2023 AAWNC Board Nomination Bios
2023 AAWNC Board Nomination Information
Board nominees were asked to provide a short bio and answer the following three (3) questions.
- Why do you want to serve on the board?
- What are your 2023 goals for the association?
- What is your professional background in the apartment industry?
AAWNC board of director's serve a two-year term.
The election will take place on November 10, 2022 at the annual meeting – meeting details.
Voting and Electing the Board
During the membership meeting, members vote for five new members to serve on AAWNC's board of directors. The 2023 AAWNC board of directors will be comprised of five newly elected members and the two previously elected. Board Positions will be determined by the board at the first meeting.
- All votes must be cast in person at the annual meeting. Please register to join us on November 10, 2022.
- A quorum of 10% of the membership must be at the meeting for the vote to be valid.
- Companies and organizations are members, each member has only one vote.
- A maximum of three supplier members can be elected to the board of directors.
- Votes will be conducted by secret ballot – unless there is only one nomination for a position.
- Proxies must include a written statement authorizing the proxy and completed ballot.
Attending the meeting is free and members do not need to remain for the meeting after voting.
2023 Nominees: Vote for Five
Board Property Nominee
- Michelle Kingson - Weirbridge Village
- Kaitlin Lange - Asheville Exchange
- Rachael Modlin - The Northside at Merrimon
- Eliza King - The Retreat at Hunt Hill
- Alexis O'Buckley - Ansley Roberts Lake
- Stacey Griffin - Retreat at Arden Farms
- Susie McMurray-Ryan - Kensington Place
- Mary Potocki - The District
Board Supplier Nominee
- Kelly Noble - Noble Pest Solutions
- Jason Bushnell – Gregory Pest Solutions
- Alyssa Clair - Loebsack & Brownlee
Michelle Kingson - Board Property Nominee
BIO: I have worked in this Industry for over 4 years now, I started as a leasing consultant with Pegasus Residential and have just recently been promoted to a Senior Property Manager, overseeing two communities in the Asheville market. I have served on the AAWNC board of directors for 3 consecutive years. I also chair the Awards Banquet and Social Media Committee. In 2022 I was selected as a recipient of the AANC 20 in their 20’s scholarship which afforded me the opportunity to attend the AANC conference and meet many of our emerging leaders in this Industry and hear about their plans to further grow opportunities within this field.
Why do you want to serve on the Board?
My passion for the association began at my first meeting that my PM had asked me to attend with her. I loved that there was an amazing opportunity to mingle with like-minded individuals and my passion to grow the association grew from there. I want to serve on the 2023 Board to continue the positive growth we have seen over the last 3 years. I want to assist our association in establishing a positive reputation and individual voice that sets us apart from our sister associations and honors that unique talent we have here in Western North Carolina. I also want to extend our reach to the younger demographic of the Industry and create a more forward thinking association that focuses on new and creative matters versus conforming to the previously set and outdated expectations of the Apartment Association.
What are your goals for the Association next year?
My goals for next year would be to increase quality participation in Association sponsored events and develop the Education committee so that we can provide more opportunities to association members and show the true value of the Association.
What is your professional background in the apartment industry?
What is your professional background in the apartment industry? I have worked in this Industry for over 4 years now, I started as a leasing consultant with Pegasus Residential and have just recently been promoted to a Senior Property Manager, overseeing two communities in the Asheville market.
Kaitlin Lange - Board Property Nominee
Why do you want to serve on the Board?
I would like to serve on the board as an opportunity to learn more about the Asheville market and the communities. I would like to become more involved with events and meetings so I’m able to grow within the greater Asheville multifamily industry.
What are your goals for the Association next year?
I would like to provide support to organizations and other professionals in the industry. My goal is to engage with other communities and bring everyone together to celebrate and support one another.
What is your professional background in the apartment industry?
I started my career as a Leasing Consultant in 2015. In 2016 I was promoted to an Assistant Manager, and in 2017 I was promoted to a Property Manager. I love the industry because it’s important to me to be a positive impact in people’s lives by helping them find their home!
Rachael Modlin - Board Property Nominee
BIO: My name is Rachael Modlin and I've been in the Property Management field for over 5 years. I love working in property management because of how different each day is for us, life truly is like a box of chocolates. My favorite aspect of this field is building a sense of community within the neighborhood and the resident events. In my personal time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our dog & cats. My hobbies include gardening (or attempting to), traveling, games and roller derby.
Why do you want to serve on the Board?
I would love the opportunity to serve on the AAWNC Board because I love being involved in the community and building a better future for us all!
What are your goals for the Association next year?
My goal for the association in the next year is to boost membership and attendance at events. I firmly believe we are better together! The more people who attend and you can meet, the more market knowledge you can gain. I would love to reach out to the communities that don't normally attend events and invite them to join us!
What is your professional background in the apartment industry?
I started with Hawthorne Residential Partners as a Leasing Specialist at a 552-unit site. I transferred over to a 216-unit site where I quickly became the Assistant Manager, then the Community Manager, and I was there for several years. Currently, I work for Lincoln Property Company at a historic site (74 years old, 166 units) in North Asheville. I've been here almost over a year, and it is never a dull moment. We're currently undergoing interior and exterior renovations that I've been overseeing to bring the community up to industry standards.
Eliza King - Board Property Nominee
Why do you want to serve on the Board?
My passion for continuing to serve on the board for AAWNC is unwavering. This past year I’ve seen the potential AAWNC has to offer and furthermore wish to continue to serve the board as I know I can bring value as well as enhance our standing within the AANC and NAA. Serving on the board has confirmed my passion for the industry and helped fuel the fire within me. There is so much more room for improvements and I would want nothing more than to have the opportunity to continue to serve this affiliate and our community. There is a lot of work to be done and I am eager to be on the team to accomplish it.
What are your goals for the Association next year?
My goals next year for the association is to first and foremost increase participation and boost membership. I would really like to see us become a prominent player within the AANC and NAA and help set the tone for what the future of the association looks like. Second, I plan to bring more attention and focus on developing the philanthropy committee and pour back into the community that we serve. In addition, help further develop the education committee by providing classes that the community sees value in as well as highlight important topics such as DE&I.
What is your professional background in the apartment industry?
My professional background began in February 2019 when I started as a leasing consultant with Pegasus Residential. During my tenure, I have been promoted to property manager in the course of three years and oversaw multiple communities, including a lease up in 2022. Additionally, I was selected for a DE&I scholarship which allowed me to attend the AANC conference. This is part of my passion and volunteered on the DE&I committee for the AANC. When an open position became available to serve on the AAWNC board this year, I was elected to fulfill the seat for the remainder of the year. During this time I have become invested in the board and wish to continue serving as a member of the board.
Alexis O’Buckley - Board Property Nominee
BIO: My name is Alexis O’Buckley, I am the Assistant Community Manager at Ansley at Roberts Lake. I have been involved in property management for 4 years. I am a native to Asheville, NC. I love coffee, being around friends and family. I have a positive attitude, I am caring, and I am passionate about my career.
Why do you want to serve on the Board?
I would love the opportunity to serve on the AAWNC board this year to help become a driving force of influencing and educating industry peers the importance of AAWNC and helping the grow of our community's impact.
What are your goals for the Association next year?
If presented the opportunity to be a part of the AAWNC board, I would be incredibly honored. I am passionate about AAWNC’s growth as a community and sharing the value in being an active member. My goal for AAWNC next year is to get new and current members to be more involved in the committee, I personally would like to be a part of creating social gatherings to invite others and educate others on what AAWNC is about. The ability to help, connect and educate at any moment while working motivates me.
What is your professional background in the apartment industry?
My introduction into the Property Management started from touring a complex and having a great connection with the Property Manager showing me around. She ended the tour with offering me an opportunity to interview for the leasing consultant position. 3 years later, I have been the assistant manager for Ansley at Roberts Lake for almost 2 years now. I enjoy every minute of property management and being able to help other people out.
Stacey Griffin - Board Property Nominee
Why do you want to serve on the Board?
To make a difference
What are your goals for the Association next year?
To get more participation going and more education classes
What is your professional background in the apartment industry?
I have been in the industry for 18 years in both conventional and student housing.
Susie McMurray-Ryan - Board Property Nominee
BIO: My name is Susie Mcmurray-Ryan. I moved to Western North Carolina from Miami when I was fourteen years old, and I am in love with the Asheville area. I have been in Property Management for 3 years. I love working in this field because each day is different. I love being challenged every day in new ways. In my personal time, I love spending time with my family. It is my favorite part of my day. I also enjoy running, hiking and reading.
Why do you want to serve on the Board?
I would love the opportunity to serve on the board to help continue the growth of the Asheville market and further a sense of community within the apartment industry in Western North Carolina. I feel that I would bring a unique perspective to the board and a fresh set of eyes. I have a sincere passion for the industry and growth of both owner/operators as well as suppliers. We all have room to grow, and I would love to help facilitate individual and association growth both as a board member and a membership committee participant.
What are your goals for the Association next year?
One of my biggest goals for the association is to see our vendor and maintenance professional participation increase. I will be an active part of helping recruit and retain vendors and maintenance professionals within the membership committee. I would like to help execute and plan a vendor and maintenance appreciation event. Additionally, I would like to see our outreach continue in Cullowhee, Canton, Waynesville and Cherokee. With my experience, moving to the Waynesville area as a teenager, it would have been so nice to see an active Apartment Association to know that this career was a possibility. It was not until I moved to West Asheville, that I found an opportunity in this field. I would love to be an active part of helping to change that and getting the association more active in other areas of Western North Carolina.
What is your professional background in the apartment industry?
I have been employed with BSC Holdings since 2019. I was promoted to Assistant Property Manager at Kensington Place Apartments in January of 2022. After spending the last 3 years in the apartment industry, it is hard to see myself working in any other industry
Kelly Noble - Board Supplier Nominee
BIO: I am an experienced multi-family professional who is passionate about our industry with almost 2 decades of experience. My goal is to help develop other multi-family professionals to share in that passion. I am an honest communicator who enjoys working hard so we all benefit from our industries growth. I love property management and what it has taught me over the years about maintaining resident relationships while ensuring operational growth for the owners & investors. I am passionate about learning and growing and always look for ways to improve both professionally and personally. In 2019 my husband & I started our own business, Noble Pest Solutions, to provide honest carefree solutions to meet the needs of our clients. I am honored to have served as the Vice President of the Apartment Association of Western North Carolina in 2017, 2018 & 2020 President, and 2021 & 2022 Treasurer. I am willing to serve in any capacity that benefits the needs of the board at the discretion of the membership.
Why do you want to serve on the Board?
I want to help develop other multi-family professionals to share in the passion I have for association work at all levels; local, state, and national.
What are your goals for the Association next year?
I would like to see continued growth of the association through dedicated members and committee involvement. I think it is important to educate our members on the value our association brings to its members.
What is your professional background in the apartment industry?
I spent almost 2 decades advocating for our industry. 13 years on site working my way from part time leasing consultant to property manager before serving 3 years as a Regional Manager overseeing 11 communities. For the past 3 years my husband and I have been a supplier partner, helping solve pest issues for communities in WNC.
Jason Bushnell - Board Supplier Nominee
BIO: I currently work for Gregory Pest Solutions where I work in commercial sales and specialize in providing pest control solutions for multifamily properties. While I do work in other areas multifamily is my passion! I truly enjoy working with the amazing people that make up this industry and helping them to achieve complete tenant satisfaction.
I would also like to add that not only am I running for the Board for AAWNC but that I am also nominated and running for the Board with the USAA in Upstate SC as well. I currently serve on the Membership Committee there and have just joined the Events Committee for the AAWNC. I believe that this shows my passion, commitment, and dedication to the multifamily industry.
Why do you want to serve on the Board?
I would like to serve on the board for the AAWNC so that I can help grow this association and it’s involvement in the multifamily industry. I work with many multifamily properties and companies that are not current members of this association and I would like to bring them on board. I also love the idea of working as a board member to fight for the rights of the multifamily industry by working with the PAC to make sure that laws are passed which benefit this industry.
What are your goals for the Association next year?
One of my main goals is to drive an increase in membership and participation in events. I would like to see more events and involvement for the members that are a little further West in areas like Waynesville, Sylva, and Cullowhee as well as Cherokee and other areas that typically cannot make events due to distance. I would like to drive membership in these areas where membership is light so that we are truly an Apartment Association of WNC.
What is your professional background in the apartment industry?
My professional background in the apartment industry comes directly from being a pest solution vendor. I work as a pest control professional with a specialty in the multifamily industry and work directly with pretty much all roles throughout multifamily companies from Regional VP’s to Maintenance Professionals and everyone in between. I work with 2 different apartment associations in many different roles and have grown to have an all encompassing understanding of this industry through years of working directly with properties and their staffs.
Alyssa Clair - Board Supplier Nominee
BIO: Alyssa Clair is the Strategic Partnerships Manager for Loebsack & Brownlee, PLLC. She develops and fosters strong relationships with the Apartment Associations at the local, state, and national levels as well as multiple charitable outreach partnerships and initiatives. Her favorite part of her role is engaging and building genuine relationships and connections with all of our apartment association friends and clients. Alyssa gained valuable experience in apartment association education from her tenure at the Triangle Apartment Association managing their education program that led to her offering her knowledge and expertise to local associations via educational sessions like this one!
Alyssa serves on several committees across multiple associations between the Carolinas and Georgia, and is the chair of the Outreach Committee at USAA. She is also a cohort of the first ever USAA Leadership Lyceum in 2022.
Why do you want to serve on the Board?
I want to serve on the Board because I want to give back to an association that I love. Asheville is such a unique and different market that I am so fascinated by and would love to see what makes it tick and grow. I see a lot of potential here to grow the involvement of membership and to provide value to those members.
What are your goals for the Association next year?
My goal is to listen to the membership in order to meet the membership where they are, but make efforts to grow and expand not only the association, but the offerings of the association as well. I hope to increase membership participation at events via providing and demonstrating value.
What is your professional background in the apartment industry?
I have been in the industry for 4.5 years. 3 of which I was working with the Triangle Apartment Association managing their Education and for the last 1.5, I’ve been the Strategic Partnerships Manager for L&B, managing their brand, association relations and outreach program/partnerships for 3 states.
Mary Potocki - Board Property Nominee
Why do you want to serve on the Board?
I have served on the board for 2 years and greatly enjoyed collaborating with people in all aspects of the apartment industry. With the market changing, my goal is to keep everyone informed of the happenings in Western North Carolina and increase membership.
What are your goals for the Association next year?
My goal is to get more people involved in the association and offer more educational benefits.
What is your professional background in the apartment industry?
I have been in property management for 7 years. I started in Asheville as a leasing consultant and moved my way up to management.