Thanks to the Nan Cavarretta Memorial Scholarship Fund, Jason D. Howard of Progressive Management of America Inc. and Bobbie Bailey of Seminole Ridge Apartments will have their registration fees and travel costs associated with the 2017 FAA Leadership Lyceum covered.
The program, which awarded its first scholarships last year, was established in 2015 in memory of multifamily housing professional Nan Cavarretta, who was passionate about educating future leaders in the industry and who served in several volunteer roles at the National Apartment Association, Florida Apartment Association, Apartment Association of Greater Orlando, and Space Coast Apartment Association.
We asked this year’s recipients some questions about the scholarship and the fast-approaching Leadership Lyceum. Check out what they had to say:
1. What is your background in the apartment industry?
Jason: I have 16 years in the apartment industry. Starting from maintenance technician I in 2001 and progressing through maintenance technician III, I skipped leasing and went to property manager, held the role of assistant regional director, to my current position of regional director, which I’ve held for three years.
Bobbie: I have been in the apartment industry for a little over three years.I started out employed with a furniture leasing company that provided furniture to student housing communities.I fell in love with the idea of working at one of the facilities. I was offered a position as a property manager of a small student housing community a little over three years ago, and I have loved every minute of it.
2. What qualities do you think a recipient of this scholarship should possess?
Jason: A willingness to better themselves and a love/passion for the multifamily industry.
Bobbie: I think they should possess a strong commitment to the mission and the strategic objective of the associations.I think the person/persons should have the desire to volunteer and help move their organization forward in this industry.They should also want to learn all they can to make the association even greater than it already is.
3. What are you most looking forward to about Leadership Lyceum?
Jason: Learning. Absorbing as much information as I can to put into action for our association (ECAA). I’m excited to meet new people in (FAA) and utilize them as a resource and create new friendships within our team.
Bobbie: I am looking forward to learning all that I can about FAA and all of the associations.I am also looking forward to meeting new people in the industry and learning what I can do to help my local association grow more in this community.
4. What qualities do you most hope to gain with the help of Leadership Lyceum?
Jason: I hope to broaden my vision — really dig in and be able to take any tools and put them in place. My goal is to serve in a leadership role, and I can’t be completely satisfied unless I explore all options that are available. So as far as what qualities I hope to gain ... well, whatever is learned will be put to action.
Bobbie: I hope to gain more knowledge of the apartment association and how I can help it grow. I hope to learn more about the laws and regulations and the legislative changes.
5. How will you prepare for Leadership Lyceum?
Jason: In all honesty I will pick the brain of our president, Whitney Briones, as she just completed this course this past year. I will also be working with our association executive, Lisa McLemore, who has taken this program in the past.
Bobbie: I will be asking lots of questions of my peers who have attended the Lyceum already.
6. Where do you hope to be, in the apartment industry, in five years?
Jason: I hope to be right where I’m at, with the company that currently employs me (Progressive Management of America Inc.). I’m a regional director here, so I’m fine doing what I know and what I love!
Bobbie:I would like to be a regional manager.
The first of the three Lyceum modules — Professional Development — will be held the day before the 2017 FAA Legislative Conference, on February 6 at the Hotel Duval in Tallahassee. The program concludes with a graduation at the FAA Annual Conference & Trade Show in October at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Orlando. Candidates have two years to complete the entire program, and can graduate at the subsequent conference.