Former Hostage Negotiator, Division Commander, and Business Executive, Jeff Owens calls on his real-world experience of applying The Power of Respect tm to improve understanding, increase influence, elevate leadership, strengthen customer relationships, reduce negative conflict, and advance personal and organizational success. During a career in the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) that spanned three decades, among other notable accomplishments he was on the first hostage negotiation team in Hawaii.  Jeff retired from the HPD in 2002 at the rank of Major. After retiring from law enforcement he founded his business Transcend Inc. and was contracted as the Pacific Region General Manager of an international business with over six hundred employees in Hawaii to guide them from facing failure, to success and profitability. He is now a full-time speaker, trainer, and executive advisor focused on helping people to understand and apply real-world, practical concepts that promote understanding and increase influence in the ability to guide people and situations to desired outcomes. 

Jeff is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), the speaking profession’s highest earned designation. Only about four hundred speakers worldwide have received this prestigious award that signifies he is among the top echelon of speakers globally. He is also a Certified Virtual Presenter (CVP), having demonstrated mastery of the nuances of delivering presentations online. In 2021 Jeff was inducted into the Hawaii Speakers Hall of Fame and the international Virtual Speakers Hall of Fame in 2023. In 2015 Jeff was one of the first seventeen people in the world to be awarded the designation of Certified Threat Manager (CTM) by the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals. Since then, this internationally recognized designation has been awarded to only about two hundred practitioners globally who have distinguished themselves as being “the best of the best” at behavioral threat assessment and management, and expertise in reducing the risk of and mitigating incidents of negative conflict and dealing with aggressive and violent people. Jeff provides keynote presentations, concurrent sessions, training, and executive advisement founded on using The Power of Respect tm to achieve better understanding of ourselves, others, and situations; developed from real-world experience to quip audiences with information they can use to achieve successful outcomes. 

Thomas C. Engblom is a vice president and regional account executive in First Citizens's Community Association Banking business, where he is responsible for supporting community associations in the northern Midwest region.

Engblom’s territory covers Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky and Ohio. In Minnesota and Michigan, he served as a member of the Community Association Institute chapter’s board of directors, and in Illinois he served as both chapter president and director.

Engblom's career as an as an association banker began in 2004 when he became part of the CAI Business Partners Council.

In 2018, Engblom was awarded his doctorate in business administration from Northcentral University. His dissertation was dedicated to a qualitative analysis of job satisfaction and education for community association managers. In addition, he has been named as a Certified Property Manager (CPM) by the Institute of Real Estate Management, and as a Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) by the Community Associations Institute.

Michele Trina serves as the Branch President of Associa Chicagoland. She oversees and measures the performance of employee experience, client experience, and the company’s financial profitability.  She is responsible for developing and implementing organizational strategies, policies, and practices designed to maximize employee satisfaction, retention, and engagement, contributing to an improved client experience. She has 25 years’ + experience in the property management industry and a strong background in operations and working directly with community associations. Her areas of expertise include business strategy, operational improvement, financial and budget planning, and conflict management. Trina’s passion is for education of clients, board members, and community managers. 

Adam is an associate in the Community Association Group. He helps cooperative, condominium, and homeowners associations navigate a variety of legal, financial and commercial issues. Whether attending board meetings and offering common sense solutions to governance challenges; reviewing, negotiating and modifying various agreements; or advising his association clients on enforcement of governing documents, Adam is a pragmatic, trusted advisor with a patient and fair approach to problem-solving.

Prior to joining Levenfeld Pearlstein, Adam worked at a New York boutique real estate firm where he offered practical, comprehensive legal advice to community associations. Treating each of his clients as unique, Adam takes a holistic approach to advising community associations. He focuses his practice onreviewing, negotiating and modifying governing documents, lease agreements, policy documents and commercial contracts. Adam’s clients usually request his attendance at monthly board meetings, where his level head and industry acumen prove instrumental in effective policy-making and business planning.

Adam was presented with the Minister Gloria Jean Fowler Angel Award in his final year at Emory University School of Law, which recognizes one student who embodies the kindness and grace of former Emory employee Gloria Jean Fowler.

Laura Marinelli is a partner in and leader of the Community Association Group of Levenfeld Pearlstein. She has extensive experience representing condominium associations and common interest community associations in complex litigation matters involving various injunctive and equitable remedies, as well as covenant enforcement, developer issues, mixed use property disputes, and breach of fiduciary duty matters.

Laura advises community associations on issues related to the association's governing documents, the Illinois Condominium Property Act, and the Illinois Common Interest Community Association Act. She also helps associations resolve issues with homeowners, developers, and city/county agencies. She helps associations collect unpaid assessments and represents associations during foreclosure proceedings.

She also assists with board meetings, membership meetings, board elections, and rule violation hearings. She also has extensive experience in general and commercial litigation. She has represented entities and individuals in complex litigation matters in both state and federal court from inception through both bench and jury trials, as well as on appeal. Laura’s litigation experience includes numerous matters seeking equitable relief, including temporary restraining orders as well as preliminary and permanent injunctions.

Her litigation experience includes matters relating to non-compete agreements, probate disputes, partnership agreements, breach of contract, and real estate matters. Laura also represents clients in matters involving violations of Fair Housing laws before both the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the Chicago Commission on Human Relations.

Laura was a 2019 Fellow for the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, was named as a Leading Lawyer for Real Estate Law: Associations and Condominiums in 2018 and 2019, and was named to the Illinois SuperLawyers Rising Stars list from 2011-2015.

Todd Walter, a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Illinois,is the Great Lake Regional Executive Director for Reserve Advisors, which is dedicated toserving community associations throughout the United States.  Mr. Walter has conducted nearly 2,500 ReserveStudies since starting with Reserve Advisors in 1999, primarily in the Chicago andMinneapolis areas.  Mr. Walter severed asthe Vice President of Engineer at Reserve Advisors for numerous years and wasresponsible for building at team of 30+ engineers.  

Sheryl is a Community Association Manager with 25 years of experience in managing Condominium, Townhome, and homeowner Associations. She is currently the Director of Operations at Associa Chicagoland.

Rachel Rowley brings over 17 years of Community Association Experience.  Rachel Started out as a clubhouse manager and worked her way into serving many roles over the last 17 years as a portfolio manager, to director of Business Development, lead supervisor and now a professional specializing in Community Association Banking. 

She currently has her AMS and PCAM designations and actively works to stay update on all things HOA, Condo and Townhomes on a national level.  Rachel has a passion for the industry, and all it encompasses. 

When Rachel is not working, she is a mom to 4 smart, sassy, challenging boys.  She truly loves the challenges and all the rewards of being a parent.   She feels parenting has helped her with communication, educating and speaking events and an overall ability to communicate and work with many different personalities and environments. She is excited to be working with CAI Illinois at the upcoming 2022 trade show.

Thomas C. Engblom is a vice president and regional account executive in First Citizens's Community Association Banking business, where he is responsible for supporting community associations in the northern Midwest region.

Engblom’s territory covers Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky and Ohio. In Minnesota and Michigan, he served as a member of the Community Association Institute chapter’s board of directors, and in Illinois he served as both chapter president and director.

Engblom's career as an as an association banker began in 2004 when he became part of the CAI Business Partners Council.

In 2018, Engblom was awarded his doctorate in business administration from Northcentral University. His dissertation was dedicated to a qualitative analysis of job satisfaction and education for community association managers. In addition, he has been named as a Certified Property Manager (CPM) by the Institute of Real Estate Management, and as a Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) by the Community Associations Institute.

Ms. Kojzarek has been with PSI since May 2005 when she began as a filing clerk. Through her tenure with PSI she has worked in several capacities, with many of her years spent in the Accounts Receivable Department working closely with the Association’s attorneys on the collection of assessments. Ms. Kojzarek acquired her CMCA in 2013, AMS in 2017, and PCAM in 2021. She has been a key asset in bringing in new technology and implementing it at PSI. In addition to her responsibilities at PSI, she is very active with CAI-IL as past Chair of the Marketing Committee and the Manager Education Committee, member of the Volunteer Commission, 2020 Olympus Award winner, and Chapter Board President for 2023.  When she is not working or volunteering in the industry, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching Disney and playing games.

Lea Marcou joined Associa, the largest professional community management company in North America, in 2008. Prior to her role on the Learning and Development team as a Learning Specialist, she spent almost 13 years at Associa Chicagoland in community management and various branch operations duties. Lea has worked with a diverse portfolio of properties, including mid-rise condos, townhomes, single family homes, developer, and commercial properties. While with Associa, and also in her role as a volunteer for the CAI Illinois chapter and other industry organizations, she has created and delivered training to community managers, other Associa employees, and homeowner association board members on many community management topics including new board member orientation, budgeting, financial review, annual calendars, strategic planning, effective meeting management, and more. Her writing has also been featured on the Associa blog and in CAI Illinois’ Common Interest magazine.
She is an active member of the Community Associations Institute, where she attends industry events, seminars and trade shows, is the chair of the CAI-IL Homeowner Leader Education Committee, and is a recipient of the CAI-IL Rising Star Award in 2016, and CAI-IL’s Olympus Service Award in 2019. Lea was awarded the Associa Innovation and Improvement Core Values Award in 2016.
Lea earned her Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA®) designation from the Community Association Managers International Certification Board in 2011, and her Association Management Specialist (AMS®) and Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM®) designations from Community Associations Institute (CAI) in 2012 and 2016 respectively.

Kerry Bartell is a principal with KSN and has been practicing with the firm for over 20 years. She concentrates her practice representing condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome community associations. Kerry provides guidance on general matters relating to associations, as well as counseling the board of directors for an association on corporate actions, contracts, dispute resolution and other issues relating to the association as a corporation.

John Schaller is a long-time member of CAI, a DCAL holder, and CAI Illinois Board Member.

Cindy Fitts earned her MBA with a Leadership Concentration andBA in Business Management from Aurora University. She earned her CAI CommunityInsurance & Risk Management Specialist (CIRMS) designation in 2013 and isalso a CAI Educated Business Partner.

She has been an Account Executive with CISA Insurance since 2002where she provides for the day to day insurance needs of her communityassociations. She is passionate about partnering with and educating communityassociation boards and their managers on insurance and industry lawrequirements to ensure they are protected properly and are functioning ashealthy communities.

Cindy has been a participating member of CAI since 2002 whereshe started serving on the Membership Directory committee. She has also servedon the Board of Directors, the Program Committee, the Legal Forum/ConferenceEducation Committee, and Legislative Fundraising Committee. She is currently theCo-Chair of the Business Partner Council and Secretary for the IllinoisLegislative Action Committee (ILAC). 

With over 15 years in the community association management industry, and several years utilizing AI for productivity, Jamie brings a perspective of the utilization of AI to streamline the daily workload of a Community Association Manager.

Alicia currently serves as a Chapter Support and Development Manager at the Community Associations Institute's International Headquarters (CAIHQ). In this role, she acts as a guide and resource for chapters, fostering their growth and success.

 Prior to joining CAIHQ, Alicia honed her skills in marketing communications, working for various companies. Her experience encompassed event planning, lead generation, and the creation of impactful digital campaigns. She also demonstrated a strong collaborative spirit by supporting other departments in building partnerships and fostering teamwork. Her non-profit journey began as a graduate intern with the United Way of Southeast Mississippi. She has also dedicated her time and knowledge to local chapters of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Texas and Georgia, and Catholic Charities.

 Alicia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications and a Master of Science in Public Relations from The University of Southern Mississippi. She is currently actively engaged in completing her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, solidifying her commitment to professional development, and fostering organizational growth.

Andrew McGowan graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He is a Professional Engineer and Reserve Specialist with Reserve Advisors. He is responsible for providing condition assessments and financial reserve forecasts for various properties such as homeowners associations, townhomes, high-rises, and commercial buildings. With a passion for quality and Lean practices, he works to have a positive impact to better our communities. 

Steven Silberman is a partner with the accounting and consulting firm of PBG Financial Services, PLLC.

Steve has provided accounting, tax and consulting services to Community Associations since 1978 and currently provides services to over 300 Associations. Steve has been a presenter for numerous CAI-Illinois, CAI-Wisconsin and ACTHA educational programs as well as authored many articles for newsletters and magazines including Common Interest for CAI-Illinois, Community Leader for CAI-Wisconsin and ACTHA news. Steve has also presented to many management companies over the years. Steve is an active member of CAI-Illinois and CAI-Wisconsin. Steve served six years as a Board Member of CAI-Illinois and Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee for five years. He has been chair or co-chair of the Finance Committee for thirteen years. Steve has also been a member of various CAI-Illinois education committees since 2007. He was one of the original members of the Community Development Committee in 2007. Steve is currently participating on CAI-Illinois Homeowner Leader Education Committee. In 2012, Steve received the Olympus Service Award for his profound influence in the development of the Illinois Chapter of CAI. Steve has a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Illinois, Champaign – Urbana. He is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Peter Santangelo joined the company in 2001 and currently serves as president. With more than 30 years of banking experience in consumer, commercial, and portfolio management, he has been working with community associations and property management companies for more than 18 years. Peter has managed relationships at several large corporate banks. In his previous roles, he was responsible for the sale of bank deposits, investment, and cash management products; provided construction, bridge, and interim loans; and provided various types of consumer credit, equity, and small business lending loans. He also has experience training new personnel in an underwriting unit and was the liaison for installment lending, interfacing with other bank branches. 

A Certified Manager of Community Associations® (CMCA) designated by the National Board of Certification for Community Associations Managers, Peter joins many CMCAs nationwide who have mastered the fundamental knowledge to manage condominium, cooperative, and homeowners associations. He has also earned the CAI Educated Business Partner distinction, gaining special recognition among thousands of companies and professionals who support common-interest communities. Peter currently serves as secretary for the Foundation for Community Association Research, which is part of the Community Associations Institute (CAI). He was the 2008 president of the CAI Illinois Chapter and currently serves on various committees. He is also involved with the Minnesota and Wisconsin chapters of the same organization. In addition, Peter is involved with the Association of Condominium, Townhouse & Homeowners Associations (ACTHA), the Apartment Building Owners and Managers Association (ABOMA), and the Institute of Real Estate Management (Friends of IREM). 

His awards include the 2009 Olympus Service Award, 2004 Recruiter of the Year, and 2003 Rising Star Award from the Community Associations Institute and the 2004 Community Banker of the Year from Barrington Bank & Trust. Peter holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Elmhurst College, a BAI installment lending degree from Bradley University, and an associate’s degree in business from William Rainey Harper College. He enjoys volunteering with the National MS Society and the American Cancer Society.