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BEFORE YOU FILL THE SEAT...
By
Rafael Aquino
Published September 23, 2020
In some associations, it is easy to fill
vacancies; however, you have to beg for someone to participate in
other associations. Sitting on the Board of Directors does come with
many responsibilities and a commitment of time. As a board member,
you have the fiduciary duty to do what's right for the association's
best interest. At times it can be very challenging because some
board members or members may have their agenda. However, to be
successful in the position, you must steer clear of that. Further,
you must learn to pick your battles. I've seen it too many times
where boards want to agree on every decision, which can't always be
the case. It needs to be evident amongst the group that some battles
will be won, and some will be lost; however, you are all working
towards doing what's right for the community and its residents.
Before you fill that vacancy on the board, I
recommend reviewing your docs to confirm how many seats you should
have. Your documents should clearly outline how many board members
should be on the board. In some cases, it may give you a range, for
instance, 3 - 9 board members. If this is the case, arbitrations
cases have held that it should be five board members. If your
documents state that your associations should have three board
members, make sure you keep it at that number. I can't tell you how
many times I've taken on new clients that seven board members when
the docs only permit three or five. When we come across this
situation, we usually ask the additional members to step down and
create a committee that may be needed in the community. So before
you fill any of those open positions or before you start your annual
elections, make sure you review your documents for the specific
number of board members you should have. Also, remember once you
appointment that new member, they should take a Board Member
certification course within the first ninety days.
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As the Co-Founder and CEO
of Affinity Management Services, Rafael P. Aquino leads his team to
redefine excellence. They serve community associations
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and effectively with
dedication and passion. Rafael’s energy and positive
spirit is the foundation of Affinity Management
Services’ company culture, which instills enthusiasm and
excitement when providing expert advice to its board
members and relieving the day-to-day burdens of running
a community association.
Since 2007, Rafael has
developed a work culture that values responsive and
high-quality services. He has led his team by following
a proactive vs reactive philosophy. The same approach
Rafael instills in the day to day operations of each
association. Today, Affinity Management Services
maintains its success and benefits as a result of the
foundation Rafael has built and continues to foster by
providing educational seminars, continuing education
classes for association managers and board members
alike.
Rafael and his team help condominium and homeowners’
associations save money and improve their communities.
His calm, personable, and service-oriented nature helps
him to establish strong relationships with ease. Rafael
is known as a sincere and honest leader who looks out
for the best interests of his clients and communities,
and he strongly advocates for their needs. His role
requires coordination and communication, as such he
takes logical and intelligent steps to approach
challenges head-on.
As a graduate of Florida International University’s
electrical engineering program and a licensed community
association manager, Rafael’s education and skills equip
him with unique insights to tackle complex problems
through critical thinking. He understands how each
component within a system works together in order to
effectively arrive at solutions, techniques, and
conclusions. Therefore, as he manages the multiple
challenges of running a community association management
company, he understands how each property is its own
unique system and tailors’ specific services to assure
that all their needs are met.
For more information about Rafael P. Aquino and Affinity
Management Services please visit
www.ManagedByAffinity.com or call 1-800-977-6279
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Doral Office: 8200 NW 41st ST
Suite 200
Doral, FL 33166
Broward Office: 150 S Pine Island RD Suite 300
Plantation, FL 33324
O: 800-977-6279 ● F: 305-325-4053
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