AANC Board Spotlight | Gabrielle Bouknight
AANC Board member Gabrielle Bouknight was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. She demonstrated early on her ease in stepping boldly into new places, as she made history in high school as the first female member of the men’s golf team. After high school, Gabrielle attended Kent State University, where she earned a degree in Leisure Services Management, a choice she jokingly shares was inspired by her love of fun and dislike of math.
After graduating “a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away,” Gabrielle’s life began to pull her towards the south. She and her husband Marvin spent about 20 years in the South Carolina Lowcountry, between Charleston and Beaufort; Gabrielle still considers Beaufort home. They eventually moved to Charlotte, NC, and then moved due to Marvin’s job to Chester, SC, where they still live today.
Gabrielle’s professional journey began more than 17 years ago when she was employed as Executive Director of one of HHHunt’s Assisted Living and Memory Care communities in Charleston, SC. When that community was sold, she embraced a new opportunity within HHHunt’s multifamily division, taking on the role of community manager for a new construction lease-up in Ridgeland, SC. From there, her upward trajectory continued, first as she moved into a regional leadership position, then Director of Training and Development, and eventually into her current role as HR Business Partner and Learning & Development Lead. Today, she supports multifamily operations and construction teams, facilitates training, helps drive organizational development, and oversees the company’s recognition program.
GABRIELLE'S FAVORITESCOLOR: LIME GREEN
PIE: NO PIE - MORE OF A CUPCAKE, CUSTARD KINDA GAL
TEAM: CLEMSON TIGERS
MUSIC: A PARROTHEAD! JIMMY BUFFETT
Gabrielle’s contributions extend well beyond her official titles. She has earned the CAPS credential and NAAEI Faculty membership. Gabrielle was also the 2024 Board President for the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association (GCAA) and currently serves on the AANC Board of Directors. In 2020, she was honored as GCAA Volunteer of the Year.
Gabrielle and her husband Marvin share a love of travel and exploration. Their most recent adventure was a trip to Italy this year to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They also both love to spend time outdoors, with Marvin having ample opportunities as a Wildlife Biologist and Gabrielle through her time with Make-A-Wish South Carolina, where she volunteers as a Wish Granter, Trailblaze Challenge hiker, and Red Shirt medical support team member.
It’s no surprise that Gabrielle’s guiding philosophy has been summed up by the Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge motto “Sempre Gumby” (“always flexible”). Her ability to adapt, lead, and lift others up not only strengthens the multifamily industry but also the communities she serves.