Sunshine Association Partners: A Fresh Approach Built on Proven Expertise
Although Sunshine Association Partners is a new name in Florida’s association management landscape, its roots run deep. Our leadership brings decades of experience, innovation, and a reputation for excellence that has shaped the industry in the Tampa Bay region.
Founder Rick Pitrowski is no stranger to building successful management companies. In 1998, he launched Communities of America, which quickly became one of Tampa’s top-performing firms. After selling it to a larger regional group in 2011, Rick pursued other business ventures—only to be drawn back to the field he knew best. In 2013, he founded Merit Management, bringing on Krista King as a partner. Together, they built Merit into a standout in the Tampa Bay area, known for its exceptional service, deep client relationships, and a commitment to delivering more than the standard industry offering.
With both Communities of America and Merit Management successfully sold, Rick and Krista turned their attention to what’s next.
What they saw was a changing landscape—one where HOA boards are more hands-on and tech-savvy than ever before. In a post-COVID, digitally connected world, many associations no longer need full-service management, but instead want flexible, à la carte solutions that meet their specific needs while reducing costs. Rising inflation has only accelerated this shift.
Recognizing an opportunity to rethink the traditional model, Rick and Krista created Sunshine Association Partners—a hybrid approach designed for today’s communities. By combining expert guidance with customizable support options, Sunshine empowers boards to stay in control while receiving the professional backup they need, when they need it.
Our mission is simple: to offer smart, efficient, and scalable solutions that reflect the realities of modern association governance—without sacrificing quality, responsiveness, or personal attention.
President
LPCS, CCLA, CMCA, AMS, GI-BMP
With decades of experience in the Association Management industry, Rick Pitrowski is a dedicated professional—and long-time Floridian—committed to delivering exceptional service to the communities he serves.
Originally from the Chicago area, Rick graduated from Northern Illinois University before moving to Tampa in 1986 with his wife, Katy. He spent 12 years in the insurance industry with Allstate and USAA while raising their three daughters, gaining a strong foundation in risk management and customer service. His public service began in earnest when he was elected President of the Bloomingdale Special District, a role he held for five years. It was there that his passion for community leadership took root.
In 1998, Rick launched his first Association Management company, marking the start of a long and respected career in the field. His focus has always been on combining professionalism, responsiveness, and personal attention to meet the unique needs of each community.
Rick is a strong advocate for continuing education and professional development. He holds several respected designations, including:
He was also one of the first Floridians to be certified in Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) for the protection of Florida’s water resources.
Rick’s career is grounded in experience, but driven by a simple philosophy: provide honest, high-quality service that makes Board Members’ lives easier—and communities stronger.
VICE PRESIDENT
CMCA, AMS, GI-BMP, FFLCP
Originally from just outside Colorado Springs, Colorado, Krista relocated to Florida in 2016 and now calls the Tampa area home, where she lives with her husband and their three beloved rescue dogs. She joined Merit Management in 2017 and quickly became a Florida-licensed Community Association Manager.
A dedicated professional, Krista is committed to being among the most knowledgeable in her field. She is an active member of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) and has earned both the Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) and the Association Management Specialist (AMS) credentials.
Always seeking to grow and stay current in the industry, Krista also holds certifications in Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFLPC).
Outside of work, Krista enjoys hiking, traveling with her husband, beach days, and spending time with her pups—preferably with a good margarita in hand.
Our team at Sunshine is a collaborative group of experienced, credentialed, and educated professionals dedicated to achieving superior levels of performance in the Association Management industry.
