POA bids farewell to Asst. GM
After a distinguished tenure exceeding two decades at the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association, Assistant General Manager Lynn Jensen has taken a general manager position at a fellow homeowners association in the desert and is stepping down at the POA.
Lynn’s departure marks the end of a significant era of service to the community where she has served at the Canyon Lake POA in positions ranging from Member Services to her current Assistant General Manager. Her last day in Canyon Lake will be April 10. She begins her new position on April 16.
The association is supportive of Lynn’s decision to leave for a professional promotion, but her leaving is bittersweet.
“While we are very sad to see her go, we are extremely proud and excited for her to start this new chapter,” General Manager Eric Kazakoff said. “They will be very lucky to have her at the helm and we wish her only the best at this new challenge.”
In her role as Assistant General Manager, Lynn oversaw critical departments such as human resources, member services, and community events, working closely with the General Manager and Board of Directors to implement policies and procedures that fostered community growth and satisfaction.
“Her selfless leadership, exemplary professionalism, and industry knowledge have left its mark on all of us in the best way,” General Manager Eric Kazakoff said. “Her list of accomplishments is vast. From cultivating a warm working environment to dedicating herself to the continuing education and professional development of her team, she has invested herself wholeheartedly into the people she serves, making her the heart and soul of the Canyon Lake POA.”
Lynn expressed her gratitude for not only working for the association for more than 20 years, but for being introduced to so many people in the community who have been friends and a second family to her.
“It has been a privilege to get to be a part of Canyon Lake for all these years,” Lynn said. “As a staff member working for this organization, I have had the honor to work with some amazing people over the last 23 years. During this course of time, I have been given the opportunity to be mentored, as well as, lead and train staff towards becoming the organization we have grown into. I am incredibly proud of the team that we have all created together. I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this team.”
Lynn, like those she is leaving behind, is also feeling emotional about moving on.
“With this growth of the CLPOA and all the staff, I too have been wanting to continue my growth professionally,” she said. “I was recently invited to interview, and ultimately offered the General Manager position for another association. While it is hard to leave the CLPOA, I am very excited about this opportunity.”
Beginning her career at the POA in Member Services and Planning & Compliance, Lynn quickly demonstrated her leadership capabilities. Her journey through the organization saw her assuming various roles, including Activities Director, where she managed a wide array of community amenities and operations. This experience laid the groundwork for her holistic approach to management, emphasizing a people-first philosophy.
Lynn’s commitment to staff development and her ability to inspire those around her have been central to her leadership style.
“Building staff up and preparing the way for them to grow and develop is truly how we move the organization forward,” Lynn said.
Lynn’s legacy extends beyond her administrative achievements; she is celebrated for her deep understanding of Canyon Lake’s history and her emphasis on the importance of community connection. Her certifications and dedication to excellence have set a high standard for community management.
As Lynn embarks on her new journey, she leaves behind a legacy of compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Canyon Lake community.
“As a service member to the community, I sincerely cannot thank all the volunteers enough,” she said. “Until you become a volunteer, or work with some of these members, I don’t think one can appreciate just how much service they give to their community. I learned so much from these volunteers over the years. I thank you for all your service, generosity, and friendship.”
In looking back at all her time with the Canyon Lake POA and Canyon Lake in general, the one thing she said she is most grateful for is all the people that she has had the pleasure to work with and for.
“Thank you to all the CLPOA staff, all the boards I have worked with, and all the volunteers,” she said. “You all are what makes Canyon Lake so special and unique.”