In 2022, the Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA) partnered with Employ Prince George’s to start connecting people to property management. Working with Employ Prince George’s, MMHA was able to secure start-up funding to begin the Leasing Training Academy (LTA). Additionally, through the American Rescue Plan Act and other federal and local dollars, the association was able to derive a price for training and secure funding for individuals in Prince George’s County to be able to attend the LTA at no cost. Planning, recruitment, promotion and curriculum creation took place in late 2022, and the LTA officially launched in January 2023. 

The LTA Foundation

Mission: To train those unemployed, under-employed or those looking for a new career in the residential property management field while placing those trained into the industry upon completion of this comprehensive training program.

Vision statement: Connecting the local community with residential property owners and managers, the LTA strives to become the preferred leasing hiring resource for the multifamily industry. The LTA aims to inspire individuals to join the property management profession while serving local communities by assisting with job placement and professional development. 

Who LTA serves: Prince George’s County residents and multifamily property owners and managers who are members of the Maryland Multi-Housing Association. 

What LTA does: The LTA is a comprehensive training program developed specifically to prepare individuals for leasing positions within the multifamily industry. MMHA identifies and recruits candidates to participate in the program from the local community and multifamily property management companies. Upon successful completion, MMHA works directly with multifamily employers to assist with job placement. 

How LTA works: Upon acceptance, students will be required to complete leasing and professional development training to prepare them for a leasing position. This unique program is offered on a quarterly basis and entails 20 working days of training in addition to a final presentation and graduation. After graduation, students work with the LTA to identify and secure job opportunities with reputable property management companies. The LTA will serve as a liaison between the hiring company and the student to ensure a successful transition into the workforce. LTA graduates have a professional mentor that is available after they enter the industry to offer additional guidance and support.

The education schedule from the Upper State Apartment Association (USAA) includes the credentials for CAM, CAMT and CALP. Every quarter, there are free hands-on maintenance classes thanks to generous sponsors. This year, USAA launched its workforce development program: Industry Pathway. Cohort 1 was five weeks of hands-on maintenance training facilitated by Regional Maintenance Supervisors. The second cohort was two weeks of leasing training followed by a career fair. 

Relationships through advocacy and outreach efforts helped secure participants from Safe Harbor, Greenville Housing Authority, Goodwill Jobs, Upstate Warriors and Greenville Homeless Alliance. 2022 Malcolm Bennett Advocate of the Year Katie Spillers has spearheaded USAA’s advocacy efforts. Her leadership has fostered a strong government affairs committee that tackles its mission statement head-on. 

Throughout the year, USAA hosted numerous NAAPAC fundraising events and promoted the quarterly NAAPAC sweepstakes, raising over $15,000 in 2023, a USAA record. The USAA Government Affairs Committee Chair was appointed Chair of the 2024 NAAPAC Ambassadors Committee. In March, at NAA’s Advocate conference, USAA met with members of Congress who represent USAA’s members. 

This year, the Outreach Committee looked into an entirely new cause and initiative. Walt’s Waltz is a nonprofit started in the area for suicide awareness and to assist those with mental health conditions. Walt’s Waltz is named after the founder’s son, who sadly lost his mental health battle. In May, Mental Health Awareness Month, USAA membership hosted an interactive fundraiser for Walt’s Waltz. 

USAA also pushed for RPM Careers Week to be an entire month. It spent the month of April engaging and celebrating its members, culminating with a career celebration at the end of the month. USAA supported efforts on social media and reshared posts to excite and encourage the rest of its membership and gave out drinks and lollipops with a ribbon and personal message attached letting the recipient know their work is appreciated. Committee volunteers and USAA staff spent an entire week driving all across the region visiting as many members as possible. On average, at least 20 communities were visited a day. The career celebration was catered at a local event space, recognizing the second Leadership Lyceum class, everyone who had received an NAAEI credential in the last year and celebrated committee updates and efforts. 

In May, USAA also held a Supplier Appreciation event where over 100 members gathered to watch a local baseball game, spend time with one another off the clock and show love for the suppliers who do so much for this industry. In September, USAA held its final appreciation event for maintenance personnel. It took over a local bowling alley, enjoyed arcade games, playing billiards, bowling against one another and fellowship. The USAA Board of Directors voted to create a Member Engagement Committee for 2024. Its mission is to enhance current membership and grow USAA membership, among other items. 

In 2023, the Pennsylvania Apartment Association (PAA) made significant strides in its education efforts, restructuring its program to offer relevant and practical rental housing industry education. This revamped approach has resulted in a remarkable achievement, with over 1,700 students attracted to the program. One of the key highlights of PAA’s education efforts in 2023 was the NAA credential courses outreach to regions of the state that had not been previously targeted. What was found by speaking with members directly was that they need a presence outside of the major hubs of Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Philadelphia. By offering credential courses in new areas, PAA has ensured that its students receive industry-recognized certifications that enhance their professional credibility and allow for the expansion and recognition of its membership base. 

In recent years, PAA has achieved significant legislative victories, including the successful fight against the Philadelphia Sprinkler Bill. Furthermore, PAA has actively engaged with lawmakers through various initiatives, such as hosting their own Advocacy Conference at the Pennsylvania Capitol, setting up numerous meetings with elected officials, testifying in hearings and effectively stopping over three dozen bills that could have had adverse effects on the rental housing industry. 

PAA’s Helping Hands Committee Charitable Arm had a significant impact in the community through its dedicated efforts in organizing fundraisers and supporting charitable causes. During the past year, the committee hosted three fundraisers – the Amazing Race, the Holy Shot Bourbon Tasting Event and Cocktails & Cornhole – raising over $144,000 for two charities: ProjectHome and Headstrong. 

One of the key highlights of PAA’s member engagement in 2023 was its impressive growth in supplier partners. With a 25% increase in the number of supplier partners, PAA now ranks as the fourth largest rental housing association in the country in terms of supplier partner growth. PAA’s commitment to member engagement is further reflected in its dedication to providing relevant educational resources and training programs. Through workshops, seminars and webinars, the association has empowered its members with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving rental housing industry. 

As the CEO of the Pennsylvania Apartment Association (PAA), Carol Christner oversees governance, strategy and operations. Since joining PAA in 2021, the association has achieved remarkable growth in membership, financial robustness with substantial revenue increases and innovative human resource strategies. Christner’s strategic alliances and advocacy efforts have elevated the association’s prominence in the industry. Prior to joining PAA, Christner was the National Corporate Membership Director for Hem/Onc Society Services. From 2014-18, she served as the Executive Director for the Michigan Society of Hematology and Oncology. Christner led the organization to provide education, reimbursement, advocacy and networking opportunities for members. Christner earned her master’s degree from Central Michigan University and her bachelor’s degree from Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration. 

The development project originally began in 2015 as a “buy and hold” initiative with adjacent parcels including a single-family home, a parking lot owned by Wesley Housing’s Whitefield Commons and a former American Red Cross building. To help finance the affordable housing asset, Wesley Housing sold a portion of the site to a for-profit developer, Madison Homes, to construct 19 market-rate townhomes. In November 2022, Wesley Housing completed construction on what is now The Cadence, a 97-unit multifamily affordable housing community located in the Buckingham neighborhood of Arlington, Va. The community features four studio, 42 one-bedroom, 48 two-bedroom, and three three-bedroom apartments that are home to hundreds of culturally diverse residents, 71% of whom are Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color (BIPOC). 

The four-story, stick-built, affordable multifamily building boasts several amenity spaces that complement the rhythm of residents’ lives, including community computer and fitness rooms. The property is managed by Wesley Property Management, and Wesley Housing’s onsite resident services team provides year-round programs and services for residents so they may build up their lives. 

The Cadence property management team includes a Community Manager, Assistant Community Manager, Maintenance Supervisor and Janitorial Technician who oversee the community daily. Additionally, a second-story amenity space opens onto a courtyard, while the ground floor Community Resource Center (CRC) opens onto a patio with access to a children’s play area that is shared with recently renovated Knightsbridge Apartments and Whitefield Commons, two neighboring communities owned and operated by Wesley Housing. This campus-like setting collectively serves more than 450 residents from 202 households. A sample of services includes linkages/referrals to local resources for rental assistance, food distributions, out-of-school time (OST) programming, cooking/nutrition programs, financial literacy seminars, vaccination clinics, and more. The Cadence is also transit-oriented with a bus stop located on site, which connects residents to employment and commercial centers throughout the region. 

Constructed in 1977, Fern Crossing in Shreveport, La., was originally comprised of 240 units, a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments. In a significant redevelopment project, this community has transitioned into a Class A property, signifying a substantial upgrade in quality and amenities. A key feature of this transformation is the integration with the City Trail System, enhancing resident access to outdoor recreational activities. 

The renovation of the Fern Crossing apartment community was initiated due to a change in ownership. This transition highlighted several critical issues that required immediate attention. The renovation of Fern Crossing was specifically designed to promote a healthy lifestyle and community engagement, addressing the original development’s limitations of outdoor space, neighborhood connection and smart technology. 

The new outdoor features, like bocce ball and pickleball courts, and a dog park, have significantly elevated the community’s appeal, encouraging a lively, active lifestyle. Furthermore, the introduction of individual patios and balconies for each unit provides residents with a personal outdoor haven, ideal for relaxation or entertainment. 

Keva Flats is the newest vibrant apartment community in Exton, Pa., and the first to infuse urban amenities with a suburban lifestyle. This unique five-building, 240-
apartment-home community is centrally located among Exton’s popular retail shops, restaurants, local entertainment and nearby nature trails. A commuter’s dream, Keva is conveniently just five minutes from the Exton Train Station and four miles from the Pennsylvania Turnpike. 

Residents will also enjoy over 21 acres of land to stretch out, play games and take four-legged friends to the onsite bark park. A tranquil creek runs through the heart of the property that is spanned by a custom pedestrian bridge so residents can access amenities on each side of the property. High ceilings and large windows offer bright, inviting interiors. All apartment homes are equipped with designer features such as luxury wood plank flooring, smart lock entry and walk-in closets. 

The two story, 11,000 square foot clubhouse features a roof-top terrace, entertainment bar and kitchen, lounge areas, elite fitness and yoga studio. Keva is a member of the local Chamber of Commerce and supports many nonprofits throughout the Exton and Chester County area. As part of the larger Hankin Foundation, Keva contributes to numerous charities including Friends Association, Chester County Food Bank and Handicrafters. Keva is committed to exemplary customer service as well. Fun calendar events include wine down Wednesdays, free fitness classes, yoga by the stream and bingo nights. 

At Jasper, Cityview transformed a defunct bookbinding factory and other unused industrial buildings into nearly 300 units of much-needed multifamily housing. An opportunity zone project adjacent to the University of Southern California and less than two miles from downtown Los Angeles, Jasper has experienced extremely strong leasing demand and is one of Cityview’s most successful lease-ups to date. Before TCO was even secured, Jasper was nearly 50% pre-leased. After less than two months of operating, Jasper was already trending above 60% leased. A transit-oriented community, Jasper sits one block from the 23rd Street Metro Station. The highly amenitized, mixed-use community offers a variety of studio, one- and two-bedroom floor plans. Located at 2528 S. Grand Ave., Jasper is situated at the nexus of downtown Los Angeles and the rapidly growing University Park East, where vintage shops, eclectic restaurants and craft cocktail bars are surrounded by world class cultural and educational institutions, including the soon to open Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. 

Jasper features two expansive rooftop sky decks offering outdoor dining and grills, an entertainment terrace and sweeping views of downtown Los Angeles. A lush, resort-style pool deck features cabanas, loungers and daybeds, while a quad area includes a game lawn, billiards, a built-in outdoor pizza oven and expansive communal spaces for outdoor dining and entertainment. Jasper is built to LEED Silver standards, with an expected 20%-30% improved efficiency over similar non-green buildings. It features Title 24 and Energy Star appliances as well as solar thermal, which replaces fossil fuels to heat the building’s water. 

To attract new residents, the property hosts virtual and in-person community events where current residents are encouraged to share their positive experiences. Past events included a Halloween-themed celebration of National Dessert Day, a Resident Appreciation Week with a different health and wellness focus for each day and a Mixology Mix & Mingle Night. The team also offers unique and modern amenities that cater to different lifestyles, such as co-working spaces, fitness centers and social lounges. 

Located at 201 Canal Street in Lowell’s Hamilton Canal Innovation District, 201 Canal is a 13-acre corridor flanked by the Hamilton, Merrimack and Pawtucket Canals. Once a thriving manufacturing hub supported by the largest power canal system in the United States, this vibrant, transit-oriented neighborhood now offers proximity to major businesses and downtown amenities. Each apartment features floor-to-
ceiling windows, vinyl plank flooring throughout, stackable washers and dryers and walk-in closets. 201 Canal is less than a mile from the Lowell Regional Transit Authority and Gallagher Terminal, which provide frequent MBTA Commuter Rail service to and from Boston’s North Station and many other locations in between. 

As a gateway city, Lowell has a strong base of organizations that offer opportunities to residents and businesses. Public realm improvements included the preservation and reinforcement of a historic remnant wall along the lower Pawtucket Canal, a new courtyard area and traffic and sidewalk improvements along Canal Street. 201 Canal combined two long and narrow properties separated by a public road. Some of the units are directly above the road, which allows vehicles to pass beneath them. 

201 Canal caters to renters of all income levels looking for an urban experience with access to downtown Lowell, rail connectivity to Boston or highway access to Route 3 and Interstate 495. Lowell has a population of more than 115,000 people and is home to the second-largest Cambodian community in the U.S. The leasing team uses the city’s population and local nonprofits such as the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association to promote workforce and middle-income housing opportunities. 201 Canal is active on social media, making sure that residents are aware of happenings in downtown Lowell and in the surrounding communities. The management team frequently posts updates about local events, new businesses opening nearby and fun contests on its social media pages. 

Bozzuto is an experience-focused real estate company distinguished by its innovative developments, dedicated customer service and top-rated workplace culture. With award-winning expertise in homebuilding, multifamily development, construction and management, Bozzuto is devoted to delivering extraordinary experiences for those it serves. Since its founding in 1988, Bozzuto has developed, acquired and built more than 50,000 homes and apartments. The company currently manages more than 100,000 apartments across the U.S. 

Bozzuto launched its corporate social responsibility program, Rise by Bozzuto, in 2019. Rise unites valued stakeholders, including employees, residents, partners and clients, around a distinct Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy. The company focuses on three guiding pillars to make the most meaningful impact: Homelessness & Housing, Youth Development and Social & Environmental Impact. These pillars encompass not only its core values, but the issues that the associates are truly passionate about and have a personal desire to support. 

Bozzuto Construction assembled care packages complete with motivational posters and snacks for the 105 residents at the Women’s Housing Coalition in Baltimore. The Women’s Housing Coalition supports families and individuals with permanent and affordable, service-enriched housing. In February 2023, when an earthquake hit Turkey and Syria, Bozzuto partnered with Save the Children Federation; 256 Bozzuto associates raised more than $20,000 with a Bozzuto Corporate Charitable match. 

Through an ongoing partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Bozzuto hosted its second annual BYOB (Bring Your Own Backpack) and School Supply Drive. In 2023, the company had 211 properties participate in the drive across all markets—a 15% increase from 2022—donating more than 2,100 packed backpacks in addition to a surplus of school supplies. This combined effort impacted 66 Boys and Girls Clubs across the map, and more than 2,000 children received a ready-to-go backpack to start the school year. Through numerous giving opportunities in 2023, Bozzuto affected more than 200,000 lives. 

American Landmark Apartments, based in Tampa, Fla., boasts a robust portfolio of approximately 34,000 units across markets in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. The company specializes in the opportunistic acquisition and management of value-add multifamily assets. American Landmark’s mission is to actively pursue policies and actions that promote diversity, inclusion and advancement for all team members, without regard to color, religion, origin, orientation or any other label, in order to embrace different viewpoints and perspectives that make the company better and stronger. 

To accomplish this new initiative with actionable results, the firm implemented practices and principles into its hiring process through educational and mentorship initiatives, along with strategic partnerships to cultivate a talent pipeline among underrepresented groups. These partnerships involve targeted recruitment at HBCUs, expanded internships for minority graduates, support for summer internships by providing job readiness and trade training for young professionals entering the field, as well as its collaboration with Millionaire Mastermind Academy (MMA) to develop a real estate entrepreneurship training program for minority women business owners. Out of the company’s 769 team members, 45% are women, 41% are Hispanic and 14% are Black. Half of the firm’s 24-person leadership team are women, highlighting the firm’s visible commitment to DEI and the results of the team’s collective efforts to this mission. 

American Landmark will sustain and enhance its DEI efforts with new and continued partnerships in communities across its portfolio, as well as finetuning its recruitment, hiring and talent retention processes to consistently make improvements where necessary. For example, the firm’s success with Millionaire Mastermind Academy has led to the formation of new partnerships with educational institutions. In 2021, the company established a strategic partnership with Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School. As part of the collaboration, the firm invited one of the school’s founders, Florida native and Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks, to speak at its companywide conference in Orlando. This event sparked initial discussions to develop a customized curriculum that focuses on essential professional skills such as interviewing techniques, résumé building and social media training and etiquette, among others. As a result, several students are now participating in the firm’s internship program. 

Thompson Thrift is an integrated full-service real estate company with offices in Indianapolis, Denver, Houston, Phoenix and Terre Haute, Ind. Three business units drive Thompson Thrift’s success: Thompson Thrift Residential, which is focused on upscale, Class A multifamily communities and luxury leased homes; Thompson Thrift Commercial, which is focused on ground-up commercial development; and Thompson Thrift Construction, a full-service construction company. 

Thompson Thrift’s Training and Leadership Development (T&LD) team works hard to develop team members through internal and external training and certification courses. Since 2019, Thompson Thrift has partnered with Indiana University Executive Development and the Kelley School of Business to provide team members with advanced training and leadership development opportunities and certifications through two programs: High Impact Program and Frontline Leadership Program. The High Impact Program spans six months and is designed to strengthen strategic thinking and cross-departmental collaboration for senior leaders, while finding innovative solutions to current business challenges. The Frontline Leadership Program is a two-day course that focuses on practical leadership and management skills. During the course, team members gain knowledge and experience in understanding communication styles, assessing complex situations, motivating other team members, providing effective performance feedback, and much more. 

The T&LD team also provides three different programs and training that are specifically geared toward professional development: Future Managers Cohort, Professional Growth Series and Hospitality Training. The Future Managers cohort works to advance team members’ leadership and management skills by providing training from subject matter experts and action learning projects to reinforce and apply learning. Thompson Thrift’s Professional Growth Series is a quarterly program facilitated by both internal and external trainers that helps provide team members with a variety of leadership development topics based on evaluation results from the previous year. Thompson Thrift also logs every training that is facilitated throughout the organization by business unit. This past year, it logged 9,237 technical and management leadership hours, 2,304 onboarding hours and 1,283 training hours in LinkedIn Learning. That’s 12,824 hours, around 21 hours per team member. 

In 2023, Grace Hill marked 25 years of innovation. Its solutions, covering policy, training, assessment, survey and data-driven insights, are bolstered by years of real estate experience, in-depth service-level expertise and customer support. Grace Hill offers talent performance management for any size organization. 

In October 2023, Grace Hill introduced the KingsleySurveys Employee Engagement Program, a comprehensive employee experience solution that helps real estate companies retain employees and reduce turnover costs. The primary goal of this program is to provide critical sentiment data to companies and help employees feel valued and productive in reaching their growth potential. Grace Hill has increased its library of effective risk reduction and compliance with over 793 policies, as well as 600 training courses. 

Through Grace Hill’s partnership with the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI), Grace Hill’s Visto offers industry-leading accreditation for diverse multifamily career paths, from leasing and community management to maintenance technicians in order to develop high-performing property management professionals. In 2023, Grace Hill served over 2,000 clients and completed more than 3 million courses. In partnership with the National Multifamily Housing Council, Grace Hill released its biennial 2024 Renter Preferences Survey which provides a comprehensive look at the home features and community amenities that are most important to renters, how much they are willing to pay for them and what their biggest considerations are during their home search. In 2023, Grace Hill conducted over 15 webinars, each providing actionable insights in the multifamily industry. 

Kristine Levinskas has been in the rental housing industry for 11 years. She started as a Leasing Administrator and has been promoted several times to her current position of Education & Development Manager. She has been recognized and honored with several awards throughout her career for leasing, mentoring and management. Levinskas has a passion for education, training, and creating and maintaining a positive education-focused culture at Trilogy. 

When she stepped into this role three years ago, the program was just getting its footing and was not yet a foundational pillar for the company. Today, the Education & Development department at Trilogy is robust, engrained in the culture and inspiring other educational leaders in the industry. In just three short years, Levinskas has contributed to Trilogy’s education-focused culture by developing and championing several large programs. Of those programs is a yearlong mentorship program for all new hires that pairs new team members with an existing experienced mentor. Mentors attend a two-day bootcamp training and are responsible for providing monthly updates on the goal development and progress of all new hires. The program is designed to provide one-on-one learning opportunities, connect markets and to assist with retention and engagement. Levinskas also introduced a Mentor of the Month award and has a unique flare for introducing the mentor each month via a social media video. 

Levinskas developed and hosted Trilogy’s Spring Roadshow which is a two-day training in every market. She partners with the Regional Maintenance Supervisors to host combined and separate training courses for all onsite team members. Levinskas develops and hosts Trilogy’s Fall Leadership Summit which is a three-day training for all Community Managers, Regional Property Managers and corporate office team members. 

Levinskas has also hosted several trainings/classes as part of the CAM credential program within the St. Louis Apartment Association. Levinskas oversees Trilogy’s Continuing Education program in which Trilogy will cover the cost of any outside educational training that pertains to a team member’s position with Trilogy (local apartment association designations, classes, etc.). 

Harmony Tripp began her journey as a Leasing Agent in 2014 and continues evolving into a multifaceted leader. Her dedication to continuous improvement led her to achieve the Certified Apartment Leasing Professional (CALP) credential. In 2017, Tripp’s stellar performance earned her the Leasing Consultant of the Year Award at both the local and state levels. Her leadership capabilities were further demonstrated by obtaining the Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) credential. In 2019, she received the On-Site Outstanding Performer of the Year Award, showcasing her consistent delivery of exceptional results. 

In 2023, Tripp took the helm as Chair of her local Advisory Committee. She created the Community Enrichment Team, a philanthropic committee. This initiative reflects her dedication to “serving the community that serves us,” showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the business realm. 

Tripp has been a VAMA member since 2015 and has been deeply engaged in advancing the association and industry. Starting at the local level in 2016, she has served on the Advisory Committee, progressing to roles as Co-Chair, Chair and Board of Directors voting member since 2019. At the state level, she chairs the VAMA NRV Advisory Committee, holds a voting position on the VAMA Board of Directors and actively contributes to the VAMA Conference Committee. Nationally, Tripp is a voting member of NAA’s Next Gen and NAAGives Committees. Her past involvement in state committees, covering areas such as Budget and Finance, Membership and Communications, Conference and Board of Directors, speaks to her dedication to shaping the industry. 

Through her volunteer role at the Apartment Association of Greater Columbia, Crystal Dukes has embraced the opportunity to champion diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). As the inaugural Chair of the DEI Taskforce, Dukes’ leadership has steered its evolution into a recognized committee, tripling its participation and solidifying commitment to DEI. She spearheaded initiatives such as micro learning sessions and proudly organized the association’s first pride event, marking a significant step in celebrating inclusion.

As Director of DEI Strategies at RealSource, she has led transformative efforts to weave DEI into the organization’s fabric. This includes the rollout of its inaugural DEI Statement and the launch of impactful employee resource groups. Key achievements through Dukes’ volunteer role include establishing the DEI Committee, orchestrating educational events and expanding the DEI Taskforce. These initiatives have been pivotal in empowering leaders to proactively address DEI issues, laying a foundation for ongoing progress. 

Dukes worked to curate over 100 hours of DEI training for associates. She collaborated with the Trevor Project and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to raise over $3,000. 

Kara Bonzheim, Vice President, FSI Construction, started in the multifamily housing industry in November 1997 as a Leasing Agent in Grand Rapids, Mich. She was appointed to the Property Management Association of West Michigan Board shortly thereafter. Bonzheim transitioned to the supplier side with CORT in the fall of 1998. She moved to Orlando, Fla., in July 2001 and became involved with the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando (AAGO). She sat on the Membership Committee and volunteered whenever possible. She attended her first Apartmentalize in 2004, the same year she relocated with CORT to Atlanta. Over the course of 11 years in Atlanta, Bonzheim served on the Golf Committee for four-plus years and Membership Committee for nine-plus years. 

Since 2009, Bonzheim has never missed an Advocate, Apartmentalize or Assembly of Delegates meeting. She has been a PAC Ambassador since 2019 and became a Platinum donor this past year. She has also served on the Apartmentalize Committee, Global Outreach Committee, Marketing Committee, Membership Committee, Next Gen Committee and RPM Careers Committee, and she served as a Florida Apartment Association (FAA) Alternate Delegate for four years. 

In 2015, Bonzheim returned home to Bradenton, Fla., where she immediately became involved with AAGO, the Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA) and FAA. She is on the Government Affairs and Membership Committee for BAAA as well as starting her second Board term.

In 2023, John Whitaker, CEO and founder of Elevated Asset Management in Missouri City, Texas, had all his staff go to Leasing 101 hosted by the Houston Apartment Association (HAA) as a refresher course. Houston is a large city, so having regular events can help break the ice between teams that don’t normally interact. This is a great benefit of being part of the local association. 

Whitaker operates his company with an education-first mindset. Elevated Asset Management offers scholarships for industry credentials including CAM, CAPS, CAMT and CALP. 

Whitaker’s first apartment community was purchased in 2017, a few months after his first child was born. His initial goal was to only make a sound investment. In 2022, he purchased Crossings at Alderson, a 106-unit community in need of a rehab. Included in this is an after-school program that teaches, feeds and cares for children from grades K-5. 

Value-add is often mistaken with a paint job. True value add is created by building a business with sound rental contracts where there were none, providing education to employees, implementing solid management techniques, listening to resident feedback and forging ahead when others have given up, lost vision or are simply not willing to try. 

Crossings at Alderson is the fifth major reposition value-add for Whitaker. Upgrades included a fire rebuild of eight units, dog park, pool and a full office remodel. 

Other value-add projects from Elevated Asset Management include Pointe Ann Apartments, a 63-unit community in Texas City; The Five Points at Texas, another 80-unit community in Texas City; and Inwood Village Apartments, a 24-unit property in northwest Houston. 

McMahan’s Flooring, Inc. (MFI) is a family-owned business that was founded in 2009 by Brandon McMahan. The company caters to the multifamily housing industry and offers services and materials for flooring, subfloor repairs, granite/quartz counter tops, back splashes, shower surrounds and blinds. MFI has also expanded as a major player in new construction of property development with over 100 new construction projects going at any given time. 

Vice President of Business Development, Tina White, found very early in her career that volunteering with apartment associations opened doors and built crucial relationships. White’s biggest accomplishment in 2023 was winning the prestigious Texas Apartment Association Olin Steele Lifetime Achievement award which is presented to a Supplier Partner member. She had the opportunity within MFI to mentor and help build startup sales for four new incoming Sales Representatives this past year. She served as a member at-large for the Texas Apartment Association Product and Service Council. White served as a Region 6 Delegate for NAA in 2023, her 12th year in this role. 

She was selected by the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas Board Executives to serve on the Nominating Committee to identify and select the new upcoming 2024 Executive Officer and Board of Director Members; 2023 Texas Apartment Association President to serve on a nominating committee to select the upcoming addition of the TAA 2024 Executive Officer for its Product and Service Council; Texas Apartment Association Associate Executive Liaison and Product and Service Executive Council to serve on the Olin Steele Lifetime Achievement Award Task Force to review and refine the selection procedures and process; and the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas PAC Chair to serve on a task force to help educate members on the importance of supporting to its local PAC fund and reach 100% participation from its Board and Committee members.