Meet Our Leadership Team
MELISSA KHAN, CMCA, PCAM, MBA
Karen Schroeder, CMCA, AMS
Vice President of Business Development
Karen Schroeder serves as Vice President of Business Development at Retro Community Management, where she focuses on building strong partnerships with community boards and ensuring long-term client satisfaction. With over a decade of experience in community association management, she brings a background in portfolio management, client success, and business development.
Karen holds both the Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA?) and Association Management Specialist (AMS?) designations through the Community Associations Institute (CAI) and serves on the Community Relations Committee, supporting homeowner and board education across Illinois. Known for her responsive, service-focused approach, she works closely with boards to understand their priorities and support lasting, productive relationships. A lifelong Illinois resident and proud mother of three, Karen is committed to helping communities run smoothly and thrive.
Daria Pienkowska
Is an accomplished accountant with over a decade of experience specializing in Association Management. A distinguished graduate of Dominican University, Daria holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and has since dedicated her career to mastering the intricacies of financial management within homeowners’ associations.
Daria brings a wealth of expertise and meticulous attention to detail to her role and is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and value to Retro’s clients. Her extensive tenure in the field has equipped her with a deep understanding of accounting principles and regulations, allowing her to navigate complex financial landscapes with ease.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Daria is passionate about fostering thriving communities and empowering homeowner associations to achieve financial success. She believes in the importance of transparency and integrity in financial management and strives to uphold these values in all aspects of her work.
When she’s not crunching numbers, you can find Daria exploring the great outdoors or volunteering her time at local dog shelters. She cherishes moments spent in nature and finds fulfillment in giving back to her community, embodying a spirit of compassion and generosity in everything she does.
THOMAS A. SKWERES, LCAM
Tom is a property management expert with over 40 years of experience. He is the Senior VP of Community Acquisitions at Retro Community Management, responsible for marketing and sales. Tom is a licensed Community Association Manager and has worked for several large management companies in strategic planning, marketing development, and personnel administration. Tom has taught at the College of DuPage and served on several organizations’ boards such as CAI, ACTHA, and ABOMA. He has also authored industry-related articles and acted as an expert witness in property management lawsuits. Tom has been a member of the Hinswood Homeowners Association for over 30 years.
Christa Walsh
SARAH KRAUSE
