Professional Community Association Management

Celebrating Dads

Community Spotlight

Community Anniversaries

Employee Corner

Seminar Series

Find Us on Social Media

Read Past Issues

Home > Resources > Library > Archived Newsletter

Archived Newsletters

Every month, we issue an electronic newsletter, eNews Monthly, to keep clients informed about Association items, spotlight clients, answer frequently asked questions, and let you know what is happening with the company. Old issues of eNews Monthly are available on our Library page.

July 2026

Celebrating Dads

To be an excellent father is to be a jack-of-all-trades. A good dad is more than just a father; good dads become voice actors in nighttime stories, teachers at kitchen tables, coaches at early morning practices and weeknight games, comedians at holiday dinners, and chauffeurs to birthday parties and rehearsals and dances. Our dads teach us life lessons, cheer us on, give us counsel, and stand by us for milestone after milestone. Without the dads (and bonus dads) who help us get by, our worlds would be a lot less vibrant.

The qualities that make great fathers—the on-the-fly problem-solving, preternatural reflexes, wealth of knowledge, quick forgiveness and quicker laughter—make great neighbors, coworkers, mentors, and leaders. The dads on our team act with intention, remain calm during challenges, solve problems with care, and inspire the people around them. We are grateful to have so many awesome dads making up our team.

Last month, we celebrated all the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, father figures, and mentors who have shaped our lives and strengthened our communities. Thank you for the countless sacrifices you’ve made, the lessons you’ve shared, and the love and encouragement you’ve given so freely.

To all the dads in our C.I.A. Services family and throughout the communities we serve, we wish you a very Happy Father’s Day. Though it’s a little late (we had to celebrate all of our alumni in the June edition!), we hope that your Father’s Day was filled with appreciation, laughter, and time spent with the people who matter most.

Manuel Morfin, Father to Jessica Soto
by Jessica Soto, Office Manager

Happy Father’s Day to my hero, my role model, and the greatest dad I could have ever asked for—my father, Manuel Morfin.

My dad’s story is one of courage, determination, and perseverance.

He was born and raised in Mexico, proudly served in the Mexican military, and then made the life-changing decision to come to the United States with a dream of building a better future. He didn’t come here with wealth or connections; he came with an incredible work ethic, unwavering determination, and a belief that if you worked hard enough, anything was possible.

Starting from the ground up, he worked tirelessly, never taking shortcuts and never expecting anything to be handed to him. Through years of dedication, passion, and countless hours in the kitchen, he rose through the ranks to become the Executive Chef of the Petroleum Club of Houston, a position he earned through talent, leadership, and the respect of everyone around him. Today, he enjoys a well-deserved retirement, but his legacy is so much bigger than the titles he earned.

He taught us that your circumstances don’t define your future. Your character does. He showed us what sacrifice looks like, what integrity means, and that success isn’t measured by what you have, it’s measured by the lives you touch and the family you build.

Everything I know about working hard, never giving up, treating people with kindness, and taking pride in what I do came from watching my dad.

Dad, thank you for every sacrifice you made so our family could have opportunities you never had. Thank you for showing us that dreams really do come true when they’re backed by hard work, humility, and faith.

I have always been proud to call you my father, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate even more the incredible journey that brought you here and the life you built for all of us. You truly are living proof of the American Dream, and you will always be my hero.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad. I love you more than words can ever express.

Steven Soto, On-Site Maintenance Tech & Father to Lizzy, Bubba, & Michael
by Jessica Soto, Office Manager

Happy Father’s Day to the best dad our kids could have ever asked for.

Watching Steven be a father has been one of the greatest joys of my life since June 2003. From the very beginning, his goal was never just to raise children; it was to raise good people. He encouraged them to work hard, graduate from high school, believe in themselves, and follow whatever path made them happy.

Today, we couldn’t be prouder of the three amazing young adults we’ve raised together.

Lizzy is doing incredibly, working for both Google and H-E-B while also attending college to become a history teacher. Her dedication and determination make us so proud.

Bubba is in his special education program until he’s 23, and if you ask him what he wants to do when he’s finished, he’ll proudly tell you he wants to work at Artavia just like his daddy. Nothing makes him happier than trying to follow in Steven’s footsteps.

Michael, our baby boy, took some time to discover the path that was right for him. He’s now working at the airport loading baggage and will be starting community college this fall. We are so excited to watch him continue building his future.

Steven has always given his whole heart to our family. He has worked hard, sacrificed, taught by example, celebrated every accomplishment, and picked the kids up whenever they needed him. He has always believed in them, even when they doubted themselves, and has never stopped encouraging them to dream big.

There is no handbook for being a great father, but somehow you’ve always known exactly what your kids needed: love, patience, guidance, laughter, and someone who would always stand beside them. Because of you, they have grown into kind, hardworking, compassionate young adults, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Thank you for every sacrifice you’ve made, every lesson you’ve taught, every baseball game, school event, celebration, and late-night conversation. Thank you for being the steady foundation our family has always been able to count on.

The greatest gift you’ve ever given our children isn’t anything money could buy—it’s knowing they have a dad who loves them unconditionally and will always believe in them.

We love you more than words can express, and we are so grateful for everything you do.

Happy Father’s Day, Steven!

A Dad Who Makes a Difference - George Padgett
by Faith Maldonado-Padgett, Community Specialist

Dad,

For most of my life, I understood your career only in broad strokes. I knew that you answered the phones, and I knew that you received high marks and immense praise for doing it. I knew that you were so good that you coached others on how to help callers, both in formal training sessions and informal conversations. I knew your cubicle, with the walls plastered in keepsakes and mementos, and your desktop covered with all of the tiny reminders that get you through the day. I knew that you had devoted decades of your life to your role. But despite knowing, it all felt abstract and intangible to me.

It wasn’t until I began my own career that I started to grasp what it means to answer the phones every day—and to be good at it.

The truth is: being good at customer service is hard. Our jobs extend well beyond simply knowing the answers. We have to think on our feet, solve complicated problems, communicate clearly, and remain calm. We have to interpret the difference between what people are saying and what they’re trying to say, and then we have to translate this even further into notes on accounts and emails to our teams. Being good at this job requires hearing the question behind the question, navigating the emotions that underlie the call, and guiding people so that they leave the interaction feeling understood, supported, and relieved. Yes, a career in customer service demands quick thinking, creativity, refined communication, and expertise. But it also demands empathy and a commitment to making the world better that can’t be taught.

As I’ve gained experience in this field, I’ve simultaneously gained insight into the kind of person and dad you are. The qualities that make you great at your job also make you a great dad. You’re smart, imaginative, hard-working, funny, resilient, moral, just, and above all else, compassionate. I’ll probably regret saying all this (”humble” didn’t make the list for a reason). But I digress. The point is: you work and parent and live in a way that leaves things better than you found them.

I’m grateful that I’ve had the chance to follow in your footsteps. When I come to work every day, I leave understanding you a little bit more. I have a newfound and complex appreciation for the work you’ve dedicated years to and the person you are. Every chance I have to help others reminds me of the example you’ve set for years.

With that, I wish you a very happy Father’s Day. Joel, Seth, and I appreciate all you do—from your 9-5 to your 5-9. We love you.

Walter Tate, Father to Laura, Patty, Cindy, & Brittany
by Laura Tate, Executive Vice President

My dad, Walter Tate, was known to most people simply as "Tate." He was born in Birmingham, Alabama, served in the United States Marine Corps, and eventually settled in Houston, where he met and married our mom, Ann Pearson. Together, they built a life and raised four daughters: Laura, Patty, Cindy, and Brittany.

Dad spent much of his career working as a crane operator in the chemical industry. Outside of work, he loved being outdoors, fishing, and spending time in his work shed, where he was always building, fixing, or tinkering with something. Even though he was the father of four girls, he made sure we all had our own pair of overalls and fishing poles. Brittany, the youngest, even had her own special corner in the shed where she could play while Dad worked on his projects.

We grew up in a typical middle-class family, and one of the greatest lessons he taught us was the value of hard work. No matter what challenges the economy brought, he always found a way to provide for our family. During the tougher years, I remember him mowing lawns and taking on handyman jobs to make ends meet. He never complained; he simply did what needed to be done. He led by example, and I believe that same strong work ethic became part of each of us.

He also made sure we learned practical life skills. I was probably around 12 years old when he decided it was time to teach me how to drive. I still laugh when I think about his unique teaching style. There I was, barely tall enough to reach the pedals and see over the steering wheel, driving down the road. About a minute into the lesson, he said, "Alright, kiddo," (he always called us girls "kiddo") "you see that car parked up there?" I answered, "Yes, sir," because good manners were never optional. He simply replied, "Don’t hit it." Apparently, that is the secret to driving. He also made sure I knew how to change a tire, change the oil, and perform a tune-up.

Of course, life wasn’t all about work and responsibilities. Some of my favorite memories are of our family road trips to Alabama during the summers, Saturdays spent fishing at local ponds, and afternoons at the neighborhood pool, where Dad would impress us by diving off the high board.

While we miss our parents every day, they continue to live on in our hearts and in the values they instilled in us. We were truly blessed to have been raised by two loving parents whose examples continue to guide us. Their lessons, their love, and their legacy are gifts we are honored to pass along to the next generation of our family.

My Sons as Fathers - Maxx, Rickey, & Justin Woods
by Dawna Woods, Maintenance Coordinator

I would like to recognize my sons and their journeys through fatherhood.

Our oldest son, Maxx, and his wife, Marrisa, welcomed their son, Waylon Lane Joseph Woods (that’s a mouthful!), into the world last year. Maxx has embraced fatherhood like a pro and is very hands-on with Waylon. Wherever Maxx goes, Waylon is usually right there with him. If Maxx is outside working in the yard, you can bet Waylon is nearby in his swing watching his daddy work.

Waylon shares many similarities with Maxx as a baby — from the way they look to the way they sleep. He is such a happy baby and absolutely lights up whenever he sees or hears his daddy. Watching their bond grow has been truly special.

Our middle son, Rickey, is the proud father of our three granddaughters: Addison (12), Raelynn (10), and Alannah (8). Even though Rickey became a father at the young age of 18, he has amazed us time and time again with his parenting. It has been a joy to watch him raise his girls with such love, patience, and dedication.

The girls certainly keep him busy, but he keeps up with them every step of the way. Rickey once told me that he lives for his girls and cannot imagine life without them because they are his world. Hearing that as a parent and grandparent means so much.

Now for our youngest son, Justin — he may not have children yet, but he is definitely a proud fur daddy to Lola. He has had her since her birth seven years ago and has taught her many tricks over the years. I once asked him, “What if you find a girlfriend who doesn’t like dogs?” Without hesitation, he replied that Lola is his baby, and any girlfriend he has will need to love her just as much as he does. I’d say that is the perfect fur daddy response.

As their mom, it fills my heart with pride to see the different ways each of my sons shows love, dedication, and care to those who depend on them. Watching them grow into caring fathers — and fur father — has truly been one of life’s greatest blessings.

Community Spotlight

We are proud of every one of our communities, so it’s always hard to find just one to spotlight. However, we are always eager to share!

Here are the most recent selections:

July Kendall Pointe Homeowners Association San Antonio
June Bay Pointe Community Association Houston
May Colony Grant Homeowners Association Houston
April Magnolia Heights Homeowners Association San Antonio
March Country Colony Community Improvement Association Houston

To see the full story on these communities and more, visit the Community Spotlight page on our site.

Community Anniversaries

Every month we appreciate the communities that are celebrating their anniversaries with us. Here are the clients that started with us in July.

Eastpoint Community Association - 36 years
Inwood Northwest Neighborhood Association - 25 years
Royal Palms Homeowners Association - 22 years
Community Association of Crockett Park - 16 years
Kendall Pointe Homeowners Association - 9 years

Our goal has always been to create a positive, long-term relationship with all of our client communities. We are very proud to be managing all of these communities

Employee Corner

Employee Anniversaries

We love to celebrate special milestones with our employees. In the Employee Corner of each eNews issue, we will list all employees who have reached their first anniversary with our company. Additionally, once employees reach five years and become stockholders, we recognize them each year on their anniversary month.

Read on for this month’s company anniversaries.

Stockholder Anniversaries

This July, we are proud to recognize and celebrate the dedication of our valued stockholders whose passion and commitment continue to make a meaningful impact on our organization. Your hard work shapes the success of our company every day.

Happy 6-year anniversary, Tom Ackerman, Office Support!

Over the years, Tom has been a reliable and supportive team member whose contributions have helped keep operations running smoothly. Known for his collaborative spirit and dedication to teamwork, Tom takes great pride in assisting managers with their mail and ensuring projects are completed in a coordinated and efficient manner. His willingness to step in, lend a hand, and support others exemplifies the teamwork-focused mindset that strengthens our organization every day. He believes that success is built through collaboration and commitment to helping others.

Life Beyond the Office:

Fishing and spending time outdoors.
Swimming and enjoying nature.
Working on vehicles and exploring mechanical projects.
Creating art and expressing his creativity.
Studying ancient history and learning about fascinating civilizations of the past.

Fun Facts

Tom grew up in Sacramento, California, and has many fond memories of the mountains and outdoor adventures he enjoyed there.
He misses the mountain scenery from time to time but says that Texas has certainly grown on him and now feels like home.

Thank you all for being such an important part of our journey. Your years of service with the company are more than just a number—they’re a story of growth, resilience, and dedication.

Cheers to many more work anniversaries and to successful years ahead!

Let us also send our cheers to Robbye Campbell, Community Specialist, for her 8 years of dedicated service with us.

Robbye has been known for her patience, positive attitude, and genuine willingness to help others. Whether supporting teammates, assisting homeowners, or sharing her knowledge and experience, she consistently demonstrates a commitment to teamwork and service. Her dependable nature and caring approach have made her a valued member of the team and a trusted resource for those around her.

Life Beyond the Office:

Watching movies.
Crafting and creative projects.
Spending quality time with family.
Experimenting with creative cooking ideas.
Taking on DIY projects as a proud student of “YouTube University.”
Spending time with babies, whom she absolutely adores.

Fun Facts:

Robbye played tennis and was a member of her high school’s archery team—and she was quite skilled at archery!
She loves to sing, even if she jokingly says she isn’t very good at it.

Let us also recognize Kaitlin Sowemimo, Community Specialist, as she celebrates an incredible 10 years with the company.

Throughout her decade-long journey, Kaitlin has consistently demonstrated professionalism, resilience, and a genuine commitment to supporting both homeowners and colleagues. Reflecting on her career, she shares that she is most proud of being someone her team can rely on for guidance when navigating complex concerns. She takes pride in remaining calm and being solution-focused during challenging situations, fostering positive relationships, and continuously seeking opportunities to learn and grow. Kaitlin’s dedication and collaborative spirit have left a lasting impact on her team and the communities she serves. Her willingness to share knowledge and support others has fostered a culture of trust, teamwork, and excellence.

Life Beyond the Office:

Expressing her creativity and sharing ideas online.
Working out and focusing on personal health and wellness goals.
Exploring makeup, skincare, and beauty trends.
Watching movies and documentaries.
Reading and discovering new perspectives.
Continuously pursuing new goals, projects, and creative ideas.

Fun Facts:

Her camera roll is 50% selfies and 50% photos of her fur baby Lulu.
She believes a good playlist can fix almost anything.

Please join us in celebrating Brandon Tate, Lead Architectural Review Coordinator, as he marks 10 years of dedicated service with the company this month.

Brandon has become a trusted and valued member of the team. In his role, he manages a variety of home improvement requests, including those for communities with complex and specialized guidelines. His strong attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to providing excellent service have made him an integral part of the department.

Brandon’s professionalism and dedication have greatly contributed to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Home Improvement Request team, and we are grateful for the positive impact he has had over the years.

Life Beyond the Office:

Enjoys playing video games as a way to relax and recharge.
Loves staying current on movies, entertainment, and pop culture.
Appreciates spending quality time with family.
Proud dog owner of Sampson and Molly, who keep life fun and active.

Fun Facts:

A passionate reader who enjoys discovering new books and stories.
Enjoys learning about the latest trends and topics in entertainment.

Congratulations to Tiffany Sales, Client Accounting Manager, as she celebrates an outstanding 10 years of service with the company.

Tiffany’s journey is a testament to dedication, growth, and perseverance. She began her career in the San Antonio Office as an Administrative Assistant and, through hard work and continuous learning, advanced to her current role as Client Accounting Manager. Along the way, she has held several positions within the company, gaining valuable knowledge and insight into various functions and responsibilities. Reflecting on her career, Tiffany shares that she is most proud of the experience she has gained across different roles, allowing her to better support her colleagues and contribute to team success. Her broad understanding of company operations, combined with her resourcefulness and willingness to find answers, has made her a trusted and valuable member of the organization.

Life Beyond the Office:

Fishing, fishing, and more fishing.
Spending quality time with Charles and keeping up with all the adventures an energetic 8-year-old enjoys.
Enjoying the comforts of home and a quieter lifestyle. Preferring small gatherings and a peaceful environment over large crowds.

Fun Facts:

Tiffany describes herself as a true homebody who enjoys simple pleasures, quality time with family, and making lasting memories through her favorite pastime: fishing.

Please join us in congratulating Jennifer Northington, Community Manager, as she celebrates an impressive 14 years of dedicated service with the company.

Over the years, Jennifer has made a meaningful impact through her leadership, commitment, and passion for supporting others. When asked what she is most proud of in her career, Jennifer shared that one of her greatest accomplishments has been the opportunity to mentor and help develop managers, guiding them in their professional growth and success.

Life Beyond the Office:

Travel, especially cruises or beach getaways.
Scuba diving and exploring the underwater world.
Photography.
Reading.

Fun Facts:

Did you know Jennifer’s husband proposed to her 60 feet underwater in Cozumel—a truly unforgettable and unique engagement story!

Seminar Series

Associations in Practice

Our Associations in Practice Series is an offering of short videos with specific topics.

The 89th Texas Legislative Session officially adjourned in June 2025. We’ve created a concise video overview highlighting the changes and explaining their implications to community associations. Click here to watch the full breakdown on YouTube.

Stay Plugged in With Webcasts

We offer each of our seminars in the form of a recorded webcast on demand for you to watch at any time! If you are interested in one of our seminars, they are available on our YouTube channel. The following seminars are now available:

To watch any of the webcasts, simply click on the links above.

Find Us on Social Media

C.I.A. Services, Inc. has a long and proud history of providing up-to-date news on our company happenings, industry news, and association governance. Each month, we are pleased to share our eNews Monthly. Each issue is loaded with great information!

We also provide updates through LinkedIn and Facebook. With these additional layers of communication, you can always find the latest information about our company, employees, association management, and other related news.

If you are not already following us, please ”Like” us on Facebook and “Follow” us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on all things C.I.A. Services and beyond.

Read Past Issues of eNews Monthly

Every month, we issue an electronic newsletter, eNews Monthly, to keep clients informed about Association items, spotlight clients, answer frequently asked questions, and let you know what is happening with the company. Old issues of eNews Monthly are available on our Library page.