Letters: Make sure homeowners association managers have proper training

News of a community association management company in the Lowcountry failing to act in the best interests of the homeowner association boards it serves reminds us once again of the value of industry credentialing.

The Community Associations Institute advocates training of managers, board members and committees. The institute awards certifications to individual community managers as well as companies that have invested in professional development and training. Companies that have achieved the highest level of certification are indicated by the Accredited Association Management Company designation.

This credential helps ensure that each employee has the knowledge, experience and integrity to provide homeowner association boards with the best possible service.

A credentialed company is more likely to employ secure, rigorous accounting protocols with separation of duties and redundancy — which reduces the possibility of fiscal mismanagement.

Any community looking for a management company should require that it hold the credential from the Community Associations Institute and be deeply invested in ongoing professional development for its entire team.