Presented at NAA’s Assembly of Delegates, two industry professionals were recognized for their work and efforts to support rental housing.
The National Apartment Association (NAA) has announced Kirk Downey and Josie Eatmon as 2023 NAA Lifetime Achievement Awards recipients during its annual Assembly of Delegates (AOD) in San Diego in November. The NAA Lifetime Achievement Awards recognize recipients for their long-term history of exemplary national service and accomplishments to NAA and the apartment housing industry.
As a prominent leader in the rental housing industry for more than 20 years, Eatmon has dedicated her professional career to making a difference and fostering a more diverse and inclusive industry. Serving as the Executive Director of the Triangle Apartment Association since 2006, Eatmon’s leadership has grown the association by nearly 100,000 units and led to the formation of three 501(c)(3) non-profits that continue to have a profound impact on industry professionals and community families in need of housing. At the national level, Eatmon has shared her talents to serve as president of the Association Executives Council, Apartmentalize Committee co-chair and chair of the Diversity Task Force.
"Josie’s efforts to build a better industry are felt not only in the Triangle and throughout North Carolina, but across rental housing nationwide,” said NAA President and CEO Bob Pinnegar. “Her courage and forthrightness to ensure that industry professionals of all backgrounds and experiences feel valued and included has made our organization and industry more welcoming. NAA is thankful for Josie and congratulates her on her incredibly well-earned Lifetime Achievement Award.”
An industry veteran with vast experience across rental housing, Downey has dedicated his professional career to helping industry supplier companies succeed – including Supplier Partner Resource, where he serves as President today. Downey’s leadership built the foundation of NAA’s National Supplier Council, growing the group’s volunteer leadership from five to more than 70 individuals and establishing structure and accountability. Serving as a bridge between suppliers and property management companies, Downey’s proactive approach helped many across the industry navigate the challenges spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our industry is undoubtedly in a better place thanks to Kirk’s monumental contributions over the years,” said Pinnegar. “Notably, his work to professionalize and transform the National Suppliers Council has fostered a more connected industry across the country. NAA is thankful for Kirk and we congratulate him on his well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award.”