22 Apr 2012 FLCAJ

uscany Bay HOA, located in Boynton Beach, has clearly excelled in two categories. In the Communities of Excellence contest, they have placed as finalists in the financial innovation category twice and won in the disaster preparedness category in 2010. Guiding the community in her role as manager, Sandy Diaz has been with Tuscany Bay since 2007. Prior to this time, she worked with her hus-band, David, managing exclusive, oceanfront residences in Broward and Palm Beach counties. In addition, she has worked in hospital administration

T

Sandy Diaz

by Megan McMurry

2011 managers of excellence

Tuscany Bay HOA

FLCAJ Apr 2012 23

much inconvenience to the residents,” Sandy remembers. “We imple-mented key fob door entries in the clubhouse and updated the guard’s guest entry system. We transitioned the outdated clicker gate entry system to vehicle transponders to enhance the security of Tuscany Bay. Resurfacing of the pedestrian bridge over the canal to the recreation area and restriping of the paved roads and parking area lines were also underway. Overseeing numerous projects and training staff to take over previous duties required me to stay focused and organized. Diligent planning and efficiency were vital to getting everything done, not only timely, but also properly with minimal inconvenience to the community. These items all required me to rise to the challenge to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.”

With all of these projects going on, Sandy is grateful to have had a sup-portive network of residents that had active committees. In thinking about excellent communities, she notes that the residents are an extremely important part of the makeup. “Our community has many committees made up of residents that truly care for the well-being of all in Tuscany Bay,” Sandy says. “The committees meet on a regular basis to discuss crucial topics facing the association. They assist in the planning and reviewing of projects being considered. Their continuous support shows how Tuscany Bay is committed to excellence. Together, we work hard to listen to the residents and be transparent in everything we do.” It would seem that Tuscany Bay has accomplished so much, but a manager’s job is never over. Sandy is constantly addressing needs for the association as well as bringing people together to accomplish those tasks. “This time of year, preventative maintenance is a high priority to ensure the community always looks its best,” Sandy notes. “Both items the association is responsible for and items that are homeowner’s responsibility are being addressed. I am proactive in making residents aware of things that need to be taken care of, such as mulching, replac-ing mailboxes, and cleaning of driveways. These are done as group projects to get all residents to comply. Our community-wide mulching, sidewalk, swale cleaning, and tree trimming projects are all scheduled

and collections—a very good preparation for her job. In 2003, she was hired by Campbell Property Manage-ment as the bookkeeper/assistant at a large condomin-ium community in Broward County. From there, she went to Tuscany Bay. Originally, she was hired to be the on-site administrator. “I continually had support and encourage-ment from my company to obtain a management license,” Sandy shares. “In late 2009 through early 2010, I applied for and received my license and became a full-time, on-site manager for Tuscany Bay.” Sandy notes that her entry into management was a family matter. “I got into community association management through my husband who also works in the industry,” Sandy says. “Property management works well with my personality. I have found it to be challeng-ing and rewarding at the same time. I thrive on being busy, figuring out the best ways to handle a problem, and giving my undivided attention to the details involved in making the community its best. I do my best to be fair and consistent with all of the residents.” While taking over the job as manager, Sandy did not just sit idly by. Tuscany Bay was undergoing multiple changes that required her attention. “During the time I was transi-tioning into my current posi-tion, Tuscany Bay had many projects to coordinate, some planned and some not planned. Vendor selection, creation of procedures, scheduling, and communication to residents were all crucial for the projects to be planned and expedited with accuracy and without

24 Apr 2012 FLCAJ

and communicated to the residents to create a high quality appear-ance and increase the value of the units.” Finances play a key role in this community, especially with all the projects. Tuscany Bay has a sound financial policy and finance committee, which reviews and evaluates the financials for accuracy. Sandy herself takes a proactive role in the finances. “In addition to being the property manager, I also have continued to do all of the account payables on-site and I handle any resolving of account receivable issues. I believe this provides more efficiency in man-aging the community and control of collections,” Sandy says. For Sandy, the board is the key. However, it is a relationship that takes dedication. “It is most important that the board see that you are committed to work hard for them. The support from your board creates a strong team to draw from in handling all types of issues,” Sandy says. While Sandy loves her job, her family is an important part of her life, as well. “I have a wonderful husband and two adult daughters I am very proud of. My husband and I have always worked closely together, and I credit him for much of the knowl-edge I have. I enjoy spending time with my family and would love to be thought of by others as the person that always cares and tries my best at everything I do,” Sandy shares. When thinking about how to balance everything that comes with being a manager, there is one word that comes to mind. “The key to everything is being organized,” Sandy says. “Be prepared for issues that may arise, communicate with vendors as to what is expected, and follow up as soon as possible. Always show residents that you truly are interested and concerned for the community.” It is quite clear that Sandy has done an admirable job with Tuscany Bay HOA and that she loves what she does. For these reasons, she has been named a 2011 Manager of Excellence.