20 on the Rise Class of 2025

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20 on the rise logo next to compiled headshots of the 20 on the rise class of 2025

 

Learn more about the 20 on the Rise Class of 2025! 

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Andrew Addy

Enterprise Account Executive
Zumper

Member of the Property Management Association of Mid-Michigan

Andrew Addy is an Enterprise Account Executive at Zumper, a leading tech-forward platform that helps partners fill vacancies with innovative marketing tools. He is a board member for The Property Management Association of Michigan and Mid-Michigan and actively participates in multiple multifamily committees statewide. Andrew has received the 2023 Lyceum Leadership Eagle, the 2023 President’s Award from PMA Mid-Michigan, and was honored as Business Person of the Year at the 2024 GLAStar and DMAA Prism Awards. He is dedicated to growing the NAA's impact, focusing on strengthening relationships and driving progress within the multifamily industry, making a lasting difference.

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Trey Ascencio

Community Manager
Greystar

Member of the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association

Trey Ascensio is a visionary leader in the property management industry, recognized for delivering unparalleled leasing results and fostering dynamic team environments. As a key player at Greystar, Trey combines innovative strategies with a personal touch, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. Known for their ability to inspire and empower teams, Trey has driven record-breaking leasing achievements, including at Arlo Apartments, where they championed stabilization efforts. A creative problem solver and passionate advocate for excellence, Trey thrives on elevating customer experiences and building community connections.

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Jesse Best

Maintenance Technician
J&G Companies

Member of the Indiana Apartment Association

Jesse is a Maintenance Technician with J&G Companies, bringing over five years of experience in the multifamily industry. Named the 2024 Indiana Apartment Association Maintenance Technician of the Year, Jesse excels in providing five-star customer service and ensuring the smooth operation of properties. With an Associate’s Degree in Arts from Henderson Community College, Jesse is committed to delivering top-notch service and fostering positive resident experiences. His expertise in maintenance and dedication to excellence make him an invaluable asset to the team.

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Serece Dalton

Property Manager
Phillips Management Group

Member of the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association

Serece Dalton is an award-winning Property Manager and company trainer for Phillips Management Group. She is dedicated to fostering excellence and a positive workplace culture. She has earned prestigious accolades, including PMG’s Assistant Manager of the Year, PTAA’s 2023 Diamond Award for Assistant Manager of the Year, and recognition in AANC’s 20 in their 20s program. Under her leadership, her team won Dynamic Team of the Year two consecutive years in a row! Serece is also active in industry organizations, serving on PTAA’s DEI Committee and AANC’s NextGen Committee, where she leads the Social Media  Ambassadors.

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Jessica Forbus

Assistant Manager
H2 Real Estate

Member of the Greater Birmingham Apartment Association

Jessica Forbus is a multifamily sales and leasing professional in Birmingham, Alabama with 8 years of experience across many portfolios. She specializes in centralized leasing management, helping to increase occupancy rates while reducing on-site costs. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University and a NAA National Apartment Leasing Professional certification. An active member of the Greater Birmingham Apartment Association, Jessica serves on the Board of Directors and as Chair of the NextGen Committee. She also proudly serves on the Alabama Apartment Association Board. She has been honored to receive several industry awards including 2023 Volunteer of the year.

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Geoffrey Gonzales

Regional Vice President of Operations
Olympus Property Management

Member of the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas

Geoffrey Gonzales is currently a Regional VP of Operations at Olympus Property. Geoffrey has held key onsite roles, including Leasing Consultant, Business Manager, and Regional Manager, before stepping into his current position. Before entering the industry, Geoffrey held key leadership roles, where he developed a passion for training, coaching, and empowering others to reach their full potential with a commitment to developing high-performing teams. Geoffrey holds his CAM and CAPS credentials from NAAEI. Industry honors, including 2018 Rookie Manager of the Year from AAGD, Olympus Property’s 2019 Business Manager of the Year, and 2023 Regional Manager of the Year.

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Chase Hunt

Vice President, Marketing Technology and Client Solutions
Avenue5 Residential

Member of the Arizona Multihousing Association

Chase Hunt is the Vice President of Marketing Technology and Client Solutions at Avenue5 Residential. With nearly seven years in the multifamily industry, Chase has been instrumental in building and scaling Avenue5’s digital marketing arm into an industry-leading team. Passionate about innovation and resident engagement, he is committed to pushing industry boundaries, while creating seamless digital experiences for residents and delivering strategic value to clients. Through a commitment to excellence and forward-thinking leadership, Chase continues to drive transformative marketing solutions that shape the future of marketing in the multifamily industry.

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Michelle Kingson

District Manager
Pegasus Residential

Member of the Apartment Association of Western North Carolina

Michelle Kingson is an award-winning property management professional with extensive experience in operations, asset management, and community engagement. As a District Manager at Pegasus Residential, she leads multiple property teams, optimizing performance, occupancy, and financial growth. With a track record of overseeing large-scale capital projects and spearheading initiatives that drive high ROI, Michelle has also played a key role in expanding business operations. Her leadership in team development has resulted in multiple promotions within her region, fostering a culture of excellence. She is passionate about strategic growth, resident satisfaction, and community impact.

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Vanessa Konieczk

Community Manager
Thrive Communities

Member of the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association

Vanessa emigrated from Colombia in 2020 after earning her Bachelor's in Business Administration. That same year, she began her career in the multifamily industry as a Leasing Professional in Washington State. Over time, Vanessa advanced to her current role of Lease-Up Community Manager in the Seattle area. Her genuine care for her communities, residents, and colleagues has been integral to her success across multiple projects. Demonstrating a strong desire for growth, she has actively pursued mentorship programs within her company and local multifamily association.

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Audrey Kupovics

Multi-Site Leasing Manager
AMLI Management Company

Member of the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas

Audrey is a skilled Leasing Manager with over four years of industry experience, excelling in relationship-building with residents, employees, and industry professionals. Known for her personalized management style, she fosters trust and effective communication, particularly in high-stakes situations. Audrey has shown strong leadership growth, receiving positive feedback and recognition, including being named ‘National Leasing Manager of the Year.’ She meets client expectations and strives to exceed resident needs, delivering exceptional results and impactful interactions. Audrey's dedication to continuous growth is reflected in her successful contributions, including her service on AAGD's NextGen Committee in 2023 and 2024.

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Gabriel Lugo

Community Manager
Asset Living

Member of the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando

Gabriel J. Lugo Torres was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and moved to Orlando, Florida, at age 10. Inspired by his mother’s career in real estate, he began his journey in property management as a porter in a Miami high-rise, advancing to maintenance technician before transitioning to leasing. After returning to Orlando in 2017, Gabriel quickly rose to assistant manager in 2019 and community manager shortly after. A graduate of the FAA Leadership Lyceum Class of 2024, Gabriel serves on several apartment association committees and the board of directors. He was honored with AAGO’s Rising Star Award in 2024.

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Hector Mora-Petras

Community Manager
RangeWater Real Estate

Member of the Bay Area Apartment Association

Hector Mora joined the multi-family industry in 2018 and quickly developed a passion for property management. He has managed a diverse mix of properties, excelling in value-add and customer service with companies like RADCO, ZRS, and currently serves as Community Director with RangeWater, overseeing one of their largest communities. He is Secretary of the Bay Area Apartment Association, a delegate for FAA, and an alternate for NAA. A graduate of the FAA Leadership Lyceum, Hector is dedicated to mentoring new industry talent. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling with his husband and spending time with their two German Shepherds.

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Ula Moscoso

Senior Regional Manager
RangeWater Real Estate

Member of the South East Florida Apartment Association

Ula began her career in Seattle after earning her Bachelor's degree at the University of Washington studying Political Science. From her first downtown Seattle lease up to the many that followed after, she has delved into real estate operations varying from complex mixed use multi-family assets in Seattle, to large scale student housing assets in Tallahassee, and now portfolio level operations in southeast Florida spanning all three counties with RangeWater Real Estate. Along the way, Ula has been awarded IREM's 30 Under 30 Award in 2019 along and has earned her ARM and CPM designations.

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Christine Munda

Regional Operations Specialist
Berger Communities

Member of the Delaware Apartment Association

Christine Munda began her multifamily industry career in 2017 as a Leasing Specialist, quickly advancing to her current role as a Regional Operations Specialist with Berger Communities. She oversees operations for 12 communities across Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. Over the last four years, she earned her CALP and CAM credentials and participated in the NAA’s Diversity Leadership Program and Leadership Lyceum. An active member of two apartment associations, she serves as a board member, a Delegate, and on committees. With a passion for service and education, she is dedicated to supporting her teammates and fostering growth within the industry.

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Emily Popa

Membership & Marketing Director
Property Management Association of Mid-Michigan

Emily is a seasoned multifamily professional. As the Membership & Marketing Director for the Property Management Association of Mid-Michigan, she drives organizational success through association management and member engagement. Emily has held leadership roles on both the property and supplier sides, excelling in sales and team management. She is a 2023 graduate of the State Leadership Lyceum and a 2024 CAM graduate. Additionally, Emily was recently appointed to the 2025 NAA PAC Ambassador Committee, where she will continue to contribute to industry growth and strategic initiatives, proving her dedication to the local, state, and national levels of the industry.

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Shane Raby

Regional Manager
Continental Realty Corporation

Member of the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association

Shane is a Regional Manager for Continental Realty Corporation. He holds CAM and CAPS designations and is very active in his local and state associations. He serves on the Board of Directors for both and Chairs the Board for the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association Education Foundation. Shane's passions include industry education and DEI. He Chairs the DEI Committee for the Apartment Association of NC and facilitates courses across multiple associations. He's a Leadership Lyceum graduate from GCAA, AANC, and NAA. Prior accolades include Manager, Volunteer, and Corporate Professional of the Year, and he is a two-time GCAA Instructor of the Year winner.

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Jason Simpson

Maintenance Supervisor
Greystar

Member of the Permian Basin Apartment Association

Jason Simpson is an experienced Maintenance Supervisor with Greystar. He has been featured on several industry podcasts, sharing his expertise and insights. Jason teaches the EPA course for the Permian Basin Apartment Association and serves as a board member and past executive committee member of the Texas Apartment Association. He has earned multiple accolades, including Maintenance Professional of the Year (2022 & 2023) for West Texas, the Texas Apartment Association’s Mary Williams Maintenance Professional of the Year (2023), and the Charlie Garza Supplier of the Year Award for West Texas. Jason holds EPA and CPO certifications and is a CAMT candidate.

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Tareka Slaughter

Community Director
Gallery Residential

Member of the Greater Birmingham Apartment Association

Tareka Slaughter has been a passionate professional in property management since 2016, starting as a Leasing Professional and advancing to her current role as a Community Director. Her career has been shaped by the privilege of working with exceptional companies and leaders who have inspired her growth. After joining the Greater Birmingham Apartment Association in 2022 and earning Rookie of the Year, her commitment to the industry deepened. What was once a job transformed into a lifestyle, fueling her desire to foster collaboration, inspire others, and empower teams to elevate property management standards and build thriving communities.

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Celia Smart

Sr. Project Manager
Ready Fitness

Member of the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association

Celia Smart is the Senior Project Manager for Ready Fitness, designing and equipping innovative fitness amenities for multifamily communities nationwide. Celia has served as President of the GCAA Suppliers Council, two years on the Executive Board, and currently serves as VP of Suppliers Council for the PTAA. Celia is dedicated to uplifting others and building stronger communities. She actively raises funds and awareness for local nonprofits including Carolina Breast Friends and Dress for Success Charlotte. This love for community combined with her fitness expertise enables her to enhance multifamily living, foster industry partnerships and inspire others to embrace their potential.

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Sarah Wieman

Regional Manager
Yardi - REACH by RentCafe Agency

Member of the Pennsylvania Apartment Association

Sarah Wieman is the Northeast Regional Manager at REACH by RentCafe, where she leverages her extensive background in marketing and multifamily operations to drive impactful client partnerships. Formerly a Vice President of Marketing, Sarah has spearheaded strategic campaigns and branding initiatives, fostering collaboration across operations, asset management, and acquisitions. Her expertise in aligning marketing strategies with business goals has earned her recognition as an industry thought leader. Sarah holds an undergraduate degree from Philadelphia University and an MBA from Florida Atlantic University. Outside of work, she enjoys practicing yoga, culinary exploration, and traveling with family, friends, and pets.