Douglas J. Sury is a shareholder of Costello Sury & Rooney, P.C. Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois and he  has been licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois since 1999. Mr. Sury represents all forms of housing providers, including condominium and common-interest communities.  Mr. Sury also represents organizations that are exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Mr. Sury devotes much of his professional time in providing general corporate guidance to his clients. 

Through a variety of methods, Mr. Sury frequently volunteers his time in a continuing effort to improve the working and living environments for condominium and common-interest community boards and members. In addition to publishing several articles, he is a frequent speaker and panelist at community association seminars and community volunteer certification programs. Mr. Sury has also been a guest speaker at “town hall” meetings hosted by state legislators.

Mr. Sury is a member of the Illinois chapter of the Community Associations Institute, the Illinois Association of Lake Communities and the Illinois State, DuPage County, and Kane County bar associations.

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.

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.

Helen Fischer is an accomplished onsite community association manager with a decade of experience in both onsite and portfolio community management. Her journey in community management began in administration, and over the years, she has honed her skills and expertise to become a dedicated professional in the field. Helen holds the prestigious Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) designation.

Helen is passionate about enhancing the resident experience, and one of her greatest strengths lies in her ability to build meaningful connections with members of the community. Her proactive management approach includes exploring new initiatives to integrate into community operations, all while maintaining a keen focus on optimizing the association's funds.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Helen cherishes her time with family and pets, and her interests include traveling, photography, reading, movies, and music. 

Myles has 15 years of experience with Associations. Currently serving on CAI – Illinois Finance Committee since 2019. Past member of the CAI Manager Education Committee. Coauthored the IICLE Taxation Chapter for Associations. Master of Accountancy from DePaul University.

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.

Pamela Park focuses her practice on representing condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome community associations. Pamela is one of KSN's senior litigators, concentrating in the defense of discrimination actions. She has successfully handled numerous complaints on the federal, state, and local levels.

David J. Bloomberg is a Principal at Chuhak & Tecson, P. C. and both leader of the firm’s condominium and community association practice group and co-leader of the Litigation practice group. David focuses his practice on products liability litigation, commercial litigation and condominium and common interest community association law.

Phyllis Fasel concentrates her practice in general business and real estate law. She provides legal advice to new and experienced business owners in entity structuring, ownership issues and day-to-day operational issues, while handling sophisticated business, real estate and financing transactions.

Keith concentrates his practice in therepresentation of condominium and common interest community associations, aswell as the areas of general civil and commercial law.  He has extensive experience in preparing andamending association governing documents, including declarations, bylaws andrules and regulations as well as the enforcement of same.  Keith also provides guidance to association clientson a wide range of general corporate matters, such as corporate governance,maintenance/repair questions, and board actions.  He is also familiar with the FHA requirementsapplicable to condominium associations and has assisted numerous condominiumswith applying for FHA certification and re-certification through the HRAPprocess. 

 Since graduating Magna Cum Laudefrom Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2006, Keith has been withCostello Sury & Rooney, P.C. where he is currently a senior counsel.  He received a Bachelor of Arts in Economicsfrom DePauw University in 2000.  Keith isa member of the Illinois State Bar Association. He has made presentations at events for CAI-Illinois, ACTHA, andmultiple Chicago Bar Association committees, and previously served as aco-chair of the CAI-Illinois Legal Forum/Conference Education Committee.  In addition to Illinois, Keith is alsolicensed to practice law in the State of Texas.

Libby F. Vassmer is a shareholder of Costello Sury & Rooney in Oakbrook Terrace Illinois. Ms. Vassmer has been licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois since 2015 and the state of Indiana since 2022. Her practice is focused on the representation of condominium and common interest communities, cooperatives, as well as general civil practice. With her extensive experience in the collections arena, Ms. Vassmer has helped guide a multitude of associations towards reduced delinquencies and improved fiscal status. Ms. Vassmer frequently appears before courts in Cook County and the collar counties as well as northwest Indiana on behalf of associations. Additionally, Ms. Vassmer provides general counsel guidance to associations on issues such as corporate governance, violation/enforcement issues and contract review. Ms. Vassmer obtained her Juris Doctorate from The John Marshall Law School and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Elizabeth focuses her practice on counseling community associations both in litigation and on day-to-day operational issues. Elizabeth’s litigation experience includes litigating constitutional claims, administrative review actions, government investigations, and business litigation, such as preliminary and permanent injunctions, declaratory judgments, insurance issues, breach of fiduciary duty claims, and

Jamie Stevens advises community associations on a range of issues related to their daily business operations, serving as their general legal advisor. In his work with the leaders of condominium and other common interest communities on governing documents, finances, litigation and transactional issues, Jamie provides them with perspective and broad knowledge in their legal matters. His experience includes: drafting easements, bylaws and declarations; advising on developer turnover matters and assessment collection; interpreting governing documents; and counseling on the variety of contract, dispute, and business concerns they face. In litigation, Jamie represents associations in covenant interpretation and enforcement matters and defends associations against various claims, drawing from broad on-the-ground experience with associations in their life cycles

Aside from his role as counselor, Jamie relies on his familiarity with the Illinois Condominium Property Act and Common Interest Community Association Act to assist clients in transactional matters such as deconversion sales of entire properties, lending transactions in the community association marketplace, and development of condominium and common interest properties. His experience includes drafting and negotiating purchase and sale agreements and preparing documentation to establish and develop condominium properties. He also assists with distressed property redevelopment, financing and receivership actions to resolve properties in crisis.

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.

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.

JAMES A. SLOWIKOWSKI is a member of the firm. He received his Juris Doctorate degree from DePaul University College of Law in June, 1987 after having received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from DePaul University in June, 1984. Prior to joining the Dickler firm, Mr. Slowikowski practiced with the Chicago firm of Margolin & Aronson where his primary responsibility was in the areas of real estate, corporate, construction and commercial litigation.

Mr. Slowikowski has represented condominium and community associations since 1991. He joined Marshall N. Dickler, Ltd. in May, 1991, which became Dickler, Kahn, Slowikowski

& Zavell, Ltd, in 2001, and he continues to practice in the area of general civil litigation and condominium and homeowner association law. The primary part of Mr. Slowikowski’s practice is condominium and community association law and he represents associations in all counties in the Chicago Metropolitan area, and in McClean County. In the firm, he oversees and litigates homeowner association cases, and handles all aspects of association legal needs such as enforcement of rules and covenants, drafting governing documents and rules and regulations, reviewing and preparing contracts, litigation, and generally providing advice and consultation to clients. He also performs commercial, property and corporate litigation cases, and represents for-profit and not-for-profit corporations and associations. Mr. Slowikowski has been lead counsel in trials in both state and federal courts, and has litigated significant claims against association developers, including one case that resulted in a total recovery in excess of $2.5 million dollars.

Mr. Slowikowski is a member of CAI and ACTHA and regularly speaks at ACTHA and CAI conferences and programs on various association topics. Mr. Slowikowski has published articles on association topics in some industry publications including Condo Lifestyles and Common Interest magazines, and has been a contributor to The Chicagoland Cooperator. Recently, he authored the article featured on the cover of the October 2019 issue of Condo Lifestyles (“5 Tips To Help Make Your Association Better”).

Mr. Slowikowski is a member of the Trial Bar of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, a member of the Bar of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and a member of the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, the DuPage County Bar Association and the Northwest Suburban Bar Association. Mr. Slowikowski has been selected by peers and added as a member of the Leading Lawyers Network.

MARSHALL N. DICKLER, is the senior member of the firm.
Mr. Dickler’s practice encompasses representation of condominium and homeowner associations in all matters including litigation, commercial and residential real estate transactions and litigation, corporate acquisitions, divestitures, operations and litigation, healthcare organization operation and litigation, zoning and collections.
Mr. Dickler is a sustaining member of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) and has lectured, taught and participated in national and regional conferences and conventions since 1977, addressing many subjects dealing with condominiums, homeowners associations, corporate, real estate, insurance and tax matters. Mr. Dickler is a former director and past president of the CAI-lllinois Chapter and a former trustee of the CAI- National Association. CAI conducts an annual National Law Seminar, and Mr. Dickler was a member of the Seminar faculty. He is a member of the College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL). He is a member of ACTHA and has spoken at their programs. Additionally, Mr. Dickler is the author of three chapters on Condominium and Homeowners Association Litigation for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (IICLE). Mr. Dickler has lectured statewide on the subject matter of these chapters to members of the Illinois Bar, and he was a special advisor to the IICLE, as to its real estate publications and lectures. Mr. Dickler has many years of experience providing all aspects of legal assistance in business and financial advice to small and large businesses and corporations and was and is counsel to a number of major For-Profit and Not-for-Profit organizations in healthcare, manufacturing, real estate, hospitality and construction. He has been counsel to and performed work for a major national collection agency. He is counsel to a national medical products supply company.
Mr. Dickler is admitted to the Illinois Bar; he is also admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, United States Appellate Court for the Seventh Circuit, the Federal Trial Bar for the Northern District of Illinois and the Court of Customs and Patent Appeals. He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, Northwest Suburban Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, DuPage County Bar Association and American Bar Association. Mr. Dickler has been selected by peers and added as a member of the Leading Lawyers.
In addition to being an attorney, Mr. Dickler is an electrical engineer by education and experience. Mr. Dickler practiced as an electrical engineer for six (6) years and during part of that time, attended law school at John Marshall in Chicago, Illinois. He is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office and has practiced as a patent attorney. Mr. Dickler’s practical engineering background is of great value in understanding technical problems involved with the construction, operation, reconstruction and repair in structures such as multi-unit residential buildings.

Joan Berg, a Partner with Schoenberg Finkel Beederman Bell Glazer LLC, received her undergraduate degree (Chemistry) from Loyola University of Chicago and her law degree from IIT – Chicago Kent College of Law. She is licensed to practice in Illinois and its courts, including the U.S District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Joan services clients in commercial real estate, lending, and corporate transactions. Her experience continues to be recognized as an Illinois Leading Lawyer, and within the Leading Lawyer Top 100 Women in Real Estate. Joan’s experience spans community association representation, as well as commercial real estate construction, development, land use, acquisition, disposition, and leasing.

In her community association work, Joan has represented developers, lenders, and community associations. Her construction and development experience include industrial, manufacturing, multi-family, and single family development in Illinois, New York, and California. She is often called upon to consult on complex air rights and title matters. Her land use knowledge adds depth to analyses with clients.

Joan represents lenders and borrowers with respect to asset-based and real estate-based financing. Leasing is another component of Joan’s real estate transaction experience. She regularly represents landlords and tenants in office, industrial, and retail leasing environments.

Providing general corporate representation for her clients is another aspect of Joan’s practice. She is counsel for her real estate developer and investor clients, as well as small and mid-sized businesses. In addition, Joan provides counsel to various non-profit and religious organizations. She provides counsel to a Christian denomination in the administration of its seminary, and its publishing endeavors. Joan is Co-Legal Advisor for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, a six-state region of the Greek Orthodox Church. In addition, she is a member of the Legal Committee for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

 Areas of Practice

Dawn, a principal with Keough & Moody, P.C., joined the firm in 2000 (then known as Knuckles & Jagel), where she started as a law clerk and then, as an attorney. Dawn concentrates her practice on the representation of community associations. In that regard, she assists boards in all areas of association governance, including drafting and amending governing documents, providing legal opinions, reviewing policies for compliance with applicable laws, and reviewing contracts. Dawn strives to provide proactive and practical advice to her clients.

Education and Admissions

Dawn received her J.D. degree, with honors, from Chicago Kent College of Law. She received her undergraduate degree, cum laude, from North Central College in Naperville. Dawn was a member of the History Honor Society at North Central College and was a recipient of the CALI Award of Excellence in Criminal Procedure at Chicago Kent College of Law.

Dawn is admitted to practice law in all state courts in the State of Illinois and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. She is also a member of the Illinois State Bar Association.

Industry Involvement

Dawn presents and writes for the firm, as well as industry groups, such as CAI-Illinois' Chapter, Condo Lifestyles, and Association of Condominium Townhome and Homeowners Association (“ACTHA”). She has also presented at the CAI National Law Seminar. In addition, Dawn has contributed to IICLE's ("Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education") book related to Condominium Law

 Areas of Practice

Gabriella, a principal with Keough & Moody, P.C., joined the firm in 1996 and began her representation of community associations. Gabriella is primarily responsible for litigation related to community associations, which varies from breach of contract to seeking declaratory and/or injunctive relief. Gabriella’s practice also concentrates on representing community associations in non-litigation related matters, which includes providing Boards of Directors with opinion letters, drafting amendments to the Association’s governing documents and drafting rules and regulations. She provides all areas of legal counsel to community associations within the Chicagoland area.

Education and Admissions

Gabriella received her J.D. from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law after graduating Cum Laude from Loyola University of Chicago. Gabriella is admitted to practice law in all state courts in the State of Illinois. She is also admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Gabriella is a member of the Federal Trial Bar, the Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, and DuPage County Bar Association.

Gabriella was admitted to the College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL). CCAL is a prestigious group of attorneys practicing community association law in the United States. Approximately 200 attorneys have been granted membership in the College.

Industry Involvement

Gabriella was the co-chair for the Chicago Bar Association’s Condominium Subcommittee from 2015 -2022. Gabriella also presents and writes for other industry groups including MCD Media, and Condo Lifestyles. Gabriella has been involved in CAI-Illinois' Chapter. In the past, she was the co-chair of several Committees. Gabriella also contributes written articles for CAI's Common Interest Magazine and speaks at various CAI Chapter Programs, including her presentations at various Legal Forums and trade shows. For the past seven (7) years, she has served as a member of the Planning Committee for the CAI National Law Seminar. She has also presented at the CAI National Law Seminar, including as recently as in February 2024, and in 2023. Since 2020, Gabriella has been a member of the CAI CCAL Amicus Curiae Committee. Finally, Gabriella has contributed to IICLE's ("Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education") book related to Condominium Law. She has also presented for IICLE and the National Business Institute ("NBI") on issues related to community associations, as part of the continuing education they offer for Illinois attorneys.

Timothy Jacobs concentrates his practice in the area of property tax assessment appeals. Since becoming a member of the Illinois bar in 2005, Tim’s efforts have substantially lowered his clients’ respective property tax burdens.

While his current practice focuses primarily on the representation of condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome community associations, Timothy has also effectively advocated on behalf of commercial, industrial, and apartment building owners. Amidst an extremely daunting Illinois property tax appeal process, Timothy’s efforts have substantially lowered their respective property tax burdens.

Timothy prides himself on guiding his clients through constant substantive and procedural rule changes and explaining the complexities of the assessment appeal process in simple and understandable language. For nearly a decade, he has spoken to both professional groups and community organizations regarding the benefits of aggressively appealing tax assessments. 

As a seasoned professional with 18 years of experience in property management and condominium administration, Eric Ruby serves as a Regional Director for FirstService Residential, a leading community association management firm committed to excellence in service and community development.

With a deep understanding of both the residential market and the unique needs of property owners, Eric is dedicated to fostering strong client relationships and implementing innovative solutions to maximize property value and resident satisfaction. Leveraging a strategic approach to management, Eric works closely with property managers and staff to develop and execute tailored plans that align with each community's goals and objectives.

Eric is known for his hands-on leadership style, empowering teams to achieve peak performance while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Their commitment to excellence is reflected in their ability to consistently exceed client expectations and drive growth within their region.

Prior to joining FirstService Residential, Eric held key leadership positions within the property management industry, where he honed his skills in operations management, financial analysis, and business development. 

Before joining Vote HOA Now as business partner to the community association industry, Ruth was involved in association management at both a branch office and onsite community. As Director of Operations, along with overseeing vote management throughout the US, she is involved with business development and marketing where she presents both in-person and online to management companies, managers, committees, and boards. Ruth has a communications degree from the University of Illinois, holds the CMCA® designation, and is a CAI Educated Business Partner.

Elizabeth Sokacich is a highly experienced CommunityManager with over 20 years of industry experience.  She has spent the last12 years with FirstService Residential excelling as the manager of large scaleproperties, as well as supervising, onboarding and transitioning new propertiesand managers.  Elizabeth has been a CAI  member since 2009 andcurrently holds an Illinois real estate brokers license a CMCA, AMS and PCAMdesignation.

As Vice President of Operations, Michele serves in a leadership role for Associa Chicagoland’s suburban location which includes overseeing a diverse team of managers and operational staff as well as being responsible for the property management operations. Michele has extensive experience in the residential property management industry and has been involved in our industry since 1998.

Michele’s areas of expertise include business strategy, operational improvement, financial /budget planning and conflict management. Her industry experience, strong client focus, communication and leadership capabilities continue to drive excellence for our suburban team.

Michele’s experience in maintaining all aspects of community association management and proven team leadership enables her to provide the highest level of management services for our clients. Her focus on training community managers in systems, industry compliance, internal processes, procedures and standards has helped to strengthen our processes for uniformity and compliance.  Michele is a valuable contributor to our company vision and takes pride in setting a positive example for our teams to strive for excellence in serving our clients

Michele is a licensed Community Association Manager in Illinois and holds the Certified Management of Community Associations (CMCA) designation and the Association Management Specialist (AMS) designation. She is also a member of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) and has been a speaker for their annual conference as she takes pride in being able to educate board members, managers and homeowners. She also previously held her Illinois Real Estate Salesperson license. 

Samantha Snooks is a high-rise Condominium Association Manager in downtown Chicago. She possesses both the CMCA (Certified Manager of Community Associations) and AMS (Association Managing Specialist) designations through CAI and has a background in Real Estate. Her goals as a high-rise Property Manager are providing strong leadership for Associations, enhancing buildings to its highest potential, and creating solutions to difficult problems.