Meet Your 2024 VAMA President, Ashley Bowman

I always tell people, “I am grooved to be in the business.” What does that mean? It means from a very young age, I have been part of the apartment industry. My mother was a property manager and we lived on-site. I would go with her to complete light inspections, take calls, and be the junior lifeguard at the pool every summer. During college, I worked in the evenings at a community in Grafton and then ultimately landed a position as a leasing agent. I learned all the basics from my mom, and I can’t thank her enough for instilling that passion in me.  

Shortly after, I was promoted to community manager within the year at a separate community and that was a big undertaking. I did it, but I wanted to go back to college and finish my degree. Fast forward to 2008: I graduated with my degree in communications, and I was searching for that perfect job. I was offered the assistant property manager position with my current company, Landmark Property Services, Inc. This was a new challenge for me as it was a tax credit community. I did not have any experience with the LIHTC program but over time, I mastered the paperwork and received my HCCP accreditation.  Little did I know then, advocating for more affordable housing would become a passion of mine. I was not only part of the office team, but I was also a resident in the community. Residing in a tax credit community allowed me to go back to college (as a new mom) and live comfortably in a safe, affordable community.

As time went on, I was promoted to property manager. One of my aspirations at the time was to get my CAM certification. This was my first introduction to VAMA. I met Patrick, Amanda and Teresa. I was able to connect with other leaders in our industry; the time interacting with them was invaluable. I immediately wanted to grow in this organization, and I learned about all the events, classes and certifications VAMA had to offer. This was my springboard to establish a rapport with other members and really learn more about the business. In the last decade, I’ve attended too many events to count, but each of them has been so vital to the growth in my career. As a bonus, I have made some amazing friends along the way. All these interactions have prepared me to be on VAMA's executive committee and serve as your 2024 President.

This year, I challenge you to attend more events. Bring a new colleague to a morning coffee or happy hour. Sign up for every class or event you can. I also want our committees and executive teams to be representative of our membership. I want diverse thinking to be vital in our plans for 2024 and onward in the future.  I want to inspire all our members to attend, at the minimum ONE event you’ve never attended before. Suggestions for new events are always welcome. I charge you all to come attend a committee meeting. See what it’s all about. If we’ve not met, please come say “hi” at the next event.

We had over 90 participants sign up for Lobby Day this year, and I encourage that same energy all year long. Legislative issues will affect everyone in our industry and having a voice at the table is so important. I urge anyone passionate about legislature to come speak up with us! My advice to someone entering the multi-family industry: find a mentor and ask them to introduce you to others and teach you about their passions.  Don’t be scared to meet new people, ask questions, and volunteer your time. What I’ve gained from my experience with VAMA and my company is worth more than all the stars in the sky.

Since I was grooved to be in property management, I guess my childhood dream of being an opera singer is out. 😊