At Guardian Association Management, a woman owned business, we understand the power of good employees and their values in creating a thriving company. Our dedicated team, led by the experienced Madeline Osborne, brings a wealth of association and property management expertise. With a deep commitment to excellence, our associate managers deliver exceptional service, drawing on their extensive knowledge and passion. Together, we serve our clients to improve Association relationships and efficiency.

Madeline Osborne, AMS, CMCA

​President

Madeline Osborne is a seasoned leader in community association management, recognized for her strategic oversight, operational expertise, and ability to manage complex, high-value assets. With more than 20 years of industry experience, she has successfully directed diverse portfolios ranging from established residential communities to large-scale planned developments.

Madeline has played a pivotal role in transitioning a $100 million development from developer control to homeowner association governance. She guided the process to ensure a seamless and financially sound turnover while establishing strong operational frameworks for long-term success.

Her experience also includes the oversight of highly specialized and infrastructure-intensive assets. These include a private water treatment plant, a marina and boating community with extensive dock systems, protected wetlands, and a dam supporting lake management. This experience reflects her expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, capital planning, and long-term asset stewardship.

In 2020, Madeline founded Guardian Association Management, establishing the company as a forward-thinking, service-driven organization dedicated to elevating the standard of association management. Under her leadership, Guardian has developed a reputation for delivering customized management solutions, strong financial oversight, and exceptional client service.

Madeline has been an active member of the Community Associations Institute for more than 15 years. She holds AMS (Association Management Specialist) and CMCA (Certified Manager of Community Associations) designations. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cleveland State University.

Sue Bene
Association Management Specialist

She is a seasoned professional with vast knowledge and experience in Association Management Accounting, Corporate Accounting, Association Banking and Procedures, and property management technologies. She is also a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). She earned her certification via HRCI in 2011.

Her experience includes a 50+ association accounting portfolio, all facets of managing Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Vendor relations, and client-facing.

After working as an HR Director for an accomplished Cleveland IT Consulting firm for 18 years, she decided to pursue an association accounting role. While working as an association accountant she fell in love with the work and never looked back. She enjoys the challenges of accounting and loves the people she works with inside Guardian and with all association owners and members.

Bob Guarino
Property Manager

Guardian Association Management’s Property Manager, Bob Guarino, brings decades of Property Management experience. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Management; a Real Estate Sales License in the State of Ohio; a Certified Occupancy Specialist in the National Center for Housing Management; a CPM (Certified Property Manager) candidate with IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management); and has extensive knowledge of the Construction and Restoration industry.

Most recently, Bob has managed a portfolio of 600+ Residential Apartments, 20+ Condominium Associations (1,000 units), 3 Homeowner Associations (approx. 600 units), as well as additional Commercial Properties totaling 150,000 sq. ft.

Katie Thomas
Associate Manager

Katie is an accomplished association management professional serving as an Associate Manager, where she brings a strategic, solutions-focused approach to community operations. Partnering closely with senior managers, she plays a critical role in guiding boards through complex governance, financial, and maintenance decisions while ensuring communities operate with efficiency, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.

As a trusted liaison between boards, residents, and service partners, Katie is dedicated to fostering thriving, well-managed communities that protect and enhance property values. Katie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Cleveland State University.

Hannah Hildebrandt

Association Manager

Hannah brings years of proven expertise in property management, overseeing everything from large-scale roof and landscaping projects to navigating complex developer and owner lawsuits. She excels at anticipating challenges, resolving issues proactively, and ensuring properties run smoothly and efficiently.

Holding a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cleveland State University and drawing on a strong background in the restaurant industry, Hannah combines exceptional customer service skills with a deep understanding of association and owner needs. Her unique blend of operational know-how, communication skills, and commitment to excellence makes her a trusted advocate for the associations she serves.

Candace Clark

Associate Manager

Candace brings a dynamic blend of experience in luxury sales, customer service, and retail management to their role in association management. With a proven track record of delivering exceptional service in high-end environments, she is skilled at building strong relationships, anticipating client needs, and creating seamless, positive experiences.

In addition to their background in client-focused industries, Candace became a licensed real estate agent in the past year with Howard Hanna, further strengthening her understanding of property management, market dynamics, and the needs of homeowners and communities. This added expertise allows her to approach association management with a well-rounded, informed perspective.