20 on the Rise
The National Apartment Association’s 20 on the Rise recognizes and celebrates emerging leaders who are making an impact in the rental housing industry. Each year, a select cohort of professionals with 10 years or less of industry experience is honored for their leadership, innovation and commitment to advancing the future of rental housing.
Members of the 20 on the Rise, Class of 2026 were recognized at Apartmentalize and participated in exclusive networking and professional development opportunities designed to connect rising talent with industry leaders.
Program Highlights
20 on the Rise honorees receive:
- Exclusive mentorship opportunities with established industry professionals
- Recognition at Apartmentalize, the rental housing industry's premier event
- Featured coverage through NAA communications and industry media
- Opportunities to expand their professional network and connect with peers from across the country
- Ongoing visibility as part of an elite community of emerging leaders
Looking Ahead
The call for applications for 20 on the Rise, Class of 2027 will open in January. If you'd like to be contacted to apply, please sign up to be notified.
Want to learn more about 20 on the Rise? Watch our informational webinar, explore program details and FAQs, meet the Class of 2026, nominate a rising star or learn how to get involved as a mentor as we prepare for the next class.
Program Information
- NAA membership is required
- Must have 10 or less years of rental housing experience
- Must be employed full-time in the rental housing industry
- Demonstration of making a meaningful impact at the workplace
Preview the 20 on the Rise application questions.
Application qualifications and requirements are subject to change for future classes and are provided for informational purposes only.
Q: How does the selection process work?
Answer: Applications will be reviewed, and candidates will be selected by an NAA Task Force.
A maximum of 20 applicants will be selected based on the following:
- Quality of Overall Written Application (25%)
- Demonstration of Leadership (25%)
- Self-Reflection (20%)
- Industry Reflection (10%)
- Career Achievement & Involvement Rating (10%)
- Reference (10%)
Q: Need more information?
Answer: Reach out to Stefani Hurst.
Interested in helping develop the next generation of rental housing leaders? Submit your application to mentor today!
Know a rental housing professional who is making an impact? Submit a nomination and help us identify future 20 on the Rise candidates. Self-nominations, peer nominations and supervisor nominations are welcome.
Nomination Deadline: December 31, 2026
Meet the Class of 2026
Jacob Bennett, CAM
General Manager
Bozzuto
Member of the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association
Cartel Buxton
Marketing Coordinator
Fort Family Investments/Perimeter Realty Inc.
Member of the First Coast Apartment Association
Tori Cammon
Director of Customer Success
Nuveldy’s
Member of the Greater Nashville Apartment Association
Sarah Clifford
Director of Operations and Regional Success
Gallery Residential
Member of the First Coast Apartment Association
Chance Gray
Corporate Account Manager
LSR Multifamily
Member of the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas
Brittany Hardmon
Manager of Client Onboarding
Loebsack & Brownlee PLLC
Member of the Upper State Apartment Association
Kaitlyn Klaiber
Centralized Community Manager
Madison Communities
Member of the Charleston Apartment Association
Beth Levine
Management Executive
Judwin Properties
Member of the Houston Apartment Association
Stephanie Linton
Director Of Marketing
Princeton Management
Member of the Property Management Association of Mid-Michigan
Valeria Miller, CAM
Senior Community Manager
Greystar
Member of the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association
Jenna Procaccino
Property Manager
Hillwood Properties
Member of the Fort Worth Apartment Association
Shelene Romane
Director of Brand & People Excellence
Mark-Taylor Residential
Member of the Arizona Multihousing Association
Jonathan Sanchez, CAM, CAMT, CAPS
Regional Manager
ResProp Management
Member of the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas
Daniel Silva
Community Manager
The Breeden Company
Member of the Virginia Apartment Management Association
Rocio Simon-Reilly
Management Coordinator
Greystar
Member of the Massachusetts Apartment Association
Madison Stehman
Leasing Professional Trainer
Boyd Wilson LLC
Member of the Pennsylvania Apartment Association
Heather Tabor
Managing Attorney
Brownlee, Whitlow, and Praet, PLLC
Member of the Triangle Apartment Association
Allen Vaughn
Owner
Colony Creek Apartments LLC
Member of the Austin Apartment Association
Timothy Weber
Strategic Partnerships Manager
Hy.ly AI
Member of the Bay Area Apartment Association
Thanks to our Emerging Leaders Champion:
