Category: News

AAM Promotes Michael Meza

Posted on by Crystal Chandler

AAM, a nationally recognized leader in community association management and accounting services, proudly celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. Since 1990, AAM has partnered with Boards, supported homeowners, and strengthened communities across the country, while establishing itself as one of the industry’s most trusted and forward-thinking management firms.

Marking this milestone, AAM is pleased to announce the promotion of Michael Meza to Vice President of Administrative Services. With 18 years of service at AAM, Michael’s career reflects the company’s culture of developing and elevating long-tenured employees whose dedication and expertise have fueled AAM’s growth. In his new role, Michael will oversee several critical business areas, including administrative operations, insurance partnerships, contract administration, onboarding and transition, training, customer care, and transfers and disclosures.

“Michael’s promotion reflects the strength of our internal talent and the values we’ve upheld for 35 years,” said Amanda Shaw, President of AAM. His leadership and operational expertise will be instrumental as we continue to grow and innovate. We’re excited to welcome him to the Executive Team during such a pivotal moment in our company’s history.”

Elaine Anghel, Chief Operating Officer of AAM, added: “Michael exemplifies the leadership qualities that drive AAM forward. His ability to lead with integrity and deliver results aligns perfectly with our mission to serve communities with care and professionalism. We are confident he will bring tremendous value to our executive leadership and the communities we support.”

As AAM reflects on this milestone and looks to the future, the company remains committed to its mission—leading with integrity, investing in its people, and delivering innovative solutions that strengthen communities nationwide.

To see the full press release, click HERE

AAM Leadership

Why AAM is a Great Place to Work

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2024-2025 Certification Earned

Associated Asset Management (AAM), a nationally recognized leader in community association management and accounting services, proudly announces its Great Place to Work® certification. This prestigious designation is based entirely on the feedback provided by AAM’s employees about their experiences working at the company. This year, an impressive 90% of employees reported that AAM is a great place to work, surpassing the average for U.S. companies by 33%.

As the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors, Great Place to Work® evaluates companies based on criteria that drive market-leading revenue, employee retention, and innovation.

AAM Staff Accountant team photo with Great Places to Work Badge on top of the image

“Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience,” says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that AAM stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees.”

“We are thrilled to be recognized as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ company,” said Amanda Shaw, President of AAM. “Employee experience is our top priority, and this achievement reflects the strong, positive culture we have cultivated together. This recognition would not have been possible without the dedication and talent of our incredible team, and we are deeply grateful for everything they do to help us earn this recognition.”

AAM is dedicated to fostering a healthy and positive working environment, which is why it is recognized as a Great Place to Work®. AAM offers a competitive benefits package and a range of wellness initiatives, enabling employees to reduce their monthly health insurance contributions while encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, AAM invests in the professional development of its community management staff by supporting internal training, external education, and industry certifications. The company also promotes career growth through job transfers and internal promotions, providing employees with opportunities to advance within the organization.

According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find an outstanding boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified organizations are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work. They are twice as likely to feel they are paid fairly, receive a fair share of the company’s profits, and have equal opportunities for promotion.

WE’RE HIRING!

Are you ready to advance your career with a company that prioritizes its people? Explore exciting opportunities by visiting our careers page at https://www.associatedasset.com/careers/.

ABOUT AAM

Founded in 1990, Associated Asset Management (AAM) is a professional Community Association Management Company dedicated to delivering total peace of mind. Over the last 35 years, AAM has become one of the foremost providers of professional community association services in the United States. AAM specializes in the planning and managing master-planned, single-family, condominium, active adult, urban high-rise, and mid-rise communities, as well as providing consulting services for accounting, marketing, and operational organizations. AAM combines association management, accounting, compliance, developer services, and customer care under one roof, creating a cohesive and coordinated environment to provide exceptional community association management.

ABOUT GREAT PLACE TO WORK CERTIFICATION™

Great Place To Work® Certification™ is the most definitive “employer-of-choice” recognition companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience – specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. More than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply every year to get Great Place To Work certified.

ABOUT GREAT PLACE TO WORK®

As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work® brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their proprietary platform and For All™ Model helps companies evaluate every employee’s experience, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified™ or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List.

Developer Services Growth and Innovation

Posted on by aam_admin

AAM is pleased to announce the promotion of Shelley Reith to Senior Vice President of Developer Services and Marsha Smith to Vice President of Developer Services, effective immediately. These promotions reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to fostering internal talent and delivering superior service to its partners and clients.

Shelley Reith has been part of the AAM team for over 20 years and has played a key role in driving the success of the Developer Services team since 2022. In her new role as Senior Vice President, Reith will oversee the department’s strategic direction, focusing on expanding services into new and existing housing markets, improving client relations, and ensuring continued growth and innovation. Her leadership has been instrumental in Developer growth in key markets, making this promotion a natural next step in her career.

Marsha Smith, a valued member of the team for nearly 20 years, has been promoted to Vice President of Developer Services. In her new capacity, Smith will continue to lead and manage key projects and processes, while also assuming greater responsibilities in shaping the department’s future initiatives as well as continued growth in the Arizona housing market. Smith’s expertise in Pre-Development consulting and New Community set-up has significantly contributed to AAM’s success, and the company is excited to see her leadership expand further.

“We are proud to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of Shelley Reith and Marsha Smith with these promotions,” said Amanda Shaw, AAM President. “Their innovative spirit and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in shaping AAM’s reputation. As we evolve to meet our clients’ needs and industry demands, their leadership will be more valuable than ever.”

AAM looks forward to continued success under the leadership of Reith and Smith.

Read the Press Release HERE

Elaine Anghel stepping into a new role at AAM.

Posted on by aam_admin

After years of remarkable service, AAM’s esteemed Chief Operating Officer (COO), Ercell Sherman, will start to transition out of his role as he prepares for retirement. As a visionary leader with an unwavering commitment to AAM’s achievements, the organization is profoundly grateful for Ercell’s contributions.

As COO, Ercell Sherman played a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of AAM by overseeing the company’s administrative services and community portfolio operations. His focus on operational excellence and leadership development will leave a meaningful impact on the organization. To ensure a smooth transition, Ercell will continue to provide expert oversight to AAM in a supporting executive leadership role until September 2027.

AAM is equally excited to announce that Elaine Anghel will assume the role of COO, effective September 26, 2024. As a valued member of AAM’s management team, Elaine possesses a wealth of experience in leadership and innovation, which will be instrumental as AAM enters its next chapter of growth. Her solid expertise in operational management and forward-thinking approach make her uniquely qualified to drive AAM toward even greater success.

With over 30 years of leadership experience, Elaine has held several key management roles, including serving as AAM’s Senior Vice President of On-Site Community Management. During her tenure, she was responsible for driving operational efficiency, guiding her on-site teams, and overseeing the strategic initiatives for AAM’s largest client partnerships across the country. Elaine’s ability to combine a tactical vision with operational excellence has earned her a reputation as a dynamic and results-oriented leader.

“Ercell Sherman has been a cornerstone of AAM’s success, and we are immensely grateful for his leadership and dedication over the years,” stated Joel Kramer, CEO of AAM. “As we look to the future, we are thrilled to welcome Elaine Anghel into the role of COO. Her vision and commitment to excellence align with our goals, and I am confident that she will lead AAM to continued accomplishments and success.”

In the coming months, Ercell and Elaine will collaborate closely to ensure a seamless transition. This change marks an exciting new chapter for AAM, one that promises continued innovation, growth, and industry success.

View the Press Release HERE.

AAM’s Michigan Office

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Associated Asset Management’s (AAM) Michigan Division is celebrating ten years of providing professional and exceptional homeowners and condominium association management services to the communities they serve in the Southeast Michigan market.

In February 2014, AAM began community management operations in Michigan. In October 2015, the Michigan Division expanded into its first regional office in Rochester, MI. By early 2021, the division had grown exponentially and opened a second office in Southgate, MI.

In April 2022, AAM announced a new partnership with McShane Associates Inc. (McShane), a community management company headquartered in West Bloomfield, MI. Through this partnership, AAM welcomed 13 new employees and 42 communities with 4,042 doors.

Starting with four clients and one employee, AAM’s Michigan Division proudly partners with 122 communities and employs 47 experts.


“I am truly honored to lead our efforts in Michigan,” said Carolynn Zimmerman, Regional Director of the AAM Michigan Division (Southgate Office). “Celebrating 10 years is a milestone, and I attribute our continued success and growth directly to our highly talented team. Their dedication and passion for our industry have provided excellent personalized service and client satisfaction.”

“We are so proud of what the Michigan team has accomplished over the last 10 years,” said AAM Chief Operating Officer Ercell Sherman. “By continuously delivering exceptional service, our Michigan Division represents excellence within the community management industry and has become the trusted management partner in Southeast Michigan. We look forward to another ten years of sustained growth and success.”

To see AAM’s online Press Release, click here.

JD King Honored with Prestigious Manager of the Year Award

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On October 19, 2023, the Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM) hosted their annual Awards Gala, honoring industry excellence. An AAM team member received the prestigious G.E.M. Award and Manager of the Year recognition at the event. AACM’s G.E.M. Awards celebrate the exceptional dedication of Community Managers and industry professionals, nominated by peers and served communities.

The Manager of the Year G.E.M. Award honors Managers who excel in professionalism and community association management. Categories include Condominium, On-Site/Large Scale, and Portfolio, recognizing those who consistently go above and beyond. AAM proudly announces that Area Manager JD King has won the Manager of the Year award in the Condominium category.

Mr. King’s unwavering work ethic, outstanding mentorship, leadership, guidance, and expert condominium management knowledge earned him this nomination.

“JD King is so deserving of this recognition, and I am honored that I get the opportunity to work side by side with him in our Tempe office,” said Tom Gordon, AAM’s VP of Tempe Operations. “JD is an incredible asset to the AAM team and his community partnerships and demonstrates excellence through his work and commitment to our industry.”

“It is such an honor to work with some of our industry’s most talented and knowledgeable professionals. I couldn’t be prouder of JD King’s recognition as the Manager of the Year for condominium communities,” said Amanda Shaw, President of AAM. “The G.E.M. Awards are a demonstration of applause for the contributions and impact our employees have made to the advancement of our industry, as well as the commitment and dedication to the communities, Board members, and homeowners they serve. Well deserved, JD!”

To see AAM’s online Press Release, click here.

AAM Now Serves 1,000 Community Associations Across the U.S.

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Associated Asset Management (AAM), a national leader in community management, achieved a milestone by managing 1,000 U.S. Associations this year.

AAM has grown to be the largest HOA management company in Arizona and one of the largest nationwide. As an industry leader, AAM provides management and consulting services for master-planned, single-family, and condominium communities. It also serves urban and new developer communities. AAM’s physical footprint includes 17 regional offices distributed across 11 states and a workforce of over 920 professionals. AAM welcomed the 1,000th community to its nationwide portfolio, representing over 250,000 homes.
“We are honored to be the trusted managing partner of 1,000 community associations nationwide,” said Amanda Shaw, AAM President. “For us, it’s not just about the number of new communities we welcome. It’s about the partnerships we build over time. This milestone would not have been possible without our dedicated professionals. Their continued commitment to delivering excellence and cultivating strong client connections has been essential.”

Associated Asset Management (AAM), founded in 1990, delivers total peace of mind as a professional Community Association Management Company. Over 32 years, AAM has become one of the top providers of community association services in the United States. AAM specializes in the forward planning and management of various communities, including master-planned, single-family, condominium, active adult, urban high-rise, and mid-rise. Additionally, they also offer consulting services for accounting, marketing, IT, and operational organizations. With over 920 employees in 17 regional offices, AAM focuses on delivering the best community management experience through customer service, communication, and technology.

To see AAM’s online Press Release, click here.

AAM Announces New Leadership Promotions

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Associated Asset Management (AAM), a nationally recognized leader in community association management, recently strengthened its leadership with three new appointments. Samantha Alvarez is the new VP of Indiana Operations, Karen Eldridge is the new Director of Texas Operations, and Sandra Wickman-Kush is the new VP of Urban Living.

AAM Leadership Samantha Alvarez

AAM’s former VP of Texas Operations has relocated to Indianapolis to serve as AAM’s VP of Indiana Operations. She will lead AAM’s efforts in that market. Samantha, who joined AAM in early 2017, brings over two decades of community association management expertise. She has held various leadership roles throughout her career, including Owner, President, Vice President, Division Manager of New Development, Senior Manager, and Director of Training. She is a great addition to the AAM leadership team.

“Samantha brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of Community Management,” said Ercell Sherman, AAM’s Chief Operating Officer. “We look forward to her ongoing leadership as we expand our footprint in the Indiana market.”

AAM Leadership Karen Eldridge

As a former Area Manager in AAM’s Texas office, she has been promoted to Director of Texas Operations and will now oversee the daily operations in that region. Karen started with AAM in 2018 and has over 30 years of solid community and commercial property management experience. 

“With her knowledge and expertise, Karen is a true asset to our leadership team in Texas,” said Ercell Sherman, AAM’s Chief Operating Officer. “We are excited for continued growth throughout the San Antonio, Texas market.”

AAM Leadership Sandra Wickman-Kush

A former AAM on-site Condominium Community Manager has been promoted to AAM’s VP of Urban Living, a newly created leadership role. Sandra will oversee and supervise AAM’s largest on-site condominium communities based in AAM’s Corporate Office in Tempe, Arizona.

“Sandra’s real estate and condominium expertise ensures AAM continues delivering top-tier service to specialized communities,” said Amanda Shaw, AAM President/Partner. “Additionally, Sandra’s experience in on-site condominium management makes her the perfect candidate for this new role.”

To see AAM’s online Press Release, click here.

AAM has New Leadership in Tempe, AZ

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Joining the AAM Team in 2011, Tom Gordon has held a variety of leadership positions including Community Manager, Area Manager and Regional Director before being promoted to Vice President of Tempe Operations in June 2021.

As Regional Vice President, Gordon will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of AAM’s Tempe Office, including a portfolio of over 130 communities and a team of 16 expert HOA management professionals.

Bringing with him over 15 years of property management experience, Gordon has expertise in managing a wide array of properties, including malls, retail centers, commercial properties, warehouses, medical office buildings, and high-rise condominiums. Given his vast community management knowledge, passion for the industry and ability to build lasting client partnerships, Gordon is a valuable asset to AAM’s leadership team, as well as a mentor to the Tempe office staff.

“I am honored to accept this new role and continue the stellar level of service provided to our Tempe area community partners,” said Tom Gordon, Vice President of Tempe Operations. “It has been a privilege to grow with such an amazing company. I am excited about this next chapter and working alongside our talented Tempe office community management team.”

“AAM is very pleased to announce the promotion of Tom Gordon,” said AAM Chief Operating Officer Ercell Sherman. “With over 10 years of service at AAM, Tom embodies our core company fundamentals, is a proven leader and will be an incredible resource for our Tempe office employees and clients.”

To see AAM’s online Press Release, click here.

AAM has New Leadership in Tucson, AZ

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Associated Asset Management (AAM) proudly announces Kat Boswell as the new leader of its Tucson office. Boswell, who joined AAM in 2015, has held multiple leadership roles, including Community Manager and Area Manager. In March 2020, she was promoted to Regional Director of Tucson Operations, overseeing daily office activities.

Boswell’s role includes managing a portfolio of 28 communities and leading a dedicated team of professionals. She brings over 15 years of property management experience, including work in various housing sectors. Her experience spans government housing, student housing, apartment complexes, and single-family homes.

Additionally, Boswell has over 20 years of leadership expertise in customer service, making her a versatile leader.
With this extensive background, Boswell is well-versed in the community management industry.
She provides valuable direction and guidance to her team, ensuring high standards of service.

“I am honored and excited to lead our efforts in Tucson,” said Boswell.

“Our team is eager to promote the AAM brand in Southern Arizona,” she added.

Boswell’s leadership style is characterized by her passion, dedication, and deep understanding of the industry.

She has a proven ability to connect with both AAM team members and community partners.
This connection fosters strong relationships and effective collaboration within the organization.
“Kat’s industry experience is evident in all she does,” said Ercell Sherman, AAM’s Chief Operating Officer.
“Her passion for the Tucson area and commitment to our team are invaluable,” Sherman continued.
“Kat’s leadership will drive our Tucson office to new heights,” he concluded.
Boswell’s appointment reflects AAM’s commitment to excellence in community management.
Her leadership ensures that the Tucson office continues to thrive and expand its reach.
AAM is confident that under Boswell’s direction, the Tucson office will achieve great success.

To see AAM’s online Press Release, click here.