Associated Asset Management (AAM), a prominent figure in community association management and accounting services across the United States, has announced a significant leadership transition. Elaine Anghel will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) on September 26, 2024, succeeding the retiring Ercell Sherman. This change in executive leadership signals a new era for AAM as it continues to strengthen its position in the industry.
Ercell Sherman, who has served as COO with distinction, will begin transitioning out of his role as he prepares for retirement. Sherman's tenure has been marked by strategic vision and a dedication to operational excellence that has significantly contributed to AAM's success. His impact on the company's administrative services and community portfolio operations has been substantial, leaving a lasting legacy on the organization.
To ensure continuity and a smooth transition, Sherman will remain in a supporting executive leadership capacity until September 2027. This extended transition period underscores AAM's commitment to maintaining operational stability and preserving institutional knowledge during this leadership change.
Elaine Anghel, the incoming COO, brings over three decades of leadership experience to her new role. Previously serving as AAM's Senior Vice President of On-Site Community Management, Anghel has demonstrated a proven track record in operational efficiency and strategic initiative implementation. Her extensive experience in managing large-scale client partnerships across the country positions her well to lead AAM into its next phase of growth and innovation.
The appointment of Anghel as COO is significant for the community association management industry. Her reputation as a dynamic and results-oriented leader, combined with her deep understanding of AAM's operations, suggests that the company is poised for continued success and potential expansion of its services. This leadership transition may lead to new strategic directions and operational improvements that could influence industry standards and practices.
Joel Kramer, CEO of AAM, expressed confidence in the leadership transition, stating, "As we look to the future, we are thrilled to welcome Elaine Anghel into the role of COO. Her vision and commitment to excellence align with our goals, and I am confident that she will lead AAM to continued accomplishments and success." This endorsement from the CEO indicates a strong alignment between Anghel's leadership style and AAM's future objectives.
The implications of this leadership change extend beyond AAM itself. As a major player in community association management, any shifts in AAM's strategy or operations under new leadership could have ripple effects throughout the industry. Clients and partners of AAM may see changes in service delivery or new initiatives that could set new benchmarks for the sector.
Furthermore, this transition highlights the importance of succession planning in maintaining organizational stability and growth. AAM's approach to this leadership change, with a planned transition period and the promotion of an internal candidate, serves as a model for other companies in the industry facing similar leadership transitions.
As AAM enters this new chapter, the industry will be watching closely to see how Anghel's leadership shapes the company's future. Her success in this role could potentially influence trends in community association management, from technological adoption to client relationship management strategies. The coming months and years will reveal the full impact of this leadership transition on AAM and the broader industry landscape.


