Vernon Kline CMCA | AMS
President
About Vernon
Nicole DeRiso CMCA | AMS | PCAM
Vice President of Community Management
About Nicole
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.
Megan McGrath CMCA
Vice President of Corporate Strategy
About Megan
Scott Hines CMCA | AMS
Director | Community Management
About Scott
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.
Lauren May
Director | Operations
About Lauren
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.
Julie Merrell CMCA | AMS
Vice President of Business Development
About Julie
Aubry Larkin CMCA | AMS
Vice President of Operations
About Aubrey
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.
Charity Johnson
Vice President of Human Resources
About Charity
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.
Casey Joye CMCA | AMS
Director | Community Management
About Casey
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.
Jaime Fox
Director | Training
About Jaime
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.
Senior Staff
Jessica Barham CMCA | AMS
Area Manager | Community Management
Donna Beland-Frost CMCA | AMS
Area Manager | Community Management
Shon Duren
Area Manager | Community Management
Christopher Kellar CMCA | AMS
Area Manager | Community Management
Brittany Hladis CMCA | AMS
Area Manager | Community Management
Brittany Ladwig
Area Manager | Community Management
Christi Jones CMCA
Area Manager | Community Management
Rolando Velasquez CMCA | AMS
Area Manager | Community Management
Eric Green
Manager | Accounting
Angela Elliot
Manager | Accounting
Tommy Vestal
Manager | HR
Chris Jackson
HR | Recruiter
Amanda Smith
Manager | Transitions
Tracey Hines
Manager | Administration