Every Staff Member Has A Story Too!

Get to know the AAA Staff Team

Welcome to the vibrant and diverse world of the Austin Apartment Association’s team, where our dedicated staff works tirelessly to enhance the member experience and all things AAA. Each is committed to ensuring success within their departments and oversight, and we would love for you to meet them on a more personal level. Whether it’s Tetiana who initially greets you at the front with a smile or Emily who leads the entire team, everyone here plays an essential role in the overall success of the Austin Apartment Association.

EMILY BLAIR, CAE

Executive Vice President

Committee Staff Liaison for: Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Budget & Investments Committee, Governance Committee, PAC Board of Trustees, and AAA’s 501c3 Board of Directors (among others).

The Beginning: Born and raised in Holland, Michigan and grew up in the country – farmgirl roots! Moved to Texas in February of 2015!

Career Path: Bachelor’s degree in business and psychology, then went to work for a market research and consulting firm with nonprofit clients and was exposed to the nonprofit realm. From there, jumped from for-profit to nonprofit trade association industry, first with Home Builders Association(s), then the Austin Apartment Association.

3 Fun Facts:

• I love to cook – it is my artistic expression! Also, never get tired of watching cooking shows – any other Great British Baking Show fans?

• I would have been an architect if I had any artistic skills whatsoever.

• I cannot handle the sight of blood or anything else medical – weak stomach alert.

Happy Place: At the top of a sand dune in northern Michigan overlooking the sunset on Lake Michigan. Michigan is my roots, and home – so that always makes me happy to be there and feel those memories of childhood and growing up in “The Mitten”. Also really, any beach anywhere in the world – I had the privilege of seeing the Grand Cayman Islands this year and that will be a place we return to again and again. Beautiful. Best part of my “story” so far: Feeling more and more at home in Texas. Growing my “chosen family” here and getting to add so many people, experiences, and knowledge into my story –makes life interesting!

AAA Workiversary: January 7, 2021

How did AAA become a part of your “story”? I was privileged to be invited to apply to the opportunity to lead the AAA when Kristan Aronna retired. Thus far, it has been a fast and fantastic ride – glad to be a part of this multiFAMILY!

SABRINA MILLER

Director of Membership & Business Development

Committee Staff Liaison for: Membership Experience & Expansion Council, Membership Growth Committee, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Working Group, Future Leaders Working Group and Peer Groups

The Beginning: Born and raised in Austin, TX. I’m one of the unicorns around town! Even though I spent my summers in high school, volunteering and working in Bolivia and my first college was outside of Boston, Austin is my home and I always come back to it.

Career Path: Graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Photojournalism. I worked for several photographers before starting my own photography company. After 12 years I transitioned into Nutrition Coaching and Personal Training to follow my true passions and serve others. In addition to my fitness business, I worked as a Marketing Director within the luxury window and door industry for five years before starting at AAA.

3 Fun Facts:

• I love pigs and have volunteered at the Central Texas Pig Rescue for 4 years.

• My first job was at a skateboard shop, and I can still put a complete deck together in under a minute and a half.

• For years, I was the primary photographer for KCRW every SXSW and got to photograph several artists including my favorite, Raphael Saddiq who I like to think we had our first date over breakfast together … despite the other four people that were there.

Happy Place: A tie between snowboarding in Whistler with my husband and kids and surfing (or trying to) in any ocean. I love doing anything that gives me an adrenaline rush and connects me to the earth.

Best part of my “story” so far: I would say the best part of my “story” so far would not be anything professional based. My children, my husband, and the love we all have for each other is by far the best part of my story and what I am the proudest of.

AAA Workiversary: June 27, 2023

How did AAA become a part of your “story”? When I was looking for a change, I saw AAA pop up on my job search. It instantly felt like home to me because my mom was the Executive Director for the Texas Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (TALHFA) for over 20 years. I not only grew up in the association world, but I also worked in it as a graphic designer and photographer. She has Alzheimer’s now and I felt like it would be my way of paying tribute to her every day. I’m happy to say that it gives us something to talk about which is nice.

DANA BOLZ, CMP

Director of Meetings and Events

Committee Staff Liaison for: Membership Experience & Expansion Council, Events and Services Committee and the Awards and Honors Working Group

The Beginning: I was born in Connecticut and moved to San Antonio when I was 10 years old and have lived in Austin for almost 25 years.

Career Path: After graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration and Marketing degree, I began my career as the Meeting Planner for the Texas Parent Teacher Association.

3 Fun Facts:

• I am a master at Name That Tune!

• I ate pizza every single day for lunch while backpacking through Europe for 6 weeks!

• I would love to be a florist in my next life!

Happy Place: I have a few…being with my niece and nephew, taking my Labrador and Golden Retriever swimming and the Four Seasons Punta Mita!

AAA Workiversary: January 4, 2007

How did AAA become a part of your “story”? My story began when I was interviewed by Kristan Arrona in the winter of 2006! I had a feeling I was meant to be at AAA since Kristan and I were wearing the exact same outfit…same shirt, suit, shoes and earrings!

CARRIE SMITH

Director of Government Affairs

Committee Staff Liaison for: Advocacy Committee, PAC Board of Trustees

The Beginning: I was born and raised in Houston, Texas (Go Astros and Go Texans!). I moved to Austin in 2014 and fell deeply in love with all this great city has to offer...such as tacos, tacos, and more tacos!

Career Path:I launched my career in politics with an internship in Washington, D.C., and later relocated to Austin, where I honed my skills with a campaign company and then with a non-profit organization spearheading several grassroots advocacy initiatives. Over the course of the next 7.5 years, I served as a Policy & Communications Advisor, was promoted to Chief of Staff first for a House Representative and then for a Texas Senator in the state legislature.

3 Fun Facts:

• When I was 20 years old, I tried out of the Houston Texans Cheer Squad and made it to the 3rd round!

• I have an obsession with 60s music, especially Janis Joplin. Sometimes I wonder if I was born in the right era.

• After an 8-hour hike through the Swiss Alps, my boyfriend and I were excited to take the long train back to our warm Airbnb. To our surprise, the train did not run past 5pm, so we got stuck out there! After another 2 miles of hiking and some tears of frustration, we stumbled upon a barren chalet. We made friends with the lady who ran the place, and it ended up being one of the coolest experiences of our entire European trip! Sometimes the unexpected turns in life lead to the best outcomes.

Happy Place: A nature trail or by the water with a fishing pole in my hand. These are the places where time slows, and my worries dissipate. It is undeniably my sanctuary of serenity, my cherished happy place.

Best part of my “story” so far: There are two profound moments in my life that have touched my soul at its very core and are the best parts of my “story” so far. The first was the last moment I stood on the Texas Senate floor after the final bill of the Texas Legislative Session had passed. It struck me with immense honor to be part of history, contributing to the democratic process that so many people from all walks of life have tirelessly fought and died to protect. The second moment that left an indelible mark on my soul was witnessing the sunrise over the rolling hills of my grandfather’s homeland, Ireland. The sheer beauty of that sight was unlike anything I had ever seen before. It was in that tranquil moment that I realized the sheer wonder of our world.

AAA Workiversary: August 14, 2023

How did AAA become a part of your “story”? After years of working with elected officials and witnessing how a single vote could affect people’s lives, I wanted to use my expertise to make a real difference in our community. I wanted to help individuals maintain their businesses, access affordable housing, and enjoy a good quality of life by bridging the gap between citizens and elected officials. AAA was the ideal place for me to make this vision a reality – my perfect multifamily home.

Tatiana Marchizano

Director of Education

Committee Staff Liaison for: Learning and Development Committee

The Beginning: First generation Texan with some South American roots-Raised in Houston, but always knew Austin would be home!

Career Path: Graduated from St. Edward’s University- First worked as an educator at a Spanish immersion school which led me becoming the education & training specialist at both the Texas Association of School Nutrition and then Caritas. Serendipity led me to the Austin Apartment Association.

3 Fun Facts:

• Spanish is my first language.

• My furrbabies take up most of my time outside of work, #prouddogmom.

• Lover of sports, good food, and travel! Happy Place: Outside in nature, a good run and a dip in the springs!

Best part of my “story” so far: Buying a home in Austin has always been a dream of mine and I was able to do that before 30.

AAA Workiversary: January 17, 2022

How did AAA become a part of your “story”? My serendipitous story goes--While working at Caritas, I had decided to connect with the Board of Directors on LinkedIn and saw the Director opportunity as Emily was on the Caritas Board then.

Bruce Cook

Accounting & Database Manager

Committee Staff Liaison for:Budget and Finance Committee

The Beginning: Born and Raised in South Louisiana, where I learned to pass a good time, cher. Been in Texas since ‘92 and Austin since 2017.

Career Path: Worked in radio/television after undergrad. Spent a spell as a paralegal. Then it was 20 years in the medical equipment business. Some time in retail, start-ups and recruiting followed. Decided it was time to get back to what I was best at and now you are up to speed.

3 Fun Facts:

• Father of twins boys/men

• Was a DJ (radio and nightclub) in a former life

• Holds ranks in 3 martial arts

Happy Place: I go to the San Diego Comic-Con with my best friend every year. We get to nerd out and unwind for a few days in sunny Southern California.

Best part of my “story” so far: Building a home with my wife that our grown sons still like to come home to. The trick? Keep the pantry stocked.

AAA Workiversary: November 2022

How did AAA become a part of your “story”? After realizing that recruiting did not play to my strengths, I began to search for a role that was more “me.” I saw AAA’s “help wanted” sign on the internet and applied. Came in for my first interview of renewal day 2022 and the rest, as they say, is history...

Hannah Woodyard

Digital Marketing Manager

Committee Staff Liaison for: Brand Creation Committee, Brand Integration Committee

The Beginning: Born in Columbus, Ohio and was raised in Tuscaloosa Alabama. Moved to Austin in 2021 and have found my way back to Columbus.

Career Path: 2 Bachelors Degrees in Business & Communications from the University of Alabama and a Certificate in Viral Marketing from Yale University, worked for various companies and individuals in everything from research to influencer marketing and found my way to Walt Disney World as a Distribution Marketer for Central Florida, before finding my way to Austin and joining the AAA team as Digital Marketing Manager in 2021.

3 Fun Facts:

• I read 300 books last year

• I have lived in 7 states

• In 2020 I got to tour Scrooge McDucks’ vault at Walt Disney World where all of the cash from the resort lives.

Happy Place: The Eras Tour (and Walt Disney World) (and the ocean) (but mostly The Eras Tour)

Best part of my “story” so far: Publishing my first book of poetry earlier this year.

AAA Workiversary: July 26, 2021

How did AAA become a part of your “story”? Once the pandemic began to settle more and the vaccine was introduced, I began the job search in the Austin area. I had some interviews that didn’t seem to be leaving any mark on me. But then I came in and met Emily and was excited to learn more about what the Association was doing and how my role would play into a lot of my strengths, while developing new ones. Then I had my group interview where I met most of the team and felt completely at home. I got the job offer while I was in Georgia celebrating my best friend’s engagement and got to start the trip off with great news!

Hamid Yazdanpanah-Salazer

Director of Communications and Outreach

Committee Staff Liaison for: Emerging Industry Insights & Opportunities and Community Service

The Beginning: Back in the 70s, my father was apparently cute and had an accent, so my mother married him and had four of us. I was born in Mexico, we moved to Iran, left after the Iranian Revolution, and ended up in South Austin 48 where I grew up.

Career Path: 20yrs retail grocery(8yrs leadership team) and small business owner/freelancer since about 2008. Bonus fun fact: your average Austin HEB generates 3.1M in weekly sales.

3 Fun Facts:

• I’m an old school bboy and would still get down if workers’ comp covered it

• I don’t think anyone has told Lana Del Rey yet that we’re married

• I still have Tupac’s first album cassette in a display case at home that I’ve held on to since the very early 90’s. Happy Place: Cage-free shark diving yearly in Cabo San Lucas. Your life is basically in slo-mo when you’re down there with wild sharks, marlins, mantas and anything else that appears at any split-second, but it’s also a bliss that I still try to convince people about.

Best part of my “story” so far: That regardless of any bad cir- cumstance or day that I’m having, I’ve always used laughter, happiness and humor to iron it out and get past it.

AAA Workiversary: My start was May of 2023

How did AAA become a part of your “story”? I saw an opportunity to showcase many of my experiences and strengths, so I hopped on it and love every day of it.

Tetiana Zhuravel

Administrative Manager and Team Coordinator

The Beginning: Born and raised in Ukraine. Moved from Ukraine to Port Aransas, Texas 10 years ago. In 2017, after hurricane Harvey moved to Austin and have been here since.

Career Path: Got a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance in 2013 and right away moved to United States. Started to work for Souvenirs company “Deep Splash Inc.” in Port Aransas. Also managed some vacation rentals. After the hurricane I moved to Austin and right away picked up a job at a local olive oil shop. A little later got an offer to manage Equine Veterinary Clinic, which was very extreme! Very big animals and very serious medical responsibilities! Never had any experience with horses before and surprisingly learned everything very quickly; even ended up training new people. After 4 years in the clinic decided to challenge myself and found a new adventure - “Austin Apartment Association”! So far, I feel like that was a great choice!

3 Fun Facts:

• Since I’m originally Ukrainian, I speak 3 languages: Ukrainian, Russian and English.

• Once in my very early 20s I was a taxicab driver (not Uber, just local cab) which was very unusual.

• I’ve already visited 26 states and Puerto Rico. My goal to visit the rest of United States!

Happy Place: Beach; sit on sand by the ocean and enjoy sunset views! Best part of my “story” so far: My biggest dream was for my dad to come visit me in the US, and it came true! Past February he came over and it was the best time in my life! We went to the beach and fished in the ocean, Grand Canyon and Vegas!

AAA Workiversary: August 15th

How did AAA become a part of your “story”? Back then I was ready for a career change, and I started to look for opportunities. I got lucky because AAA was looking for me as well.

#weweremeanttobetogether