NAA Excellence Awards

The Connected Communities Maintenance Apprenticeship Program provides a structured, paid, 12-month career pathway that equips participants with technical expertise, professional skills and on-the-job exposure required to launch and advance maintenance careers. By placing apprentices across more than 20 WinnResidential communities, the program offers diverse hands-on experience with building systems, resident interaction and property operations. 

Initiative 1: Expand Equitable Access to Skilled Maintenance Careers 

This initiative creates accessible, paid entry points into the maintenance field for individuals who have historically lacked pathways into the trades. Apprentices gain experience across multiple communities, working with building systems and residents while recruitment prioritizes Winn community residents to support economic mobility and neighborhood engagement. The initiative also helps address workforce shortages by opening doors to underrepresented talent. 

Result: 16 apprentices graduated and all secured continued employment with Winn. 

Initiative 2: Build Industry-Aligned Technical Mastery & Safety Readiness 

The program delivers a blended curriculum combining 85 hours of technical instruction, 60+ hours of virtual curriculum and 100+ hours of hands-on learning at WinnCompanies’ Yarn Works and Loft Two Seven training units, operated by maintenance leaders and alumni. 

Result: All apprentices earned OSHA 10 and CPR/AED certifications. 

Initiative 3: Elevate Professionalism, Customer Experience & Leadership Skills 

Professional skill development runs throughout the program year, covering communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, service excellence, deescalation, emergency preparedness and a Professional Authenticity curriculum. Apprentices also participate in the Connected Communities Conference, which strengthens alignment between maintenance and resident services teams.

Result: 22 apprentices completed professional skills training. 

Initiative 4: Activate Alumni as Mentors to Strengthen Culture & Continuity 

The program engages alumni as mentors, trainers and ambassadors to reinforce culture and continuity. Alumni led discussions on growth, technical skills, CAMT preparation and resident engagement. Qualified alumni are also encouraged and recruited as trainers for the in-house trainings which take place onsite at WinnResidential properties. 

Result: 13 Maintenance Apprenticeship Program alumni served as mentors, trainers and panelists. 

Initiative 5: Create a Self-Sustaining Talent & Leadership Pipeline 

The program strengthens the maintenance career pipeline by preparing apprentices for full-time roles, advancement and leadership opportunities. Its in-house CAMT delivery model provides tailored support for apprentices and existing technicians. Early leadership development and strategic placements build predictable pathways from Technician I to supervisory roles. 

Result: 86% retention across all graduates; 70% of alumni remain employed after three years; 46% remain for five years or longer. 

The Greater Iowa Apartment Association (GIAA) advanced workforce development by delivering National Apartment Association (NAA) credential programs that strengthen professional standards and support career growth across the multifamily housing industry.

Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) participation increased by six students from 2024 to 24 students in 2025, with 21 passing the exam on their first attempt. These credential programs reinforced industry education while creating clear pathways for advancement. GIAA increased participation by integrating education into existing high-impact events, including appliance repair and electrical safety maintenance education embedded into the annual trade show. 

GIAA held practical education opportunities on critical regulatory topics impacting the industry, including “Fair Housing 2025: Getting Back to Basics,” a two-hour, in-person course taught by the Iowa Office of Civil Rights. This education is focused on Fair Housing Act fundamentals, federal policy updates and real-world application. It’s designed to support onboarding new industry professionals amid ongoing labor shortages. 

In 2025, Greater Iowa created and launched a Political Action Committee (GIAAPAC) to create a thoughtful, transparent way to support candidates who align with the organization and industry’s mission and to build long-term, working relationships with public leaders. 

On the federal level, GIAA has attended NAA’s Advocate for the past four years, returning to Washington, D.C., in 2026, meeting with Iowa’s congressional delegation to discuss NAA priorities and the real-world impacts of policy decisions on rental housing providers and residents. GIAA launched Legislative Roundtables for executives from member management companies. 

During the past 12 months, the Greater Iowa Apartment Association demonstrated its commitment to community impact through its Feed the Homeless initiative, held in December at Central Iowa Shelter & Services. The primary goal of the initiative was to support individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity by providing warm meals and volunteer support during a time of heightened need. GIAA members volunteered their time to prepare, serve and distribute meals, as well as assist shelter staff with operations for the day. 

In 2025, GIAA introduced several new ways to engage members, but one initiative stood out for both its purpose and the response it received: A Maintenance Appreciation Event. Early in 2025, GIAA was approached with the idea of a sponsored appreciation event specifically focused on maintenance staff, while still welcoming all members. The event drew strong participation, with 80 attendees registered. The event created a moment of recognition for maintenance personnel that encouraged participation and it brought together a wide cross-section of membership. Overall, the maintenance appreciation event strengthened relationships across membership and reinforced GIAA’s commitment to supporting the people who keep Iowa’s communities running every day.

The Greater Charlotte Apartment Association (GCAA) is proud to lead a first-of-its-kind partnership that reimagines what workforce development and housing stability can look like together. In collaboration with the City of Charlotte and others, GCAA launched an innovative initiative with one bold goal: Elevate families into market-rate housing by equipping the next generation with meaningful careers in the apartment industry. At the center of this partnership is opportunity. Young adults ages 18-24 who are connected to families receiving housing assistance are offered the chance to earn the nationally recognized Certified Apartment Leasing Professional (CALP) credential—completely free of charge—from the NAA Education Institute (NAAEI). What might otherwise be financially out of reach becomes fully accessible. Tuition, materials, instruction and industry connections are covered through this strategic collaboration. 

The Greater Charlotte Apartment Association played a leading and highly coordinated advocacy role in the successful passage of the 1% local sales tax referendum, marking a historic $19.4 billion investment in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County’s transportation future over the next 30 years. 

This generational funding initiative will deliver comprehensive road and pedestrian improvements, modernize the bus system and expand rail infrastructure across the region. 

Transit investment directly influences where and how housing can be built. GCAA mobilized its members and positioned the multifamily industry as a proactive voice in support of a referendum. A key driver of this effort was the Rental Housing Alliance, GCAA’s political action committee, established and funded by GCAA members. The RHA PAC executed a focused engagement strategy that included Association-wide communications encouraging members to vote in favor of the measure, hosting informational webinars to educate stakeholders about the referendum’s long-term impact and strategically investing PAC resources to support advocacy efforts aligned with the measure’s passage. 

When Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina, it left devastation far beyond damaged buildings. Entire communities were displaced. Greater Charlotte responded immediately. Recognizing that renters often fall into a critical space between emergency aid and long-term recovery, GCAA established a $250,000 private rental assistance fund dedicated to those impacted by Hurricane Helene. By the time the fund closed, GCAA had dispersed $172,000 directly to member companies, preserving housing stability, preventing further displacement and allowing communities to focus on rebuilding. 

The Greater Charlotte Apartment Association’s Giving Tuesday initiative is proof that when an industry unites around purpose, generosity can be both powerful and unforgettable. Designed as a high-energy member engagement event, GCAA’s live Giving Tuesday Podcast transforms traditional fundraising into a six-hour celebration of community, creativity and courageous fun. 

In just six hours, the 2025 Giving Tuesday Podcast surpassed its ambitious $50,000 goal, raising an extraordinary $51,641 for Entryway North Carolina. Those funds directly support workforce development, job placement and long-term career pathways for individuals seeking economic mobility within the multifamily industry.

The Alice is a boutique, 125-unit luxury apartment community in Princeton, N.J., designed for residents who value refined living, thoughtful design and meaningful connection. The community blends modern comfort with a distinct cultural identity expressed through its architecture, interiors and amenities. Home offerings include one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts, a distinctive penthouse collection, as well as income-restricted apartments at the 30%, 50% and 80% Area Median Income (AMI) levels through a documented rental lottery program.

Working and studying from home is supported through library spaces, private living rooms and dedicated work-from-home nooks. Each residence includes tall triple-pane European windows, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, in-unit washers and dryers, integrated smart-home technology and generous closet and storage space. Nearly half of the homes include dens that support hybrid and work-from-home lifestyles. 

The building utilizes high-efficiency heat pumps for heating and cooling, reducing fossil fuel usage and was constructed to high sustainability standards with energy-efficient features that reduce environmental impact and support long-term operational performance. Amenities include a fitness center with individual workout pods, private co-working nooks, a children’s indoor playroom, a community kitchen with billiards, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, secure bike storage and pet-friendly features such as a dog wash station and dog run. 

The Alice’s resident service approach is grounded in responsiveness, hospitality and clear communication. The community’s online resident portal consolidates maintenance requests, event RSVPs, rent payments and property announcements. The main lobby features a large media screen highlighting upcoming resident events, local community happenings and exclusive discounts from nearby vendors. Monthly newsletters provide guidance on sustainability, noise reduction, water conservation and energy efficiency, supporting peaceful and environmentally responsible living. 

Community engagement is central to the resident experience. Monthly newsletters welcome new residents, introduce staff members and highlight local business partnerships. Regular programming includes rooftop acoustic performances, art exhibitions, pet-focused storytelling features and collaborations with neighborhood organizations and wellness providers. The surrounding Princeton neighborhood enhances daily life with access to shops, restaurants, green spaces and public transportation, providing both convenience and small-town charm. 

The Alice incorporates sustainable site design, stormwater improvements and high-performance landscape architecture. The building meets the U.S. Department of Energy’s Efficient New Homes standard, ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction requirements. 

The Alice’s brand identity emphasizes boutique living, artistic influence and sustainability. Marketing efforts highlight themes such as “curated,” “crafted” and “the art of living,” reinforcing a premium and thoughtfully designed resident experience. Cultural programming, live music events and collaborations with local businesses foster a strong sense of belonging and long-term loyalty.

One Cardinal Way is a 297-unit, 29 story luxury high-rise residential community located in the heart of downtown St. Louis at Ballpark Village, offering unparalleled views of Busch Stadium and direct access to the city’s most vibrant entertainment district. One of the most storied franchises in all of Major League Baseball, the St. Louis Cardinals, joined forces with developer, The Cordish Companies, to create One Cardinal Way – a residential experience unlike any other and a place for fans to live, work and play, steps from the home of the Cardinals. The property represents a distinctive fusion of Cardinals baseball heritage and contemporary urban sophistication, creating a living experience that honors St. Louis culture while delivering modern luxury. One Cardinal Way features over 30,000 square feet of interior and exterior amenities that rival five-star resort offerings. Amenities include a private, full-service, indoor-outdoor bar, private cabanas, multiple entertainment lounges, a state-of-the-art fitness center and meticulously designed gathering spaces. The building’s design thoughtfully integrates baseball nostalgia throughout its spaces with over 150 custom art pieces curated specifically for the building that pay homage to Cardinals legends and history of the team. 

One Cardinal Way hosts over 40 unique events annually, achieving an impressive 90% resident participation rate. These gatherings range from rooftop Cardinals watch parties to wine tastings, fitness classes and seasonal celebrations, creating authentic connections among neighbors. 

In 2025, the property averaged 93% occupied and 97% leased, reflecting consistent demand and effective operations. The 2025 renewal rate of 65% indicates resident satisfaction and successful retention efforts, contributing to neighborhood stability. The most distinctive competitive advantage is the 50/50 partnership with the St. Louis Cardinals and location towering over Busch Stadium. Residents don’t just live near the stadium; they’re part of the Cardinals family. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of game-day action and rooftop amenities transform into the city’s premier watch party venue. This connection to St. Louis culture creates emotional attachment that transcends typical resident-property relationships. The resident referral program offers $500-$1,000 bonuses, turning satisfied residents into brand ambassadors. Similarly, the year-round indoor-outdoor resident bar creates a social hub where neighbors naturally gather, fostering the community connection that keeps residents renewing leases. 

New Hope Housing at Reed stands as a powerful example of how affordable housing can restore stability, opportunity and dignity for families in crisis. Purposefully designed for at-risk and formerly homeless families, Reed is a 187-unit affordable housing community with 163 Project-Based Vouchers. Reed serves as the critical next step for families transitioning from emergency shelter into stable, long-term housing. This intentional alignment of housing and services ensures families do not lose access to essential support during one of the most vulnerable periods in their journey toward stability. 

New Hope Housing is deeply committed to long-term affordability, housing stability and the thoughtful use of resources to support families with the greatest needs. From its inception, Reed was purposefully designed to support case management and resident programming. The community includes a dedicated social services wing with private meeting rooms for confidential case management, a classroom for workshops and trainings, an enrichment room for young children and a computer lab where residents can complete online learning, job applications and other essential tasks. At the center of the community, there’s a tuition-free early childhood education center, further strengthening outcomes for families with young children. 

Reed also integrates essential daily resources directly onsite. Families have access to a health clinic, a fresh food market and a resident salon — services that reduce barriers and promote dignity by meeting needs where families live. A nearby public transit stop further enhances access to employment, education and healthcare throughout Houston, connecting residents to opportunity beyond the community. The average family living at Reed has an annual income of less than $9,000. Recognizing the significant financial and logistical barriers families face, Reed intentionally brings essential resources directly onsite, reducing reliance on transportation and removing obstacles during a critical period of rebuilding. By embedding housing, services, education and daily supports within one community, New Hope Housing creates stability not just in the short-term, but for the long-term. 

New Hope Housing at Reed has a measurable and lasting impact on both its residents and the surrounding community by promoting housing stability, educational opportunity, environmental stewardship and access to essential services. In 2025, Reed maintained an average occupancy rate of 96%, reflecting strong housing stability and consistent demand. The community experienced a 14% turnover rate, resulting in an 86% resident retention rate. Reed is also home to three onsite libraries, including the Barbara Bush Library, which promote literacy, learning and school readiness for children and families. 

Robert Carroll has served as Executive Director of the North Central Florida Apartment Association (NCFAA) for the past 17 years. Alongside a small group of dedicated and selfless leaders, they guided the organization from the brink of extinction to a thriving association that has grown its membership by more than 500% since 2009. Additionally, he is grateful to have recently earned his CAE designation from the American Society of Association Executives. 

On a personal level, Carroll is the father of three and the youngest of seven children. Raised in a small southern Georgia town by a single mother and three protective sisters, he carries with him a deep appreciation for resilience, gratitude and family. A cancer survivor, he is grounded in his faith and guided by his core principles. He focuses on “controlling the controllables” and entrusting the rest to God—a mindset he supports through a positive daily attitude, regular exercise and healthy eating habits. Carroll says his journey has given him the gift of perspective and presence, helping him recognize the beauty in what once seemed common or ordinary. One of his favorite quotes captures this outlook: “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” — Søren Kierkegaard 

Below are a list and description of some of Carroll’s honors and achievements during the past year and beyond while leading NCFAA. 

• Unit growth from a little over 7,700 units in 2009 to over 40,000 today 
• Chaired the local Salvation Army Advisory Board for two years and now serves as a Board Member 
• Previously served for two years on the NAAEI Board of Directors 
• A.C.E. awards event saw tremendous success— increased overall nominations by 60% year-over-year 
• First-ever trade show sell-out with an almost 20% increase in booth sales over the previous year 
• Sold out Charity Bowl event and raised almost  $9,000 for local charities 
• Launched first workforce development program in 2025. Partnered with the Gainesville Housing Association for fall CAMT course 
• Hosted 40+ member events, ranging from networking to education

Windsor Leesburg is a 335-unit, apartment community located in Leesburg, Va., a suburban market within the Washington, D.C., metro. The community offers a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes designed with open-concept layouts, abundant natural light and contemporary finishes, including designer cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and in-home washer and dryer sets. Select residences include kitchen islands, pantries, private balconies or patios, luxury vinyl plank flooring and smart thermostats. Windsor Leesburg’s amenity offering is designed to support wellness, productivity and connection. Residents have access to a resort-style swimming pool, outdoor grilling and gathering areas, a modernized fitness center and a revitalized clubroom equipped with a kitchen and flexible seating areas for social gatherings, resident events and remote work.

Customer service and resident experience are central to Windsor Leesburg. Windsor Communities, the property management arm of GID, operates more than 55,000 apartment homes across 26+ markets. 

Windsor Leesburg was renovated to align the community with Windsor Communities’ vision of creating homes that meet the needs of residents today, tomorrow and every day. At the time of the 
acquisition in June 2024, the community was well-located within a vibrant mixed-use district; however, the amenity offering and shared spaces had not evolved alongside resident expectations and was not competitive with other communities within the Dulles Technology Corridor. 

Windsor Communities identified an opportunity to transform underutilized and outdated spaces into intentional environments that support resident lifestyles. The former leasing office and clubhouse included a small, cramped fitness center and amenities that were never used, such as a massage room and a theater. Most of the renovation was executed between January and June 2025. This renovation project eliminated the unused, outdated amenity spaces, making room for modern, highly desirable upgrades to the community, including: 

• An expanded fitness center with new strength and cardio equipment, as well as a turf zone 
• A clubroom that was relocated adjacent to the pool deck and renovated to include a new community kitchen for events, work-from-home spaces and soft seating, designed to support resident gatherings, events and everyday use 
• An upgraded main entrance with ADA-compliant automatic doors and a modernized keyfob entrance system 
• A right-sized leasing office to make more efficient use of space to elevate residents’ living experience 
• Replaced fogged windows within apartment homes to help increase resident visibility 
• Upgraded flooring, paint and lighting throughout common spaces 
• Upgraded flooring and new paint scheme in vacant apartments upon turnover.

Cavalry Family Housing (CFH) is a vibrant, master-planned community at Fort Hood, Texas, designed to support the unique needs of military families, unaccompanied service members, reservists, DoD employees, retirees and qualified civilians. CFH has more than 5,600 homes across 11 neighborhoods.

Amenities that enrich daily life include fitness centers, a swimming pool, splash parks, destination playgrounds, walking trails and well-equipped community centers. Families benefit from quick access to quality DoD schools, while pet-friendly spaces and a state-of-the-art dog park ensure every member of the household feels welcome. 

CFH was awarded the first Residential Communities Initiative (RCI) project by the Department of the Army in 2001, marking the beginning of a longstanding commitment to delivering high-quality housing and exceptional service. Continuing this commitment, more than $420 million will be invested in the Fort Hood community between 2021 and 2026, bringing exciting enhancements, including home renovations, new home construction, upgraded amenities and broader community improvements. 

CFH’s maintenance program is a cornerstone of resident satisfaction, built on responsiveness, transparency and efficiency. 

2025 highlights include a 99.5% on-time maintenance response rate, completing 40,000+ service calls with 24/7 emergency support. To enhance communications CFH introduced a resident-facing app for service requests. CFH also has a Resident Ambassadors Board that runs volunteer programs such as back-to-school drives and neighborhood food pantries. 

Ahead of Ice Storm Fern, CFH prepared residents with preventive communications, winterization guidance and thousands of spigot covers. As a result, only 78 of 5,600+ homes experienced frozen or burst pipes.

CFH actively collaborates with local organizations to uplift Soldiers, families and the broader community. 

Key initiatives included holiday donations, scholarship contributions, a golf tournament and local volunteering, which included more than 30 CFH employees volunteering 240+ hours at the Killeen Food Care Center in 2025—marking the fourth consecutive year of support. 

National Night Out drew more than 3,200 residents in 2025 and earned recognition in both the Military and Small Community categories—marking Cavalry Family Housing’s 15th consecutive NNO award. To foster literacy and connection, Little Free Libraries are placed throughout the neighborhoods. For families experiencing deployment, the Deployed Spouses Program provides non-traditional maintenance services—such as furniture assembly, lightbulb replacement, lawn care and home check-ins—to ease stress and ensure households remain supported during extended absences. 

Over the past year, CFH completed significant interior and exterior renovations, delivered nearly 400 of 580+ new homes for Junior Enlisted families in Heritage Heights and celebrated the demolition of outdated McNair legacy housing to make way for modern, family-focused homes. Heritage Heights also plays a critical role in retention by giving the youngest soldiers and families a strong first impression of Army life.

Graphite Oakley is a premier apartment community developed on the former site of the Cincinnati Milling Machine Company within Oakley Station, a vibrant mixed-use development in the heart of Cincinnati’s Oakley neighborhood. 

From the exterior, Graphite reflects the character of its surroundings. Sharp black brick and siding anchor the building’s presence, contrasted by crisp white balcony accents and black steel railings. Natural wood elements at the main entrance soften the facade, creating a welcoming transition from the neighborhood into the community. 

Outdoor leisure spaces further enhance the experience, including a heated saltwater pool, hammock grove, putting green, fire pits and a pizza oven. Residential interiors balance the industrial influence with warmth and refinement. Homes feature soft natural wood accents, matte black hardware and dual tone paint schemes that create a sense of depth and sophistication. Kitchens are both functional and design forward, with white quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and abundant cabinetry. 

Service at Graphite Oakley is defined by intentional hospitality, proactive care and a deep connection to the surrounding Oakley neighborhood. Managed by HILLS Properties, the community delivers an elevated resident experience rooted in anticipation rather than 
reaction. Service feels effortless and personal. The onsite team operates with a concierge mindset and is trained in high impact, empathetic service that extends beyond traditional leasing. Excellent customer experience is a hallmark of HILLS Properties and the Graphite Oakley team brings this standard to life daily. 

During first move-ins, when elevator outages presented challenges, both leasing and maintenance teams stepped in to physically assist residents by carrying belongings upstairs and ensuring move-ins remained positive. Smaller moments matter just as much: safeguarding perishable deliveries, keeping dog treats ready on golf carts and greeting every resident with a genuine smile and by name. 

Graphite Oakley maintains a strong 97% occupancy rate and an average retention rate of 73%, outperforming local and regional benchmarks. These results are driven by intentional neighborhood integration, strong resident engagement and partnerships that connect residents to the broader Oakley community. 

In 2025 alone, Graphite Oakley generated 161,000 Instagram views, reached 18,200 accounts, recorded 3,400 content interactions and gained 200 new followers, demonstrating the compounded impact of a strategy that started early and remained consistent. 

Rambler Atlanta was delivered in July 2025 and is a 796-bed, purpose-built student housing community located on Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta, a few blocks southeast of where Georgia Tech student housing has historically been concentrated. At the time of development, this location placed the project farther from campus than most competing properties, requiring confidence that Georgia Tech’s academic footprint would continue to expand beyond its traditional boundaries. That confidence was rooted in Georgia Tech’s planned expansion of Tech Square and the 2026 delivery of George Tower.

At the community, a dedicated study floor includes nine private study rooms, six conference rooms, open tables, semi-private booths and an outdoor study terrace, giving residents multiple environments for both collaboration and focused work. The lobby extends this academic ecosystem with layered seating that supports informal study and group interaction throughout the day. Wellness is equally prioritized. The fitness center, yoga studio, sauna and Pilates reformers provide structured opportunities for physical and mental reset within a demanding environment. The rooftop pool offers elevated outdoor space for residents to decompress while remaining connected to Midtown’s energy. 

Rambler is currently 62% pre-leased for the 2026 to 2027 academic year, approximately 20% ahead of the broader market and 10% ahead of the same time last year in a cycle where overall pre-leasing trails historical norms. The onsite team prioritizes presence, approachability and reliability, creating an environment where residents feel supported without disruption. Service interactions are designed to feel intuitive and predictable, allowing students to focus their energy on academics rather than logistics. This consistency reinforces trust and contributes to a dependable living experience throughout the academic year. Maintenance operations at Rambler Atlanta reflect this same resident-first mindset. Work orders are addressed with urgency and transparency, recognizing that unresolved issues directly interfere with students’ ability to study, rest  and maintain routine. Rambler maintains an average work order turnaround time of 1.7 days. 

The community is currently 23% renewed, up from 19% at the start of the year, with continued interest driven by the opening of George Tower and its role as a new academic hub for Georgia Tech’s engineering students. A cornerstone of Rambler’s retention strategy is its curated programming model, which is intentionally tailored to the interests and behaviors of Georgia Tech students. Rather than relying on generic resident events, Rambler has developed a program that emphasizes hands-on, tactile experiences that resonate with a population of engineers, builders and problem-solvers. This insight has shaped a shift toward interactive programming such as custom scent and perfume creation, candle-making workshops and other activity-based events that encourage participation and creativity. The results have been significant. After refining its event strategy to better align with resident preferences, Rambler experienced a tenfold increase in event attendance, with more than 100 residents participating in a recent candle-making event. 

In 2025, Tara Gerberich delivered exceptional business results and measurable enterprise impact as the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. She grew BGSF’s Strategic Account revenue by 40% year-over-year, generating nearly $15 million in total revenue. She also helped drive the team to complete more than 12,000 property visits in 2025.

Through focus, determination and consistent performance, she progressed from onsite operations to a Vice President role. Over the past 20 years, Gerberich has served multiple terms on the Board of Directors for the Triangle Apartment Association and the Triangle Apartment Association Education Foundation. She has also completed multiple terms as Co-Chair of the Triangle Apartment Association Education Committee and Special Events Committee and has contributed her expertise to numerous task forces and committees. 

For the past decade, she has further expanded her impact through service with the Apartment Association of North Carolina, where she has been selected for several subcommittees and special initiatives in recognition of her leadership and industry knowledge. While an active participant for many years at NAA’s Advocate, Apartmentalize and AOD, most recently, she was appointed to both the NAA Apartmentalize Work Group and the Marketing and Communications Work Group. 

Her excellence was formally recognized in 2025 when Gerberich was promoted from Director of National Accounts to Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at BGSF. 

BGSF provides best-in-class property management resources and solutions to growing apartment and luxury communities, as well as commercial properties and was awarded Supplier Company of the Year by the National Apartment Association in recent years. 

Matthew Smith of HD Supply is deeply engaged in the apartment industry, actively serving in leadership roles across multiple associations. He is an Executive Board member for the River Region Apartment Association, where he recently chaired the Annual Industry Awards. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Birmingham Apartment Association, contributing to several committees, including Charity, Maintenance Appreciation and Annual Awards.

At the state level, Smith is a Board member for the Alabama Apartment Association and will chair the 2026 and 2027 Educational Conference and Expo. He has also served on the Mississippi Apartment Association’s Executive Committee for the past three years, playing a key role in maintenance education initiatives as well as conference and charity efforts.

Smith’s commitment to the industry extends beyond his volunteer leadership. He has received multiple awards from HD Supply in recognition of his dedication to his career and his ability to build strong, impactful customer partnerships nationwide. Most recently, he was honored at the HD Supply Connect Conference with the company’s Most Spirited Award, recognizing his energy, passion for excellence and unwavering support of his customers, association partners and peers.

A highly respected supplier partner, Smith is frequently called upon to share his expertise, speaking with HD Supply sales teams on the value of industry involvement and presenting at supplier success events across his markets.

Chadwell Supply is the largest privately owned maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) and renovations supply company in the United States. Exclusively serving multifamily communities, Chadwell Supply currently has 33 branch and warehouse locations across the country. Chadwell Supply was originally founded as Chad Supply in the early 1970s with a simple, straightforward action plan: Find out what multifamily customers need and meet those needs in a way that makes their day better. The brothers who founded that company set out to build a business that valued the multifamily industry, the communities they served and each other. More than 40 years later, these principles remain foundational to the success of Chadwell Supply, its customers and its team members. 

Chadwell Supply is built on core values that lead it to be morally principled, selfless, loyal, highly motivated, hardworking, innovative, knowledgeable and solution-oriented. The team of 2,400 dedicated multifamily professionals is committed to serving communities and customers—taking every opportunity to make their day a little bit better. 

Chadwell Supply delivers quality MRO supplies from local warehouses across the country. In addition to next-day delivery, Chadwell University offers maintenance training by certified industry professionals with decades of practical experience. The dedicated renovations team helps customers plan and manage capital improvement projects, keeping them on time and on budget. 

The Chadwell Cares Initiative invests in philanthropic organizations connected to the multifamily housing industry, highlights incredible national organizations working to make a difference across the country and celebrates the generosity and dedication of employees who invest their time and talents living out shared values in their local communities. 

Chadwell Supply sells to multifamily operations and supports multifamily operations with services including HVAC installation and service, custom fabrication, dedicated renovation services and educational programs. 

Mill Creek Residential is a national real estate investment, development, construction and operations firm specializing in high-quality rental housing. With communities across the West Coast, Southwest, Mountain West, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, Mill Creek delivers thoughtfully designed housing in desirable, high-growth markets. While national in scale, Mill Creek operates with a local-first mindset. Teams live and work in the communities they serve, enabling Mill Creek to build strong local relationships, understand neighborhood needs and pursue responsible, community-focused investment and development opportunities. 

Mill Creek’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts reflect the belief that responsible business practices and strong communities are inseparable and that lasting impact is achieved through consistency, accountability and local collaboration. Mill Creek’s CSR strategy is designed to deliver measurable, sustained benefits to the communities where the company operates. Each June, Mill Creek hosts a nationwide Month of Service, a signature CSR initiative that mobilizes teams across markets around a shared social issue. A rotating annual focus allows the company to respond to evolving community priorities while maintaining consistency, accountability and measurable outcomes. 

Mill Creek’s CSR commitment is demonstrated through strong associate participation, measurable outcomes and sustained year-over-year growth. Over the past 12 months, associates contributed significant time, resources and funding, benefiting thousands of individuals and families. 

In June 2025, 557 associates—roughly 40% of Mill Creek’s workforce—participated in Month of Service, contributing 3,856 volunteer hours in support of mental health initiatives. Teams partnered with 18 nonprofit organizations nationwide, delivering direct support and essential resources. 

2025 impact highlights include: 

• 9,230 meals served addressing food insecurity 
• 1,232 care kits assembled for individuals in crisis 
• 11,751 goods and services collected for community distribution 
• 900 square feet of nonprofit space improved through painting projects 
• 300 crayons repurposed and 10 pounds of trash collected 
• $23,450 donated to mental health organizations 

Usage of Mill Creek’s Volunteer Time Off (VTO) benefit increased significantly year over year. Associate participation rose from 13% in 2024 to 31% in 2025, representing a 138.5% increase, signaling a strengthening culture of community engagement. 

Through a 20-year partnership with Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland Golf Tournament, Mill Creek has helped raise over $2.2 million for affordable housing. In 2025, $142,000 was raised to support safe, stable homes for families in need. Associates also helped raise $1,245 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and $500 for the Movember Foundation.

Greystar faced a growing organizational challenge driven by increasing demands for enhanced transparency in multifamily housing costs. Prospective renters and local governments were pushing back against pricing structures that emphasized base rent rather than base rent plus mandatory recurring fees, such as pest control or trash services. This lack of display detail created friction in the leasing process, eroded consumer trust and exposed operators to reputational and regulatory risk as municipalities began exploring and enforcing Total Monthly Leasing Price and fee disclosure requirements.

Greystar reimagined the leasing process by introducing a Total Monthly Leasing Price Cost Calculator as well as a Community Fee Guide. Rather than relying on the long-standing industry practice of advertising base rent separately from other mandatory fees, Greystar redesigned how pricing information is calculated and presented from the very beginning of the renter journey. The innovation lies in consolidating rent and recurring fixed costs into a single, clear monthly estimate. This shift transforms pricing from a fragmented, sometimes confusing disclosure process into a transparent and renter-centric experience. Prospective residents can now quickly understand the true cost of living in their home without navigating lengthy lease forms. By embedding this calculator into its leasing workflow, Greystar improved internal processes as well. Leasing teams gain a standardized way to communicate pricing, reducing variability and risk while increasing efficiency. 

At the same time, the tool positions the organization ahead of evolving consumer expectations and changing regulations by proactively addressing calls for fee disclosure and display of Total Monthly Leasing Price. Overall, the innovation underscores how trust, clarity and technology can reshape the multifamily leasing experience. 

Over 18 months, Greystar designed, built or influenced the development of more than 10 cost calculator tools across the multifamily ecosystem. This included custom solutions for Greystar.com and Greystar’s proprietary property website platform. This infrastructure now supports consistent enhanced pricing transparency across approximately 3,800 communities spanning 45 states, representing 900 owners and multiple asset classes, including conventional, student housing and active adult. 

Rather than responding to emerging state and federal disclosure requirements market-by-market, Greystar implemented a standardized enterprise solution. The result: reduced compliance risk, consistent disclosures across diverse property types, operational clarity for leasing teams nationwide and most importantly a better renter experience. 

Royal American Management, Inc. (RAM) is a nationally recognized multifamily property management company and a subsidiary of Royal American Companies. Headquartered in Panama City, Fla., with regional offices throughout the Southeastern United States, RAM has been enriching lives through quality housing and community investment for more than 50 years. RAM manages a diverse portfolio of 313 properties totaling nearly 25,000 units across the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

RAM is committed to cultivating a culture of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion that supports opportunity, advancement and belonging for all team members. By embracing diverse perspectives and aligning our practices with our values, we strengthen our organization and the communities we serve. 

Royal American Management immerses DEI into its operations, talent development and community impact. This commitment is spearheaded by RAM’s Advancement, Culture and Engagement (ACE) initiative.  ACE is RAM’s DEI framework, promoting equitable opportunities, strengthening workplace culture and increasing engagement across the organization. Through ACE, DEI principles are intentionally embedded into leadership development, recruitment, workplace policies and engagement with both employees and residents. 

Advancement: Creating Equitable Pathways for Growth 

RAM prioritizes career mobility through structured pathways that expand access to advancement and remove traditional barriers to opportunity. Two premier programs stand as significant DEI achievements: 

• Rising Apartment Management Professionals (RAMP): Provides free training, mentorship, paid internships and employment opportunities to prepare residents for property management and maintenance careers. RAMP addresses socioeconomic barriers by creating free access to professional development, transforming residents into colleagues and building a workforce reflective of the communities RAM serves. 

RAM also offers two internal employee development programs: 

• Pathway to Career Development (PCD): This program creates defined career ladders for staff wanting to transition to Maintenance Supervisor/Superintendent and Maintenance Technician roles. 
• Pathway to Leadership Excellence (PLE): Strengthens leadership skills as motivators, communicators and uniters. 

Culture: Building an Inclusive and Respectful Workplace 

RAM supports an inclusive environment through education, policy and accountability. RAM implemented an HR policy adding two floating holidays allowing employees to observe days meaningful to them beyond traditional holidays. The professional dress code was updated to permit tasteful tattoos and piercings while maintaining professionalism. Cultural heritage recognitions like Black History Month, Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Veterans Day are also celebrated. 

Engagement: Connecting People, Purpose and Community 

RAM’s ACE initiatives are led by the ACE Committee, an employee-led group comprised of staff from all levels of the organization. The ACE Committee meets monthly to promote and generate DEI engagement efforts, evaluate progress and align initiatives with organizational priorities. Engagement efforts include anonymous employee satisfaction surveys and educational programming that promotes dialogue and connection. These initiatives reinforce RAM’s commitment to inclusive communities where employees and residents alike—have the opportunity to belong, contribute and thrive. 

Justin Jones has consistently championed diversity, equity and inclusion across the rental housing industry by ensuring that emerging technologies, professional communities and industry education are accessible, inclusive and designed to elevate people. As Director of Industry Strategy at SmartRent and a long-time proptech leader, Jones advocates for equitable technology adoption, particularly around AI governance and responsible innovation. Throughout his career he has held Chair positions of employee resource groups for queer employees at RadPad, Zumper and Realtor.com. Through cross-industry initiatives like The AI XChange, which he co-founded, he helps multifamily professionals understand how to deploy AI ethically, reduce bias in operational workflows and create more inclusive resident and employee experiences. His educational work conducted through workshops, conference speaking engagements and his “This Just In” industry series translates complex technology into practical tools that empower onsite teams, marketers and operators at all experience levels to participate in the digital transformation rapidly evolving in multifamily. 

His commitment to inclusion extends beyond technology. In 2022, he founded Multifamily Q Space, an affinity community supporting LGBTQ+ professionals and allies in rental housing, helping create safe spaces for networking, mentorship and representation. He has also supported industry advocacy conversations around technology equity, including discussions with policymakers about equitable access to broadband and responsible AI adoption in housing environments. Across industry events, Jones emphasizes that inclusive innovation requires diverse voices at the table, from maintenance technicians to executive leaders. He actively promotes inclusive hiring conversations, cross-functional collaboration and education that lowers barriers to participation for underrepresented professionals. By combining cultural advocacy with practical innovation, Jones has helped shape a more inclusive narrative around proptech and operations. He champions a narrative where equitable access to knowledge, technology and professional community is treated as a shared industry responsibility rather than a side initiative. 

His DEI efforts have created a measurable impact across professional development, industry education and community building within multifamily housing. Through Multifamily Q Space and LGBTQ+ allyship initiatives, including industry meetups and networking events, he has helped create welcoming environments that promote visibility, mentorship and professional advancement for underrepresented voices. To date, Multifamily Q Space has more than 300 members and has been a cornerstone leader at the Apartmentalize affinity pavilion experience, as well as regional and local meet ups and events across the country. 

Through education, advocacy and community-building, Jones has helped create a more inclusive, forward-thinking industry culture. He has taught the multifamily industry to embrace all and cultivate a community that prioritizes both innovation and equitable opportunity for all.

The journey of Issa Martinez from a young woman arriving in the United States with just $300 in her pocket to Vice President of Property Management is not only impressive, it is the embodiment of resilient, transformational leadership. As an emerging leader in the apartment industry, she represents what is possible when courage, humility and vision unite. Born and raised in the Philippines, Martinez stepped into a new country without family support, financial security or a safety net. What she did have was grit. She began her career as a housekeeper—learning the industry from the ground up. Rather than viewing any role as “small,” she treated every position as a leadership classroom. As a leasing specialist, she mastered customer connection. As a property manager and multi-site leader, she refined operational excellence. As a regional manager and director, she shaped strategy. Today, as Vice President of Property Management, she leads with the rare perspective of someone who has walked in every pair of shoes on her teams. Her leadership is not defined by title but by transformation. Martinez is a true DEI champion. Having personally navigated cultural barriers, language differences and the vulnerability of being an immigrant, she has built inclusive environments where every team member feels seen, heard and valued. 

Martinez has been instrumental in changing company culture, mentoring employees and developing high-performing teams. Many team members who started under her guidance have gone on to achieve recognition within the industry, illustrating her ability to cultivate talent and inspire others to reach their potential. 

Martinez holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management, graduating cum laude. She continues to invest in her professional development, currently pursuing a Digital Marketing Science certificate at the University of Utah, which supports Mountain States Properties’ marketing initiatives. Her expertise and experience have also been recognized internationally; the Hospitality and Tourism Society at the University of Negros Occidental in the Philippines invited her as a resource speaker and she has shared her inspiring story on podcasts, speaking candidly about the challenges she overcame to achieve success. 

She is a board member of the Rental Housing Association of Utah (RHA Utah), serving on the Education Committee, where she helps shape professional development opportunities for others in the industry. Her dedication to mentorship, education and inclusive leadership demonstrates her commitment not only to her own growth but to lifting the entire community.

In 1994, a young woman walked into her first apartment office, unsure of what the future held. She had no idea that 30 years later, she would stand before thousands as one of the most respected educators in multifamily housing. She had no idea her voice would shape national conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion. That young woman was Marci French and her journey exemplifies everything the ACE Industry Practitioner Award was created to honor. French serves as Vice President of NAAEI’s Executive Committee and Vice President of Asset Management at HRG Management Services. 

She holds the CAM and CAPS designations and earned her Certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from the University of South Florida. As a 2015 Leadership Lyceum graduate, she now serves as NAAEI Senior Faculty, teaching credential courses nationwide. Her leadership includes serving on the Education Advisory Boards for both Cultivate and Apartmentalize. She also served on the NAAEI Curriculum Development Committee, directly shaping the education that advances thousands of careers. She dedicates hundreds of volunteer hours annually to curriculum development, teaching and mentorship, all beyond her executive responsibilities. Her impact on education extends from national stages to local communities, where she transforms not just what people learn, but how they see themselves and their limitless potential. 

By openly sharing her journey into the industry and rise to executive leadership, French makes apartment careers accessible to everyone. Her story resonates powerfully with emerging professionals who might doubt their own path, showing them that success is absolutely achievable. She doesn’t just teach content. Her impact radiates from national stages to local communities. When in-person credential facilitation disappeared in South Florida, French didn’t just advocate. She acted. She joined the SEFAA Education Committee and personally facilitated CAM courses. 

As Vice President on NAAEI’s Executive Committee and Senior Faculty, she teaches CAM, CAPS and continuing education courses across the country, directly shaping the careers of thousands. She served on task forces revising NAAEI credentials, including recent CAM updates that benefit the entire industry. She develops and facilitates customized Leadership Lyceum modules for state associations, including the Florida Apartment Association and Washington Multi-Family Housing Association. She presents regularly at Apartmentalize and Cultivate, appears on industry podcasts and leads panels on leadership and generational dynamics.