condo boards - CCI GRAND RIVER

A chapter’s Board of Directors in the Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI) consists of a dedicated group of volunteer professionals in the condominium industry who are passionate and committed to making a stronger and more successful condominium community.

Each year, CCI chapters hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) where new board members are nominated and elected by chapter members.

So it should come as no shock to anyone that the Grand River Chapter’s Board of Directors is stacked with experienced and respected community members from Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Brantford.

Let’s take a moment to welcome the Board of Directors who will be leading the Grand River Chapter (GRC) into the new year!

Starting with our Past President, Brad Wells, who we’d like to thank for his hard work and dedication with the CCI-GRC Chapter, and wish him the best in 2024.

Brad Wells, Associa, Past President

Brad is the President of Wilson, Blanchard Management Inc. working in the Toronto, Waterloo, and Hamilton offices. He has been managing condominium corporations and commercial properties for over 18 years, achieving the RCM designation from ACMO and the RPA® designation from the BOMI. Brad is a member of the CMRAO Discipline and Discipline Appeals Committees. He has been a speaker at multiple CCI and ACMO events and courses and is an instructor for the ACMO RCM courses at Mohawk College. Brad is very involved in the condominium industry, participating as a Director on the Board of the CCI-GRC and as Chair of the CCI-GRC Education Committee while being actively involved with training and mentoring new Property Managers entering the profession.

Michelle Kelly, Robson Carpenter LLP, President

Well known in the industry, Michelle is a regular speaker at seminars and conferences. She also frequently leads lunch and learns and educates her clients on industry and best practices. Michelle values her relationships and ensures that her vast industry knowledge is shared with her clients and teammates.

Christine Merswolke, LCM Property Services Inc, Vice-President

Christine Merswolke is the President of LCM Property Services Inc., Waterloo Region’s leading Building Services Contractor. LCM specializes in working with condominium corporations, including their developers, property management and boards. In a challenging industry, Christine is the motivating force behind the 100+ people on her growing team. Providing consistently excellent client experiences is a matter of personal pride. As members of ISSA and CCI-GRC, Christine and the team at LCM stay abreast of industry trends and best practices.

Stephanie Sutherland, Cohen Highley, Secretary

An active member of the condominium community in Ontario, Stephanie is involved in the CCI Golden Horseshoe, Grand River, and London chapters, and sits on various CCI committees as well as the Golden Horseshoe Board. She is a frequent speaker at CCI conferences, courses, and seminars and contributes articles to condominium publications including Condo News. Stephanie obtained the former ACCI (Associate of the Canadian Condominium Institute) designation in 2015, and was granted the ACCI’s replacement designation, the LCCI (Leader of the Canadian Condominium Institute), in 2022.

Lauren Sorbara, RLB LLP, Treasurer

Lauren is a born and raised Guelphite and a Manager at RLB Chartered Professional Accountants With almost a decade’s experience specializing in the condominium audit niche, she is dedicated to providing a knowledgeable and superior client experience. With more and more people in our community choosing to live in condominiums, it is important owners are educated on the nuances and unique nature of this lifestyle choice. Passionate about her client’s success, Lauren is always available to answer questions and provide practical advice on all Condominium matters, ranging from best practices and compliance with the Condominium Act and Regulations to more complex issues.

But wait, there’s more! Make sure you’re following the CCI Grand River Chapter to learn more about who is on your board of directors.

A condominium’s Board of Directors play a significant and immeasurable role in the daily governance of a condominium corporation in Ontario. Board members are not only responsible for ensuring the corporation is well managed on behalf of all owners and residents, they are also responsible for ensuring that the corporation’s financial assets are secured and well managed.

Board of directors. Condominium board of directors. CCI Grand River.

Understanding that this volunteer role is not one to take lightly, how can we as owners, managers, professionals, residents, and fellow board members help in keeping board members happy in their roles?

Understanding the common goal.

There are always several projects and many moving parts for any condominium. From repairs to upkeep, making sure everyone is aligned with the priority task list will relieve unnecessary stress from any single member. Attending all appropriate meetings and keeping up with the communication will definitely help shave some group tension.

Communication. Communication. Communication.

It should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway! Communication is key. Are you a board member who feels that one task should be brought up on the priority list? Bring it up at the next board meeting. Are you an owner that is unsure of the next step in a repair process? Reach out! It’s amazing how many of our problems can be solved if we keep an open dialogue with each other. The resources are there for a reason, don’t be afraid to use them!

Knowing that Boards of Directors are vital to the industry.

Your condominium’s Board of Directors are vital to your condominium’s corporation. Boards consist of volunteers with different work and life experience and therefore offer unique perspectives when tackling concerns and listening to owners and residents. Respecting the different views of each other and listening can lead your condominium to new and creative solutions. And hey, it may even save you money!

Compassion and support.

CCI Grand River. Board member. Board of directors. Condominium board. Condo board.

Now that we understand the priority list, are great at communication, and know that a Board of Directors plays a significant role in a condominium corporation, the last aspect to consider when trying to keep your board happy is: compassion and support.

Your Board of Directors are human, after all. Being courteous with each other will lend a huge helping hand in keeping a better community.

Being a Board member means wanting to make a difference in your community. It’s a lot easier to make a difference when you feel respected and heard. Being an active part of your community and listening to the concerns of your corporation can help your board check tasks off their lists and continue ensuring you are living your best condo life.

Reach out to your condominium board today to see how you can support your community.

Maggie Matian
Marketing Manager for CCI Grand River

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Meet the Leaders Taking the Grand River Chapter into 2024