As 2021 comes to a close, we would like to take this time to highlight the achievements of the wonderful SAHMA community.
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A Year of Perseverance and Connections |
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Last August, after serving my term as your SAHMA President, I passed the gavel to Sonja Horn. During my term, we faced so many changes and challenges – yet we persevered and become stronger as an organization and as an industry. I’d like to share some final thoughts with all of you as 2021 comes to a close. Where has the year gone? Another year with COVID hanging over our heads, vaccines, and still learning how to manage safely. I believe we have all learned a lot during the past year. We have discovered that we can learn remotely through webinars and online training. We have learned that we can still be together remotely and continue to carry on our conferences. At SAHMA our online training soared, and we had over 1000 participants for our Virtual Conference. We have learned that we can do our jobs differently and still be effective. We have learned traveling and life is precious. We have learned to appreciate today and spending time with family/friends and having work/life balance is important. All of these things have been realized during the pandemic. While we love to be together, we have made the most of 2021. So, as we look back, we can say it has been different but there are many good things to appreciate and many new opportunities we have had in order to make life work. I appreciate all the support from the SAHMA team and volunteers. You are all the ones that held it together and figured out how we could still be effective and pushed to make it happen.
Lastly, I am ending my career at the close of 2021 after 45 years in the apartment industry, I will not only miss each of you but am also so glad to have built so many wonderful relationships. I cherish the times we have had together. I am now looking forward and can smile and say its’ been great and I wish all of you a very successful, healthy, and happy 2022!
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As the incoming President of SAHMA, I am honored to have the opportunity to welcome you to 2022!
While the last two years have been a challenge, to say the least, SAHMA is looking forward to what is on the horizon for 2022. We will welcome each of you back to in-person events this year! The state conferences and leadership conference that you’ve always loved will be back in familiar ways. I’m looking forward to seeing some old faces and meeting some new ones as we finally get to gather together.
2022 marks an especially exciting year for us, as SAHMA will be celebrating our 40th anniversary! SAHMA has long been the leader in affordable housing associations, and we look forward to continuing that trend. The SAHMA Board of Directors is also working on some new strategic goals for the next two years that we think will put us in a position to be a more diverse organization that seeks to inform, educate and connect our members in some new and exciting ways.
2022 will bring its own challenges, from finding and keeping employees to learning how to stay relevant in this ever-changing world, and SAHMA is working diligently to understand these issues and provide you with tools to help navigate them successfully.
As a final word, let me say that as essential employees that often didn’t get recognized as such, we also want to take a moment to honor each of you and your commitment to your communities. Your residents needed you during these past 18 months, and you have shown up with smiles on your faces! Your residents, your communities, your companies all acknowledge how hard this road has been and we want to say thanks to each of you.
Bring on 2022!
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After 17+ years as executive director of SAHMA, I will retire at the end of this year. It has been an honor to have worked closely with 10 SAHMA presidents and the countless volunteers who have served and continue to serve on the Board of Directors, State Committees, and many association projects. Thank you SAHMA members and partners for your continued support of this great organization. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many members over the years and truly appreciate the work that you do on a daily basis. Working to support all of you in the mission of providing the best affordable multifamily housing in the Southeast has been the highlight of my professional career. I’m very proud of the growth and change SAHMA has experienced during my tenure and I leave confident in the fact that SAHMA is poised to continue to do great things. Congratulations to Betsy Eddy who will be your new executive director. I know all of you will continue to support her and the SAHMA staff and leadership in the years to come.
Sincerely Yours,
Daria Jakubowski
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2022 Affordable Housing Conferences
Let SAHMA be your source for training in the upcoming new year. Mark your calendars for 2022!
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Georgia Conference - February 8-10, 2022 - Atlanta, GA
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South Carolina Conference - March 9-11, 2022 - Columbia, SC
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Alabama / Mississippi Conference - March 14-16, 2022 - Mobile, AL
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Kentucky Conference - April 6-8, 2022 - Louisville, KY
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Florida Conference - April 26-28, 2022 - Jacksonville, FL
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North Carolina Conference - May 10-12, 2022 - Greensboro, NC
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Tennessee Conference - May 17-19, 2022 - Murfreesboro, TN
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A Year of Excellence and Learning |
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2021: Highlights to be Proud of... |
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As a result of the global pandemic, the SAHMA Board of Directors made the difficult decision to cancel all in-person conferences and education for the first half of the year. But we found a way to provide the education our SAHMA community relies on each year. With safety and quality education in mind, our Board decided to hold the Southeast Virtual Conference for Affordable Housing and Virtual Maintenance Workshop in addition to continuing to offer live and on-demand webinars, 4-hour Zoom classrooms, and virtual certifications.
The Southeast Virtual Conference (held April 20th-21st) provided 15.25 CEUs. It included live and pre-recorded sessions available to all registrants for the week of the conference with all of our live sessions being recorded and made available with the pre-recorded sessions. Each PBCA and State Agency in our region provided a live 20-minute update for the registrants in their specific state. In order to help create a fun way for registrants to engage with the conference, we offered a virtual photo booth where members could take selfies and share them in the virtual conference slideshow and on social media. This was the largest virtual conference we have held (training 1,200 registrants) and facilitated the 2-day event without technical issues. To measure success our post-event survey showed that 95% of respondents found value in the education provided and 87% of respondents were likely to attend a SAHMA virtual conference in the future.
We also added to our calendar a Virtual Maintenance Workshop to ensure the maintenance professionals were able to receive the education they were looking for as well. The Maintenance Workshop (held May 5th) provided over 100 maintenance professionals with 6 CEUs. We recorded all of the live sessions and provided the recordings to the registrants for the week of the workshop.
Our education calendar was jam-packed with offerings and well over 1,000 individuals attended various virtual trainings in the form of webinars, 4-hour Zoom classrooms, or multi-day certification courses. Our on-demand learning library continues to be a great source of training for all levels of property management.
We are very proud to have been able to introduce our new SAHMA Leadership Academy this year. The Leadership Academy is designed to engage and support staff at any level in their organization. Successful organizations want strong leaders thriving throughout their organizations. This learning experience creates an enriched experience of shared learning with colleagues, guest coaches, and facilitators. Twenty students are enrolled in the first class and will gain invaluable knowledge and experience that will benefit them and their organizations immeasurably.
For the sixteenth year in a row, SAHMA was presented with three NAHMA recognitions in the form of AHMA of the Year (Large AHMA), Communities of Quality Award (for the most COQ properties of any AHMA), and Innovation Award (recognizing the way we handled 2020 and what we were able to provide for our members). This truly is remarkable and a testament to our members, leadership, and staff.
A huge highlight was the ability to host an in-person Leadership Conference in August in Jacksonville, Florida. We were delighted with the number of attendees, vendors, and the participation of as many regulatory partners as possible. It was wonderful to be back in person this year (even for a little while). We presented awards (see below) and held our annual membership meeting as well as welcomed an incoming slate of officers and directors that are poised to take us into the future.
We are looking forward to 2022 when SAHMA will be celebrating our 40th anniversary! Thank you for your continued support and involvement in SAHMA!
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2021 Manager of the Year was awarded to Stacey Orr of Wesley at Murray and Wesley Murray Meadow in Murray, Kentucky with Wesley Living. Stacey has over 6 years of experience in property management and proudly holds the Certified Professional of Occupancy and Fair Housing Compliance credentials. She maintains dozens of resident programs and services at Wesley at Murray and Wesley Murray Meadow and annually participates in SAHMA education and training to stay up to date and current. Stacey is dedicated to the mission of affordable housing and takes pride in her communities and the quality of services that they offer. She also builds partnerships with community leaders to educate her residents and equip them with knowledge and services to enhance their quality of living. |
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2021 Maintenance Person of the Year was awarded to
Kevin Amedio of Catawba Pines Apartments in Newton, North Carolina with Alco Management. Over his 19 years in the industry, Kevin has received a number of credentials to include EPA and HVAC certifications. He handles all duties related to proper maintenance procedures, preventative maintenance as well as customer service, and safety. He takes great pride in high REAC scores and outstanding management reviews. He goes above and beyond by doing many projects himself and volunteering at other properties that need assistance. Kevin helps with all the activities at his property and strives to keep Catawba Pines a safe place to live.
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2021 Service Coordinator of the Year was awarded to Tamika Webb of New Pilgrim Towers in Birmingham, Alabama with SPM. Tarla is an example of an excellent professional and valued member of the Wesley Living team. Tamika has obtained a Bachelor of Psychology degree and has worked in the field of service for over 14 years. Tamika takes advantage of as many continuing education programs as she can, which demonstrates her commitment and passion for her field of expertise. Service Coordinators serve residents in many ways, from small details to health and quality of life, and Tamika is proud to offer many services that keep her residents active and safe. She works hard to prevent isolation among those in need by checking in and visiting her residents on a regular basis. |
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The Rising Star Award, honors one of SAHMA’s founding members, the late Ed Sisson, and someone who has made a profound impact on our organization from its earliest days, Past President, Patty Ownby. Both were recognized early on in their careers as rising leaders and they exemplified great commitment and dedication to affordable housing management.
This summer, Kristie Toby, Housing Operations Director of Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation, received the 2021 Rising Star Award. Kristie’s career in housing began more than 24 years ago. During this time, she has earned the Certified Professional of Occupancy and Fair Housing Compliance Credentials, as well as Tax Credit Specialist and Blended Occupancy Specialist.
Her leadership and communication with staff are effective and skillful. She has helped develop a daily schedule and create a 1-page newsletter filled with resources to better serve their residents. They have implemented welfare checks for residents in their communities throughout COVID, and the KCDC team came together to fill grocery bags for one of their elderly properties. All of these programs under Kristie’s leadership and guidance bring great benefits to the quality of life for all KCDC residents.
Thank you for all you do in service to our affordable housing industry!
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Affordable Housing Advocate Award |
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SAHMA established the Affordable Housing Advocate Award to honor and recognize those who have demonstrated great leadership, support, and commitment to affordable housing. This year, Tennessee Representative Steve Cohen (D) was selected as the recipient of the Affordable Housing Advocate Award.
Representative Cohen was chosen for this honor because of his continued commitment and work to support affordable housing. Mr. Cohen is a strong advocate of fair housing policies and increased federal investment in affordable housing. His advocacy has ranged from fair housing initiatives to Veteran’s homelessness eradication; to helping low-income families build wealth through homeownership; to fighting on behalf of those facing eviction through the pandemic.
On March 26th, 2021, in addition to other favorable local legislation already enacted, Representative Cohen and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) reintroduced the Housing Accountability Act legislation in both the house and Senate. This legislation would hold property owners of low-income housing accountable for poor living conditions.
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Drug Free Poster Art Contest |
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2021 National Contest Winners |
Through your support and encouragement, the artwork of our residents continued to shine this year in the Drug Free Art Contest. We loved seeing all the creativity shine in each creation that was submitted for the contest. This August, NAHMA announced that the 2022 NAHMA Drug Free Calendar would include artwork by five residents from SAHMA member communities, with one resident featured on the cover! Congratulations to National Winner: Angie M. from Lakeside Towers, a Royal American Management community in Florida, for being selected as the overall winner to be featured on the calendar cover. |
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Congratulations are also in order for our national winners featured within the calendar this year. We are so proud of the beautiful artwork created by the residents. Everyone's hard work truly showed in each creation. |
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Aniyah M.
Plaza Manor Apartments
Westminster Company
North Carolina
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Cordesia D.
Sunflower Lane Apartments
Michaels Management Affordable
Mississippi
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Ja'Khari S.
North Hills Manor Apartments
Michaels Management Affordable
Mississippi
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Patricia F.
Rockwood Village
Benchmark Management Corp.
Tennessee
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Reminder: 2022 Drug Free Poster Contest
Time to start dusting off the art supplies and begin a new creation for a new year!
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We are quickly rounding out the year and with the change of a new year, comes the 2022 Drug Free Poster Contest!
All children, elderly, disabled, and special needs residents of SAHMA member communities may participate.
Poster submissions are due to the SAHMA Office by Friday, April 8th.
Want to learn more about the NAHMA's Drug Free Kids Calendar Program? Visit www.sahma.org/dfk for more information. |
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NAHMA Educational Foundation Scholarship |
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For the fifteenth consecutive year, the NAHMA Educational Foundation was able to provide impactful financial assistance to residents as they pursue higher education. 87 students were selected with each individual scholarship totaling $3,500. Additionally, $2,000 will be donated to the Real Estate Management Department at Virginia Tech for scholarships for students pursuing their bachelor’s degree in property management.
This year, eleven residents from SAHMA Member communities were selected as recipients of the NAHMA Educational Foundation Scholarship. Through your giving, you have helped give residents the support to pursue their dreams and reach their future goals.
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Congratulations to the following recipients: |
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Kalene C.
Abbey Lane Apartments, Winter Haven, Fla.
Michaels Management - Affordable
Kayleigh H.
Countryside Townhouses, Clinton, S.C.
CAHEC
Miriam L.
John Madison Exum Towers, Memphis, Tenn.
TESCO Properties
Saharra S.
Country Ridge Apartments, Walhalla, S.C.
CAHEC
Keeyah W.
Clearwater Village Apartments, Clearwater, S.C.
Westminster Company LLC
Marcus W.
Westview Valley Apartments, Greensboro, N.C.
Westminster Company LLC
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Madonna G.
Meadow Oaks Apartments, Jacksonville, N.C.
Westminster Company LLC
Jeremiah J.
Oxford Townhouses, Huntsville, Ala.
Oxford Properties
Avaja R.
Crestwood Forest Apartments, Greenville, S.C.
Westminster Company LLC
Sarah W.
Mingo Village Apartments, Knightdale, N.C.
CAHEC
Crystal W.
Valley Garden Apartments, Huntsville, Ala.
Oxford Properties
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Supporting Affordable Housing Through Grassroots Advocacy |
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Over the past year, our industry has adapted and pivoted to continue to meet the needs of residents in our communities as they have arisen each day. Now more than ever, support for Affordable Housing is critical. It is important that we continue to share our mission and promote our communities to policymakers. Legislative issues affect the homes of the residents we serve and our companies. We must continue to tell our legislators who we are, whom we serve, and illustrate the need for Affordable Housing.
At times the challenges our industry faces are local in nature, and we must work with our state or local leadership to make our voices known. When the issues affect the industry as a whole, and a wider net must be cast. The support of our National Partner, NAHMA, and other industry groups, is critical. Through a coalition of advocates, we are able to provide detailed information and outline the issue for our members. Through this network, connections are made that can help carry our message to decision-makers across the nation. These partnerships prove crucial for sustaining advocacy efforts.
While we rely on these networks to carry our voices in Washington, our voices of support are vital. Grassroots Advocacy is the foundation of change for our nation. Our voices and efforts are key to building and sustaining support for the Affordable Housing Industry. To help support our efforts, NAHMA has a dedicated webpage for providing members with current, easy-to-use tools for participating in grassroots advocacy. With these toolkits, we can take steps to become effective grassroots advocates. To learn more about these resources or to learn more about current urgent issues facing the industry, visit https://www.nahma.org/grassroots-advocacy/. |
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Supporting the NAHMA Legislative Fund |
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SAHMA’s dues billing no longer provides you an opportunity to support the NAHMA legislative fund. However, their work continues, and SAHMA members benefit from it. As a new legislative session approaches, we ask that you consider making a contribution to the NAHMA legislative fund to continue to support advocacy on behalf of the industry. Please click on the link below to be taken directly to NAHMA’s advocacy support webpage and donate today! |
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If you have already paid your 2022 Dues invoice, we thank you!
SAHMA membership runs from January 1 – December 31 of every year. Don’t miss out on SAHMA member benefits. A grace period of January 1 – January 31 is held for those whose budgets do not allow for payment until the dues renewal year. On February 1st, if dues have not been paid, the membership and associated benefits will expire. We truly appreciate your membership support and participation in SAHMA, so we encourage you to log in and access your dues invoice today. For step by step instructions see below:
- Log into your primary member account
- On the right-hand side under Account Details click on My Invoices
- Click View Invoice, to print – right click and select Print
- To pay online using a credit card, click on Make Payment, and follow the instructions on the screen
If you need assistance with this process please contact the SAHMA office at [email protected] or by calling 800-745-4088. |
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