NAAEI Recognizes Excellent Performance at PARAGON Awards Ceremony

By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorLas Vegas–The National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) has announced the winners of several awards including the National Apartment Leasing Award, National Apartment Management Award and the Apartment Career and Education award. All the winners were recognized at the 2009 PARAGON Awards Ceremony this weekend at the Mandalay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.Susan E. Weston, CAM, CAPS, of Dallas, was awarded the 2009 Apartment Career and Education (ACE) Award. Weston is the vice president of learning and development for Pinnacle in Dallas, where she guides all learning initiatives for Pinnacle’s 5,300 employees. Shannon Birtwell, NALP, of Boston, was named National Apartment Leasing Professional of the Year. Birtwell joined WinnResidential in 2006 as a leasing consultant. In her current position, Birtwell is the leasing manager for a luxury 550-unit community in the greater Boston area.Kara Garst, CAPS, of Cedar Park, Texas, has been awarded Professional Designate of the Year. Garst began her career with UDR Inc. in 1997 as a leasing consultant. Since 2002, she has been the district property manager, responsible for managing a portfolio totaling 2,800 units. Dennis Norris, CAMT, of College Station, Texas was chosen as the year’s certified apartment maintenance technician. Norris began his career in the apartment industry in 1998. He is currently with Randor Management, where he is the maintenance supervisor for two apartment communities. In addition to earning his Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician in 2002, Norris has held his EPA certification for ten years. He also holds a Texas Irrigators License and his Certified Pool Operator license. Norris serves as Member-at-Large for the Bryan College Station Apartment Association and is a voting delegate for the Texas Apartment Association. Tricia L. Foreman, RAM, CPM, NALP, CAM, CAMT, of Norfolk, Va., has been awarded Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) of the Year. Foreman began her career in 1999 as a leasing consultant. Currently, she is a property manager with Gumenick Properties at a 288-unit community in Norfolk. “All the winners represent the best and the brightest in the apartment industry,” said Alexandra Jackiw, CAPS, CPM, NAAEI president.