Member updates – March/April 2019

Phoenix real estate executive Mike Clow, CPM, executive director of real estate operations of the Western United States for Greystar, AMO, has begun his term as 2019 National Apartment Association (NAA) chairman of the board. “[Clow] has been actively involved in developing new leaders, ensuring the financial success of NAA and planning our biggest event of the year. He positively represents the industry and keeps both our members’ and association’s needs at heart,” said NAA President and CEO Robert Pinnegar, CAE.

Newmark Knight Frank’s Minneapolis office has added Michael Dwyer, CPM, to its team as associate director of management services, putting him in charge of property management operations and staff. A 35-year veteran of the commercial real estate field, Dwyer’s most recent position prior to joining NFK was with NRG, Inc., where he served as director for sales and marketing and developed energy savings strategies for large customers, creating a multi-tiered marketing plan designed to reconnect and retain existing customers by providing a variety of value-added services.

Cristina Istrate, ARM, CPM Candidate, has joined Maryland-based real estate investment company FCP as a senior analyst. She will be supporting FCP’s multifamily portfolio as part of the asset management team. Prior to this position, Istrate was a multi-site senior property manager for WPM Management, AMO, in Baltimore. She has been recognized as one of IREM’s 30 Under 30 and is a recipient of the Maryland Multi-Housing Association’s Property Manager of the Year award.

Northwood Ravin in Charlotte, N.C., has brought Amanda Kitts, CPM, on board as senior vice president of property management. She will lead a team of regional and community managers in support of the day-to-day operations, revenue growth and client relationships of the company’s portfolio. Prior to her joining Northwood Ravin early this year, Kitts was the director of real estate for Greystar, AMO, also in Charlotte.

Tribute Companies, Inc., of Wilmington, N.C., has appointed Maria Pietroforte, CPM, its president. She will provide operational oversight for over 6,000 residential apartments in North and South Carolina. Pietroforte brings 25 years of experience across multiple property management disciplines to the position. Of her appointment, Tribute officials said she is a “focused and energetic leader who generates buy-in to establish goals and operating practices to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.”

In 1993, Denise Purrier, CPM, took a part-time, temporary accounting position at Steele & Nelson as it split into two companies; in January, after working 26 years for Nelson Properties after the split and learning all aspects of the property management business, she became its president. Purrier intends to maintain the same work ethic that was instilled in her when she first started: “If we see trash in the parking lot, we pick it up. No job is beneath us.”

The Winston-Salem Regional Association of REALTORS® recently presented Cathy Robertson, CPM Candidate, ARM, with its 2018 Property Manager of the Year Award. “Cathy’s commitment to quality is obvious in everything she does,” noted Brad Hunter, owner of Hunter Realty and Property Management, LLC, past secretary/treasurer of the association. Said Robertson of receiving this recognition, “I always aspired to reach great heights in my career, but I am so humbled by the honor of receiving this award.” A member of the property management industry for over 25 years, she is currently vice president at TE Johnson & Sons.

Late last year, Frank T. Smith, CCIM, CPM, principal of NAI Summit, was given the honor of being selected “Real Estate Individual of the Year” at the 25th annual March of Dimes Commercial & Industrial Real Estate Awards in Bethlehem, Pa. Smith was recognized for his more than 35 years of service and positive contributions in the commercial and industrial real estate industry. The chairperson of the event, Christa Kraftitian, had this to say about Smith: “Frank was selected by the committee because of his extensive experience in many aspects of real estate in the region, his long-term commitment to a number of local non-profits and his cooperative and collaborative approach to working with clients, owners and other professionals in the community.”