HOA Board
10:56 Enhancing Communication for Your HOA
14:54 Remembering You Are a Public Figure When You Join Your HOA
16:52 How Can You Help Your HOA Board?
18:12 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
18:39 How Your Perspective Can Bring Change to Your HOA
23:23 How Building Community is the Board’s Responsibility
26:55 Being Intentional About Communication & Always Share Good News

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

Nominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!
Board Hero Nominations

Shop!
HOA insights now has its very own merch store! Our team has whipped up some hats, mugs, T-Shirts, & more that we think Volunteer HOA Boardmembers are gonna love. We also offer dozens of FREE zoom backgrounds. Available in our Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
https://www.linked...

Send us a text

Learn how Ed O’Connell and his HOA narrowly avoided a catastrophe and took action for the safety of their community.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Ed O’Connell to uncover how his HOA board averted a structural crisis in their 60-year-old condominium in Falls Church, Virginia. Ed walks us through how proactive management, quick decision-making, and clear communication with homeowners prevented a catastrophe like the one seen in Florida. From identifying structural issues to evacuating residents and securing funding for repairs, Ed and his team expertly navigated the situation, ensuring their HOA stayed out of the news. Tune in to hear about the importance of strong leadership, teamwork, and the strategies that allowed them to handle financial and insurance aspects effectively.

Contact Ed O'Connell: eoconnell@whitefordlaw.com

Chapters
00:00 A crises was averted thanks to the HOA
00:50 Introduction to Ed O'Connell
04:03 How Ed’s HOA spotted a potential structural disaster
06:29 Immediate actions and evacuation of the building
11:39 How Ed’s HOA dealt with rehousing people in his HOA
13:14 AD Break - Community Financials
13:56 How Ed’s HOA handled communication & coordination with owners
21:52 How Ed’s HOA handled the financial and insurance aspects
26:52 Final outcome and future considerations

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

Nominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!
Board Hero Nominations

Shop!
HOA insights now has its very own merch store! Our team has whipped up some hats, mugs, T-Shirts, & more that we think Volunteer HOA Boardmembers are gonna love. We also offer dozens of FREE zoom backgrounds. Available in our Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
https://www.linked...