Homeowner Leader of the Year Award

Ronda Theisen was selected as the 2025 Homeowner Leader of the Year in recognition of her exceptional leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her community. As president of 1200 Riverside Drive Community Association in Reno, Nevada, Ronda has spent more than a decade strengthening her community through transparent governance, resident engagement, and long-range planning. Following a devastating fire that displaced residents—including herself—Ronda became a steady and compassionate presence, overseeing reconstruction efforts, supporting homeowners through recovery, and ensuring the community remained united during a difficult period. Beyond her own association, she has been an active volunteer with CAI Nevada, serving on legislative and education initiatives while advocating for stronger, more informed homeowner leadership throughout the industry.

Joyce Sachs was selected as the 2024 Homeowner Leader of the Year in recognition of her extraordinary commitment to community service, homeowner education, and volunteer leadership at both the chapter and national levels. As president of the 1219 West Wynnewood Condominium Association in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, Joyce has led her community with professionalism, energy, and a strong focus on resident engagement and sound governance. Her leadership extends well beyond her association through extensive volunteer service with the CAI Keystone Chapter and CAI National, including leadership roles with the Homeowner Leaders Council, chapter board, finance and engagement committees, and legislative advocacy efforts. Known for her collaborative spirit, mentorship, and tireless dedication, Joyce exemplifies the very best of homeowner leadership and volunteer service within the community association industry.

Lyle E. McKenzie was selected as the 2023 Homeowner Leader of the Year in recognition of his longstanding commitment to homeowner education, legislative advocacy, and volunteer service. A retired U.S. Army senior non-commissioned officer and president of Eldorado Neighborhood Second Homeowners Association in North Las Vegas, Nevada, Lyle transformed his own introduction to community association leadership into a mission of helping others succeed. Through years of service with CAI Nevada—including leadership roles on legislative, membership, education, and grassroots committees—he has helped educate thousands of homeowners and strengthen understanding of community associations across Nevada. His dedication to mentorship, public service, and ethical leadership has made a lasting impact on both his local community and the broader industry.

Michael Traidman was selected as the 2022 Homeowner Leader of the Year in recognition of his exceptional financial stewardship, educational leadership, and dedication to advancing the community association industry. As president of the Mira Vista Homeowners Association in Rancho Mirage, California, Mike served his community for more than a decade, helping maintain strong reserves, avoid special assessments, and preserve long-term financial stability. Beyond his own association, he played a transformative role within CAI Coachella Valley and CAI National through leadership on numerous committees, educational programs, legislative initiatives, and homeowner outreach efforts. Mike also helped establish the Desert Cities HOA Council, expanding educational opportunities for hundreds of homeowner leaders throughout the region. His professionalism, integrity, and passion for community leadership have had a lasting influence across the industry.

Dr. Robert Rothwell was selected as the inaugural Homeowner Leader of the Year in recognition of his extraordinary passion for homeowner education, volunteer service, and leadership within the community association industry. As president of The Village Green Homeowners Association in Henderson, Nevada, Dr. Rothwell dedicated more than a decade to advancing ethical governance, homeowner engagement, and board education. A longtime leader within CAI Nevada and CAI National, he served on numerous committees, the CAI National Board of Trustees, and the Homeowner Leaders Council while mentoring countless volunteer leaders and advocating for stronger communities through education and collaboration. Widely respected for his enthusiasm, thought leadership, and commitment to service, Dr. Rothwell helped inspire a new generation of homeowner volunteers and industry leaders.