AANC President's Letter | June 2025

Dear AANC Members,

I hope this message finds you well. As we reflect on a phenomenal season for the Apartment Association of North Carolina, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the energy, passion, and commitment of our members.

Last month, we came together in Raleigh for the 2025 AANC CONNECTed Conference - and what an extraordinary gathering it was! Over 720 multifamily professionals from across the state united to learn, network, and celebrate the strength of our industry. From the energizing keynote by Joel Zeff to engaging breakout sessions, the return of the AANC Trade Show, and an impactful Lobby Day at the Capitol, the conference was a true testament to the power of connection and collaboration.

I want to extend a HUGE thank you to Kristin Goins, AANC Director of Education and Engagement, whose leadership, creativity, and tireless dedication were instrumental in bringing this event to life. Kristin’s passion for connecting people and delivering value shines through in everything she does. I also want to recognize the entire AANC Staff—Executive Director, Jon Lowder, Kat Nicholas, and Julie Powers—for their exceptional work behind the scenes. We are so grateful to have such an incredible and dedicated AANC team!

A heartfelt thank you also goes to the AANC Education Committee, particularly the AANC Conference Subcommittee led by Stephanie Loyd with Smart Apartment Data and Elizabeth Anne Richardson with Phillips Management Group. Their hands-on leadership and unwavering commitment were instrumental in delivering an experience that truly raised the bar! 

We are also grateful for the 60+ volunteers who generously gave their time and energy to support the event. A special shoutout goes to Willow Bridge Property Company for having the most volunteers at the conference! In addition, we recognize the companies that sent the highest number of attendees, investing in their teams through education, career advancement, and legislative engagement. Congratulations to Willow Bridge for leading the way, followed by Drucker + Falk in second place, and Bell Partners in third. This level of engagement is what drives our industry forward—thank you all for making it happen.

Please join me in a salute to the following outstanding professionals:

2025 AANC 20 on the Rise Honorees:

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)

2025 AANC Leadership Lyceum Graduates:

Allison Allen (Bell Partners), Jami Anderson (Middleburg Communities), Vail Barnes (Hawthorne Residential Partners), Hannah Boyd (Carlisle Residential), Bill Clements (Environmental Diversified Services), Jessica Coffil (RKW Residential), Wilnilda Cruz (Sweetwater Property Management), Natalie Hart (The Liberty Group), Kim Hayworth (Greystar), Eliza King (Pegasus Residential), Carrie Langley (Burkely Communities), Whitney Nye (Apartments.com), Natasha Pinckney (Greystar)

We were honored to induct Chris Loebsack into the AANC Hall of Fame—a well-deserved tribute to an individual whose leadership and service have profoundly shaped our state and industry. His legacy is one of dedication, integrity, and impact-both within our association and beyond. We are honored to celebrate Chris’s achievements and look forward to his continued contributions.

We also proudly recognized the 2025 AANC DEI Scholarship recipients: Kyra Petty of Burkely Communities and Bernard Ross of The Hanover Company. These individuals exemplify the talent and dedication that drive our industry forward.

Finally, congratulations to Amanda Propst of Greystar, the recipient of the 2025 Larry Cranford Memorial Scholarship. Amanda’s commitment to excellence embodies the spirit of this special award—well done, Amanda!

A special thank you to Chris Burns, National Apartment Association Chair-Elect, for joining us at the conference and swearing in the 2025 AANC Board of Directors. We are grateful for his leadership and partnership as we work together to advance the multifamily industry.

As we carry the momentum of the CONNECTed Conference forward, I encourage all members to get involved—whether by joining a committee, volunteering at an event, or supporting a fellow industry professional. Together, we are stronger—and together, we can make a difference in the communities we serve.

Thank you for all that you do for AANC and the multifamily industry in North Carolina. It’s an honor to serve as your President, and I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.

With a grateful heart,

Karen Perkins
Willow Bridge Property Company
AANC President