Definition
A professional (often through a management company) hired to handle an HOA's day-to-day operations on behalf of the board.
A community association manager (CAM) is a professional who handles an HOA's day-to-day operations — collecting dues, coordinating vendors, processing requests, and supporting the board. CAMs usually work through a management company and may be licensed depending on the state.
A good CAM lifts real work off volunteers. But many boards find that manager turnover and shallow coverage leave them managing the manager instead — which is why a growing number of communities self-manage with software that absorbs the same operational load.