Property Management Claims Awards

For the second year in a row, our Fundamentals of Residential Property Management course was recognized with two prestigious awards. Velda Simpson was named Educator of the Year and the course was honored with the Outstanding Contribution to Educational Programs award by the Georgia Apartment Industry Education Foundation (GAIEF).

Velda helped launch the program in 2013.

“I’m truly humbled and honored to receive recognition in an industry that I’m so passionate about,” she said. “This year has been amazing and I’m so thankful for everything.”

A Word from the Dean
Barbara Calhoun, dean, said, “It’s truly remarkable to have a professional organization such as the GAIEF recognize not only our instructor but our program as a whole. We are grateful to be partnered with a phenomenal group of instructors to provide a quality program to those in this field.”

Additional Awards
In addition to Velda’s honor, the remaining instructors of our program were all recognized with a High Impact Award. Those were awarded to:

• Maria Bailey
• Sherle Brown
• Christina DeSantis
• Kareem Slater
• Deborah Westphal

Sebastien Obas, a special guest speaker of the class, also received a High Impact Award.

Program Initiatives
The certificate-based program prepares students to move directly and easily into real estate careers. The class, which qualifies for VA Education Benefits, is taught by a group of instructors possessing more than 150 years of combined experience.

The course teaches the leasing and customer service responsibilities of the apartment industry. Topics include introduction to the apartment industry, marketing and leasing, fair housing, risk management and career opportunities. Additionally, students will have exposure to industry leaders. Students will not only learn theory, but they will also learn how to apply it and what it looks like in the real world.

Career Opportunities
As baby boomers retire in the next 7-10 years, more emphasis will be placed on identifying, hiring and developing emerging talent. Organizations like IREM, NAA and GAIEF are promoting careers as a way to attract more qualified individuals into real estate.

The class instructors all agree that the future is bright for individuals pursuing this certificate, as the opportunities in property management are abundant. The ability to network with industry professionals, along with the support from professional organizations, is also an incentive of our program.

The industry is in continuous search of quality talent and this program is a viable way to get started, to transition careers from another industry or even for small apartment owners to maximize the potential of their properties.

Top Employers of Leasing Agents
•    Berkshire
•    ECI Management
•    CF Lane
•    Winthrop
•    Gables
•    Bell Properties

Property Management Positions
•    Leasing Agent
•    Assistant Manager
•    Property Manager
•    Regional Manager
•    Asset Manager
Source: irem.org