MULTIFAMILYMINUTE
CONNECTed is AANC’s Education and Legislative Conference during which statewide members participate in a variety of educational sessions, networking with peers, and advocating for important industry issues at the North Carolina Legislature. Scan the QR code for more information >>>
188 Wind Chime Court, Ste 101
Raleigh, North Carolina 27615
919.589.7759
AANC is dedicated to leading and supporting its members' ever-changing needs through regulatory and legislative advocacy, industry education, and communication. .
Jon Lowder, Executive Director jon@aanconline.org
Sarah Dubose, Director of Government Affairs
sarah@aanconline.org
Kristin Goins, Director of Education and Engagement
kristin@aanconline.org
Kat Nicholas, Communications Manager kat@aanconline.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
KAREN PERKINS, PRESIDENT
Blue Ridge Companies, GFAA
AMANDA SIEGAL WILLIAMS, VICE
PRESIDENT
BSC Holdings, PTAA
AMY RITCHY, TREASURER
Greystar, WAA
AMY TIMOCKO, SECRETARY
Caviness & Cates, TAA
LISA TAYLOR, IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Greystar, GCAA
NORM PRAET, GENERAL COUNSEL
Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC
2025 BOARD MEETING
DATES
JANUARY 15
Greensboro
MARCH 19
Zoom
MAY 12
Raleigh
AUGUST 20
Zoom
OCTOBER 22
Asheville
DECEMBER 17
Zoom
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
APARTMENT ASSOCIATION OF
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA (AAWNC)
TINA GORBY BAKER
Apartments.com
BETHANY LYKINS
Hawthorne Residential Properties
KIMBERLY MEDEARIS
Fogelman Properties
GREATER CHARLOTTE APARTMENT
ASSOCIATION (GCAA)
GABRIELLE BOUKNIGHT
HHHunt Property Management
DANA FLAHERTY
BGSF
MICHELLE O'BRIEN
Loebsack & Brownlee
DEIDRE QUICK
Blue Ridge Companies
GREATER FAYETTEVILLE APARTMENT
ASSOCIATION (GFAA)
JENNIFER PITTMAN
Apartment Dynamics
ANGELA RAUPP
Apartment Dynamics
GREENVILLE AREA APARTMENT
ASSOCIATON (GAPMA)
SANDRA PURCELL
The Heritage at Arlington Apartment Homes
PIEDMONT TRIAD APARTMENT ASSOCIATION (PTAA)
JAMES CRAIG
Ari Apartment Management
MARY GWYN
Apartment Dynamics
KRISTIN STANTON
Bell Partners
BERT WRAY
Chadwell Supply
TRIANGLE APARTMENT ASSOCIATION (TAA)
CRAIG NARDI
Blue Heel Development
CINDY NITSCHKE
Valet Living
SYDNEY PARTIN
Greystar
APRIL VASTA
Blue Ridge Companies
WILMINGTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION (WAA)
KRYSTI KESER
The RMR Group
DORIANE MURRAY
Flournoy Properties
KAREN SPAID
Highmark Residential
AANC STATE SUPPLIERS COUNCIL
LIZ NEWKIRK
Loebsack & Brownlee
MEET YOUR PRESIDENT
Karen Perkins (she/her) is your new President of the AANC Board of Directors. Karen says she “fell into the multifamily industry by accident.” At 21, she was babysitting for a Community Manager who told her about a part-time leasing job. Karen applied, was hired, and has grown, professionally and personally, with Blue Ridge Companies in Fayetteville, NC, ever since.
Fayetteville is Karen’s hometown, where she was born and raised and continues to live today with her husband Ian, a produce farmer, and their two boys, Grayson (9) and Landon (6). Together, her family loves to gather experiences through travel, which Karen believes to be “one of the few things you can spend money on that truly leaves you richer.” She finds the most fulfilling role in her life is being a mom to her sons and is dedicated to helping them become the best men they can be.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “In a world where you can choose to be anything, choose to be kind.”
Karen’s dedication to others extends beyond her own family, as demonstrated in her role as a Community Manager, where she works to ensure others appreciate and enjoy their home in Fayetteville as much as she does. She shares that:
Property Management is the ultimate customer service job. For most people, a home is a place that is associated with comfort and peace; a place where families are started, and memories are made. Because of this, along with the simple fact that our customer is living with us day in and day out, we have endless opportunities to make a positive impact. From the way the community looks and feels when someone comes home after a hard day of work, to the deep sigh of relief when they walk in their door and realize their a/c has been fixed, to the patience and empathy we show when working with someone struggling with a mental illness or other kind of crisis, there are countless ways that we make a difference in people’s lives. For me, it is a privilege and an honor to serve the community in this way. (cont.)
MEET YOUR PRESIDENT(cont.)
This month marks Karen’s 21st year with Blue Ridge Companies. She feels incredibly grateful for her time there, where she works alongside an individual whom she claims to be “the most significant mentor in her association career,” Susan Passmore. Karen believes that Susan’s leadership, along with her encouragement and guidance, has taught her “the importance of going beyond just doing (her) job — of understanding the critical role we all play in helping our state and national leaders make informed decisions,” and that through her leadership, Susan has inspired Karen to “always strive to contribute, no matter how big or small the task.”
Another important influence in Karen’s professional life has been Catina Rhinehart, who first encouraged her to volunteer with her local apartment association, the Cumberland County Apartment Association (CCAA, now the Greater Fayetteville Apartment Association, GFAA). Catina’s “unwavering dedication, impactful contributions, and visionary leadership within the CCAA and GFAA were both inspiring and motivating,” leading to Karen becoming a board member of CCAA in 2014 and President of CCAA in 2016. Karen’s other leadership roles include:
• President of GFAA in 2017 (the year GFAA was established from CCAA).
• Board member of AANC since 2015.
• Executive Committee member of AANC since 2019, when she began as Secretary.
• President of AANC in 2025.
KAREN’S FAVORITES:
COLOR: BLUE PIE: APPLE
FAMILY VACATION: DIXIE DUDE RANCH BANDERA, TEXAS
TEAM: DUKE BLUE DEVILS
Karen’s journey in the multifamily industry is a testament to her dedication and passion for serving others. Her commitment to making a positive impact on peoples’ lives, be it through her role as a Community Manager, as a volunteer leader, or as a mom, reflects Karen’s deep care for her community and her belief in the importance of “Home.”
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
2025 marks the beginning of a new biennial legislative session in North Carolina, and with that AANC recently adopted its 2025-26 Legislative and Regulatory Agenda. In addition, AANC is also currently working with the North Carolina realtors and other stakeholders on a “squatters” bill, and on the regulatory front we are addressing new building codes scheduled to be adopted on July 1, 2025.
These issues, and more, will be discussed with legislators during our Lobby Day, May 14, 2025. If you can, please plan on joining us to advocate on behalf of your industry! Details can be found here.
AANC 2025-2026 Legislative and Regulatory Agenda
Legislative
1. Evaluate and, as appropriate, support and pursue updates to landlord-tenant laws, addressing issues like unauthorized occupant/trespassers and summary ejectment processes. This includes further clarification to changes made in SL 2024-47 to § 42-46 (i).
2. Promote judicial reforms to improve the efficiency of the court system, including increased funding for judicial staffing and improvements to the e-courts system.
3. Pursue funding and legislative changes to promote housing stability during a Governor-ordered State of Emergency, including:
• Funding of rental housing assistance programs.
• Explore modifications to the short-term rental tax to encourage rental housing providers to provide short term leases in particular circumstances, such as temporary displacement after a natural disaster.
4. Work with stakeholders to address barriers to development and the cost of housing, such as, but not limited to restrictive zoning regulations and inconsistent application of building code requirements across jurisdictions.
Regulatory
5. Initiate discussions with the North Carolina Department of Insurance to identify ways to mitigate rising insurance costs impacting rental property owners.
6. Attend and participate, as appropriate, in the North Carolina Building Code Council meetings to influence positive changes in building codes, avoiding detrimental updates.
7. Work with stakeholders and the North Carolina Department of Insurance/Building Code Council to evaluate a process for fire watch flexibility during a Governor-ordered State of Emergency.
If you would like a copy of AANC’s 2025-26 Legislative & Regulatory Agenda, including a comprehensive outline of AANC’s Public Policy Positions, please email info@aanconline.org with the subject: Copy of Legislative Agenda.
Will you support your industry today?
Building and maintaining relationships with elected officials, implementing sound legislative strategies, and contributing to your PAC are all key components to successful advocacy for any industry. These components work in tandem, creating a legislative environment that allows an industry to grow and thrive.
As campaigns grow increasingly more expensive and our legislative efforts become more complex, the North Carolina multi-family industry must further solidify its role as a leader in shaping sound legislative policy.
We must remain ever present in the electoral process, public policy and mindful of every legislative need that may help or hurt the interests of our industry and its residents.
Whether we like it or not, money plays a significant role in politics. As such, it is important for the multifamily industry to play a key role in campaigns and public policy to ensure candidates standing for the issues important to us are elected to public office. Your PAC contributions play a vital role in a candidate’s ability to win elections and every dollar, no matter how large or small, counts.
With election primaries looming and a host of issues important to us on the table will your voice be heard? Will you support your industry today?
Jonathan Tee Chairman AANC PAC Board of Trustees
Shaping the Future of Multifamily Housing: The Power of MHCNC
Did you know that the Multifamily Housing Coalition of North Carolina (MHCNC) is changing the game when it comes to housing policy and political influence? If you’re invested in the future of North Carolina’s rental housing market, now is the time to pay attention!
MHCNC is an Independent Expenditure Political Committee (IE). But what does that mean? Unlike traditional PACs, IEs can raise and spend unlimited funds to support or oppose candidates and policies—as long as they do so independently of political campaigns. This gives MHCNC a powerful edge in shaping the legislative landscape for housing.
Why MHCNC Matters
MHCNC serves as a strategic tool to amplify the voice of the rental housing industry. It ensures that housing providers and industry leaders can actively influence elections, policies, and public debates. By strategically targeting key races and pressing issues, MHCNC directs resources where they will make the biggest impact.
The Power of Financial Freedom
One of MHCNC’s greatest strengths is its financial flexibility. Unlike standard PACs, it can raise and deploy unlimited funds to advocate for the industry’s best interests. Whether it’s running targeted campaigns, funding advocacy efforts, or responding swiftly to legislative threats, MHCNC ensures that the rental housing industry isn’t left scrambling for resources at the last minute.
Why Act Now?
While there’s no immediate crisis, political landscapes shift quickly. Proactive fundraising today means that MHCNC will be ready to act when it matters most. By building a strong financial foundation now, MHCNC can effectively safeguard North Carolina’s multifamily housing sector against future regulatory and legislative challenges.
Want to stay informed or get involved? Now is the time! Stay engaged, support the cause, and help shape the future of rental housing in North Carolina. We have a goal of raising $300,000 by the end of 2026 and you can be a part of that. Visit the AANC website for more information, or email Jon Lowder at jon@aanconline.org.
LEGAL CORNER
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice, nor does it constitute an opinion, recommendation, or endorsement of any kind. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on as, legal advice, nor does it represent the views, opinions, or recommendations of AANC. Readers are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel for advice specific to their circumstances. The information provided herein does not create an attorney-client relationship.
CARES Act Covered
Properties
Since its enactment, the CARES Act has carried with it questions, curiosities, and misunderstandings. Some frequently asked questions include:
What type of evictions does the CARES Act apply to?
Which residents are required to receive a 30-day notice?
This may seem surprising given that Congress originally passed the CARES Act five years ago this month, as a reaction to the pandemic. Given the milestone anniversary this year, it is worth reviewing a brief history of the CARES Act, outlining what constitutes a “covered property,” and discussing efforts around the country to address what many consider to be a drafting error in the original legislation.
In March 2020, Congress passed the CARES Act “Temporary Moratorium on Eviction Filings” in 15 U.S.C. § 9058. Subsection B outlines that beginning on March 27, 2020, there would be a 120-day period where evictions for non-payment were to be prohibited (among other actions such as charging penalties for nonpayment of rent).
Read the full article here.
Information provided by
AANC WEBINARS
Future Forward: AI & The Centralized Multifamily Re volution
June 5, 2025 l 2:00pm
Join us for a cutting-edge panel discussion exploring how AI and centralized operations are reshaping the multifamily industry.
Panelists: Ellie Norton (Rentyl Apartments), Jen Piccotti (Swift Bunny), Justin Jones (Hy.ly/The Multifamily AI Guy), Mike Wolber (Apartment List)
Moderator: Kristi Fickert (Enterprise Growth)
STATE SUPPLIERS’ COUNCIL
A Message from the Chair of the SSC
Hello AANC Members,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Elizabeth (Liz) Newkirk, and I’m honored to serve as the 2025 Chair of the AANC State Suppliers Council for the Apartment Association of North Carolina, alongside my friend and your 2025 ViceChair, Bill Clements. As we step into 2025, I’m inspired by the dedication and innovation that our suppliers bring to the industry. Together, we have an incredible opportunity to make this year one of our most impactful yet.
I want to take a moment to thank and introduce our twelve 2025 Peak Partners. Your commitment and support are invaluable, and we truly appreciate everything you do to elevate the AANC community!
As we gear up for the 2025 AANC CONNECTed Conference, I’m thrilled to share that this year’s Trade Show is sold out! But there are still a few other conference sponsorships available, as well as many other AANC sponsorship opportunities available throughout the year to maximize your visibility within the AANC community.
We’ve also planned some great engagement activities at conference to ensure a dynamic experience. On Monday evening, don’t miss Crack the Code during the Connections & Cocktails: AANC Mix & Mingle, where attendees can participate for a chance to win $500. On Tuesday afternoon, we’ll continue the excitement with even more opportunities for connection, interaction, and prizes.
Looking forward to a fantastic year ahead—I’m excited to see what we can achieve together in 2025!
Warm regards,
Elizabeth (Liz) Newkirk | Chair, AANC State Suppliers Council
Maximize your visibility at the AANC 2025 CONNECTed Conference! With impactful sponsorships and onsite signage, you can effectively reach your target audience and stay top-of-mind with AANC’s leadership, emerging leaders, and members.
Ensure your brand remains front and center throughout the year. Explore sponsorship opportunities today!
WE ARE MULTIFAMILY
STORIES FROM THE GROUND UP
Leadership in Action: Jonathan Brophy's Commitment to Safety Following Hurricane Helene
By J. Craig, Director of Facilities Maintenance, Ari Apartment Management
When Hurricane Helene swept through the region, leaving a trail of uncertainty and damage, Jonathan Brophy, Area Manager at Ari Apartment Management, emerged as a key figure in protecting the wellbeing of residents and staff. His commitment to ensuring a secure, supportive environment for all under his care demonstrated the importance of proactive, resident-centered leadership in times of crisis.
From the earliest moments following the hurricane, Brophy took ownership of the critical task of assessing and addressing the immediate threats posed by structural damage, fallen trees, and potential electrical hazards. Collaborating with his property management team, he implemented a comprehensive safety check across all properties. His priority: ensure that every resident and staff member was accounted for and safe.
Brophy coordinated open communication channels, providing residents with updates about ongoing repairs, potential evacuation points, and access to community resources. Recognizing the emotional toll a natural disaster can take, he ensured the staff were equipped to offer support beyond physical safety measures. The sense of community really did shine like a bright light through the darkness at our sites in Asheville during those first critical days after the storm.
While safety remained paramount, Brophy also prioritized the well-being of his staff. He acknowledged the stress and long hours and ensured staff received adequate rest and resources to cope with the challenges. His leadership fostered a supportive, team-oriented culture that was pivotal to the swift and successful response after Hurricane Helene. Brophy led our efforts to gather information on what supplies were needed from the home office to sustain properties during the aftermath of Helene until government authorities could get power and water evaluated and restored.
Jonathan Brophy’s actions in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene underscore the essential role of dedicated, hands-on leadership during times of crisis. His leadership has set a standard within Ari Apartment Management, showcasing the impact that compassionate, organized action can have in a community’s time of need.
AFFILIATE UPDATES
WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE STATE IN THE MULTIFAMILY INDUSTRY
APARTMENT ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA (AAWNC)
GREATER FAYETTEVILLE APARTMENT ASSOCIATION (GFAA)
AAWNC has had a busy start to 2025 with a committee meeting social to kick off the year in January, a community coffee and market update in February, and preparing for our annual Platinum Awards in March, all while still working diligently to help our members and community who are still working through Hurricane Helene challenges.
Two weeks before the event and our Platinum Awards are already sold out. We are excited to welcome our members and guests and celebrate all the nominees on March 7!
On Thursday, February 13, GFAA hosted their annual Starlight Awards. The sold-out event welcoming more than 230 attendees, celebrated the multifamily industry and award winners.
Congratulations to all nominees and winners!
Click here to see our winners.
AFFILIATE UPDATES
TRIANGLE APARTMENT ASSOCIATION (TAA)
Commencing the new year, TAA proudly inducted our newest President, Franklyn Rodriguez, and the 2025 TAA Board of Directors at our January Membership Dinner Meeting. Franklyn Rodriguez is a Regional Service Manager with Blue Ridge Companies and holds his CAPS and CAMT credentials. With more than 20 years of dedicated service in the apartment industry and 20 years volunteering with TAA, Franklyn brings a wealth of experience to our association. Over 300 members gathered at the Embassy Suites in Cary to support our association leaders. We were also honored to be joined by Jon Lowder, AANC Executive Director, to recognize exiting AANC board members Chris Smith and Rebecca Rosario.
Concurrently at the dinner meeting, TAA’s XCEL Committee hosted Happy Hour Headshots, raising $1,500 for Hearts with Hands, an organization dedicated to hurricane relief efforts in western NC.
AFFILIATE UPDATES
TRIANGLE APARTMENT ASSOCIATION (TAA) (cont.)
TAA’s Government Affairs started the year strong by raising $3,000 for TAA-PAC at the event. Under the charge of President Rodriguez and Government Affairs Committee co-chairs, members were inspired to contribute during the Membership Dinner Meeting. Following these fundraising efforts, the next TAA-PAC Membership Breakfast features guest speaker N.C. Rep. Erin Paré. Members will have the opportunity to learn about new state legislature and help influence key policies that matter to our industry.
In education, we are eagerly anticipating the summer as CPO courses are available each month through June. Additionally, we are committed to empowering our maintenance members by hosting an upcoming class Leadership for Maintenance Professionals. This session aims at supporting their professional growth, setting goals, and covering various topics related to maintenance leadership.
New and current members are embracing opportunities to connect through various events and informational sessions. Our recent Maximize Your Membership session welcomed both new members and new employees to current member companies, providing insight into how to maximize the full benefits of a TAA Membership. Additionally, TAA’s Special Events Committee hosted their signature event, After Work Networking. Over 120 members joined us for an evening of networking, with 27 first-time attendees. As we look forward, we are gearing up for our largest event of the year, the TAA Trade Show. With the theme “A Cosmic Connection,” we are excited to bring together multifamily industry professionals and showcase the products and services of our of our supplier members.
ON THE MOVE
NEWS FROM THE MULTIFAMILY AND RENTAL INDUSTRY
After 6 months of decline, average rents rise again
While demand is expected to remain strong, policy uncertainty and interest rates could pose problems in the coming year, according to Yardi. Read more here.
NAA Insights: Why 2025 Is Shaping Up to Be a Good Year
For insights into how the current economy is impacting the apartment industry, don’t miss Laura Calugar’s podcast with Paula Munger. More information here.
The State of Applicant Fraud
Snappt’s State of Multifamily Fraud Report offers insights into fraud detection and prevention drawn from years of industry expertise. Read more here.
Renter Realities: A New Look at Multifamily Priorities
Traditional multifamily assumptions about location, amenities, and design are being challenged, according to a new report from global architecture and design firm Corgan. Read more here.
NEWS FROM NAA
from Lisa Taylor, NAA Region 4 Vice President
Bob Pinnegar shared some recent good news. As of February 27, the FHFA has agreed to pause the tenant protections that the Biden Administration had sought to attach to federally backed loans. While this is only a pause until May 31, it's a good indication of the direction of the agency as they staff up on the political appointee side to make the action permanent.
On behalf of the NAA and Region IV RVP’s, we thank you for volunteering to serve our industry and your dedication to your communities and the National Apartment Association. The dedication and hard work of our volunteers is vital to our success. The synergy between you, our volunteer leaders, and our dedicated volunteers is crucial in driving forward NAA's strategic plan and making a positive impact in your communities and the rental housing industry. Thank you for all you do.
Your Calendar Needs an Advocate! NAA's annual advocacy conference is fast approaching, March 25 - 26, with NAA's Governance Meetings continuing March 27-28, 2025. Mark your calendar now to join rental housing suppliers, property managers, owners, operators and more in Washington, D.C. for this FREE to join conference for all prior registration. Mark your calendars.
Apartmentalize 2025 registration Is Now Open! Save $375 with early bird rates today! Achieve even greater savings by registering groups of five or more – shine the spotlight on your whole team in Las Vegas, June 10-13, 2025. Register today for big savings!
RHALS 2025 formerly Government Affairs Roundtable (GART) and Legal Symposium will be held July 30 – August 1 in Irving, TX. Stay turned for open registration. Region IV and AANC have several guest speakers and panelist attending this event.
UNITS Magazine March 2025 | National Apartment Association provides an excellent overview of trade news & newsmakers in the housing industry.
Lisa Taylor l Greystar, NAA Region IV Vice President LTaylor@greystar.com
Advocate
March 25-26
Washington, DC
Apartmentalize June 11-13
Las Vegas, NV
Rental Housing Advocacy and Legal Summit
July 28-August 1 Denver, CO
Assembly of Delegates
November 10-12
Atlanta, GA 19
ANNOUNCEMENTS
2026 CONFERENCE: SPEAKER RFP WINDOW IS OPEN!
AANC invites you to submit a proposal to speak at the 2026 AANC CONNECTed Conference in Raleigh, NC. We are currently accepting proposals as consideration for the opening/closing Keynote sessions and multiple breakout education sessions.
GO HERE TO LEARN MORE AND SUBMIT!
Submissions are being accepted through 11:59pm on 5/15/25.
MAKE A STATE LEVEL IMPACT: JOIN AN AANC COMMITTEE
Looking for ways to get more involved and make a difference at the state level? The Apartment Association of North Carolina (AANC) offers members the chance to connect, collaborate, and contribute through a variety of dynamic committees.
From shaping educational initiatives to driving advocacy efforts, there’s a committee for every passion and expertise.
