Kathleen A. LaBrosse was a 1976 graduate of Pontiac Catholic High School and graduated with a BA in English from Oakland University. She spent most of her life on the shores of Cass Lake in Waterford where her family owned a home. She enjoyed relaxing on her deck overlooking the lake, often with a book.

Kathleen had a full-time career as a community association manager since September 1984. It was this early experience that inspired her to branch out on her own to start The Highlander Group, Inc. in 2003. Her first employee was Amanda Gruzin, who started in 2004.

In the early years of The Highlander Group, Kathleen served as the chapter executive director (CED) of the Michigan Chapter of Community Associations Institute from May 2004 to January 2008. The contacts and comradery she made during her time as CED were invaluable, and she maintained these relationships with other professionals throughout the country, comparing ideas and sharing industry knowledge with each other.

Kathleen was awarded her PCAM designation in March 2006 following a case study in Dallas, Texas in January of 2006.  At that time, there were less than 1,500 community managers in the country who had achieved this designation.

Kathleen was a speaker at many seminars in Michigan and Illinois since 1997 on topics ranging from stress management, community communications, insurance and risk management and maintenance issues.  She has written several articles for professional industry magazines and communications.

She was an active member of Community Associations Institute, National Professional Community Managers, and the Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce.

Kathleen courageously fought and overcame breast cancer in 2018, while continuing to run Highlander. In February 2026, she received a new cancer diagnosis. This was when she made the hard decision to completely retire. She faced a brief but courageous battle with bone cancer, which sadly came to an end on the morning of August 20, 2026.

Under Kathleen’s leadership and dedication, The Highlander Group became a successful company. Before her retirement, the company grew to manage over 60 communities and up to 18 employees. The company continues to be contacted about management due to the reputation its earned under Kathleen’s leadership.

The Highlander Group, Inc. continues to operate with the same mission, commitment, and passion Kathleen had, under the continued leadership of Amanda Lynn Gruzin, CMCA – AMS, President and CEO of The Highlander Group, Inc.

CLICK HERE to access the obituary and tribute wall for Kathleen