BOD Election

Important Information Regarding Board of Directors Election

Your vote in this election is very important to the success of this community. Please do your research and gather the facts as HAWL’s future depends on good volunteers. Members of the Board of Directors are instrumental in decision making for the growth and development of Hide-A-Way Lake.

The Annual HAWL Board of Directors election is coming up soon. This year three seats on the Board of Directors will become vacant. Per the Property Owner Association By-Laws (Section 7), an election will be held this July. Four candidates are running: Kathy Busco, Chad Hurst, Robin Montalbano, and Stephen Strausbaugh.

Kathy Busco
I lived in HAWL for 44 years, raising 2 children here. I am the retired Executive Director of the Hospice Foundation of the South, overseeing daily operations as well as the Hospice House, and managed fundraising and community relations. Before my 20 years with hospice, I was the Volunteer Coordinator for SMH’s Hospice program, Office Manager and Administrative Assistant for 9 years, taught preschool for 9 years and was a Certified Red Cross Water Safety Instructor for 15 years. I served as President of HAWL, Inc., Vice President of the HAWL Homeowners Association. I was president of HAWL and worked to implement the automatic tag/gate system and worked with PRCUA on our sewer/grinder system. I served on the Covenants and By-Laws, Nominations, Community Relations and Security Committees. I made a commitment to HAWL to keep the quality of life we enjoy. I would like the opportunity to continue this commitment.

Chad Hurst
Serving our community is rewarding and mind boggling. There are many “behind the scenes” decisions that are genuinely hard to make for everyone. But when I do vote on certain hard topics, it’s always with the majority in mind. As a board member, one should think about all of the homeowners and families that will one day be responsible for maintaining the best kept secret of Pearl River County. My ultimate goal as a board member is to modestly improve this neighborhood, as needed, and preserve the charm that has lured us all into living here. I have enjoyed actively serving our community as a Security Committee Member and a Board Member. If I’m awarded another term with the board, know that I will continue to keep my door open. I will answer your difficult questions and try to construct solutions to problems. I will truly serve you.

Robin Montalbano
I am excited to announce my candidacy for a position on the Board of Directors. I look forward to working with other board members and management team, continuously keeping our community a wonderful place to live. I’ve lived in Hide-A-Way for 25 years. I am a Registered Nurse and own a business locally with my husband. I believe significantly in living a life of service and giving back to the community. I served in the past, volunteering countless hours as Social Committee Director, Vice President, and President. During my tenure as President, I was instrumental in retaining 40 acres while securing an additional 80 acres of wetlands and green space which has protected our lake and home values. I made concern time an open forum allowing residents time to discuss their concerns with the board. I am dedicated to ensuring this community thrives and remains an excellent place to live.

Stephen Strausbaugh
Greetings Hide-A-Way residents. I am a Military retiree after 33 years. I’m currently a Security Manager for the Federal Government. Board Members should serve the residents. I believe in honesty, integrity, and service before self. In my years with the government, I’ve been responsible for the budget of an entire organization. I was responsible for the maintenance of a squadron of planes. I can run an organization, manage its budget, care for its resources, organize and lead its people, and be responsive to their needs. In security matters, I know how a quality security force is run. That force must be people oriented, protect the person and property and deal with people in a humane, courteous, and caring manner. I have been a Building Official. I want to bring fairness to HAWL residents. As a Board Member, I have many great skills to use serving our community with humility.

The Election Committee mailed the official ballot along with instructions and the candidates’ resumes on June 27, 2025. Please carefully read and follow all of the instructions listed:
*Select three (3) candidates.

*Detach ballot at indicated line.
*Insert ballot into Envelope “A” and seal envelope.
*Insert Envelope “A” into Envelope “B”.
*Sign your name and write your lot number(s) on the upper left corner of Envelope “B”.
*Mail envelope “B” with appropriate postage.
*Property owners must be current on all HAWL dues and fees on Election Day.

Unstamped mail, or those not bearing a signature or lot number cannot be accepted. Only those ballots received at the SPECIFIED POST OFFICE BOX will be tabulated. Do not send or bring the ballot to the Lodge Office or payment boxes. Allow enough time for the ballots to reach the Election Committee as they are picked up from the Post Office on Saturday morning, July 19, 2025, to be counted that day. Ballots received after that time cannot be counted.

Board of Directors Sample Ballot