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Journal of Property Management
November/December 2021 Vol. 86, No. 6
New
Armed with lessons from the
horizons
past and present, property
management looks to 2022
› Highlights from the 2021 Global Summit
› Meet the 2022 IREM Executive Leaders
› The trend of knowledge industry centers in South Korea
For those who manage
to make a difference.™
Contents November/December 2021
Features
06 New horizons
By John Salustri
12 Better together:
2021 IREM Global Summit
By John Salustri
16 Passing the baton
22 IREM’s 2022 leadership
24 Celebrating Excellence:
IREM’s 2021 REME
Award winners
28 Shine on
Sustainability certification 32 A legacy online 06
for your entire portfolio
The IREM® CSP Volume Program allows Why certify your property?
04
Dashboard
Departments
36 Global practices
Green building investments,
you to certify the environmentally- a medical school innovation 38 Property spotlight
friendly conventional and medical office • Get recognized as a sustainable property by IREM.
district, and more adaptive reuse
buildings, multifamily and senior housing • Get credit for portfolio-level sustainability 40 Government affairs
communities, and shopping centers in programs and gain access to customized
your portfolio. You can also obtain a certification materials 42 Committee central
gap analysis on corporate sustainability • Enhance external sustainability reporting, such as
programs through the Volume Program programs like GRESB, CDP, and RobecoSAM CSA, 44 Technology
enrollment process, which results in for your company or clients
streamlined CSP applications for you and 46 IREM Foundation
your team. 44
REM-018
50 New certifications
To learn more and enroll, visit irem.org/csp-volume-program.
Cover image: iStock.com/piranka irem.org/jpm | | 1
President’s letter
What a year 2021 has been! We saw the tides of the
global pandemic begin to take major turns in the
November.December 2021 / Vol. 86, No. 6
right direction. Slowly and cautiously—and I mean
cautiously—we welcomed back many tenants to
our properties as in-person business restrictions
President | W.A. “Chip” Watts IV, CPM, CCIM, C2EX, AHWD® eased. And at IREM Headquarters, we continued
President-Elect | Barry Blanton, CPM
to roll out new ways to meet the evolving needs of
our members around the globe. So, as 2021 draws
Secretary/Treasurer | Renee M. Savage, CPM, CCIM
to a close, this edition of JPM gives us a look back at
Interim CEO | M. Bernadette Patton, CAE where we’ve been and what’s in store for 2022.
Chief Learning Officer
Wendy Becker, J.D. | wbecker@irem.org One example of IREM’s bright future is already
Production Manager
here. As a member of the National Association of
Jared Kimball | jkimball@irem.org REALTORS® Real Property Operations Committee,
Director, Corporate Business Development/Advertising Sales
I was pleased to contribute to the Master Vision
Brian Lozell, CPM | irempartners@irem.org for the redevelopment of the REALTOR Building in
Chicago—home of the IREM Headquarters team. In
Chip Watts IV, CPM, CCIM, C2EX, AHWD®
JPM ®, Journal of Property Management (JPM ® ISSN 0022-3905) is published the Property Spotlight on P38, Tom Kienzle, a senior
bimonthly by the Institute of Real Estate Management, 430 N. Michigan Ave., vice president with the building’s management company, in a vital and dynamic industry like real estate management.
Chicago, IL 60611. Internet: www.irem.org. This publication is provided as a
GNP Realty Partners, AMO, gives us a detailed rundown of In an in-depth overview on P6, read what industry experts
medium for the expression of individual opinion concerning management
practices and procedures. The articles and advertisements contained herein the completed project. have to say about the outlook for real estate in 2022.
do not necessarily represent the endorsement of the Institute of Real Estate
Management or of the majority of its members excepting such statements that are
When conditions change, leaders adapt. And in 2020, that Around the world, our members drive innovation based on
so designated. The editors exercise only a general supervision of the material and
IREM® Skills assume no responsibility for claims made in advertisements or for opinions and
statements expressed in articles.
meant adjusting to the reality of working remotely. While
last year’s virtual Summit was a great success, we were
evolving market needs. Ray Hyoukle Moon, CPM, the IREM
Korea chapter president, introduces us to the knowledge
On-demand Courses IREM ®, Certified Property Manager ®, CPM ®, Accredited Residential Manager ®,
thrilled to gather in person for this year’s event. On P12, industry center in this issue’s Global Practices column on
ARM ®, Accredited Management Organization ®, AMO ®, Income/Expense Analysis ®, enjoy a recap of the 2021 IREM Global Summit in Las Vegas, P36. These nontraditional commercial buildings are rapidly
Expense Analysis ®, MPSA®, and JPM ® are registered marks of the Institute of where we were reminded of the unmatched value of face-to- becoming one of the most attractive products for real estate
Real Estate Management.
face social connection. investors in the country’s bustling capital city.
Copyright ©2021 by the Institute of Real Estate Management.
All rights reserved.
A highlight of every IREM Global Summit is our celebration Though my term as president is coming to a close, I have
Institute of Real Estate Management Diversity Statement | IREM practices
of the outstanding achievements of our members. We take no doubt that IREM will be in the best of hands in 2022.
Build property management diversity. We are an inclusive organization that embraces and values differences
great pride in recognizing the best of the best each year, and Following our strategic plan, we’ll continue to pursue
skills and get up to date on
and welcomes individuals of all races, genders, creeds, ages, sexual orientations,
gender identities, and national origins and individuals with disabilities, providing on P24 you can read about this year’s standout professionals the goals that have been driving IREM’s success over
emerging topics in as little as an equal opportunity environment among its members, vendors, and staff. honored as 2021 REME Award winners. these extraordinary past two years. Read what incoming
president, Barry Blanton, CPM, and the rest of our leaders
an hour. Institute of Real Estate Management Sustainability Statement |
The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) is dedicated to supporting With all the recent change and uncertainty finally beginning have on their agendas for the upcoming year on P16.
real estate management strategies that advance an environmentally sustainable
to settle, real estate managers have had the opportunity
and economically prosperous future.
to reevaluate which plans were temporary COVID-19 It’s been an honor serving the IREM community as your
responses and which will stick around. On P44, one of president. The invaluable experience gained from this
IREM’s valued Industry Partners explains what a game- opportunity will stay with me forever. Best of luck to the
Visit irem.org/ondemand to learn
changer real-time communication between managers and new leadership team. We’re looking forward to what y’all
more and register today!
tenants is, and why it’s here to stay. have in store for IREM in 2022.
Looking forward to 2022, we’ll keep on adapting and
adjusting—embracing new approaches and relying on
shared best practices as we continue to manage to make a W.A. “Chip” Watts IV, CPM, CCIM, C2EX, AHWD®
Publication Management
847-205-3000 | glcdelivers.com difference. Staying ahead of the curve is never an easy task IREM President
irem.org/jpm | | 3
dashboard
Modern spins
Growing Real estate developers continue to address the
industry’s shifting needs with creative adaptive
reuse projects. From malls to medical space,
green here are recent examples of empty properties
getting repurposed:
• Urban Edge Properties, an investment trust, plans
to reinvigorate three malls in New Jersey and New
Image: iStock.com/agil73
York by adding residential spaces, self-storage, and
warehouse space.
• In Manhattan, Eastman Cooke & Associates is
transforming a five-story historic warehouse
building into a modern medical center. When
complete, it will feature a thoughtfully designed Modern multifamily
reception area, examination and diagnostic areas,
pre- and post-surgical rooms, four state-of-the- marketing
art operating rooms, and full on-site equipment
Image: iStock.com/RoamingPanda
sterilization capabilities. Is multifamily marketing finally
Sources: The Real Deal, “Urban Edge to add housing, other uses to New taking its rightful seat at the
Jersey, Yonkers malls;” HCO News, “Adaptive reuse effort converts NYC
warehouse to surgery center” table? Join Erina Malarkey, CEO of
Remarkably, in the latest episode
The importance of environment, social, • LEED-certified buildings have consistently achieved higher of the IREM podcast series as
and governance (ESG) initiatives is only rents compared to their non-LEED counterparts. she discusses the evolving U.S.
growing. As about 80% of investors • Attaining ESG commitment through LEED certification comes
intend to incorporate ESG into their at a higher cost through construction or renovation.
multifamily market, myths,
strategies by 2023, Cushman and • LEED-certified assets outperform during recession- obstacles, and what multifamily
Wakefield set out to research the merits recovery periods. marketing will look like three to
Image: iStock.com/IGphotography
of sustainable properties. In Green is • The pandemic accelerated tenant demand for ESG assets.
Good: Sustainable Office Outperforms in • LEED-certified assets sold at a 21.4% higher-than-average price five years from now. Listen to the
Class A Urban Markets, data show that per square foot over non-LEED buildings during the past full interview at irem.org/learning/
investing in LEED buildings is a wise three years.
decision. Here are a few key takeaways
from-the-front-lines.
from the report: Source: Pequin, The Rise of ESG in Alternative Assets; Cushman & Wakefield, Green is Good:
Sustainable Office Outperforms in Class A Urban Markets
A strong foundation
Academic plans Despite the challenges faced during the pandemic, the IREM Foundation has continued its support for
members and students in 2021. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, the Foundation has:
Life sciences and real life will come together in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Atrium Health is
preparing to build an innovation district with a new four-year medical school. In addition to the school,
the urban area will include an innovation and research hub, as well as office, retail, and housing spaces. Awarded 5 Elaina’s Sustainability Supported 20 Diversity and Inclusion
Awarded 390
In total, the development will cost about $300 million and take eight to 10 years to complete. scholarships
Fund grants totaling $20,500 Succession Initiative (DISI) Leaders
across 3 countries and 11 Student Scholars
Source: Becker’s Hospital Review, “Atrium Health planning $300M innovation district with medical school”
Source: IREM Foundation, Impact Now newsletter
4 | ®
| Nov.Dec 2021 irem.org/jpm | | 5
feature | outlook
“We’re not out of the
woods yet.”
That straightforward assessment
of the current post-COVID-19 state
of affairs comes from Cindy Fisher,
CPM, president of McLean, Virginia-
based Kettler, AMO. That cautionary
note is twofold. First, the world is
keeping an eye on the movement of
developing strains of the virus, which
could either fade away in resurgences
New
of masks and other safety protocols
or, if left unchecked, edge us toward a
replay of 2020.
Property management pivots to
2022, armed with lessons from
the past and present
horizons
Image: iStock.com/peshkov
By John Salustri
Image: iStock.com/Kapook2981
6 | ®
| Nov.Dec 2021 irem.org/jpm | | 7
feature | outlook
Second, even without the overhang of down on their execution.” That is both a mindset
virus news, Fisher’s other cautionary and a business strategy, summarized, he says, by one
point is that after a year of nearly word: Resilience.
flatlined NOI, there is a lot of runway
How we all get to that bottom-line NOI will be
left before all of the commercial The sliding scale of resilience the question. The name of the game is long-term
real estate segments normalize. Of course, resilience is relative, and not all boats are value, and I want to pull all of the levers I can to
Nevertheless, assuming COVID-19 being raised equally by this fledgling upcycle. National
spikes are short-lived, Fisher and other Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Chief Economist
achieve that. That’s my job.
professionals remain optimistic, and Lawrence Yun breaks down that reality as follows: “Rental —Cindy Fisher, CPM, Kettler, AMO
they see the coming year as one of demand is coming back strongly with the recovery of jobs,
growth and a return to fiscal health. pointing to solid demand in the apartment sector. The
industrial sector will also continue to do well, as online Not surprisingly, retail is also feeling
“Success in 2022 will come to shopping will remain strong.” the post-pandemic pinch. While Yun
organizations that are dedicated predicts a revival of consumers in
to leaning into the customer and Regarding those other segments, “Office demand is not quality shopping centers, he says
understanding how to meet them coming back yet,” Yun says, pointing to still-rising vacancy there are, overall, too many malls that
where they are in their lifecycle,” says rates. Colliers reports that the average U.S. vacancy rate for will require repurposing into gyms,
Jonathan Tucker, CPM, executive vice the second quarter of this year stood at 14.2%, a 100-basis suburban office spaces, medical
president at Cortland, AMO, in Atlanta. point uptick from the first quarter. “Property management spaces, vocational schools, and so on.
“It requires us all to be nimble, to work may require repurposing space for different and
believe in our strategies, and to double alternative uses.” Fisher, whose company manages
some 20,000 market-rate and
affordable-housing units throughout
the East Coast, agrees. “Retailers
Experts see the coming year as one of growth will continue to have a tough time
and a return to fiscal health.
Image: iStock.com/Worawuth
into 2022,” she says, referencing the
patterns she has picked up on in her
firm’s mixed-use properties. “Those
were certainly the hardest hit in
some of our assets.”
The path ahead
So therein lie the drivers of Fisher’s frank assessment Some of those needs will remain
that we aren’t out of the woods. But what about the path “evergreen,” to use Fisher’s word;
forward? What trends will drive the road to full recovery? others, not so much. “Will we need
Resident and tenant engagement, increased automation, pods over our exercise machines?
and an enhanced focus on value are the threefold answer Probably not.” But many of the
(we will address the value proposition a little bit later). systems put in place, especially tech-
Interestingly, these goals were not discovered, but rather enabled systems to ease efficiency and
accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were make tenant engagement “frictionless,”
talking about digital tours long before the pandemic are here to stay.
happened,” says Fisher, exemplifying this clarification.
Tucker agrees. He describes 2020 as a
Starting with the engagement piece of the puzzle, Fisher “great reset period of education for our
says her shop early in the crisis began surveying residents industry. We realized once again how
about what their experience would look like after the much we impact the people we serve.”
pandemic and how people want to live in their spaces. “We He says that the hurdles standing in
Image: iStock.com/desifoto
confirmed a need for more green and outdoor accessibility,” the way of the full realization of that
Fisher says. “Designs are shifting to activate more service will remain, listing among
amenities to accommodate resident expectations and a them the eviction moratorium and
subsequent shift in services.” the need to work with state and local
8 | ®
| Nov.Dec 2021 irem.org/jpm | | 9
feature | outlook
Success in 2022 will come to organizations that
are dedicated to leaning into the customer and
understanding how to meet them where they are
Photo: Anthony Cook
in their lifecycle.
—Jonathan Tucker, CPM, Cortland, AMO
but done right, operations become even more efficient, says, although, like Tucker, she sees
saving money, ultimately, Fisher says. Hunkering down normalization as an ongoing process.
in the implementation of business intelligence tools was “Our recovery time will continue in 2022.”
what Fisher considers her biggest tech innovation of last
year. The collection of data for analysis and, ultimately, “We’ll still need to make up for last year,”
for forecasting, is “Nirvana,” she says. “People still fear she continues. Playing catch-up will
transparency; I’m a big believer in it.” involve addressing increased pressure
to optimize rent growth and expense
Back to the future management through such initiatives
Image: iStock.com/IGphotography
Yes, certain sectors, especially office and retail, still have as revisiting all vendor accounts. “How
to figure out their paths forward. The good news is that we all get to that bottom-line NOI will
the backdrop of a general economy that is growing be the question. The name of the game
increasingly robust will certainly help that effort. So is long-term value, and I want to pull
will a post-pandemic renewal of the basic principles of all of the levers I can to achieve that.
property management. That’s my job.”
authorities to help residents. Also and a boom in pet ownership all carry implications for On the first score, “The economy is recovering faster than Importantly, she adds that this has
included in that shortlist of hurdles property managers. anticipated, with unemployment likely going back to always been at the heart of a property
are ongoing tax legislation and the historic lows by the end of 2022,” says Yun. “Commercial manager’s call to action. That is the
federal infrastructure bill. In terms of the technology piece of the puzzle, both Fisher real estate activity will rise with the economy and the reset that COVID-19 brought and
and Tucker say this arguably was where we saw the most commensurate need for property management.” that Tucker referred to as proof of the
He also agrees that the wants and obvious acceleration of pre-COVID strategies. “Like other industry’s resilience.
needs of residents have changed, and organizations, we’re looking at ways to automate everything,” On the second score, “Everything has changed,” says Tucker.
puzzling out what new expectations Tucker says. “Whether that’s site-specific or back-office “COVID-19 made us redefine our best practices.” Next year Yes, automation will help. But so will
will remain or disappear will be an activities, it’s all in the name of better and more efficient will be a time of continued redefinition and more attention the renewed focus on engagement and,
ongoing challenge. “We’ve seen a lot services. That’s front-of-mind for everyone right now.” focused on “the new needs of occupants and residents and as Tucker states, leaning toward the
of changes in our resident profile,” he pivoting our business focus accordingly.” tenant or resident rather than them
says. “People have changed the way Fisher agrees. “We had already consolidated our systems leaning toward the manager. Both
they live.” More work-from-home and had the platform stabilized, but 2020 was a wake-up Hurdles aside, both Tucker and Fisher are optimistic CPMs see the road ahead as marked
options, a spike in package delivery, call.” Yes, new technology involves capital expenditure, about the outlook for 2022. Tucker, whose firm manages by renewed diligence, and indeed, by
some 67,000 units in seven states, explains that outsized more resilience.
performance in the second quarter of 2021 has led them
to reforecast 2022 and project 4.5% rent growth next year, “We’ll have to keep our pencils sharp
possibly with only a slight flattening. That is the average and our heads down to focus on all
The economy is recovering faster than anticipated, with across all of the 630 submarkets his company tracks. “We’re aspects of property management
unemployment likely going back to historic lows by the seeing in 2021 all the movement that didn’t occur in 2020,” in this period of renewed recovery,”
he says. Fisher concludes.
end of 2022. Commercial real estate activity will rise with
the economy and the commensurate need for property Fisher, too, is looking forward to the coming year, based John Salustri is a contributing writer
management. —Lawrence Yun, National Association of REALTORS® on what she has seen to date. “I’m very optimistic,” she for JPM.
10 | ®
| Nov.Dec 2021 irem.org/jpm | | 11
feature | Summit
Better together IREM’s Governing
Council
Thriving through change at the 2021 Global Summit
By John Salustri Attendees gather for
industry networking
IREM kicked off its 2021 Global Summit—its first in-person Summit
in two years—in grand style. There was fun, to be sure, and plenty of networking—with masks, yes—
but face-to-face at last. The full range of educational and keynote sessions at the Las Vegas event
featured treatment of such on-point topics as cannabis industry tenants, bias in the workplace, and
the implementation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) programs.
In a rousing General Session that opened the event, President Chip Watts, CPM, CCIM, C2EX, AHWD®,
of Watts Realty Co., Inc., AMO, celebrated the return of the Summit to an in-person event after the
extended social distancing protocols of last year. During his remarks, he commended the progress
that IREM has made despite the limitations of operating in a largely virtual environment. He also gave
this year’s association standouts the ample in-person recognition they deserved. These included the
2020 class of Next Gen CPM leaders, 30 Under 30, Diversity & Inclusion Succession Initiative (DISI)
leaders, Student Scholars, and the Student of the Year.
He also led the audience in a moment of silence for the family, friends, and colleagues we lost over the
past 18 months.
President Watts celebrated our collective successes and the “decisive action to move the association
The Gala, which celebrated forward” by such initiatives as translating virtual learning programs into Japanese, Chinese, Korean,
IREM members and their
accomplishments and Russian to “help members connect globally.” He said that connection is more important than ever,
a clear reflection of the Summit theme: “Together we thrive.”
12 | ®
| Nov.Dec 2021 irem.org/jpm | | 13
feature | Summit
He also emphasized the goal of making IREM the global focused his keynote on team motivation. Based on surveys application and disbursement. The good news is that NAR Softer side Keynote
diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) leader in real estate his firm conducted, Acuff exploded the long-standing myth and IREM have been advising government agencies on a of property speaker Liz
management. “But it will take time,” he said. “This isn’t that “motivation grows as you work toward a goal.” In fact, uniform platform designed to speed up the application management Bohannon
about perfection. It’s about progress. Our success depends “It’s the first thing to leave,” he said. process for housing providers and renters. Nuts-and-bolts
on it.” guidance was clearly
To ensure the satisfactory completion of goals, he urged The issue of affordable housing vouchers also received a major theme of
From prejudice to performance leaders to be empathetic and understand—simply by treatment in the discussion. The Cumberland Housing the Summit. But
It was a perfect lead-in to a discussion on DE&I and asking—the needs of their people. “Care about what the Authority’s Susan Monaghan, CPM, reported that 200,000 so were “softer”
unconscious bias, delivered by keynoter Risha Grant of people you care about care about,” he said. new Section Eight housing vouchers, wrapped up in the considerations
Risha Grant LLC. She held a mirror of sorts up to the administration’s two proposed infrastructure bills, the that could lead to a
audience to challenge our preconceived notions of race And since motivation can wane, remember that enjoyment American Jobs and American Families plans, would be a more well-rounded
and other common points of differentiation, admitting that matters, especially in our very challenging jobs. “There are good start. “It’s guaranteed money,” she said. “But it’s up approach to business,
she, like everyone else, carries assumptions fostered from two main types of motivation: reward and fear,” he said. to the individual to take advantage of it.” life, and leadership.
childhood. “Our parents weren’t trying to teach us hatred,” His company’s survey findings revealed that focusing on
she said. “They were only trying to protect us.” rewards produced a 31% increase in satisfaction and a 46% How to implement ESG Well-being strategist
hike in performance. Another major issue for the industry, and therefore for Oksana Esberard
Bias, she said, can be defined as “preconceived and IREM, is the implementation and management of ESG tackled the issue
unreasoned feelings” about someone else. “But the price of Cannabis and COVID programs and protocols. 2020 IREM President Cheryl of burnout, and a
inclusion is much cheaper than the price of exclusion,” she Can a proliferation of marijuana shops hurt area property Gray, CPM, led an expert panel through an exploration of central focus of her
said. To overcome bias, she recommended four basic rules: values? This was just one of a wide range of topics covered its best practices. The panel consisted of Jesse Anderson, presentation revolved
by Ted Thurn, IREM’s senior director of Government Affairs, CPM Candidate, Blanton Turner, AMO, Rhianne Menzies of around mindfulness
• Build authentic relationships and a panel of experts in “COVID, Cannabis and Beyond: Brookfield Properties, and Nancy San Pedro, CPM, of Equity and breathing as a
• Be intentional, “because we’re all creatures of habit” Advocacy and Action for Real Estate Managers.” Residential, AMO. tool to maintain a healthy overall self-awareness. “Challenge
• Question our assumptions your status quo,” she advised.
• Challenge microaggressions And the short answer is: It depends. But Melissa Kuipers ESG “has to be treated as a journey,” Gray told the
Blake of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP provided audience. “It’s an evolving area of real estate.” Driving the Keynote speaker Liz Bohannon, CEO of Sseko Designs,
These all drive more nuance. While on the one hand, the issue could be movement are such factors as the expectations of clients, suggested to IREM members that “thinking big” can be
Keynote
toward unconditional likened to too many liquor stores in a neighborhood, tenants, and residents, as well as growing insurance a fool’s errand, and “thinking small” instead can open
speaker
Risha Grant love and “and a “There is mindfulness among municipalities about underwriting concerns. increasingly large pathways to success, especially when
total acceptance of overextending licenses.” coupled with a well-developed curiosity.
humanity,” she said. Given the breadth of stakeholders, implementation is, by
“People deserve this.” She added that a safe-haven bill for banks servicing necessity, a community initiative. “It shouldn’t just come “Curiosity over criticism,” she advised the crowd, noting
legal cannabis businesses, currently being considered in from the top,” said one panelist. “Conversations have to that studies prove that in achieving success, “curiosity is
But, if that’s too Congress, is garnering a lot of support from both sides of take place, including those with tenants and with the as important, if not more so, than IQ.”
ethereal a concept, the aisle. But given more immediate issues—the lingering property manager. There’s a lot of value you can get from
she echoed one of potential for a shutdown of federal government operations the people in the trenches. You can’t change what you You can develop a stronger “curiosity muscle” by cultivating
President Watts’ among them—the bill is not likely to see floor time this year don’t know.” a greater awareness of your critical nature, directed
opening comments: and possibly not even in 2022 either. either inwardly or outwardly, and breaking it down to a
“By 2039, minorities Of course, there’s a large and growing list of benchmarking single question: Why? Questions, rather than declarative
will be in the majority. Turning to the issue of emergency rental assistance, Erin platforms to monitor the environmental portion of the ESG statements, elicit a response, and in so doing, allow for
But it’s happening Stackley of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) initiative, including ENERGY STAR®, LEED, and IREM’s growth. “This is how we build change,” Bohannon said.
a lot sooner,” she said it was “unsurprising that the rollout of funds has been Certified Sustainable Property (CSP) program. As one
said, adding that a thorny issue.” She explained that such massive legislation panelist recommended, you must choose the platform that To a great degree, building change was an unofficial
that makes DE&I would typically involve two years of Congressional works for your goals and your properties. recurring theme of the Summit. And, as it began with
even more about the debate and then, if passed, spend years going through the words from President Watts, it wrapped up with thoughts
sustainability of regulatory process. Other advice from the experts? from President-Elect Barry Blanton, CPM, of Blanton
your business. • Start small Turner, AMO. He continued the twin themes of thriving
One of the thorns in the relatively rapid-fire passage of • Define your goals, but given the evolutionary nature of the and change: “Let’s take what we’re doing today and bring
On a related topic, the relief bills was the involvement of as many as 500 topic, be prepared to retool those goals along the way it into tomorrow.”
author and leadership grantees—states, counties, and municipalities—all • Break down those silos to engage other departments in
guru Jon Acuff of which had to come up with their own platforms for goal-setting conversations John Salustri is a contributing writer for JPM.
14 | ®
| Nov.Dec 2021 irem.org/jpm | | 15
feature | 2022 IREM Officers
IREM’s
new
executive
leadership
takes
charge
As we continue to
adapt to new realities, IREM’s
leadership team keeps the
Passing
organization moving forward and
responding to the needs of its
membership. JPM spoke with the
three incoming executive leaders to
hear more about what’s ahead in the
upcoming year.
the
President:
Barry G. Blanton, CPM From left: Libby Ekre,
Blanton Turner, AMO CPM; Barry G. Blanton,
CPM; Renee M. Savage,
Seattle, WA
CPM, CCIM
baton
President-Elect:
Renee M. Savage, CPM, CCIM
Casavida, AMO
San Diego, CA
Secretary/Treasurer:
Libby Ekre, CPM
MEB Management Services, AMO
Phoenix, AZ
16 | ®
| Nov.Dec 2021 irem.org/jpm | | 17feature | 2022 IREM Officers
a lot of talented people out there we want to attract to JPM: Are there any particular areas you’ve us from our five areas of focus. I’m
Barry G. Blanton, CPM
our industry. identified as meriting more attention? excited to see how we can impact our
organization through our new DE&I
JPM: What other initiatives will you continue to BB: I’m particularly excited about one initiative that’s been initiatives. We’ll be bringing on a new
work on? brought up before and was pursued by past IREM Presidents team member in a paid position to
Cheryl Gray and Chip Watts: to work with our National focus completely on DE&I and how
BB: We’ll continue advancing some that are near and dear Association of REALTORS® (NAR) commercial affiliate we incorporate our initiatives, not
to us, such as our Next Gen outreach. We want to meet our members, Certified Commercial Investment Members (CCIM), only through IREM organizationally,
younger members where they are, and help them connect Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR), Counselors of but also throughout our membership
the dots, if you will, just as we want all our members to Real Estate (CRE), and Realtors Land Institute (RLI). We have and our chapters.
feel connected and getting good value from their IREM an opportunity to leverage the advantage that we are all NAR
membership. IREM remains the leader in education, ethics, affiliates. In the past, the commercial affiliates have tended to JPM: How can IREM leadership
and networking within our profession internationally. We look at themselves individually, when instead we can look at continue to meet the needs
are working hard to ensure that we are removing barriers ourselves as a collaborative group of professionals who can of real estate managers and
to entry relative to DE&I and taking a leadership role in support each another. the industry?
welcoming everyone into our industry and profession.
We’ve learned many valuable insights from COVID in terms President-Elect Renee Savage RS: I’m an observer. I try to sit back and
of being able to connect the world virtually, and we should listen to what our members are saying
not throw any of those opportunities to the wayside as we JPM: What initiatives are you most excited to be or watch what they’re experiencing,
come out of the pandemic. working on this year? and, through that, identify what new
needs they may have. From that point,
JPM: Are there any other membership or Renee Savage: One of the things that I’m really pleased the leadership team and everyone at
institutional needs that have arisen because of about is that our leadership team has remained completely IREM headquarters can develop ways
the pandemic? focused on the strategic plan we have in place, so each year to support our members through
we can focus on projects within those areas. The strategic whatever changes may arise.
BB: Even in the face of some of the most challenging times plan has carried over from the prior year, and we’re staying
President Barry Blanton we’ve experienced professionally and personally, two focused on DE&I, Next Gen, and ensuring our members
Renee M.
things occur to me. First, we’ve moved years forward in have a positive IREM experience. Savage, CPM,
JPM: What long-term initiatives our technology. I’m not one of those technology geeks who CCIM
will you be working on in 2022? thinks anything new is great; rather, I feel we should use JPM: How will your experiences from earlier
Are these plans carried over technology to make things better tomorrow than they are leadership roles inform your current role as
from the last board? today, especially in the real estate industry. Second, as a president-elect?
profession, real estate managers have never been more
Barry Blanton: For the last few years, valuable than they are today. Throughout the pandemic, RS: My current role as secretary/treasurer and my
the IREM leadership team and our we’ve shown agility, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. experiences in the year prior have had a really positive
professional partners at IREM HQ I’m proud of being a professional in this business, and I impact; I got a lot out of being exposed to the entire IREM
have worked together to develop a think everybody in it should be proud. It hasn’t been easy, organization. My passion has always been Next Gen, so I
strategic plan that continues beyond but I’ve repeatedly seen real estate managers running would be interested in continuing to support their influence
the year of any one presidency. So toward—not away from—problems. and activity throughout the organization. We’ve made
yes, we will be continuing our work many strides in the last few years, and I want to make sure
on a number of the initiatives that JPM: What are some new developments in the we continue to make their voices heard in the different
we’ve already started. One of the industry that are shaping IREM’s plans for the volunteer groups, working with our strategic plan, and
overarching initiatives we’re looking near future? helping set our direction as an organization.
forward to furthering during my
tenure (and beyond) is our work BB: We’re fortunate to be working with James Scott, IREM’s JPM: What kind of changes are you thinking about
related to diversity, equity, and Innovator-in-Residence and lead researcher at the MIT Real introducing this year?
inclusion (DE&I). That’s something Estate Innovation Lab. He’s keeping us informed about new
that will be woven throughout nearly innovations and trends. We’re also working with several RS: Some organizations bring a new leadership team in
everything we do at IREM, because colleges and universities, asking them to urge students and immediately want to change things; I don’t have an
not only is it the right thing to do, entering the workforce to consider property management agenda. I strongly believe in the strategic plan we have in
it’s the smart thing to do. There are as a profession. place, and it’s unlikely that anything in 2022 would derail
18 | ®
| Nov.Dec 2021 irem.org/jpm | | 19feature | 2022 IREM Officers
JPM: How will you address any JPM: What else are you looking forward to in 2022?
new membership or institutional
needs that have arisen because RS: I’m really looking forward to being more engaged with
of the pandemic? our members. We’ve lost almost two years of true, in-person
engagement. I’m looking forward to being a little more “feet
RS: No one had ever gone through this on the ground” again and attending more IREM events
before, so it really was an exercise in throughout the country and, fingers crossed, the world.
watching what was happening in the
world, listening to our members, and Secretary/Treasurer Libby Ekre
watching other associations—even
non-real estate groups—to see what JPM: Which initiatives will you be focusing on
information was needed to help this year?
our members move forward. Some
of our members are used to saying Libby Ekre: The exciting part about our existing strategic
exactly what they need, like placing plan is that we’ll have the opportunity to work together
a customer order. But many times, with consultants to help us focus on further driving
when something unprecedented industry awareness of the CPM designation. Where it is
happens, they don’t know exactly what known and understood—both here and internationally—
they need, so you have to be really the CPM designation is recognized as a valued professional
observant, analyze what you’re seeing, credential, but we can always expand that sphere of
and push out this information to influence to increase awareness.
support members. This pandemic has
Image: iStock.com/lightkey
taught us that every year is different, JPM: How will your previous leadership
and we must be nimble enough to experiences inform your approach during your
respond to and support our members. time as secretary/treasurer?
LE: My experiences working alongside many incredible
Libby Ekre, CPM
CPMs on several committees and task forces have allowed JPM: How will you address new membership and expanding our offerings to incorporate
me the opportunity to deepen my industry knowledge institutional needs that have arisen as a result of online learning. The demands imposed
and widen my view. This, along with IREM’s in-depth the pandemic? on IREM by pandemic constraints
market analysis, will definitely prove helpful in evaluating ultimately ended up shining a light
what’s going on in the industry today, and what today’s LE: Every year, we’re refreshing and revitalizing, but I think on one of our key strategies—that we
members are looking for. Member engagement is just that one especially positive development that came about in remain committed to being educators
one of our priorities as well as DE&I; we want to make response to the pandemic is that IREM really catapulted ahead and lifelong learners.
sure we not only raise awareness about IREM, but with virtual education. It worked because we had leaders
also encourage active engagement and make sure that at IREM Headquarters already working on that. It certainly JPM: What are the other areas
everyone has a voice. wasn’t done at just the push of a button, but the Knowledge that IREM can prioritize that
Solutions team at Headquarters was definitely able to hit the will have an immediate impact
JPM: How will IREM continue to meet the needs ground running because they had already been preparing for on the real estate industry?
of property managers and the industry as
a whole? LE: The legislative wing of our
association is impressive. They’re
LE: If you asked a property manager why they would join Member engagement is just one of at the forefront, working closely
IREM and why they would become a CPM, they would our priorities as well as DE&I; we with NAR and other real estate
almost certainly mention that we offer the highest quality associations on government policies
education available with the utmost ethical standards. Our
want to make sure we not only raise that directly affect our industry. I
profession is always growing, and we need to be innovative awareness about IREM, but also don’t think there’s a group of real
to offer our stakeholders opportunities based on the most encourage active engagement and estate practitioners anywhere that
up-to-date information available. This is critical for our make sure that everyone has a voice. stays more up-to-date and capable
Next Gen group and how those real estate managers will of affecting change than this team at
impact our future. —Libby Ekre, CPM IREM Headquarters.
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| Nov.Dec 2021 irem.org/jpm | | 21feature | 2022
2021 leadership
Director | 2022 Region 5 Region 13 Director | 2019–2022
Timothy S. Kramer, CPM, ARM (AL, AR, LA, MS) (NC, SC, TN) Shawn P. Harvey, CPM
Draper and Kramer, Incorporated, Debbie Prejeant, CPM Amy Hedgecock, CPM Lee Associates
AMO Latter and Blum Property Fowler & Fowler Realtors Houston, TX
Chicago, IL Management, AMO High Point, NC
New Orleans, LA 2020–2022 Director | 2020–2023
Director | 2022–2023 2020–2022 Byrdy L. Kelley, CPM, ARM
Shaniece Sanford, CPM International Vice President Melan Property Management
Cushman & Wakefield, AMO Region 6 Bethesda, MD
Washington, DC (IN, KY, MI, OH, WV) IREM Japan
Anne Ficeli, CPM Hidekazu Sakihara, CPM Director | 2022–2024
Director | 2022–2023 PURE Real Estate Management Owner’s Agent, Inc. Rita Khan, CPM
Waddell Wright, CPM, CCIM Services Tokyo, Japan Ypsilanti, MI
W. Wright & Co. LLC Grand Rapids, MI 2020–2022
Nashville, TN 2020–2022 Director | 2019–2022
IREM Foundation Christopher E. Mellen, CPM, ARM
Immediate Past President Region 7 The Simon Companies Community
W.A. “Chip” Watts IV, CPM, CCIM, (OK, TX) Board of Directors Habitat, Inc.
2022
C2EX, AHWD® Adam M. Benoit, CPM Dedham, MA
Watts Realty Co., Inc., AMO Cushman & Wakefield U.S., Inc. President | 2022
Birmingham, AL Austin, TX Karen L. Pharr, CPM
2022–2023 Cushman & Wakefield PIRES Intl, AMO Director | 2022–2024
Leadership IREM Representative to NAR
Executive Committee
Donald B. Wilkerson, CPM
Region 8
(AZ, CO, NV, NM, UT)
El Paso, TX
Vice President | 2022
Jo D. Miller
IREM Houston
Houston, TX
Gaston & Wilkerson Management Angelina Scarcelli, CPM Walter “Chip” J. Crumpler, CPM
From left: 2022 Secretary/Treasurer Libby Ekre, CPM; 2022 Secretary/Treasurer Nominee Dawn Group, AMO Colliers International, AMO Welltower, Inc. Director | 2020–2023
Carpenter, CPM; 2022 President Barry Blanton, CPM; 2021 President Chip Watts IV, CPM, Reno, NV Las Vegas, NV Charlotte, NC Frederick W. Prassas, CPM
CCIM, C2EX, AHWD®; and 2022 President-Elect Renee Savage, CPM, CCIM 2020–2022 PMC Management Group
IREM Foundation President Secretary/Treasurer | 2022 La Crosse, WI
Karen L. Pharr, CPM Region 9 Dee E. Headley, CPM
IREM Board of Directors Director | 2022–2023 Cushman & Wakefield PIRES Intl, AMO (IL, MN, WI) Cushman & Wakefield, AMO Director | 2020–2023
Gregory A. Cichy, CPM El Paso, TX Angela E. Aeschliman, CPM Indianapolis, IN Ann E. Reisch, CPM
President | 2022 Colliers International, AMO The Missner Group Reisch Consulting Group, Inc.
Barry Blanton, CPM Arlington, VA US Regional Vice Presidents Des Plaines, IL Director | 2019–2022 Incline Village, NV
Blanton Turner, AMO 2022–2023 Malcolm W. Bates, CPM
Seattle, WA Director | 2022–2023 Region 1 Richmond, VA Director | 2022–2024
Kimberly P. Collins, CPM (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT) Region 10 Michael B. Simmons, CPM
President-Elect | 2022 CBRE, AMO Jason Falcetta, CPM, ACoM (IA, KS, MO, NE, ND, SD) Director | 2020–2023 Community Realty Management, Inc.,
Renee M. Savage, CPM, CCIM Indianapolis, IN RM Bradley Management Pamela K. McKechnie, CPM Anshu Bera, CPM AMO
Casavida, AMO Hartford, CT MC Realty Group, LLC, AMO The RMR Group Pleasantville, NJ
San Diego, CA Director | 2022 2022–2023 Kansas City, MO Wheaton, IL
Mindy Gronbeck, CPM 2022–2023 Director | 2019–2022
Secretary/Treasurer | 2022 Hawkins Companies, AMO Region 2 Director | 2019–2022 Jonathan Tucker, CPM
Libby Ekre, CPM Boise, ID (DE, NJ, NY, PA) Region 11 Terrell T. Edwards, CPM Cortland, AMO
MEB Management Services, AMO Christine Lacy, CPM (CA, HI) Blanton Turner, AMO Atlanta, GA
Phoenix, AZ Director | 2022–2023 Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey Alex Goldthwaite, CPM Seattle, WA
Toni R. Harris, CPM, ARM Burlington, NJ Homeriver Group-Sacramento Director | 2019–2022
Director | 2022 Avanath Realty, Inc., AMO 2020–2022 Sacramento, CA Director | 2019–2022 Eileen D. Wirth, CPM
Brad J. Ashley, CPM Alexandria, MD 2021–2022 Benjamin R. Forsyth, CPM MEND, Inc.
Newmark Zimmer Region 3 Westerra Corp. Plainsboro, NJ
Kansas City, MO Director | 2022–2023 (MD, VA, DC) Region 12 Bountiful, UT
Ryan Huffman, CPM Benjamin Underwood, CPM (AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY) IREM Secretary/Treasurer
Director | 2022 Cohen-Esrey, LLC Brookfield Properties Jason Jackson, CPM, ARM Director | 2022–2024 Libby Ekre, CPM
Branden J. Barker, CPM Kansas City, MO Washington, D.C. Kiemle Hagood Cheryl Gray, CPM MEB Management Services, AMO
Barker Property Management, AMO 2022–2023 Spokane, WA Real Estate Strategist Phoenix, AZ
Baton Rouge, LA Director | 2022 2020–2022 Toronto, ON
Sidney L. Ingelson, CPM Region 4 Immediate Past President
Director | 2022 The Northern Trust Company (FL, GA) Director | 2020–2023 Julie L. Scott, CPM
Dawn Carpenter, CPM Pasadena, CA Shannon H. Longino, CPM Kaci B. Hancock, CPM, ACoM Colliers International, AMO
Dawning Real Estate, Inc., AMO TRUIST Community Capital REIS Associates Portland, OR
Staten Island, NY Atlanta, GA Houston, TX
2022–2023
22 | ®
| Nov.Dec 2021 irem.org/jpm | | 23feature | REME awards
Celebrating
excellence
Meet IREM’s 2021 REME Award winners
IREM’s REME Awards honor the real estate professionals
and companies that manage to make a difference—and what a difference
they make. This year’s winners are defined by a common thread: their passion
for being the best in their field and making a difference in the communities
they serve.
Being the best isn’t about personal ambition or corporate revenue. It’s about
communication, building relationships, and above all, being there for residents
and tenants when they need you most. These individuals and companies have
taken their commitment as property managers a step further with increased
community engagement, a re-energized focus on building diverse and inclusive
Image: iStock.com/LanaStock
workplaces, and by mentoring the next generation of real estate management
professionals. The judges chose seven winners in six categories. And because this
year’s pool of nominees was so exceptional, we have chosen two CPMs of the Year.
Turn the page to see the IREM REME Award class of 2021:
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| Nov.Dec 2021 irem.org/jpm | | 25feature | REME awards
CPMs of the Year Managers are often the first people company to make a meaningful impact on the communities His efforts have paid off—the Cortland operations team
The depth of IREM’s membership is reflected in this residents meet when searching for where its assets are held. The company’s team believes has added nine ARM designees and 15 CPM candidates this
category and in the tough decisions made by our REME a place to call home, executing the true philanthropy results from both good citizenship and past year—validating his firm belief that the real estate
Award judges in selecting a winner. Because there were so lease, and making arrangements for good business. And they’re not wrong about that. In fact, workforce of tomorrow starts with educating the next
many exceptional nominees this year, two CPMs of the Year move-in. Good first impressions are RMR Group employees are so passionate about giving generations today.
were chosen as 2021 REME Award winners. crucial to excelling in this role. back that the company officially designated an annual day
of service for its teams across the country to engage in
Julia Paluka, CPM, Meet Doris Granger, a real estate volunteer work. IREM Innovator Award
The RMR Group management professional with 20 years of experience taking CRC Companies
Julia Paluka has been advancing care of the properties she manages and those who call those When the challenges of the pandemic prevented in-person CRC Companies is a collection of award-winning real estate,
the real estate management properties home. Her philosophy is to always do the right volunteer time, the company donated $50,000 to help construction, and asset management firms. Grounded in a
profession by encouraging greater thing, even if no one is looking. Her ethical business practices 10 deserving organizations provide pandemic-related 100-year heritage of assured
participation in IREM. She’s made have secured her residents’ and vendors’ trust, which has assistance. Inspired by the company’s generosity, performance, they’re the
it her mission to break down the helped her build strong teams that can mentor the next employees collected food, clothing, and blankets for more operations experts with deep
barriers to outreach and replace generation of professionals. than 300 people in need. experience in originating,
them with “through-reach,” the managing, and sustaining
concept of connecting with IREM members to increase their The RMR Group’s other ethical practices include bringing large assets for the long
engagement in chapter events. Paluka found an impressive AMO of the Year CPM education in-house, fostering a culture of diversity term. CRC is well known for
group of professionals willing to share their expertise with Physicians Realty Trust, AMO and inclusion, and expanding the conversation on social superior execution, making them a perfect candidate for the
students and highlight the rewards and dynamics of real 2021 was an exceptional year of adaptation, innovation, issues. They’re bringing in new talent by reaching out IREM Innovator Award.
estate management careers. and success for Physicians Realty Trust, which manages to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
a portfolio of healthcare-related real estate. Being in the and accelerating their women in leadership program. In 2019, the company launched CRC[X], an initiative to
She’s extended her successful networking strategies to The healthcare business, this company understands what it The company’s continued investment in employee put customer experience at the forefront of every product,
RMR Group with an initiative she calls “up-reach,” bringing means to be on the education underscores their commitment to making business strategy, and person-to-person interaction. With
co-workers to IREM events and including IREM information front lines of a global real change as they welcome the next generations to the program now in its third year, the group has reaped the
on her company’s website. Her efforts have resulted in 21 pandemic. After their ranks. rewards of this customer-focused culture. CRC has always
new CPM candidates over the past year. the first reported taken pride in its human-centered approach to property
case of COVID-19 in development and management. However, as the portfolio of
Lucinda Lilley, CPM, their markets last IREM Excellence Award— projects grew, geographic distances expanded, and the breadth
FBS Property Management, AMO year, they implemented strategies to protect their staff and Individual of customers diversified, CRC realized the need for a more
Lucinda Lilley dreams of evolving the tenants and to build strong and supportive relationships Jonathan Tucker, CPM, formalized approach to customer experience (CX). Accordingly,
real estate management profession with their healthcare partners. Cortland, AMO rather than leaving CX problem-solving to site staff to tackle
to become equal parts human-centric Jonathan Tucker brings 25 years of individually, CRC united all team members—regardless of
and profit-centric. To get there, she’s As an organization committed to health and well-being, experience to his role as executive location, seniority, or role—under a single ethos, complete
been leading her organization with Physicians Realty extends its community engagement from vice president of operations and with a CX framework, vision, standards, strategies, and tools.
people-driven management concepts pandemic support to food drives and volunteer activities. facilities for Cortland. Working in a
that bring out the best in her teams, And they offer employees paid time off to participate in relationship-driven business, Tucker With that, CRC[X] was born. Today, the program is
resulting in more significant revenue generation. She’s these philanthropic activities. The company is also deeply understands the impact that real estate managers have a resounding success at every level and location of
proving the theory that happy employees make better engaged in sustainability efforts, diversity and leadership on so many lives. That’s the reason he tells students that implementation. From corporate teams to on-site specialists,
employees, which results in greater business success. training, funding for medical research, and ensuring ethical if they want to make a difference in our world, they should CRC employees and partners understand the value of
business practices at their properties. consider a career in real estate. We agree. providing an unrivaled customer experience, as they see its
Lilley’s long list of leadership roles outside of FBS Property benefits come to life in tangible ways every day.
Management, AMO, is also constantly evolving. Her In his role at Cortland, he’s helped others discover and
contributions to our profession are too many to mention IREM Excellence develop their professional careers. He’s also had the Take a bow
here, but collectively they add up to fulfilling her dream of Award—Corporate opportunity to lead by example with Project Destined, And there they are—2021’s best. IREM is thrilled to honor
developing real estate management into a people-focused field. The RMR Group which offers local youth real-world training and exposure the incredible achievements and dedication of this year’s
The RMR Group manages $32 to the real estate industry. Tucker also engaged with group of winners. They make it happen! They embrace our
ARM of the Year billion in assets, making this U.S. academics from several prestigious universities to lead profession’s daily, unforeseen challenges, leaning on their
Doris Granger, ARM, JMG Realty alternative asset management 60 high school and college students through monthly IREM education and network to find solutions to implement
In real estate management, residential management is company a leader among its training sessions that address all aspects of real estate and and continue to delight their tenants, owners, and investors.
where the rubber meets the road. Accredited Residential peers. It also positions the property management. Let’s give them a round of applause!
26 | ®
| Nov.Dec 2021 irem.org/jpm | | 27You can also read
