Leadership Lyceum - Meet the Class of 2024!

The Austin Apartment Association (AAA) Leadership Lyceum program identifies and develops emerging multifamily housing leaders into an informed and highly motivated group to prepare for future leadership opportunities or roles with AAA. Additionally, AAA Leadership Lyceum supports the development of individuals with a broad-based vision and strong commitment to AAA’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives and the broader community.

While in this program, participants have the honor of meeting amazing guest speakers, networking with fellow up-and-coming leaders, and growing their knowledge of Advocacy, Association Management, Community Service, Governance, and much more.

ANDREW MEYNIG, Greystar Community Manager

Years in the industry: 8

What do you hope to gain from participating in the Lyceum program?

My hope with the Lyceum program is to meet experienced people from all aspects of the industry in order to gain new perspectives in my own position. I’d like to see how people were able to excel in leadership roles, as well as the failures to avoid. Another hope is to see exactly what leadership roles are available within the AAA and what that role entails.

Do you have any specific leadership aspirations with the Apartment Association now or in the future?

I would like to get into a leadership role in the AAA at some point in the future but am unsure where my skill set will be best utilized.

MIKE REID, Apartment Management Professionals (AMP)

Regional Director

Years in the industry: 16

How have you gotten involved in the association in the last 2 years?

I have not been directly involved in any committees, task forces, chair positions, and/or delegate seats, however I have been involved in events such as the business exchange and vendor trade shows as well as initiatives like the annual Doc & Gayle Young food drive, blood drives, and other volunteer efforts spearheaded by the association.

What do you hope to gain from participating in the Lyceum program?

I see myself as being aligned with the AAA’s 5 strategic Priorities - enriching the member experience, expanding the membership, increasing community impact, developing the brand, and ensuring financial sustainability. I want to be known as an engaged member who is dedicated to volunteer leadership and someone who adds value to the association and surrounding community.

Do you have any specific leadership aspirations with the Apartment Association now or in the future?

In the future I would like to be recognized as a member of the executive committee. Until that time, I see myself joining committees, taking professional development courses, and joining in the community outreach programs to get involved.

LINDSAY BONILLA, CPM, CCRM, Greystar

Senior Regional Property Manager

Years in the industry: 9

How have you gotten involved in the association in the last 2 years?

As a recent transplant to Austin, completing my CAPS exam and joining Lyceum is my first involvement in the local chapter. I was previously very involved in the Chicagoland Apartment Association and formerly served as Chair on the Professional Development Committee.

What do you hope to gain from participating in the Lyceum program?

Building my network in Austin and learning how I can use my experience with association involvement to impact AAA. My hope is to build a partnership between IREM and AAA as we have an overlapping membership demographic.

Do you have any specific leadership aspirations with the Apartment Association now or in the future?

Yes, in the future.

Miranda Mcarthur, RPM Living

Director of Central Operations

Years in the industry: 10

How have you gotten involved in the association in the last 2 years?

I have worked to increase involvement with the Austin Apartment Association by attending more networking and educational opportunities. My professional goal over the last year was to earn the CAPS credential. I met this goal by passing the credentialing exam in February 2024. I’ve also encouraged my teams, especially maintenance, to get involved as well. We partake in the APEX property and individual awards each year. In 2023, my portfolio earned finalist positions in 3 categories, and we took home 2 wins. In 2024, we earned finalists’ positions as well. I believe association involvement enhances your personal and professional growth within the industry by providing the educational tools and networking opportunities needed. This involvement has helped elevate my career and my teams’ careers with RPM Living. The association is the best tool you can have in your toolbox in the multifamily property management industry.

What do you hope to gain from participating in the Lyceum program?

I am hoping the 2024 Lyceum program will allow me the insight needed to seek additional involvement within the association with the hopes of joining the leadership team in the future. With my 10 years of industry experience at one company, I am excited to join this leadership program with like-minded professionals from different backgrounds. I’m also excited to see what the future holds for this dynamic group and the association at large.

Do you have any specific leadership aspirations with the Apartment Association now or in the future?

My leadership aspirations include becoming more involved within the association committees. This will allow me to use the framework to eventually reach the ranks of the Executive Committee. I was raised with the belief that I could be President one day and I believe that is possible with the Austin Apartment Association.

Ashtynn Smith, Dixie Interiors

Account Manager

Years in the industry: 10

How have you gotten involved in the association in the last 2 years?

I have been involved in the community service committee, events and services committee, leadership working groups, and attended several of the AAA events

What do you hope to gain from participating in the Lyceum program?

I hope to gain industry knowledge that will help me as a supplier better service clients in the multifamily industry

Do you have any specific leadership aspirations with the Apartment Association now or in the future?

Community service and giving back has always been important to me so I do have aspirations of a leadership role in the community services committee in the future.

KARA FORREST, CAM, Berkshire Residential

Property Manager

Years in the industry: 15

How have you gotten involved in the association in the last 2 years?

I am a member of the AAA Education Working Group and hope to participate even more in the future.

What do you hope to gain from participating in the Lyceum program?

I hope to gain valuable insights, skills, and experiences that will empower me to become an informed and motivated leader.

Do you have any specific leadership aspirations with the Apartment Association now or in the future?

I aspire to be a member of the AAA Executive Committee.

Rebekah Tuckner, Metric Property Management

Training and Recruiting

Years in the industry: 6

How have you gotten involved in the association in the last 2 years?

I have been a member and I have done a few of the event and fundraisers but my main goal is to get super involved this coming year. I’ve always felt like I was unsure what we can join and when everything meets.

What do you hope to gain from participating in the Lyceum program?

I am hoping to gain more industry experience from like-minded peers and become more involved in the community as a whole.

Do you have any specific leadership aspirations with the Apartment Association now or in the future?

I am unsure whether or not I would like to be the president or anything of those sorts, but I do want to head a few committees. I do not aspire to be the top dog but rather a leader among the group who pushes the goals of the association forward.

Stephanie Coseriu, Valet Living

Market Director of Sales

Years in the industry: 24

How have you gotten involved in the association in the last 2 years?

• Community Service Committee Member

• Events and Services Committee Member

• Membership Growth Committee Member

• Mother of the Quarterly Grind

• Peer Groups Lead for 2024

• Lyceum Class of 2024

• Attended all AAA Signature Events

• CAS Candidate, completion anticipated Spring of 2024

What do you hope to gain from participating in the Lyceum program?

I am most looking forward to growing my leadership skills, so that I can continue to serve my immediate team, as well as the Austin multifamily community. I am most passionate about building, supporting, and nurturing the people around me. With the birth of the Quarterly Grind and upcoming Peer Groups, I am beyond excited to feel supported, and to see my network grow, while celebrating the success of my professional peers. I feel honored to be able to sit at the table with some of the most knowledgeable leaders in the industry. 2024 is a year of welcoming new ideas, while fulfilling my professional aspirations.

Do you have any specific leadership aspirations with the Apartment Association now or in the future?

With my current and upcoming contributions and involvement, I am confident that my dedication will provide me the opportunities to elevate my leadership skills. I am eager and excited about gaining more knowledge about the state of our industry, the emerging technology trends, so I can better serve and support my client partners. I aspire to be a trusted resource for all AAA members. Ultimately, and with the right mentorship and coaching, I would love to have the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors.

Elise Thurman, First Communities Management, INC

Area Director

Years in the industry: 17

How have you gotten involved in the association in the last 2 years?

I have been a part of the food drive the last 2 years.

What do you hope to gain from participating in the Lyceum program?

Growing my leadership skills to be able to give back to my teams and our apartment community.

Do you have any specific leadership aspirations with the Apartment Association now or in the future?

I would love to be more involved in the future by holding a board position.

ANDY EINEM, Camden Property Trust

District Manager

Years in the industry: 15

How have you gotten involved in the association in the last 2 years?

I’m currently serving on the C3 board and plan to continue to grow with AAA and my leadership presence when opportunities open up.

What do you hope to gain from participating in the Lyceum program?

My goal in participating in the Lyceum program is to learn the ins and outs of the Austin Apartment Association and its governance. I’ve recently had the opportunity to be a part of the association and think this class could help me get a better understanding of how I can contribute to the association. Also, I am also looking forward to network with other individuals who also want to grow with the AAA.

Do you have any specific leadership aspirations with the Apartment Association now or in the future?

I would love to continue to get involved in the association. Spending time with others to collaborate on how to grow our presence in the Austin area and give back to the city are both important to me and are goals that I have with getting involved. Education for our industry is something that I am passionate about and am excited to bring to the association.

DONNA RODRIGUEZ, Avenue5

Property Manager

Years in the industry: 9

How have you gotten involved in the association in the last 2 years?

I am currently dipping my feet into the Advocacy Committee

What do you hope to gain from participating in the Lyceum program?

I hope to gain knowledge in every way possible. I’m from a background of management and pushing aspirations to my employees. I was taught to be the best example of what to be and how to work since I was 20 years old. I made it my mission once I left Lee to never make any of my employees not want to come in to work and to give them knowledge. Circling back to the question, the more knowledge I have the more that I can teach my team.

Do you have any specific leadership aspirations with the Apartment Association now or in the future?

My main goal and focus is to better understand the opportunities that I have before me with the Austin Apartment Association so that I can not only know more for personal gain but also be able to speak to the opportunities when others have questions. I find myself unfolding more and more layers of knowledge each year not only about property management but about all that the Austin Apartment Association has to offer.

KIMBERLY FISHER, The NRP Group

Regional Property Manager

Years in the industry: 25

What do you hope to gain from participating in the Lyceum program?

Additional experience from my peers and working knowledge from those who have more experience than I do. I know that I have so much more to learn and look forward to any opportunity to listen, learn, and mingle with those that can offer me new insight.

Do you have any specific leadership aspirations with the Apartment Association now or in the future?

I am heavily involved with celebrate recovery in my personal life and enjoy giving back where I can. Community outreach has been a blessing in my life and I would enjoy connecting my passion for helping others into my career. I would love to become more involved with community outreach and event sponsorship.

Interested in attending Leadership Lyceum?

Applications open for the 2025 class in August of 2024. Visit austinaptassoc.com/leadership-development for more details!