Meeting needs. Finding solutions. Demonstrating heart. That’s what CCMC is all about. So it comes as no surprise that four CCMC managers have been recognized by the Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM) at the Guiding Excellence in Management (GEM) Awards ceremony. Designed to highlight the individual efforts of CAAM®-certified community managers, GEM Award winners represent the high standards of both their company and the communities they serve. This year’s winners were selected from a pool of more than 900 nominees throughout the state by a selection committee that included members of the Arizona state legislature. “CCMC is delighted to have our managers recognized in this way,” explains division president Delores Ferguson, “This year’s GEM recipients represent our firm’s commitment to excellence and our dedication to creating experiences that connect people in the communities where they live.”
This year, AACM’s “Manager of the Year” GEM was awarded to Stephanie Fee. Stephanie joined CCMC in 1985 and currently serves as the CCMC community manager for Power Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona. Over the past year, she has worked tirelessly with her team to oversee the complete renovation of two community facilities, all while maintaining seamless daily operations of the association. “I wish every CCMC team member could have been at the awards ceremony to witness the professional, articulate and gracious manner in which our CCMC GEMs accepted their awards,” says CEO D. J. Cole. “Their work is making a real difference. The bar has been set very high for the future, yet I am certain we are up for the challenge.”
Lisa Lundskow received the “Humanitarian, Level II” GEM. Lisa has been a CCMC team member since 2008 and currently serves as the CCMC community manager for Estrella in Goodyear. Nominated for her work in bringing The Moving Wall Vietnam Memorial to her community, Lisa partnered with her residents and team members to make Estrella the first community to host this traveling veteran’s memorial. Previously, only municipal hosts have been able to plan this 90-hour event, which required months of planning, extensive fundraising and the coordination of more than 250 volunteers. “I am so proud to work with such a brilliant, passionate and caring leader,” said CCMC community manger Christal Bromley. “You are truly an ‘out-of-the-box’ thinker with a great heart, dedication and team mentality.”
Monica Hollins took home the “Humanitarian, Level I” GEM for the incredible care and support she provided to her team and residents after the untimely passing of a beloved neighbor at The Plaza Lofts at Kierland Commons. Monica has been a CCMC team member since 2007. “My sincere congratulations on winning this important and meaningful award,” says board member John Berndt. “It is a most appropriate ‘external’ recognition of what we at the Plaza Lofts have been privileged to experience since you became our community manager.”
Karen Angelo was awarded the Certified Arizona Association Support Professional or “CAASP of the Year” GEM for the high level of service and support she has provided to the CCMC executive team and managers since 2013. “The poise and professionalism you displayed today was remarkable,” says CCMC community manager Kevin Pollock. “You showed why CCMC is different.”
Chris Hashisaki was a finalist in the Humanitarian category. Chris joined CCMC in 2007 and currently serves as the community manager for Tortosa in Maricopa. Chris was recognized for consistently demonstrating the importance of giving back – both within Tortosa and beyond its borders – and inspiring her team to continuously build partnerships and plan events that will benefit the greater community of Maricopa.