Each fall, the National Apartment Association (NAA) recognizes the U.S. rental housing industry’s top grassroots advocate. This award, named after former recipient and tireless advocate Malcolm N. Bennett, is one of NAA’s most prestigious and recognizes outstanding voluntary contributions to industry advocacy at the local, state and national levels.

NAA is pleased to announce it has named Ovation Property Management’s Phyllis Garcia the 2023 Malcolm N. Bennett Advocate of the Year award winner. Garcia was recognized at NAA’s annual Assembly of Delegates (AOD), held in San Diego in November.

Garcia has more than 30 years of experience as a rental housing professional, serving for years as a Regional Portfolio and Property Manager in both Dallas and Las Vegas. Today, Garcia leads at Ovation Property Management as Director of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and Compliance. An active member of the Nevada State Apartment Association, she is a leader in the advocacy space and serves as the organization’s NAA Political Action Committee (NAAPAC) Ambassador.

“In a year where advocacy has been more important for our industry than ever before, Phyllis’ steadfast dedication has truly made a difference,” said NAA President and CEO Bob Pinnegar. “Her industry peers made clear that Phyllis is a leader in advocacy, always the first to answer the call to advocate and always encouraging others to help make a difference for rental housing. Thanks to her important leadership advocating on behalf of NAA and the Nevada State Apartment Association, lawmakers at all levels of government have heard – and will continue to hear – the voice of the rental housing industry.”