SunBird Golf Resort HOA Board of Directors Candidates

At the end of this year, SunBird will have three director positions available on the board.

This election period, six homeowners have completed applications and are interested in being elected to these open positions. The three candidates receiving the most votes will be elected for three-year terms each. Ballots will be mailed to all SunBird homeowners on Oct. 2. The deadline for returning ballots is Wednesday, Nov. 15. The following six candidates are interested in being elected to serve as members of the board of directors:

David Edington

I am a grateful, year-round recent arrival to the SunBird community from Colorado Springs, Colo. I have recently retired, with over 30 years of managerial experience, most recently as a quality control specialist for a major aerospace supplier.

I relocated here, along with my two dogs, for all the numerous and varied activities, beautiful facilities, and sublime climate. Having volunteered for numerous projects around the complex, I have found an amazing group of people who passionately care about each other and the community as a whole, as do I.

These people who give so tirelessly of their time and efforts continue a long and distinguished list of people who truly care about the wellbeing of SunBird Golf Resort and one, with your support, I would be most grateful to join. Together we can continue moving forward to make this the crown jewel of the Valley. I will be happy to give a voice to your concerns and look forward, with your backing, to serving with all my time and energy to make this a world-class resort.

Chuck Heitbrink

I am a retired business executive, a proud resident of SunBird, and excited about the prospects of representing our community again.

I believe strongly in the absolute and ongoing viability of our Homeowners Association, and during my initial term on the board, I have actively contributed to several complex issues. I pride myself in board collaboration and being a “voice of reason.” Education and experience have taught me valuable lessons in financial acumen, people/business development, and executive management through servant leadership.

I am currently the liaison for the SunBird Welcoming and Marketing Committee, I am president and participant in the SunBird Singers, and I have been recently elected the president of the SunBird Lions Club. I also serve as a worship leader and choir member of our SunBird Community Church. In short, I am involved!

As a current board member, I am honored to represent you in ensuring that SunBird remains the “diamond in the desert” that we all moved here for. I have the energy, dedication, and know-how and am committed to this community, as evidenced by my participation and caring approach. Let me continue to represent you with goodwill, perseverance, and an inclusive attitude for success.

Bob Lama

My wife Maureen and I moved to SunBird over two years ago. We chose SunBird because it checked off many of the items we were looking for in a retirement community. We loved SunBird’s size, clubhouse, pool, golf course, and workout area, along with its other amenities.

Maureen and I owned our own marketing firm until our retirement last year. We were fortunate to help companies, large and small, with their marketing projects. This gave us a great understanding on how businesses operate. While running our business, I served on our Chamber of Commerce Board for five years, the last three on the Executive Committee as vice-chair, chair, and past-chair.

I see a tremendous opportunity in SunBird. However, for me, the key is getting everyone to work together. It is obvious to me that SunBird was initially set up as one community. My goal as a member of the board of directors would be to find a way to unify all of SunBird under one HOA umbrella. I believe this would benefit our entire community. I look forward to being on the HOA board and working towards improving SunBird Golf Resort for each and every resident. Thank you for your consideration.

Michelle LeBlanc

A native New Mexican and a graduate of UNM, I have 22 years working as a paralegal and 10 years working as an accountant. During my tenure as a paralegal, I earned my way to a seat at the trial table. During my tenure as an accountant, I learned how to listen to the concerns and ideas of others, which allowed me to lead teams well to create comradery that led to improved processes.

My greatest accomplishment in life is learning how to ride a motorcycle. I rode a Harley Street Bob for about 18 years. During that time, I sat on the board as secretary of the Suncrest Riders, a chapter of the CMA. I then served on the board of directors as secretary for the HOG chapter of the Harley Davidson Dealership in Albuquerque.

Finally, I served three years as board president for the Presidio Community. During my tenure as president, I navigated through a lawsuit, heated board meetings, and community events. I was able to create community unity through town hall meetings, being transparent, and communicating board activities with all community owners.

I look forward to serving you.

William (Bill) Moore, Jr.

I am applying for a position on the board of directors. My past volunteer experience includes positions on the Mesa Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for several years in the ‘90s, a member of the Planning & Zoning Board in the City of Avondale, and as president and VP of the Stratland Estates Homeowners Association Board of Directors in Gilbert.

I graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in engineering. My military career was a Marine fighter pilot with tours overseas, onboard a carrier, and a graduate of TOPGUN. Following my military career, I worked in aerospace for several companies, the last of which was Boeing (25 years). I held several positions with Boeing, from project engineer, program manager, and director.

I want to serve my fellow homeowners as your representative. My goal will be to listen to and make sure your voice is heard and acted on. I do not currently think all present SunBird HOA Board of Directors members have acted in the best interests of the majority of homeowners. I feel they have, at times, served themselves.

You, the homeowner, deserve a board of directors who represents you, the homeowner.

Christine Nechvatal

I have been a homeowner since 1994 and a permanent resident since September of 1999.

I was an elementary school educator for 30 years and active in my local, district, and state associations for 20-plus years, spending the last six years as chief negotiator for the teachers of my school district in Bedford, Ohio.

SunBird means a great deal to me. I have been on several committees, such as the Elections Committee and the committee to consolidate the multiple CCRs into one CCR for the entire community. For the last 10 years, I have been the chairperson of the Rules Compliance Committee. The financial stability of the community is a high priority for me. The safety of the people in this community is also of paramount importance to me. If I am elected as a board member, I pledge to listen with an open mind and give careful thought to issues brought before the board and try to do what’s best for the majority of homeowners.