COO Shaw Introduced to SaddleBrooke HOA2 Residents

SBINSIDER REPORTING | 12/8/2024

On Wednesday, December 4th, Darren Shaw was presented to the residents of HOA2 as the new Chief Operating Officer. Before a crowd of about 200, Shaw was introduced by HOA2 Board Chair Matt Kambic with the dais of the board seated on stage. 

Kambic related the decision process to hire a COO which is a different business model than the prior structure, which had a General Manager as the top staff person. Kambic effusively praised outgoing GM, Walt Yazzi for his commitment to the HOA while the board was in the process of hiring his replacement. The Board first considered hiring a management company to run its operations before settling on the COO model and hiring Shaw. The Board considered 20 applicants, narrowed to list to seven and brought three of those in for a personal interview and visit to the property. 

Shaw’s latest posting was at San Diego Country Estates a PUD in Ramona, CA. and he has also worked in Scottsdale AZ. 

In his remarks, Shaw pointed out that the “policy” model of property management, where he is given broad direction by the board is one in where he is very comfortable. Shaw noted that he is responsible for leading and responding to, three distinct groups: The HOA Board, the, members and the staff. Balancing the competing goals of each is his task as the leader.

In addition to his deep experience in the Property Management sector, he has earned several certifications in his field. A Navy veteran, Shaw relayed that he has family spread across the country, a situation familiar to most SaddleBrooke residents.  

I like to think I know everything, until I don’t -Darren Shaw, new COO

In answer to questions from the audience, Shaw said his top priorities are to develop a strong trust relationship with the board of directors, work on balancing the wants versus the needs of the community and opening a line of communication with the HOA1 GM, Vivian Timian. He also and he agreed to re-start the informal Q\A with him once a month as is done at HOA1.

The first coffee is now on the calendar for January 8th, 10-11AM, a Wednesday. 

SBINSIDER plans to conduct a one-on-one interview with Shaw in January. 

The full introductory video is available below: