Meet Brian Chase NAA’s Recently Installed Secretary of the Board of Directors

Describe your beginnings in rental housing.

I was a student in the Property Management program at Virginia Tech. I completed two summer internships with Charles E. Smith Companies in Arlington, Va., before beginning my career with them. I worked in leasing during the summer and began as an Assistant Property Manager after graduation.

Explain how NAA has been part of your rental housing journey.

NAA has helped in so many facets, from networking to education and just being able to communicate with so many professionals in our business. I have learned a tremendous amount from just talking to others, brainstorming and seeing what has been effective at their companies over the years. The legislative updates have kept me and our company very informed and able to plan properly for the ever-changing regulatory aspect of our business.

What are some of the items you are most excited about this year on NAA’s Executive Committee?

I am excited about meeting and working with the staff, seeing the inner workings of NAA more closely, meeting new people and making sure I meet the expectations for the members of this organization.

What’s some advice you’d give someone just entering the industry?

I would suggest getting involved with a local or state association as soon as you feel comfortable and begin networking, learning about our industry from all perspectives, stay up to date on legislative issues and find a passion you enjoy. You get out of it what you put in, and the local and state associations and NAA can help you grow tremendously as a person in your career.

What’s next for you on the horizon?

Continuing to look at new ways to help enhance our company in any way I can, search for new development deals and investment opportunities and prepare for this next six-year journey with NAA.