AANC's 20 on the Rise

Honorees receive the opportunity to attend CONNECTed Conference for $49!

About 20 on the Rise

20 on the Rise, powered by the AANC NextGen Committee, celebrates 20 rising stars with 10 years or less of experience in the rental housing industry. This year's honorees receive the opportunity to attend the 2026 AANC CONNECTed Conference in Raleigh from May 11-13 for just $49!

2026 Honorees: Brandon Babyak (Valet Living), Jacob Bennett (Bozzuto), Curtis Burton (Continental Realty), Tori Chavez (Eastern Property Management), Ashley Davis (Pegasus Residential), Chelsey Edick (Ansley at Roberts Lake), Marlee Gagnon (Highmark Residential), Ashley Green (Highmark Residential), Eliza King (Pegasus Residential), Claybriell Lanier (Drucker + Falk), Austin Love (Prosource Fitness Equipment), Emily Melvin (Greystar), Elisabeth Morales (Greystar), Alexandra Sack (RKW Residential), Sierra Shively (Phillips Management Group), Michael Simos (Smart Amenity Solutions), TJ Speckman (Pegasus Residential), Elizabeth Sproles (Daymark Apartments), Heather Tabor (Brownlee Whitlow & Praet), Jovan Wright (GCI Residential)

Program Information

QUALIFICATIONS

AANC membership is required.
10 years or less experience in rental housing.
Must be employed full time in the rental housing industry.
Some level of involvement with your local apartment association affiliate.
Must have a proven track record of investing in the industry and/or giving back to your local community.

AWARD BENEFITS

Enjoy a $49 registration to the 2026 AANC Conference and be honored on-site at the event.
Gain recognition on the AANC website and social media channels.
Network with AANC leadership and expand your professional connections.
Receive acknowledgment in the AANC Multifamily Minute publication.

Mentor Opportunity

The 20 on the Rise mentor pairing is designed to connect our honorees with an AANC industry leader to help them navigate and network at our annual Conference in May.

MENTOR OPPORTUNITY

2025 Honorees (Inaugural Group): Cessily Allen (Phillips Management Group), Micah Brown (Greystar), Racheal Dinka (Greystar), Robert Garrison, III (Burkely Communities), Dara Harris (RKW Residential), Ryan Herrmann (Pegasus Residential), Kerrington Keyes (Greystar), Michelle Kingson (Pegasus Residential), Sarah Lane (GCI Residential), Michelle Linton (Bell Partners), Megan Lord-Harvey (Greystar), Sammy Neighbors (Daymark Apartment Homes), Alexis O’Buckley (Fogelman Properties), Natasha Pinckney (Greystar), Skyler Reak (Greystar), Celia Smart (Ready Fitness), Lindsey Storer (Pegasus Residential), Jamaula Sykes (Drucker + Falk), Cristy Truesdale (GCI Residential), Sean Vaughan (Bell Partners)