Lively Honored for Service at Local, State, National Levels
Gale Lively, Executive Director of the Louisville Apartment Association, received one of the National Apartment Association’s (NAA) highest honors, the NAA Lifetime Achievement Award, on Nov. 11 during the Assembly of Delegates meeting near Washington, D.C.
Lively is well known for bringing respect and professionalism to the apartment rental housing industry in Kentucky for the past 38 years. Well-respected by her peers, she has fought vigorously on behalf of the industry at the local, state and national levels.
“Gale has earned a tremendous amount of respect throughout the industry,” said Bob Pinnegar, NAA President and CEO. “She has worked to develop positive relationships both in the industry and with lawmakers at every level. Her tireless efforts and leadership embody the best in our industry. We’re proud to have Gale lead our Louisville affiliate and ecstatic that we can honor her for a career full of accomplishments.”
According to Marshall Haas, Founder of The Apartment Guides, he and Lively structured the first-of-its-kind agreement between an association and a supplier partner that was more than a win, win. The agreement turned out to be the biggest revenue generator by far, year after year. The net result was that it virtually froze an increase in membership dues.
She has been extremely active in advocacy for the industry. Lively developed strong relationships with both Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY). In a letter, McConnell wrote, “Your industry has never had a more enthusiastic supporter. Gale’s professionalism and energy have made her an outstanding representative of the apartment association.” He also said Lively is one of the finest professionals he’s worked with.
Paul’s commented in a letter on her nomination by saying, “She has sponsored multiple educational events where I have had the pleasure of sitting down with the membership to talk face-to-face about challenges with the industry. These meetings were always facilitated with her inimitable professionalism and warmth. Gale has been a most exemplary advocate of the Apartment Association.”
The NAA Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes the contributions of NAA supplier partners and association executives for their long-term history of exemplary national service and accomplishments to the National Apartment Association and the apartment industry.
Yardi Founder Awarded For Innovation, Industry Support
Anant Yardi, President and Founder of Yardi Systems, Inc., received one of the National Apartment Association’s (NAA) highest honors, the NAA Lifetime Achievement Award, on Nov. 11 during the Assembly of Delegates Meeting near Washington, D.C.
Recognizing a need for integrated accounting and residential property management software, Yardi began with a garage business in 1982 and two years later founded Yardi Systems, which has since grown into a $500 million company that employs 5,000 people worldwide.
“Anant has always made sure that Yardi Systems is one of NAA’s strongest supplier members,” said Bob Pinnegar, NAA President and CEO. “Suppliers are an integral part of our membership, and Yardi ranks right up there with the best. In addition to building an innovative company, Anant has involved himself in many charitable causes from energy conservation to professional development in the industry. We’re very fortunate to have such a dedicated individual as an NAA member and supporter.”
By focusing on customer service and innovation, Yardi realized his vision of a single platform that encompasses all multifamily processes, including marketing, resident services, online payment, resident screening, renters insurance, utility billing and more, all supplemented by market and research data.
Yardi has also been a big supporter of the industry. He assists in developing best practices, providing education and advocating for the apartment housing industry. He has promoted energy conservation with energy grants to NAA and others. Under his leadership, Yardi System has been an NAA partner and committed $950,000 to the NAA Education Institute.
He also gives back to local communities. In just three days, Yardi developed an online listing portal and site where victims of the Fort McMurray fires in Alberta, Canada could quickly find new rental homes.
His service and dedication to his company, community and NAA make him an excellent choice for the NAA Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes the contributions of NAA supplier partners and association executives for their long-term history of exemplary national service and accomplishments to the National Apartment Association and the apartment industry.