The end of this year, SunBird will have two director positions available on the board. This election period, four homeowners have completed applications and are interested in being elected to these open positions. Information about each of the candidates is available on SunBird’s website and at the clubhouse. Immediately following the board of directors meeting on Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. in the ballroom, the candidates will be present in a Meet & Greet. The two candidates receiving the most votes will be elected for three-year terms each. Ballots will be mailed to all SunBird homeowners by Oct. 1. The deadline for returning ballots is Friday, Nov. 15, at 4 p.m. Meet this year’s candidates:
Marianna Buescher
I have lived in SunBird since 2008. I believe there is something for everyone in SunBird. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from the University of Dayton. I retired from a 30-plus-year IT career, which included managing people, projects, products, budgets, and all things information technology. I retired as a VP from Bank of America.
My contributions to SunBird to date include: 1) Member of the Rules Committee since 2018, current Rules Committee Chair. 2) Participate in the SunBird outdoor concerts by handing out wristbands, selling drink tickets, and filing the volunteer schedule. 3) President of the SunBird Pickleball Club for over a decade. 4) Chairperson of the annual Alzheimer Charity Pickleball Tournament. We have donated over $74,000 to the Alzheimer Association over the course of the past seven years. We also donated $1,000 annually to the HOA Neighbors Helping Neighbors fund. 5) Participate in the clubhouse decorating and clubhouse clean-up. 6) Participate in HOA activities such as stuffing envelopes for mailings. 7). Volunteered at multiple fundraising events for the golf course. 8) I support the Horizon Room and gym as SunBird’s great amenities.
I would love to continue contributing to SunBird as an HOA board member!
Kathleen Hasbach
My name is Kathleen Hasbach. I have owned my home in SunBird for almost five years and would be proud to be part of the board.
My experience includes over 22 years with Stewart Title in the Title and Escrow services where I handled real estate and closings. My escrow experience continues as the main auditor for Security Title, reviewing closed files for accuracy and financial review, from which I retired in 2018. While at Stewart, I worked along with a builder/developer for many years where I coordinated through the Arizona Department of Real Estate on Public Report approval, plat recording, and builder closings and recording.
My goal in getting the position would be to support the current board and hopefully help to improve any needs that should arise during my term and beyond. My qualities that would benefit this position include level-headedness and logical consideration to new requests. I want to be part of the team that continues to make SunBird a wonderful place to live and enjoy our homes and the wonderful amenities we have available in SunBird.
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 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 camaraderie 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.
Brendan Waddell
My name is Brendan Waddell. I am excited to announce my candidacy for a position on the SunBird HOA Board of Directors. I am looking forward to working harmoniously with other board of directors, volunteers, as well as the management team to continuously make SunBird a beautiful place to be and live.
For those of you who do know me, I am currently the Golf Course Superintendent in SunBird. I started in December of 2019 and moved into this community two years ago. I am married to my wife Malita, and we have three kids, three grandkids, three dogs, and a beautiful home.
Working in a 55+ community as a golf course employee and supervisor for over 25 years has given me great insight to deal with issues pertaining to homeowners. My background also includes financial planning, organizing projects, and having an extensive background in the culinary arts and restaurant management.
My goal is to help keep this community well maintained and to work together with all. I am willing to be open to homeowners’ concerns and work with the other board members to resolve issues. With the right team, anything is possible. Thank you