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Hank Goldman is just one of almost 2 million Americans who serve on their community association boards, but he's really much more than that.

Goldman, who serves as president of The Residences of Sherman Plaza Condominium Association in Evanston, Ill., is now the recipient of top national recognition in a competition sponsored by Community Associations Institute (CAI).

He was selected as the most deserving leader in an initiative sponsored by CAI's Community Association Board Member Appreciation Month.

The program coincides with National Volunteer Month in April.

Among his recent achievements on behalf of the 251-unit association, Goldman fostered a "genuine sense of community within the association"; implemented an energy-efficiency initiative that will ultimately save the association hundreds of thousands of dollars; initiated a multi-year façade project to address existing deficiencies and prevent future issues; and coordinated a common-area redecorating project.

Goldman was one of six association board members selected as regional winners. They are:

• John Allemang (Mid-Atlantic), Lake Linganore Association, New Market, Md.
• Emmalee Crow (Rocky Mountain), Bell Air Condominiums, Austin, Texas
• Hank Goldman (Midwest)
• Phillip Harvey (West), Glenhurst Homeowners Association, Escondido, Calif.
• Michael Kulich (Florida), Turtle Creek Homeowners' Association, Orlando, Fla.
• Michael Tocci (Northeast), Hills Highlands Master Association, Basking Ridge, N.J.

Visit www.caionline.org/boardstars to see a list of all nominees. Association board members most deserving of special recognition were selected by members of CAI's Community Association Volunteers Committee.

 "These volunteers exemplify the hundreds of thousands of homeowners who serve on their community association boards," says CAI Chief Executive Officer Thomas Skiba, CAE. "The vast majority of these selfless volunteers work with distinction and dedication to build and sustain their communities. They deserve the recognition this initiative represents."

Repeated national surveys, including one conducted earlier this year, demonstrate that association residents are overwhelmingly satisfied in their community associations and that large majorities believe their board members strive to serve the best interests of the communities.

Community association board members are elected by their fellow residents to govern their associations in the best interests of their neighbors and communities. They are responsible for preserving the nature and character of their communities, protecting property values and meeting the established expectations of residents.

Almost 70 million Americans reside in more than 330,000 homeowners associations, condominium communities, cooperatives and other planned communities.

With more than 34,000 members dedicated to building better communities, CAI works in partnership with 60 chapters to provide information, education and resources to community associations and the professionals who support them. CAI's mission is to inspire professionalism, effective leadership and responsible citizenship—ideals reflected in communities that are preferred places to call home. Visit www.caionline.org or call (888) 224-4321.