Former National Apartment Association (NAA) Chairman of the Board Rick Graf is retiring. His last day as President, Multifamily, Asset Services at Cushman & Wakefield will be Dec. 31. Woody Stone was promoted to serve as President of U.S. Multifamily Asset Services, according to a release from the company. Stone has more than 20 years in the industry, including time with Graf at Pinnacle and Cushman & Wakefield.
“This transition is built upon synergy. The time is right for me personally, the time is right for Woody Stone to step into this leadership role, and the time is right for the company,” says Graf. “We worked to set up a solid succession plan, even before the Cushman & Wakefield acquisition, knowing that Woody is the right leader for the future.”
While stepping away from his position at Cushman & Wakefield, Graf will continue to be involved in the industry. “I like to say that I will remain involved in the multifamily industry from a distance. I have a number of investments in multifamily that will keep me involved, and I have a number of colleagues and mentees who I will continue to watch their growth and successes within the platform and the industry.”
Graf’s involvement with NAA at the national level dates back more than two decades, culminating in his rise to Chairman. NAA President and CEO Bob Pinnegar celebrated Graf and his achievements as Chairman. “For more than 40 years, Rick’s leadership has helped to shape and influence the rental housing industry. His years of commitment are marked with immeasurable professional accomplishments, all in addition to his dedication to volunteerism at all levels of the industry. Most recently serving as NAA’s Chairman in 2021, Rick helped the industry navigate the unthinkable obstacles of the pandemic and become even more prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future. I thank Rick for all that he has done for so many of us and wish him all the best in this next chapter.”
“NAA is key to success for many of us in the industry and my involvement with NAA over the years has allowed me to develop deep and meaningful relationships,” Graf says. “The opportunity to lead NAA as its Chairman in 2021 was an awesome privilege that I will never forget. I am forever grateful and blessed to be a part of NAA and I value the connections I have made through this organization.”