NAA Update from Lisa Taylor, NAA Region IV Vice President | September 2026

Impactful Update: NAA Regional Election Process Change

At the National Apartment Association (NAA) Board of Directors meeting held on June 17 in New Orleans, the Board considered and voted on a proposal to modify the Regional Vice President (RVP) election process. This change specifically impacted Region IV, which was the only remaining region utilizing a geographic-based voting system rather than a popular vote methodology.

Although Region IV RVPs encouraged board members to either abstain from voting or vote against the proposal, and after nearly an hour of thoughtful discussion, the motion was ultimately approved. The prevailing sentiment among board members was the importance of consistency across all regions, regardless of election methodology.

As a result, beginning with the 2027 Apartmentalize Conference, Region IV RVP elections will be conducted using a popular vote system, with candidates elected based on the total number of votes received. Fortunately, North Carolina has historically demonstrated strong member engagement and participation. Moving forward, it will be increasingly important that our delegates continue to attend, participate, and vote to ensure our state's voice remains well represented.

NAA Apartmentalize 2026 Highlights

Thank you to everyone who attended Apartmentalize in New Orleans and contributed to an outstanding conference experience.

Region IV celebrated several notable accomplishments and recognitions:

• Supplier Salesperson of the Year: Tara Gerberich, BGSF
• State Affiliate of the Year: Greater Charlotte Apartment Association (GCAA), led by Kim Graham and her exceptional team

Looking ahead, please mark your calendars for Apartmentalize 2027 in Denver, Colorado. We are proud to share that Kelli Lea (Region IV) and Brett Duke (Region IV RVP) have been selected to serve as Conference Co-Chairs.

Rental Housing Advocacy & Legal Summit (RHALS)

The Rental Housing Advocacy & Legal Summit (RHALS) remains the industry's premier annual event dedicated to legislative, regulatory, and legal developments impacting rental housing operations.

AANC was well represented this year, with several session speakers, including:

• Todd Whitlow
• Tabitha Elligan
• Thomas Howard
  of Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC.
  
  

Assembly of Delegates 2026

The 2026 Assembly of Delegates will be held in Kansas City, Missouri, November 11-13, 2026. During the event, Chair-Elect Jeannette Cox will be officially installed as 2027 Chair.