Celebrating greatness

At the 2024 IREM Global Summit Gala in Indianapolis, IREM members celebrated individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the real estate management profession, including the prestigious IREM Foundation Award winners. These awards are rooted in the legacy of industry legends such as J. Wallace Paletou, Y.T. Lum, and Lloyd D. Hanford, Sr., each of whom left an indelible mark on IREM and our profession. Alongside these accolades, we also recognize the Jackson Control Sustainability Awards, a testament to innovation and environmental stewardship in real estate.

Lloyd D. Hanford Distinguished Instructor Award

Chrystal Skead, CPM^®, ARM^®

For over 20 years, the Lloyd D. Hanford Distinguished Instructor Award has celebrated IREM instructors who’ve demonstrated an unwavering commitment to education in real estate management. This year’s honoree, Chrystal Skead, CPM^®, ARM^®, has been a vital contributor to our profession for more than three decades, sharing her expertise with students and peers alike.

Since joining IREM as an instructor in 2010, Chrystal has spent countless hours advancing education and has had a profound influence on professional property managers, especially in Canada. She’s been recognized as CPM^® of the Year by IREM and was awarded the CPM^® Emeritus honor by the Real Estate Institute of Canada (REIC), their highest distinction. Although she could not attend the ceremony in person, Chrystal’s commitment to real estate management education and her role as a leader within IREM continue to inspire us.

Louise L. and Y.T. Lum Award

Cindy Clare, CPM^®

The Louise L. and Y.T. Lum Award is presented to individuals who’ve made outstanding contributions to real estate management, particularly through education, publication, and the advancement of ethical standards. This year’s recipient, Cindy Clare, CPM^®, is a notable figure in the multifamily industry. Her leadership and dedication have earned her numerous accolades, including the Sidney Glassman Award for excellence in education, management, and legislation, and recognition as one
of the 10 Most Influential Women in Real Estate by Multifamily Executive.

As partner and chief operating officer at Bell Partners, Cindy is a powerful force in real estate management, constantly pushing the boundaries of professional development and education. Her long-standing commitment to IREM, both as an instructor and a leader, showcases her passion for advancing the profession and her drive to support the next generation of professionals.

Wallace Paletou Award

Barry Blanton, CPM^®

Established in 1971 to honor J. Wallace Paletou, this award is given to an ARM or CPM who’s made significant contributions to the profession and society through real estate management. This year’s award goes to Barry Blanton, CPM^®, whose career is marked by his relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in real estate management.

As the co-founder and chief problem solver at Blanton Turner, AMO^®, Barry has played a critical role in shaping the future of the industry. His firm’s dedication to IREM education and encouraging team members to volunteer for IREM initiatives at local and national levels is inspirational. The 2022 IREM Past President, Barry has led with vision, always striving to elevate the profession and mentor others along the way.

Jackson Control Sustainability Award – People’s Choice Sustainable Property of the Year

Hazard Center Office

Sustainability in real estate management is becoming more crucial each year, and the People’s Choice Sustainable Property Award, part of the Jackson Control Sustainability Awards, recognizes the teams behind exceptional sustainable property management. This year, Hazard Center Office has earned the award for their outstanding efforts to create a more energy-efficient and environmentally conscious property.

From installing EV charging stations and upgrading LED lighting to implementing digital controls on chillers and cooling towers for improved energy efficiency, the team at Hazard Center Office exemplifies collaboration and commitment to sustainability. Their work shows the importance of a unified effort from property managers, engineers, and support staff in achieving environmental goals.

Honoring excellence

The 2024 IREM Foundation Award winners embody the very best in real estate management, pushing the industry forward through leadership, education, and sustainable innovation. We’re proud to celebrate their achievements and look forward to seeing the lasting impact they will continue to make on our profession.