Second Quarter: 2026 news & updates

President's Message

by Shaniece Sanford, CPM®

It's hard to believe Q2 has already come and gone. The momentum within our chapter continues to grow, and this quarter was filled with meaningful milestones, exceptional programming, and memorable moments.


One of our greatest accomplishments was celebrating the installation of four new Certified Property Managers (CPMs) and five Accredited Residential Managers (ARMs). Congratulations to each of these designees on achieving this significant career milestone. Your commitment to professional excellence strengthens both our chapter and our industry.


This quarter also featured outstanding educational programming. We had the privilege of hearing from Todd Anderson, Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Manager at NGP Group, Nathan Riley, Principal of Asset Management at BGO, and Anthony Chang, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Silverline. Their candid discussion provided invaluable insight into what truly differentiates property management firms from an ownership perspective. They shared what motivates owners to retain—or change—management partners, what truly moves the needle in client relationships, and reinforced the importance of clear, transparent, and purposeful communication. One takeaway that resonated with many attendees: emails are for documentation, while phone calls are for emergencies.


We also welcomed industry experts Christiana Strack, Vice President of Construction Management at JBG SMITH, and Asif Virani, Senior Director of Project & Development Services at Cushman & Wakefield, who shared best practices and practical strategies for successful construction management. Their expertise and real-world perspectives provided tremendous value to our members navigating increasingly complex projects.


Our annual IREM Gala was once again a sensational evening. Held at the Gaylord National Resort, the event brought together members from across our region for an evening of celebration, fellowship, and giving back. Thanks to the generosity of our members, sponsors, and supporters, we proudly raised $100,000 for Special Love. It was truly inspiring to see our industry come together in support of such an incredible cause.


As I reflect on the quarter, I'm incredibly proud of where our chapter stands. Our membership is thriving, engagement continues to grow, and the enthusiasm surrounding our events and educational programs has been remarkable. I look forward to carrying this momentum into the next quarter as we kick things off with our Summer Party and continue building connections that make our chapter so special.


On a personal note, Q2 was especially meaningful for me, as I had the joy of tying the knot during an intimate rooftop micro-wedding—made even more special by celebrating with several of my fellow CPMs. It was a wonderful reminder that the relationships we build through IREM often extend far beyond our professional lives.


Thank you for your continued engagement, support, and commitment to making our chapter exceptional. I look forward to seeing everyone this summer!


Upcoming Events

Summer Party

Join us for the annual IREM Summer Party benefiting IREM Workforce Development via Edison HS Academy! This year’s summer social will be held at The Valen in Arlington, a sophisticated high-rise in National Landing. Register today for an evening of great food, drinks, and meaningful networking with fellow IREM members and Industry Partners.

Be a Summer Party Sponsor!

Don't miss your chance to network with property managers. Sponsors get a designated number of tickets per sponsor level and are also eligible for additional tickets at a discounted price. Join our event sponsors, Elcon and Total Quality Building Services and the rest of our sponsors below!

ABM
Axis Communications  

Elcon
Epic Painting & Contracting    

Federal Parking, Inc.

Heritage Landscape Services  

Kastle

Katchmark Construction, Inc.

Kevco Building Services, Inc.

LandCare

Meridian Landscaping  

SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt Vernon

Total Quality Building Services
Valcourt

Get Involved with the Chapter!

Interested in exciting work with your IREM Northern Virginia Chapter? Now is the time when we are looking for volunteers! Needs range anywhere from helping with one-time events like the Candidate event to larger committees with regular events, like IYP, Community Action, or Programs. All are welcome! If interested, please visit our volunteer page here, where you can view videos of our chapter and committee leaders describing several of the volunteer opportunities and also fill out a volunteer registration form.

Past Events

April General Membership Meeting

At our April general membership meeting we gathered at Wildfire to hear from a panel of experts discussing navigating client relationships in property management. Congratulations to the newly installed members Syreeta Williams, CPM, Chris Wilmot, CPM, Djene Moyer, ARM, Leslie Plascencia, ARM, and Victoria Vega, ARM. Thank you Classic Concierge for your sponsorship of this event.


See all of the pictures from the evening here.

IREM Gala

IREM Washington DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia and West-Central Maryland hosted the 20th Annual IREM Gala on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. The event was a huge success, ending with a donation of $100,000 to Special Love For Children With Cancer. Thank you to all who sponsored, donated, and attended this fabulous event!


See the pictures here.

I.N.G. Happy Hour

The IREM Networking Group (ING) had an amazing happy hour at Solace Outpost filled with great conversations, delicious appetizers, and refreshing drinks!


A big thank you to everyone who attended and made it such a fun and engaging evening. Special thanks to our generous sponsors, Heritage Landscape Services and Red Coats, Inc., for helping make the event a success!

May Volunteer Event at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington

On May 21st, we connected with fellow real estate professionals to make a difference for the animals at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. Our group had a great time helping organize and clean one of AWLA’s large storage containers while supporting such a wonderful organization. 


Special thanks to our event sponsors, Allied Universal and Ruppert Landscape, for helping make this event possible!

June General Membership Meeting

At our June general membership Happy Hour, IREM members and industry professionals gathered in National Landing for an engaging discussion led by two industry experts on the vital partnership between property management and construction teams in delivering successful tenant improvement and building enhancement projects. Congratulations to our newly installed members: Tyeasha Boykin, CPM, Michael Cohen, ARM, Juan Iparraguirre, ARM, Michelle James, ARM, Melissa Rodriguez, ARM, Jeffrey Rohrer, ARM, and Jenie Iparraguirre, ACoM. We thank Kastle Systems for their sponsorship of this event!


See all of the pictures here.

Member Recognition


Our chapter president, Shaniece Sanford, was married on June 20th to Garrett Heckstall. Our warmest congratulations to the new couple!

Region 3 Education

Professional Seminar

 

Join us for an interactive 2-hour seminar and learn what you can expect, what you need to know, and what further education is available to get you ready for this high-stakes exam.

 

Our Industry Partners

Don't forget a great place to look for resources - our Industry Partners! These companies support our chapter and provide a multitude of services to property managers. See all of our Industry Partners here.

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