Spotlight on Education

An Advisor Who Understands What You Do

Debbie Griffiths, CCAM, has walked in your shoes. The new Education and Credentialing Advisor at CACM has worked in the community management industry for over 20 years, starting as a community manager and later taking on leadership roles like VP of Community Management, Regional Manager, and Community Division Director.

She’s worked at several management companies, including The Management Trust and Associa, that provided educational support and she obtained her CCAM certification. After working as a portfolio manager and onsite manager for several years, she moved into supervisory roles the last 8 years. While supervising community managers, Debbie still had a small portfolio of communities. Aside from addressing client and in-house personnel issues, she led training programs.

“Early on in my career I obtained the CCAM certification and then began pursuing other designations,” Debbie said. “I wanted to have that because especially as a supervisor and even now, how can I help someone if I haven’t walked the walk? How can I talk about something if I myself haven’t done it? I certainly value the education I have received and hope that those I helped along the way value it.”

Debbie first was introduced to the HOA industry while sitting on the board of her homeowners association in Georgia. Eventually she moved to California and began working at a management company as an office manager. When an opportunity came up for a portfolio manager position, she put herself up for it.

Now at CACM, Debbie’s role is to make sure managers are on the right path to earn their CCAM, specialty or even sub/micro specialties certifications like active adult or CID.

Debbie said that she enjoys the opportunity to help people earn their certifications and pursue higher education within the industry with the ultimate goal of establishing professionalism.

“We will always work to be seen as professionals, and one of the ways to do that is through education,” she said.

Wondering what your next step in your career should be? Or how to get there? Reach out to Debbie at dgriffiths@cacm.org.

CCAM IS JUST THE START

While earning the Certified Community Association Manager (CCAM) is an achievement, this is only the first stop on

your professional pathway. There’s so much more to learn, which coupled with experience, increases your understanding and knowledge of the industry and the area you would like to specialize in.

Specialty certification is a way of attaining indepth insight of one or several of the areas in community management, such as High Rise, Large Scale, Portfolio Management or New Development Community Management. You can also earn micro specialties including Age- Restricted Adult Community Management and Commercial and Industrial CID Management.

For managers who have completed their CCAM, specialty certification is the next step in developing professionally and shows commitment not only to the industry but to themselves.

GIVING BACK

Knowledgeable, experienced managers also are key to the next generation. Many CACM members continue to expand professionally by sharing their knowledge as an instructor for CACM courses. In doing so, these managers lead the charge in shaping the evolution of the industry and promoting professionalism.

Education can continue to be part of your professional career if you choose to do so by giving back. CACM is always looking for qualified instructors. If you’re interested, reach out to education@cacm.org.