Her Story
About Marie
Marie Porreca is a community relations and association management professional with over a decade of experience leading HOA operations, governance, stakeholder engagement, vendor management, financial oversight, and community development across multiple associations. She began her career path with a food co-op in Vermont and various roles before transitioning into community association management around 2012. After managing associations including those at ski resorts, she joined Hotwire in April of this year as Regional Community Relations Manager - Carolinas, serving as a conduit between the organization and community associations to deliver internet as a fourth utility that supports aging in place, telemedicine, security, and connectedness. Porreca attributes her success to strong family values, a commitment to service instilled by her high school motto Servium at Ursula Academy in Wilmington, Delaware, continuous learning, mentorship, and remaining open and curious. She founded the Association Education Network to provide free credentialing classes for managers and has served on boards including the Chamber of Commerce, Southeastern Vermont Leadership Course, and a prevention council. Her values center on community, faith in family, commitment to service, and social engagement, which she maintains through her professional work and personal life in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I was raised with pretty strong family values and high standards. My maiden name is Alfieri, which in Italian means standard-bearer. I also read and am constantly learning across a variety of voices, and mentorship. Seeking mentorship and opportunities to mentor. Remaining open to experiences and curious. Being willing to serve has opened more doors than anything else, and that has to be real, not transactional.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Stay curious and stay open. Bet on yourself. The power of gratitude. Having principles and values around service, dignity, and resilience.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do it before you're ready. Fail as often as you can. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Believe in yourself and your competence. Be the best at being better. Show up with an openness to learn, willingness to ask for help, and gratitude.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Balancing personal privacy with public persona. Putting myself out there more. Every aspect of politics, economics, and demographics impact communities. Maintaining empathy, curiosity, and kindness. Being in the middle of people's lives and finding balance.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Community. Faith in family and community. Commitment to service to each other. Social engagement and connectedness rather than isolation.
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