We are pleased to share an important and exciting update regarding the future of Community Associations Institute.
Following Tom Skiba’s announcement in December of his retirement as CAI’s chief executive officer, this June, the CAI Board of Trustees jumped into action to begin the process of finding the organization’s next leader. In January, we created the CEO Search Task Force, chaired by Greg Smith, comprising members from all facets of CAI, and contracted with the executive search firm Spencer Stuart. We are grateful for the time and commitment the members made toward this important task. Thank you, Greg, along with Matt Ober, Jessica Knutsen, Staci Gelfound, Lucy Robertson, Michael Johnson, and Jessica Towles-Gottschalk. Each are current or former Board of Trustees members who understand the structure of our organization. We also are grateful for the participation of Kate Bushey, representing the Community Association Managers International Certification Board, and Mark Jones, representing the Foundation for Community Association Research, in the process, as well as feedback provided by CAI’s chapter executive directors.
After an extensive and thorough search process over the past five months, where the CEO Search Task Force met and interviewed both internal and external candidates, the Board of Directors is proud to announce the selection of Dawn M. Bauman, CAE, as CAI’s new chief executive officer, effective July 1, 2025.
As many of you know and have experienced, Dawn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to CAI, especially our advocacy efforts. Over the past 30 years, she has held numerous positions within CAI including chapter executive director, CAMICB executive director, and vice president of chapter development and relations. She is a trusted leader, advocate, and mentor. Through Dawn’s vision, we are confident she will lead our organization with passion and will guide CAI into a new era of growth and continued success. Over the next month, Tom and Dawn will be working closely to ensure a smooth transition.
We want to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude once again to Tom Skiba for his leadership over the past 23 years. He has been instrumental in growing the organization to where it currently stands — with over 50,000 members — while strengthening its position as a leader and advocate for communities.
I hope you join me in congratulating Dawn on her new role. In the coming months, you will hear more from her on her vision for CAI. This is an exciting time for our organization’s health and wellness, especially as we look to create an impact for the next 50 years and 50,000 more members!
For more information about CAI and its leadership, visit www.caionline.org/about-cai/
