“ When I think about the phrase next generation, I don’ t think it only refers to age.
To me, it means the next wave of professionals in any role who are willing to bring fresh ideas, adapt to change, and ask,‘ Is there a better way to do this?’”
— Nina Hunter learning from experienced leaders. Open to trying new tools and ideas. Open to building real relationships, not just transactions.
I still have plenty to learn, and I’ m grateful for that. CAI has given me a place to ask questions, build relationships, and better understand the people who make this industry work. If that’ s what the next generation looks like, I’ m proud to be part of it."
Gabrielle Shaffer shared a similar sentiment in a different way when she said,‘ Just start.’ Attend an event. Introduce yourself. Join a committee. You don’ t have to have every step mapped out before getting involved. In many cases, the relationships you build and the conversations you have will shape your path more than any formal plan ever could."
• Danielle Leon
" Getting involved with the Community Associations Institute( CAI) has been one of the best decisions I ' ve made in my career. I currently serve on the Ambassador Committee and Co- Chair the Young Professionals Committee for the West Florida Chapter."
• Haley Franzen
" Becoming a board member so quickly after moving in was never the plan, but it turned out to be one of the most valuable experiences of my homeownership journey.
Shortly after joining the board came what we now call“ the mulch moment.” I came home one day to find my fiancé replacing mulch with rock in our landscaping. My immediate reaction was:‘ We might need to submit an A�C request for this.’
It became a running joke, but also a perfect example of how quickly I had started viewing things through a board member lens.
More importantly, it gave me a firsthand look at how much coordination goes into maintaining a community, the importance of budgeting and communication, and the balance between resident expectations and long-term planning.”
Final thoughts
• Nina Hunter
" If the next generation of community association professionals has one defining characteristic, I hope it is this: A willingness to stay open. Open to
• Danielle Leon
" Ten years from now, I want to be someone who helped shift the perception of this career— someone who showed other young professionals that community association management isn ' t a fallback job, but a legitimate, respected profession worth building a career around.
It ' s an exciting time to be early in this career. The industry is changing fast, and I ' d rather help shape that change than watch it happen from the sidelines."
• Haley Franzen
" Buying a home at 26 years old marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter, but getting involved in my community is what truly shaped the experience.
Joining the HOA board wasn’ t planned, but it gave me a deeper understanding of leadership, collaboration, and community connection.
At the end of the day, I didn’ t just become a homeowner. I became part of a community, and, unexpectedly, part of helping lead it.”
34 community • September 2026 WWW. CAIW�STFLO�IDA. O�G