AANC President's Letter | June 2026
Dear AANC Members,
As I sit down to write this message, I'm still riding the momentum of our 2026 AANC CONNECTed Conference.
I've attended many AANC conferences over the years, but I can honestly say this was my favorite AANC event to date.
From the opening session to the closing keynote, the energy, inspiration, and quality of the programming were exceptional. The speakers challenged us, encouraged us, and reminded us why our industry matters. We also had another successful and meaningful Lobby Day, reinforcing the important role AANC plays in advocating for our industry.
This year, as AANC celebrates its 40th Anniversary, we had the privilege of celebrating
two incredibly deserving Hall of Fame inductees, Betsy Kirkpatrick-Cunningham and Fred Kicsak. For decades, they have helped shape not only AANC, but also the broader multifamily industry across North Carolina. Their influence can be seen in the organizations they have strengthened, the initiatives they have championed, and the many professionals whose careers they have helped develop. It was a true honor to recognize their remarkable contributions.
Another highlight was the launch of our inaugural Developer's Day. During AANC's 40th Anniversary year, it felt especially meaningful to introduce a new program focused on the future of our industry. Watching that vision become a reality was exciting, and I look forward to seeing how it continues to grow.
But if I'm asked what made this conference truly special, my answer is simple: the people.
One of the greatest strengths of AANC has always been the relationships built within this association. What begins as professional networking often becomes genuine friendship. Over the years, many of the people I've met through AANC have become trusted advisors, mentors, supporters, and friends. They are the people who celebrate our successes, help us navigate challenges, and remind us that none of us are doing this work alone. Simply put, I wouldn't have missed this time of connection for the world.
This year's conference left me energized, inspired, and incredibly proud to be a part of AANC. I'm grateful for our outstanding AANC staff—Kristin Goins, Sarah DuBose, Jon Lowder, Kat Nicholas, and Julie Powers—with special appreciation to Kristin Goins for leading the planning and execution of this incredible event and to Sarah DuBose for her leadership in coordinating another successful and impactful Lobby Day. I'm also grateful to Stephanie Loyd, Chair of the AANC Education Committee, the CONNECTed Conference Subcommittee led by Carrie Langley and Elizabeth Anne Richardson, our affiliate leadership across the state, our many volunteers, conference sponsors, speakers, and attendees. Events like CONNECTed simply do not happen without the dedication, talent, and commitment of so many people working behind the scenes.
Thank you to everyone who helped make CONNECTed 2026 an unforgettable experience! If CONNECTed 2026 is any indication, the future of AANC is incredibly bright.
Gratefully,
Karen Perkins
Willow Bridge Property Company
AANC President