Executive Staff

Vernon Kline _{CMCA | AMS}
President

Vernon started working in the HOA management industry in 2008. From 2010 until 2015 he was an onsite manager for several large-scale communities in the Charlotte area. Vernon grew up in upstate New York then moved to South Carolina in 2001 where he enrolled and graduated from Winthrop University. Prior to working in HOA management, he spent time working for the Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Hornets. Vernon is married with two children and together they enjoy traveling, camping, hiking, and watching sports.

Julie Merrell _{CMCA | AMS}
Vice President of Business Development

Julie has a Bachelor of Music Performance Degree from Winthrop University and holds the CMCA and AMS designations from CAI. Julie is responsible for sales and client relations with Cedar Management Group. Julie has held multiple positions in sales, customer service, property management, and HOA management. In her free time, Julie enjoys reading, traveling, and music.

Nicole DeRiso _{CMCA | AMS | PCAM}
Director | Community Management

Nicole graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Appalachian State University. She has worked for Cedar Management Group since 2011. Early in her career she worked in the Accounting and Support Departments until becoming a Community Manager in 2015. She currently holds her CMCA, AMS, and PCAM Designations and is a member of the CAI-NC Piedmont Council. In her free time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband and two small children.

Lisa Allen _{CMCA | AMS | PCAM}
Director | Accounting

Lisa Allen is originally from Rocky River, Ohio and moved to Raleigh, NC in 2010 then to Charlotte, NC in 2021. Lisa has seventeen years’ experience in the community association industry, and twenty-eight years in accounting related fields.

She has a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Spanish with a minor in Accounting from Muskingum University. Lisa has also studied abroad and is fluent in Spanish. In her free time, Lisa enjoys traveling to the beach and mountains, hiking, and reading.

Megan McGrath _CMCA
Director | Administration

Megan McGrath is the Director of Executive Administration with Cedar Management Group. She has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Management from Wingate University and has been with Cedar since August of 2012. Megan currently holds her CMCA designation with the Community Association Institute and is also furthering her education through ongoing financial and accounting courses. As a native to the Charlotte area, Megan has watched Charlotte grow into the bustling metropolis that it is today. Megan enjoys yoga and spends most weekends traveling with her husband and dogs.

Charity Johnson
Director | Human Resources

With over 15 years of experience in human resources, Charity Johnson serves as the Director of Human Resources at Cedar Management Group, where she brings a wealth of expertise in strategic HR management and organizational development. Holding a Certification in Human Resource Management, Charity has spent her career shaping and leading high-performing HR teams, helping organizations build positive, productive work environments.

Throughout her career, Charity has demonstrated a deep commitment to driving growth and enhancing employee experience. Her ability to balance executive-level strategy with hands-on, people-focused solutions has earned her a reputation for being both results-driven and empathetic.

Passionate about fostering an inclusive and supportive culture, Charity works diligently to ensure that our HR practices align with business objectives while promoting personal and professional growth for employees. Her leadership and dedication to the HR field continue to make a significant impact on the company’s success.

Outside of her professional role, Charity is a true lover of island life, always seeking the next beach getaway. Whether it’s listening to the laid-back tunes of Jimmy Buffett or soaking in the timeless melodies of Elvis Presley, she finds inspiration in the freedom and relaxation that comes with island vibes. When she’s not enjoying music or planning her next adventure, Charity treasures quality time with her family, who are her greatest support and joy.

Aubry Larkin _{CMCA | AMS}
Director | Operations

Aubry Larkin is the Director of Operations with Cedar Management Group. She currently holds her CMCA designation with the Community Association Institute and is also furthering her education through ongoing association management and accounting courses. Aubry has been in the real estate, HOA management and property management industries for over 15 years. Aubry enjoys spending time at the lake and traveling with her husband, two kids and dog.