Newsletter Issue 1 | 2026 Print

Message from the President

Hi CAI Alabama,

It’s hard to believe we’re already in April! The first quarter of 2026 has been fantastic, with luncheons held across Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and the Gulf Coast, a Board Member Leadership Workshop on the Gulf Coast, and a Serve Day in Huntsville. What a great start to the year! Be sure to visit the photo gallery to see highlights from our events.

A huge thank you to our 2026 Annual Chapter Sponsors – your support is truly the backbone of CAI Alabama. And to our members who serve on one of our seven committees and councils – you are the heart of our chapter. I feel truly honored to serve as President alongside our now seven-member Board of Directors.

One of the highlights I’m most excited about this year is having Dawn Bauman, CAE - CEO of the Community Associations Institute, as our keynote speaker at the CAI Annual Awards Luncheon on Thursday, November 12 in Huntsville. This is a special opportunity for our chapter and for Alabama - mark your calendars! More details about the event and programming will be shared soon.

I look forward to an equally exciting second quarter of 2026 and hope to see you at one of our upcoming events! 

Warm regards,

Darlene Windom, CMCA, AMS
President, CAI Alabama Chapter

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Welcome New Members

Welcome to all the new members who joined in the first quarter of 2026! We're excited to have you as part of our CAI Alabama community!

  • Alabama  Aquarium & Pond Services, Inc.: Kyle Moon   Website   Email
  • Isabel Beltran, Associa McKay Management
  • Kelly Breeding, Associa McKay Management
  • Trevor Chatham, Associa McKay Management
  • Leslie Delmendo, Associa McKay Management
  • Aerrica Hamirani, Associa McKay Management
  • Tevin Howze, Associa McKay Management
  • Jason Jeffers, Associa McKay Management
  • Beatriz Lopez, Associa McKay Management
  • Hector Meza, Associa McKay Management
  • Mayra Pelayo, Associa McKay Management
  • Bryant Stewart, Associa McKay Management
  • Joshua Stoffregen, Associa McKay Management
  • Bailey Deep Roots Landscaping: Wayland Bailey  Email
  • Community Cable Consultants: Marcie Gershoni   Website   Email
  • Bayleigh Shumaker, Community Management Associates
  • Anderson Charles Wathen, Community Management Associates
  • Sabrina Krenek, DR Horton
  • Marie L Malugani, Ghertner & Company
  • Heather Logan, HOA Alabama
  • Christa McGriff, HOA Alabama
  • Deena McInnis, Jubilee Farms Homeowners Association
  • Donna Park, Jubilee Farms Homeowners Association
  • Eva Gray, Lake Forest Homeowners Association
  • MetroPower, Inc.: Charles Peak   Website   Email
  • Michael Hatcher & Associates: Tim Sansom   Website   Email
  • Mor-Sports Group: Stephen Laipply   Website   Email
  • Waynette Marie Brown, Property Owners of Spanish Cove
  • Vera D'Ercole, Property Owners of Spanish Cove
  • Pete Greika, Property Owners of Spanish Cove
  • ScottLand Yards, Inc: Jennifer Tehandon   Website   Email
  • ServisFirst Bank: Daniel Lawler   Website   Email
  • Paul Brennan, Shoreham Property Owners Association/Bay Winds Condominiums
  • Linda Ledbetter, Shoreham Property Owners Association/Bay Winds Condominiums
  • Opal Smith, Shoreham Property Owners Association/Bay Winds Condominiums
  • Jacqueline Cress-Mills, Silverleaf Management Group
  • Cindy Dwyer, Twin Beech Estates
  • Doug Hall, Twin Beech Estates
  • Laura Middlebrooks, Twin Beech Estates
  • Sarat Saini, Twin Beech Estates
  • Yard-Nique: Alisha Richey   Website   Email
  • James Fink
  • Diana G Ledbetter
  • Frances Reed
  • Judy K Smith


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Member Spotlight

Meet three of CAI Alabama’s members and check out their spotlights!
Click on each photo below to learn more about them and hear what they have to say about being part of CAI Alabama.

Want to be featured? Submit your Member Spotlight here!

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Member News


Chanel Ann Buckaloo, CMCA, AMS, PCAM


Dr. Angela Stone, CMCA, AMS, PCAM

We are proud to recognize Chanel Ann Buckaloo, CMCA, AMS, PCAM and Dr. Angela Stone, CMCA, AMS, PCAM of Ghertner & Company who earned her Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) designation in January 2026. Congratulations, Chanel and Angela!

The PCAM designation is the highest professional recognition available nationwide to managers who specialize in community association management.


Bryan Stewart, CMCA

Bryan Stewart, President of Associa McKay Management earned his CMCA in March 2026.  Congratulations, Bryan!

The Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA®) is the only international certification program designed exclusively for managers of homeowner and condominium associations and cooperatives. The CMCA recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the fundamental knowledge required to manage community associations.


Julie Hardy, CMCA, AMS

Julie Hardy, CMCA with Homeland HOA Management, LLC earned her Association Management Specialist (AMS) designation in March 2026. Congratulations, Julie!

The AMS designation demonstrates a higher level of commitment to the manager's career and the community association industry. An AMS designation is recommended for managers who want to enhance their career opportunities by increasing their knowledge and expertise.

Please send us your news for future newsletters!  Did someone in your firm get a new designation?  Did someone get promoted?  Let us know so we can mention your news in our newsletter and celebrate our successes together!

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What Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac’s Latest Policy Changes Mean for Condominium Associations, Lenders, and Homeowners

by , Community Associations Institute

On March 18, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac issued a significant update to their project standards and property insurance requirements. These changes reflect the realities of today’s housing market and focus on the long-term financial sustainability of condominium communities based on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac criteria, which aren’t always aligned with actual financial stability and performance.

These updates, outlined in Lender Letter LL-2026-03, are designed to simplify certain processes, respond to insurance market challenges, and strengthen the financial health of condominium communities.

For community associations, board members, managers, and business partners, these changes are important and, in some cases, consequential.

Click here to continue reading this article at CAI's Advocacy Blog.

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Meet CAI Alabama's Newest Board Members


 


John Alford, Esq.

Organization: Law Firm of Alford & Barnes LLC
Member Type: Business Partner Member

When and why did you join CAI?
I joined in 2019.

Which CAI event did you enjoy the most in the past?
My favorite event every year is the golf tournament. 

What are your passions next to CAI?
My family is the most important thing in my life. 


 


Kayla Farley, CMCA, AMS

Organization: Neighborhood Management LLC
Member Type: Manager Member

When and why did you join CAI?
I joined in 2021. I was new to the industry and wanted to become more involved. 

Which CAI event did you enjoy the most in the past?
I love the networking events such as the golf tournament and the gala as they allow me to build connections with others in the industry. 

What are your passions next to CAI?
I love reading, crocheting, and my newest passion is being a mom!


 


Randy Reed - 2026 Treasurer

Organization: Property Owners Association of Spanish Cove
Member Type: Homeowner Leader Member

When and why did you join CAI?
I joined CAI in 2024 as part of our Board of Directors. We had recently been involved in property owner disputes and I was hoping to get more information on best practices, industry standards, and seeking ways we could improve our Property Owners Association.

Which CAI event did you enjoy the most in the past?
I enjoyed all of the meetings, but I was especially interested in the Trade Shows, and attended my first one in Huntsville in 2025. I’m really pleased that we expanded to include other communities in Alabama. 

What are your passions next to CAI?
Since retiring I have been focused on my family, making efforts to improve our neighborhood through my involvement in our community, and now being involved in CAI being someone who can assist others in their efforts to build great communities. 


 


Kristen Wickham, CMCA, AMS, PCAM - 2026 Secretary

Organization: Hughes Properties II
Member Type: Manager Member

When and why did you join CAI?
I joined CAI in 2023 for the education possibilities. I was interested in the classes, webinars, and the opportunity to earn designations through further education. The education that I have received from CAI assists in my job daily and benefits the Boards and communities I serve. 

Which CAI event did you enjoy the most in the past?
I truly enjoy the National Conferences. There is so much information available about changes in the industry and software available. It also allows me to meet other professionals in the industry to share ideas, brainstorm, and know that the same issues and situations are being faced across the country and world. 

What are your passions next to CAI?
I enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter, and three dogs. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, reading, and solving puzzles.

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Most Popular from HOAResources.com

 

Spring Landscaping and Maintenance: A Fresh Start for Your Community

Spring is the perfect time for community associations to reset after winter and prepare for the year ahead. For homeowners, it means greener spaces and improved curb appeal. For boards, it’s a critical window to inspect, plan, and prevent bigger problems down the road.

Click here to continue reading this article at CAI's HOAresources.com.

 

 

The Fines Line: How Communities Enforce Rules

Fines are a common and necessary tool used to uphold community standards and preserve harmony, safety, and quality of life in community associations. When applied fairly, consistently, and with clear communication, they serve not as punishment but as an effective means to encourage compliance.

Fines should never be the first response for community associations. Follow these steps to create a well-managed, respectful environment that residents are proud to call home.

Click here to continue reading this article at CAI's HOAresources.com.

 

 

Homebuyer’s Guide: What to Know Before Purchasing in a Community Association

Buying a home in a community association comes with unique benefits and responsibilities. If you’ve never lived in a homeowners association, condominium, or housing cooperative, it’s important to understand how these communities work.

Click here to continue reading this article at CAI's HOAresources.com.

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Upcoming Events

 April 8  CAI Community Conversations Live Webinar  Free for Members 

 April 9  Mini Tradeshow in Birmingham  Free for Managers and Homeowner Leaders 

 April 23    Summit Luncheon in Huntsville Sponsorship Opportunities

 May 7   Luncheon in Montgomery Sponsorship Opportunities

 May 8   Serve Day in Birmingham (Adaptive Bike Build with Iron City Trykes)

 June 3-6   CAI Annual Conference & Exhibition in Fort Lauderdale, FL

 June 13   International Community Association Managers Day

 June 19   CAI Alabama Summer Social at Gulf Coast Sponsorship Opportunities

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