"I love living in Power Ranch and take great pride in owning a home here. However, over the past few years, I've observed a troubling decline in our community's quality. This decline includes everything from frivolous lawsuits and inadequate landscaping to poor lake maintenance, gopher infestations, vandalism, and deteriorating infrastructure—the issues are extensive."
Jeremy Harger
Have you previously volunteered on a Power Ranch Committee? If so, what committee and how long?
While I have not directly served on the Power Ranch HOA Board or Committee, I believe that the fundamental skills required for such a role are closely aligned with those I’ve developed and demonstrated through my extensive leadership experiences both in volunteering and professional environments.
In my professional capacity, I have successfully led teams through complex projects by not only meeting but often exceeding project goals within the constraints of budget and time. This involved strategic planning, conflict resolution, and financial management, all of which are critical elements in effective HOA governance.
Leadership effectiveness in an HOA context isn’t solely determined by previous specific experience on an HOA board but rather by a proven track record of relevant skills and the ability to apply them in managing community affairs effectively. Based on my leadership background and proven problem-solving capabilities developed through varied yet relevant experiences, I am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to an HOA Board, ensuring that decisions are made for the betterment and cohesion of the community.
Have you ever served on an HOA Board or Committee? If so, please describe.
As previously mentioned, although I have never served on a homeowners association committee or Board—believing until recently that our current management was handling affairs adequately—I dedicated my time last fall to a local nonprofit, LiveLove. There, I designed all the collateral and signage for their Annual Charity Gala Event. This pivotal event successfully raised over $250,000 to establish a community center in a low-income neighborhood in Chandler. The project demanded strategic planning, keen aesthetic judgment, and robust communication with various stakeholders, including vendors, donors, and community members, to facilitate a successful event.
In October 2024, I contributed to the United Way’s “Book in a Bag” volunteer initiative, where I assembled bags filled with books and other items for disadvantaged children. This effort necessitated organizational skills, teamwork, and a profound understanding of the community’s needs to ensure the donations were impactful.
I often volunteer at the Salvation Army Shelter in Phoenix, which offers temporary accommodation, food, and clothing to homeless families. This role required empathy, effective coordination, and hands-on management—skills that are essential for making informed decisions on an HOA board.
These experiences underscore my dedication to community service and my ability to manage and lead in scenarios that demand both a strategic vision and meticulous attention to detail. They also demonstrate that effective governance and leadership are characterized not just by specific experiences but also by the ability to apply comprehensive management and interpersonal skills across various situations.
Serving as an HOA board member necessitates foresight, accountability, and a commitment to community service—qualities I have consistently exhibited through my volunteer and professional work. Therefore, while I have not previously held a position on an HOA board, my qualifications and skill set are well suited for the responsibilities such a role demands.
The breadth of my experiences, rooted in a genuine commitment to community engagement and fiscal responsibility, provides a strong foundation for serving effectively on an HOA Board, despite not having direct previous experience in such a role.
Why do you want to be a Power Ranch Board member?
I love living in Power Ranch and take great pride in owning a home here. However, over the past few years, I’ve observed a troubling decline in our community’s quality. This decline includes everything from frivolous lawsuits and inadequate landscaping to poor lake maintenance, gopher infestations, vandalism, and deteriorating infrastructure—the issues are extensive.
Among these concerns, one of the most upsetting aspects has been the dysfunctional board meetings. Having attended most of the meetings this past year, I’ve come to realize that the most effective way I can contribute to improving our community is by becoming a board member myself. I am a peacemaker and a unifier. I firmly believe that with a cooperative and cohesive board, we can restore Power Ranch to its status as the crown jewel of Gilbert.
What are the three most important issues you view for the Association and why?
Given the observed challenges and opportunities within our homeowners association, I propose addressing three key areas that are critical for our community’s progression:
- Restoring Respect and Cooperation to the Board of Directors:
Mutual respect and effective cooperation among the board members are fundamental to any successful governance body. It has become apparent that tensions and miscommunications have hindered our ability to make decisive, positive changes. This needs to be addressed by fostering an environment of open dialogue, respect for differing viewpoints, and a commitment to the common good. Regular team-building exercises and conflict resolution training could be instrumental. My experience leading diverse teams, both as a volunteer and in a professional capacity, has equipped me with the necessary skills to help cultivate a more cohesive board. Moreover, incorporating structured decision-making processes will ensure every member’s viewpoint is considered, promoting a more harmonious board dynamic.
- Improving the Landscape and Lakes of Power Ranch:
The current state of our landscaping and lakes not only affects the aesthetic and environmental quality of our community but also impacts property values and the overall satisfaction of residents. Having been responsible for the design and oversight of the collateral for large scale charity events focused on community improvement, I understand the importance of and have an eye for appealing, well-maintained communal spaces. We need to benchmark against neighboring communities that boast well-kept landscapes and seek to emulate or even surpass their standards. This could involve reassessing our current landscaping contracts, introducing more rigorous maintenance schedules, and considering sustainable practices that could enhance long-term upkeep and aesthetics.
- Keeping CCMC Accountable:
It’s critical to acknowledge and address the community’s dissatisfaction with our current management company, CCMC. As a board, we must ensure that our community management is not only meeting expectations but also aligning with the best interests of our residents. If necessary improvements are not made, we should be prepared to seek alternatives. This requires a transparent evaluation process of CCMC’s performance, including regular reviews and the setting of clear, measurable benchmarks for service delivery. My prior experiences in managing and evaluating team performance will be helpful in implementing these measures effectively. We must remember that our management company works for us; our community deserves accountability and service that meets our standards.
Addressing these core issues effectively will not only improve the operational functionality of our board and the physical environment of our community but will also ensure that all residents feel valued and heard. If elected, I am committed to bringing a spirit of service, excellence, and community-first thinking to the board, leveraging my background to make a tangible difference in how our HOA operates and thrives.
What experience or qualifications do you have that would lend strength to being a Board member?
I am a BA graduate of Westmont College (a liberal arts college in Santa Barbara, CA), with a Fine Arts major and Business minor and have utilized this education throughout my career. I have spent the last three decades working in the marketing departments as a Creative Leader for large companies like Nike, Cole Haan, Coach, Lucky Brand Jeans, Sony Pictures and currently at Salt River Project (SRP) here in the Valley. I’ve always led from a place of active listening and coming up with creative solutions that benefit the entire team (internal customers, external consumers, production group, etc). Coming up with innovative and team oriented solutions is the backbone of everything I do and I would use this same skillset to work hard for Power Ranch.
Throughout my career, which has included time spent in Portland, New York City, Los Angeles and Phoenix, I have worked with every type of personality and know how to negotiate and navigate difficult situations. In addition to my corporate experience, I significantly value volunteering with nonprofits and community organizations as I believe it is at the smaller level where change can really happen. Here are some recent examples of where I have volunteered:
– In the fall I donated my time to a local non-profit called LiveLove and designed all of the collateral and signage for their Annual Charity Gala Event that raised over $250,000 to build a community center for a low-income neighborhood in Chandler.
– In October I participated in a United Way “Book in a Bag” volunteer event that assembled goodie bags filled with books and other small gifts for disadvantaged children.
– Most recently, I volunteered at the Salvation Army Shelter in Phoenix that provides temporary housing, food and clothing for homeless families.
I am also actively engaged in helping out my children’s sports teams/activities/clubs at Sossaman Middle School and Higley High School. Our family believes in the potential of Power Ranch and frequently do family trash pick-up days in the neighborhood to keep things looking nice in our parks and green spaces.
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