Vernon Kline CMCA | AMS
President
About Vernon
Vernon started working in the HOA management industry in 2008. From 2010 until 2015 he was an onsite manager for several large-scale communities in the Charlotte area. Vernon grew up in upstate New York then moved to South Carolina in 2001 where he enrolled and graduated from Winthrop University. Prior to working in HOA management, he spent time working for the Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Hornets. Vernon is married with two children and together they enjoy traveling, camping, hiking, and watching sports.
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Nicole DeRiso CMCA | AMS | PCAM
Vice President of Community Management
About Nicole
Nicole holds a Bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University, and in 2011, began her career with Cedar Management Group, where she gained hands-on experience working across all departments This experience allowed her to gain a well-rounded understanding of the industry. Her dedication to professional growth is highlighted by her CMCA, AMS, and PCAM designations, which exemplify her commitment to delivering the highest level of service and expertise. She is also actively involved with the Community Associations Institute (CAI), where she contributed to the ongoing evolution of the field and advocate for the needs of associations.
Outside of her professional life, she is a proud parent to two energetic young children. Family time is a priority, and when they are not immersed in the daily hustle and bustle, you’ll often find her outdoors, soaking up the sunshine, and making lasting memories together.
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Megan McGrath CMCA
Vice President of Corporate Strategy
About Megan
Megan McGrath is the Director of Executive Administration with Cedar Management Group. She has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Management from Wingate University and has been with Cedar since August of 2012. Megan currently holds her CMCA designation with the Community Association Institute and is also furthering her education through ongoing financial and accounting courses. As a native to the Charlotte area, Megan has watched Charlotte grow into the bustling metropolis that it is today. Megan enjoys yoga and spends most weekends traveling with her husband and dogs.
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Scott Hines CMCA | AMS
Director | Community Management
About Scott
Scott Hines joined Cedar Management Group in 2007 and has held several key positions within the company, developing a comprehensive understanding of both the HOA industry and Cedar’s operations. With a strong commitment to professional growth, Scott holds the CMCA and AMS designations from the Community Associations Institute.
Outside of work, Scott is married and a proud parent of two boys. He enjoys balancing his family life with a passion for spending time outdoors.
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Jessica Barham CMCA | AMS
Director | Community Management
About Jessica
Jessica Barham holds a Bachelor’s degree from UNC Charlotte and a Masters degree from Western Carolina. Since starting with Cedar in 2016, Jessica has held various roles in Operations and Community Management which allows her to bring a well-rounded approach to her leadership role in association management. She holds her CMCA and AMS designations through Community Associations Institute (CAI) and remains dedicated to continuing education and pursuing industry expertise.
In her personal life, Jessica and her husband have a teenage daughter and two Australian Shepherds. Together, they enjoy church, traveling, home projects, and Nascar.
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Lauren May
Director | Operations
About Lauren
Lauren May is the Director of Operations with Cedar Management Group. Lauren has been with Cedar since 2016 and started out at the company as a phone agent. Lauren enjoys learning new departments so that she can use that knowledge to assist our homeowners as well as come up with improvements to her department’s procedures and processes. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, baking and chasing around her two little girls and 2 labrador pups!
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Rachel Dearing CMCA | AMS | PCAM
Director | Accounting
About Rachel
Rachel Dearing is a seasoned professional in the community association management industry, bringing a well-rounded background and a strong commitment to excellence in every role she takes on. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Virginia Tech University, along with an Associate degree in Mental Health and Human Services—an educational foundation that uniquely equips her to approach her work with both strategic insight and a compassionate perspective.
Rachel began her career in the financial sector, holding various accounting roles that helped her develop a keen eye for detail and a solid understanding of fiscal responsibility. Her transition into the Homeowners Association industry marked a pivotal point in her professional journey, where she quickly demonstrated a natural aptitude for community management and leadership.
Over the years, Rachel has successfully taken on multiple roles within the HOA field, gaining hands-on experience and deepening her expertise across a wide range of responsibilities. Her dedication to continued professional development is evident through her achievement of several respected industry credentials, including the Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA), the Association Management Specialist (AMS), and the prestigious Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) designation.
Rachel is known for her strong organizational skills, ability to build relationships with residents and board members, and her calm, solutions-oriented approach to challenges. She takes pride in creating positive, well-managed communities and fostering environments where both residents and teams can thrive.
When she’s not working, Rachel enjoys a well-balanced life full of travel—especially to sun-soaked beach destinations—along with a passion for exploring new foods and cultures. She’s also an avid reader and values downtime spent with her loved ones and her sweet/obnoxious cat, who never fails to bring a little extra joy and entertainment to her daily routine.
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Julie Merrell CMCA | AMS
Vice President of Sales
About Julie
Julie has a Bachelor of Music Performance Degree from Winthrop University and holds the CMCA and AMS designations from CAI. Julie is responsible for sales and client relations with Cedar Management Group. Julie has held multiple positions in sales, customer service, property management, and HOA management. In her free time, Julie enjoys reading, traveling, and music.
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Aubry Larkin CMCA | AMS
Vice President of Client Services
About Aubrey
Aubry Larkin is the Vice President of Operations at Cedar Management Group. With over 20 years of experience in real estate, HOA management, and property management, she brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her role.
Holding both the Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) designation and the Association Management Specialist (AMS) designation through the Community Association Institute, Aubry continues to expand her expertise through ongoing education in association management and accounting.
Over the past six years at Cedar Management Group, she has played a pivotal role in driving operational efficiency, innovation, and team success. Her dedication to excellence has been instrumental in the company’s continued growth, and she is passionate about fostering collaborative work environments, empowering teams, and implementing strategic solutions that align with the company’s goals.
Outside of her professional life, Aubry enjoys spending quality time with her husband, two children, and her beloved “gaggle” of animals, fully embracing her role as both a family leader and animal enthusiast.
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Charity Johnson
Vice President of Human Resources
About Charity
With over 15 years of experience in human resources, Charity Johnson serves as the Director of Human Resources at Cedar Management Group, where she brings a wealth of expertise in strategic HR management and organizational development. Holding a Certification in Human Resource Management, Charity has spent her career shaping and leading high-performing HR teams, helping organizations build positive, productive work environments.
Throughout her career, Charity has demonstrated a deep commitment to driving growth and enhancing employee experience. Her ability to balance executive-level strategy with hands-on, people-focused solutions has earned her a reputation for being both results-driven and empathetic.
Passionate about fostering an inclusive and supportive culture, Charity works diligently to ensure that our HR practices align with business objectives while promoting personal and professional growth for employees. Her leadership and dedication to the HR field continue to make a significant impact on the company’s success.
Outside of her professional role, Charity is a true lover of island life, always seeking the next beach getaway. Whether it’s listening to the laid-back tunes of Jimmy Buffett or soaking in the timeless melodies of Elvis Presley, she finds inspiration in the freedom and relaxation that comes with island vibes. When she’s not enjoying music or planning her next adventure, Charity treasures quality time with her family, who are her greatest support and joy.
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Casey Joye CMCA | AMS
Director | Community Management
About Casey
Casey joined Cedar Management Group in 2018, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for community management. She holds both the Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) and Association Management Specialist (AMS) designations, reflecting her commitment to excellence in the field. Currently, Casey is pursuing her Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) credential through the Community Associations Institute, further demonstrating her drive to advance her expertise and deliver exceptional service to the communities she serves.
Before transitioning to the homeowners’ association industry, Casey built a strong foundation in property management within the multifamily sector, where she earned her Property Management license. This diverse background equips her with a unique perspective and a comprehensive skill set, enabling her to effectively address the needs of residents and boards alike.
A native of the Upstate of South Carolina, Casey grew up immersed in the region’s natural beauty and tight-knit communities, values she carries with her to this day. She and her family continue to call the area home.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Casey is an avid outdoor enthusiast, frequently spending her free time camping, fishing, hiking, and running. Her love for nature is matched by her commitment to giving back—she actively volunteers with local animal rescue organizations, dedicating time and effort to rehabilitating dogs from overpopulated shelters and helping them find loving homes.
With her blend of professional expertise, community-focused mindset, and personal integrity, Casey is a valued member of the Cedar Management Group team, consistently striving to enhance the quality of life for the communities she serves.
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Jordan Yocum
Director | Internal Controls
About Jordan
Jordan brings over five years of experience in association management, with a career that began in customer support and evolved through hands-on involvement across all operational areas. From working directly with homeowners and boards to gaining deep knowledge in violations, ARC processes, and financial systems, Jordan has developed a well-rounded perspective that now serves as the foundation of her role as Director of Internal Controls.
Her comprehensive experience has equipped her with a keen eye for process improvement, risk management, and operational accountability. Jordan’s ability to connect the dots between departments, identify gaps, and implement efficient solutions has made her a trusted leader and invaluable asset to both her team and the communities she supports.
Outside of work, Jordan enjoys spending time outdoors with her son Jayce, husband Derrick, and their sweet dog Jax. Whether it’s a walk in the park or a weekend adventure, family time is where she finds her greatest joy and inspiration.
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Jaime Fox
Director | Technology Development
About Jaime
Jaime Fox began her career as a mailroom clerk at Cedar Management Group in 2019. Her previous experience as an EMT and Firefighter equipped her with invaluable skills in assessing situations, applying critical thinking and decision-making for the best possible outcome.
Over the past six years, she has learned multiple aspects of Cedar which facilitated her rapid advancement within the company, and currently holds her Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) designation. Jaime was also chosen to complete a Master Software Certification program and is actively pursuing this designation. She continues to be instrumental in developing and refining our company’s internal processes and procedures and is passionate about developing training material with the end user in mind.
In her free time, Jaime enjoys cooking, cruising with her husband, and spending time with the world’s most adorable doggies. Pictures are available upon request.
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Senior Staff
Donna Beland-Frost CMCA | AMS
Area Manager | Community Management
Shon Duren
Area Manager | Community Management
Christopher Kellar CMCA | AMS
Area Manager | Community Management
Lisa KushmaulCMCA | AMS
Area Manager | Community Management
Michelle Jacobsen CMCA | AMS
Area Manager | Community Management
Brittany Ladwig
Area Manager | Community Management
Christi Jones CMCA
Area Manager | Community Management
Angela Elliot
Manager | Accounting
Eric Green
Manager | Accounting
Amanda Smith
Manager | Transitions
Litish Preston
Area Manager | Community Management
Tonya Moore
Assistant Accounting Manager
