LAURIE J. FORTE
Henderson,CO
Summary
Dynamic operations and community management leader known for guiding large-scale projects and enhancing process efficiencies. Achievements include leading $1M+ capital projects and aligning cross-functional teams to improve service delivery while managing complex budgets and fostering stakeholder partnerships.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations & Community Manager
East West Urban Management, CMCA
Denver, CO
03.2025 - Current
- Oversee operations for luxury high-rise residential property, managing budgets, vendor contracts, and long-range capital planning.
- Lead $1M+ capital projects (re-piping, terrace roofing, garage infrastructure repairs), coordinating vendors, timelines, and stakeholder communications.
- Implemented streamlined reporting and communication routines, enhancing visibility and supporting timely decision-making.
Association Business Manager, CMCA
Westwind Management Group, LLC
Englewood, CO
02.2024 - 03.2025
- Directed operational strategy and financial management for multi-community HOA portfolio, enhancing overall portfolio performance.
- Strengthened vendor and board partnerships, resulting in improved service levels and operational consistency.
- Introduced compliance and documentation workflows, reducing issue resolution cycle time by 25%, leading to faster problem resolution.
Arborist / Commercial Accounts Leader
SavATree
Denver, CO
04.2022 - 01.2024
- Developed and expanded 35+ client commercial portfolio, driving double-digit revenue growth.
- Oversaw proposals, contract negotiations, and key partnerships, enhancing expansion of recurring services.
- Collaborated with branch leadership to redesign scheduling and job-planning workflow, achieving 15% reduction in project turnaround time.
Onsite Community Manager
Associated Asset Management (AAM)
Tempe, AZ
01.2016 - 06.2021
- Led day-to-day operations and budgeting for 360-unit HOA community, ensuring effective staff coordination.
- Collaborated with board leadership to align capital planning with long-term reserve strategy and enhance financial sustainability.
- Standardized vendor management and bid processes, improving quality control and optimizing cost-efficiency.
Chief Operations Officer
Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
Grand Rapids, MI
01.2004 - 01.2011
- Led cross-department reorganization to improve productivity, accountability, and service delivery.
- Directed 120+ annual events and communications initiatives, facilitating rebrand and digital transformation.
- Managed ~20% of organization’s annual budget while leading high-performing teams.
- Oversaw operations for 2,700-member organization, contributing to 26% membership growth.
Partner / General Manager
Productivity Point International
Grand Rapids, MI
01.1989 - 01.2004
- Co-founded and scaled a professional training company from startup to $4.1M in annual revenue; supported successful sale.
- Directed business development and operations while scaling team to 30+ employees.
- Established marketing, sales, and delivery infrastructure that enhanced profitability and client retention.
Education
Master of Management -
Aquinas College
Grand Rapids, MIBachelor of Business Administration -
Walsh College
Troy, MISkills
- Organizational Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Budget & P&L Oversight
- Board Development
- Cross-Functional Operations
- Large-Scale Project Management
- Process Improvement
- Stakeholder Relations
- Vendor Management
- Team Development
- Change Leadership
Certification
- CMCA (Certified Manager of Community Associations)
- ALCC Women in Green — Denver Chapter
- Rotary Club of Grand Rapids — Past President & Board Member
- Inforum — Founding Member & Chair, West Michigan Council
- Women of Achievement and Courage Award (2012)
Community And Board Leadership
- Huntington Bank Women’s Advisory Council
- Women & Girls Lead Steering Committee
- West Michigan Sports Commission
- Community Circle Theatre Board
Timeline
Operations & Community Manager
East West Urban Management, CMCA
03.2025 - Current
Association Business Manager, CMCA
Westwind Management Group, LLC
02.2024 - 03.2025
Arborist / Commercial Accounts Leader
SavATree
04.2022 - 01.2024
Onsite Community Manager
Associated Asset Management (AAM)
01.2016 - 06.2021
Chief Operations Officer
Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
01.2004 - 01.2011
Partner / General Manager
Productivity Point International
01.1989 - 01.2004
Master of Management -
Aquinas College
Bachelor of Business Administration -
Walsh College