In a homeowner's association (HOA) or, in our case, a property owners' association (POA), the POA board and the Community Association Manager(CAM) or Property Manager have distinct but complementary roles that are essential for the effective operation of the community.

Roles and Responsibilities of POA Board Members and the Community Association Manager
HOA/POA board members are typically volunteer homeowners elected by the community. They are responsible for making strategic decisions and overseeing the big-picture management of the association. Their primary duties are rooted in a fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interests of the entire community.
* Financial Management: This is a core responsibility. The board is in charge of preparing and approving the annual budget, setting and collecting assessments (dues), managing reserve funds for long-term projects, and ensuring financial transparency by providing regular reports to homeowners. They must also oversee financial audits and reserve studies.
* Enforcing Governing Documents: Board members are responsible for consistently and fairly enforcing the community's governing documents, such as the bylaws, covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). This includes addressing violations and imposing penalties when necessary.
* Maintaining Common Areas: The board is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and upkeep of all common areas and shared amenities, such as parks, pools, clubhouses, and landscaping. This involves planning for both routine and long-term maintenance and capital improvements.
* Legal and Fiduciary Duties: Board members must act in good faith and with due diligence. They are responsible for ensuring the HOA complies with all local, state, and federal laws. They must avoid conflicts of interest and, when necessary, seek legal counsel to navigate complex issues.
* Communication and Community Engagement: The board is responsible for communicating with residents about important matters, such as changes in policies, financial updates, and upcoming events. They also conduct and preside over meetings (e.g., board meetings, annual meetings) and work to resolve disputes among residents.
* Strategic Planning: Board members are involved in long-term planning to ensure the community's sustainability and growth, which includes setting goals and prioritizing projects.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Community Association Manager
A community association manager (CAM) is a hired professional who works to execute the policies and decisions made by the HOA board. They handle the day-to-day administrative and operational tasks of the community. Think of the manager as a project implementer and advisor, not a decision-maker.
* Administrative Support: The manager handles the administrative workload of the association. This includes preparing meeting agendas, taking minutes, maintaining official records, and managing databases of homeowners and residents.
* Executing Board Policies: The manager's main role is to implement the policies and decisions of the board. For example, if the board approves a new landscaping contract, the manager will handle the vendor communication, contract negotiation, and oversight of the work.
* Financial Administration: While the board oversees the finances, the manager handles the day-to-day financial operations. This includes billing and collecting assessments, paying bills, and preparing financial reports for the board's review.
* Maintenance and Vendor Management: The manager coordinates maintenance and repair services for common areas. This involves soliciting bids from vendors, negotiating contracts, and supervising their work to ensure it meets the community's quality standards.
* Communication with Homeowners: The manager often serves as the primary point of contact for residents. They respond to homeowner inquiries, address maintenance requests, and issue notices regarding rule violations on behalf of the board.
* Providing Expertise and Guidance: A professional community association manager brings knowledge and experience in areas like finance, strategic planning, and legal compliance. They provide valuable advice to the board to help them make informed and lawful decisions.