Her Story
About Sandra
Sandra Fuentes, LCAM, CMCA, is a seasoned community association management professional and Director of Operations with extensive experience in HOA and condominium management. Based in the Tampa, Florida area, she has built a career focused on operational excellence, board relations, regulatory compliance, client service, and team development. In her current role with Associa Gulf Coast, Sandra leads Community Association Managers, oversees branch operations, develops strategic initiatives, monitors financial and operational performance, and builds strong relationships with clients and Board members. Her leadership reflects a proactive approach to anticipating association needs, improving workflows, and delivering high-quality management services.
Throughout her career, Sandra has held progressively responsible positions, including Regional Director, General Manager, and Property Manager. Her experience encompasses strategic planning, fiscal management, budgeting, contract oversight, property operations, conflict resolution, regulatory compliance, and business development. She has a strong working knowledge of Florida condominium and community association requirements and has advised Boards of Directors on governing documents, policies, procedures, and applicable regulations. Beyond managing operations, Sandra is passionate about developing people and mentoring emerging professionals, using her experience to help managers strengthen their leadership capabilities and navigate complex challenges with confidence.
Sandra is also deeply committed to professional education, community involvement, and leadership outside her day-to-day responsibilities. She is the President and Founder of the Tampa Managers Institute, which provides educational opportunities and lunch-and-learn programs for community association managers. She has also served in leadership and board roles with professional and community organizations, including Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. Her professional philosophy centers on continuous improvement, transparency, honesty, perseverance, and giving others the grace to learn from experience. Sandra credits her drive to continually do better and the support of her family as important contributors to her success, while her volunteer involvement reflects her commitment to giving back and supporting causes that strengthen families and communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sandra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the drive to do better and the support of my family.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to give yourself grace. We are not perfect, so with transparency and honesty, we'll be okay.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be authentically yourself, and there's a space for all of us.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There is a strong need for professionals in the field especially in Florida, so opportunities are there. The difficulties include knowing where you want to be and getting through it because it's not easy work, but if you push through the opportunities are definitely there.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Transparency and honesty are most important. We're not perfect so with those two things we'll be okay.
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