2021 WINTER ISSUE
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BUILDING OWNERS AND MANAGERS ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA FOUNDATION
FEATURE WHY I GIVE: DARA NICHOLSON PAGE 4
FOUNDATION IMPACT: FROM PANDEMIC TO PROPERTY OPERATIONS PAGE 3
BOMA FAMILY NEWS PAGE 11
WWW.BOMAGEORGIAFOUNDATION.ORG
The BOMA Family When most people join BOMA, they do so expecting to grow their professional network, to gain new skills, or become better at their job. But when we become involved in the association, an interesting thing happens. These professional relationships turn into friendships. And it’s through these friendships that the BOMA family is formed. For more than a century, the BOMA family has proven to be strong and united in the face of change. Together, we have shown adaptability, innovation, and perseverance in advancing the real estate industry and in helping each other grow both personally and professionally. This new official publication of the BOMA Georgia Foundation was created to celebrate family. It highlights some of the ways the foundation is making a positive difference in the lives and careers of real estate professionals. It features individuals who have dedicated their time, talent, and treasure to serving others. And it highlights the accomplishments and advancements made possible by the BOMA Georgia Foundation. In this new publication, you will read stories of how the foundation is changing lives and advancing careers. You’ll learn about what inspires individuals and companies to donate – and how those donations are essential to fulfilling the foundation’s mission of advancing the real estate industry. And you’ll see some of the ways the foundation is contributing to the real estate industry through scholarships, research, and creating meaningful experiences. This issue features three key members and their contributions to the real estate industry, the association, and the foundation. Dara Nicholson is featured for her continued contributions through retirement and the capstone of her 40-year career. Constance Hodges shares her inspiring path to leadership. And Elaine Bare shows the impact allied members can have on the lives and careers of others through the foundation. The stories of these three individuals are part of the fabric of the BOMA family, and they remind us of the many opportunities each of us have to make a lasting difference through our involvement in BOMA Georgia and the BOMA Georgia Foundation.
IN THIS ISSUE Issue 1: Winter 2021
Research: Timely, Relevant, Vital
03
Dara Nicholson: Why I Give
04
Donors Do It Again in 2021
06
Coming Into the Industry
07
Foundation and the Southern Region 08 Corporate Giving: Roof Partners
09
Foundation Leadership Society
10
BOMA Family News
11
Creating Experiences
12
2021 FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chair Melody Frcek, RPA
Vice Chair Marie Worsham, CPM, RPA, LEED GA
Treasurer Linda Beauchamp, RPA
Trustee Laurie Harper
Trustee Elaine Bare
Executive Director Gabriel Eckert, FASAE, CAE
Donate Today to Support Scholarships and Research at www.bomageorgiafoundation.org/donors.
BOMA Family Editor-in-Chief Gabriel Eckert, FASAE, CAE
Executive Editor Jacob Wilder, CAE
Managing Editor & Author Molly Looman
BOMA Family | 2
RESEARCH: TIMELY, RELEVANT, VITAL
One of the core pillars of the BOMA Georgia Foundation is its dedication to research for the betterment of the commercial real estate industry. From whitepapers to salary reports to partnerships with CRE Insight Journal, the foundation wants to meet property professionals where they are with what they need. COVID-19 was a global event that affected not just the BOMA Family, but also the broader real estate community. In March 2020, BOMA Georgia was the first BOMA to produce a national webinar on COVID-19, which was quickly followed by additional, complimentary resources developed by the BOMA Georgia Foundation. The foundation created resources on infectious disease control, operational savings during low occupancy, and tips for building re-entry. There were also over 100 videos and articles created on the CRE Insight Journal web platform covering a range of topics surrounding COVID-19. The content addressed indoor air quality, tenant relations, communications strategies, security concerns, and more. In 2021, that dedication stayed the course. Videos and webinars on re-entry were created, and information was continually updated. Now, there are new discussions to be had about the future of commercial real estate. More articles and videos have been uploaded to www.creinsightjournal.com on tenant comfort, the future of office space, and the new rise in work from home. The foundation will continue to provide resources for commercial real estate professionals as this particular chapter continues to unfold. The foundation’s research also comes in the form of salary and benefits surveys. Recently, the foundation released the 2021 Metro-Atlanta Property Management and Building Engineering Salary and Benefits Survey. BOMA Georgia Foundation research provides tools to real estate professionals that add
value to the properties they own, manage, and operate. The research conducted is meant to advance the industry and continue to improve the lives of property professionals across the community. The BOMA Georgia Foundation makes it a priority to provide the community with information on trending topics. The foundation’s whitepaper, “CRE and the Bee” explores how commercial real estate properties can play a significant role in stabilizing and growing the very important bee population. Not only does the whitepaper break down the logistics of how to do so, but it also discusses the potential environmental and tenant benefits. The BOMA Georgia Foundation was created to be a resource for the commercial real estate industry and its professionals. Not only did the foundation seek to provide access to education through scholarships, but also to be a source of information itself. Research is an essential function of the foundation. As the community has seen in the past two years, the only thing to expect is the unexpected. Foundation research will help commercial real estate industry members stay one step ahead and equipped to serve their organization and tenants. The commercial real estate industry is stronger when its members are agile, educated and innovative. Organizations within BOMA Georgia and beyond are already working hard for the betterment of their communities and this industry. As they continue their journeys, the BOMA Georgia Foundation will be there as a resource and continue to adapt with them.
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INDIVIDUALS Associate
DONORS DO IT AGAIN IN 2021!
Alfredo Garcia | Barbara Muck | Bo Reddic | Bob Jameson Dara Nicholson | David Furer | Dena Rodrigues | Devin Simon Florence Barbour | Fred Rodriguez | Gina Dodson Grace Meyers | Greg Bellina | Hal Moore | Jenifer Wright Kevin Brady | Laure Biel | Leigh Ann Gantt | Linda Beauchamp Marie Worsham | Michael Crawford | Michael Knox Michael Valenzuela | Miller Getz | Patricia Brown Robyn Shaw | Roni Page | Ryan Braswell | Sarah Francis Scott Baker | Scott Doksansky | Tammy Weeks | Tiffany Wilson Trenton Patterson | Vontreale Terry
Bachelor
Aaron Moriarty | Amanda Bare | Amanda Madrid Andrea Allen | Billy Gray | Christopher Allen Constance Hodges | Jacob Wilder | Kinsey Hinkson Laurie Harper | Michelle Voelpel | Rafael Alvarez Stacy Abbate | Tim Barton
COMPANIES Associate
Allied Universal Security Services | America’s Capital Partners | Arborguard Atlanta Property Group | Banyan Street Capital | BMS CAT of Georgia Brand Real Estate Services | Capital City Mechanical Services | Capital Restoration CapRidge Partners | Colliers International | Cushman & Wakefield | Empire Roofing Environmental Service Partners | EPIC | Full Circle Restoration, A Cotton Company Georgia Paving | Gray Contracting | Highwoods Properties Lillibridge Healthcare Services | Madison Marquette | Mayberry Electric, Inc. OA Management | Parker Young Construction, A RESCON Company | Physicians Realty Trust | PM&A Pope & Land Enterprises | Prologis | Russell Landscape SERVPRO of Decatur SOLID | The Morley Companies | The RMR Group The Simpson Organization
Bachelor
Specialty Contractors
®
Master
Waterproofing | Restoration • Structural | Architectural
Chonte’ Martin | Christine Bailey | Ian Hughes Judi Clements
225 Buford Drive • Lawrenceville, Georgia • 30046 Phone: 770.682.0650 • Fax: 770.682.0403
Doctorate
Brenden Welch | Elaine Bare | David Hofstetter Mark Gallman | Natalie Tyler-Martin | Shawn Benjamin
Master
Post-Doctorate
Dusty Muck | Gabriel Eckert | Mark Dukes Melody Frcek | Orlando Ojeda | Patrick Freeman
Southern Region Conference Donors
Billy Gray | Bo Reddic | Christine Bailey | Dennis Weaver Elaine Bare | Fred Rodriguez Full Circle Restoration, A Cotton Company Gabriel Eckert | IMG Technologies | John Scott Jen Wright | Jimi Broderick | Kevin Brady Landmark Landscapes | Linda Beauchamp | Marie Worsham Mark Dukes | Mike Valenzuela | Miller Getz | Pat Freeman Prosegur | Roni Page-Dowdy Roof Partners Russell Landscape Group | The Morley Companies The Surface Masters
Tribute Donors
8 Corporate Square | BOMA Georgia | Gabriel Eckert | Jacob Wilder | Mark Dukes Natalie Tyler-Martin | SERVPRO of Decatur | Resurgens Plaza | BOMA Georgia Gabriel Eckert | HighGrove Partners Jacob Wilder | Mark Dukes | Natalie Tyler-Martin SERVPRO of Decatur | Promenade | BOMA Georgia | Copiana | Gabriel Eckert HighGrove Partners | Jacob Wilder | Mark Dukes | Natalie Tyler-Martin SERVPRO of Decatur | Terminus | BOMA Georgia | Copiana, LLC | Gabriel Eckert Jacob Wilder | Mark Dukes | Natalie Tyler-Martin | SERVPRO of Decatur The Collective at Concourse | BOMA Georgia Gabriel Eckert | HighGrove Partners Jacob Wilder | Mark Dukes | Natalie Tyler-Martin | SERVPRO of Decatur Doctor’s Center at Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital | BOMA Georgia | Gabriel Eckert Rutledge Beacham Donors HighGrove Partners, LLC | Jacob Wilder | Mark Dukes Natalie Tyler-Martin Allied Universal Security Services | Dena Rodrigues SERVPRO of Decatur | John Wetherald - Committee Chair of the Year Grace Meyers | Gray Contracting BOMA Georgia | Gabriel Eckert | Jacob Wilder | Mark Dukes | Natalie Tyler-Martin Greenwood Group Landscape | Jacob Wilder | LandCare Dusty Muck - Allied Member of the Year | Barbara Muck | BOMA Georgia Patti Brown | Remediation Group | Rooter PLUS Gabriel Eckert | Jacob Wilder | Mark Dukes | Natalie Tyler-Martin | Tim Barton Roderick Murphy - Engineer of the Year | BOMA Georgia | Gabriel Eckert Russell Copeland Tribute Donors Jacob Wilder | Mark Dukes | Natalie Tyler-Martin | Roderick Murphy Amanda Madrid | Andre Kearns SERVPRO of Decatur | Tiffany Wilson - Young Professional Award BELFOR Property Restoration | Billy Gray | Bo Reddic BOMA Georgia | Gabriel Eckert | Jacob Wilder | Mark Dukes | Natalie Tyler-Martin BOMA Georgia | Capital City Mechanical Services Constance Towles-Hodges - Manager of the Year | BOMA Georgia | Gabriel Eckert Carla Moule | Cary Horvath | Chonte’ Martin HighGrove Partners | Jacob Wilder | Mark Dukes | Natalie Tyler-Martin Cicely Anderson | Elaine Bare SERVPRO of Decatur | Greater Atlanta Association for Professionals in Infection Environmental Service Partners | Everclear Enterprises Control and Epidemiology – Civic Leadership Award | BOMA Georgia Florence Barbour Gabriel Eckert | Jacob Wilder | Mark Dukes | Natalie Tyler-Martin Full Circle Restoration, A Cotton Company SERVPRO of Decatur | Miller Getz, RPA, CCIM - President’s Award Gabriel Eckert | Gina Dodson | Grace Meyers BOMA Georgia | Gabriel Eckert | HighGrove Partners | Jacob Wilder | Mark Dukes Gray Contracting | Greg and Dori Bellina | Hal Moore Natalie Tyler-Martin | SERVPRO of Decatur HighGrove Partners | Ian Hughes | Jacob Wilder Silvia Quevedo, CAE, MS, CCC, SLP - President’s Award | BOMA Georgia Jennifer Cooper | Jen Wright | John Irvine Gabriel Eckert | Jacob Wilder | Mark Dukes | Natalie Tyler-Martin Judi Sponsel | Kinsey Hinkson | LandCare | Laure Biel SERVPRO of Decatur | Krystle Johnson, RN, MSN, CIC - President’s Award Laurie Harper | Leigh Ann Gantt | Linda Beauchamp BOMA Georgia | Gabriel Eckert | Jacob Wilder | Mark Dukes | Natalie Tyler-Martin Lisa Hollingshed | Marie Worsham | Mark Dukes SERVPRO of Decatur | Bo Reddic - Foundation Philanthropic Award Mayberry Electric | Melody Frcek | Michael Knox BOMA Georgia | Gabriel Eckert | Jacob Wilder | Mark Dukes | Melody Frcek Mike Valenzuela | Natalie Tyler-Martin | Orlando Ojeda Natalie Tyler-Martin | SERVPRO of Decatur Parker Young, a RESCON company | Pat Freeman Dara Nicholson, RPA – Huey Award Winner | BOMA Georgia | Gabriel Eckert Patti Brown | Pritchard Industries | Rosalind Rainge HighGrove Partners | Jacob Wilder | Mark Dukes | Natalie Tyler-Martin Robyn Shaw | Sarah Francis | Scott Baker SERVPRO of Decatur Scott Doksansky | SecurAmerica LLC SERVPRO of Decatur | SOLID Surface Care *Donor list as of 12/10/2021* Tammy Weeks | Tiffany Wilson | Todd Mitchell Trenton Patterson
BOMA Family | 4
WHY I GIVE: DARA NICHOLSON From Portman, Dara moved to Cousins Properties where she worked for 27 years. When Nicholson served as senior vice president of property management for Cousins Properties, her nationwide portfolio ranged from 15 to 21 million square feet of Class A office properties, providing service to more than 1,500 tenants, and she was responsible for expense budgets totaling more than $150 million. She then became the director of property management for Jamestown in 2015 before retiring this past year. Dara has been an exemplary leader throughout her time in BOMA and in her professional career. From Portman Properties to Cousins Properties to Jamestown and even in retirement, Dara is always looking for new ideas and lending a hand. During her time at BOMA, she was also involved at the international level, serving on the BOMA Southern Region Board of Directors, the Regional Owners Council, the MixedUse Network Committee, and the Local Association and Membership Development Committee. Dara Nicholson Principal, Commercial Property Management Consulting When Dara Nicholson moved to Atlanta with her family, she was just looking for something to keep her busy while she took care of her children. What she found was an award-winning, 40-year career in commercial real estate. Not only is Dara Nicholson a Huey Award winner, but she was also awarded lifetime membership into BOMA International. While she recently retired, she still represents some of the best BOMA Georgia and beyond have to offer.
A 40-Year Career Dara grew up in a small town near Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It had one high-rise building. When she moved to Atlanta and started looking for a job, she thought working in a high-rise would be the perfect way to embrace her new city life. She was hired by John Portman & Associates and was quickly recruited to the property management team. It was then that her mentor encouraged her to join BOMA Georgia. “When I was coming into the industry, no one planned to go into commercial real estate. You just fell into it,” Dara said. Starting from scratch, Dara was always looking for new ways to learn, meet new contacts and get training. She had started in construction with Portman, so she didn’t have a management background. However, she knew that this was a path she wanted to pursue and she knew she needed to learn. At the time, she was one of the only women in her position, so she was looking to find more connections. “BOMA helped me develop all the good foundations of understanding how to manage and get my RPA at a time when there was nobody else to teach you property management,” Dara said.
Dara made the most of her time at BOMA since joining in 1980. Not only did she go on to serve as the second female president of BOMA Atlanta, but she also served on several committees including membership, TOBY and volunteer. She was an advocate for the TOBY awards and won 77 local, regional and international awards during her career. She also championed BOMA Georgia’s first trade show, which has gone on to become the largest commercial real estate trade show in Georgia. Her passion for property management and the BOMA organization made her not only an incredible leader, but a prolific one. Dara also credits much of her success to the education she was able to take part in through BOMA Georgia and beyond. She said earning her RPA was a huge milestone in her career and one that transformed her work. Dara said that the classes and scholarships made available by the BOMA Georgia Foundation are essential to the longevity of a professional’s career and can create new opportunities. Joining BOMA also helped Dara foster mentorships throughout her career. She found leaders she admired for their listening skills and commitment to their team. Those mentors helped her to new jobs, new opportunities and a long-lasting career. She also was able to pass along that knowledge to those she mentored herself and create a lineage of knowledge. She said that BOMA is a great place to find mentors both within and outside of your organization. Not only did Dara find professional success in her career and within BOMA, she also found personal connections. She said that she always knew that whatever market her career took her to, she knew she had someone from BOMA to call. The contacts and friendships she cultivated through BOMA committees, social events and business were more than fleeting interactions.
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“Some of my BOMA relationships and friendships are lifelong. I started my relationships with my mentors in BOMA who took me under their wing,” Dara said.
Giving Back Throughout her career in property management and in BOMA, Dara has always been focused on giving back. She was always an advocate of adding charitable components to BOMA events and has been pleased that the organization has continued that mission. She also has a focus on mentoring and coaching the property managers of the future. Dara has continued to give to the BOMA Georgia Foundation even in retirement. She said that it is her way of giving back to an organization that gave her so much. Dara wants to make sure that future young professionals and BOMA members are able to take advantage of the same opportunities she did. Dara believes education is essential for a young commercial real estate professional’s career and that her donations to the foundation allow that to be more accessible.
Enjoying Retirement Dara retired in 2020 after 40 years in the commercial real estate industry. She is now splitting time between Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale. Dara is happy to return to her hometown, see her family more and enjoy the sunshine. She also still helps out with her former company Jamestown. She said that being given lifetime membership from BOMA International and the Huey Award from BOMA Georgia are some of her proudest moments of her career. She said Stewart Huey was one her mentors and she truly appreciated him as a leader, so winning an award in his honor was a highlight for her. She is grateful for her time in BOMA Georgia and is looking forward to the next stage of her life. Dara said she will continue to follow her passion of volunteering and helping others throughout her retirement - and this includes remaining active in the BOMA Georgia family
The industry has changed a lot since Dara first moved to Atlanta and began her career. She said the amount of time demanded of property managers has increased and that the financial impact of a property manager has grown. She said that the BOMA Georgia Foundation and the association at large need to be able to innovate and create new resources for the changing challenges faced by property managers and CRE professionals. COVID-19 changed the way the industry does business and BOMA’s adaptability and speed helped professionals navigate their ever-changing present. She not only suggests for professionals to give back through donations to the BOMA Georgia Foundation, but also through donations of time. She said that volunteering or joining a committee can be a great way to develop skills and better the industry. She said one of her favorite memories was serving on the membership committee and getting to meet new people and help new members of BOMA Georgia find their way. The research the BOMA Georgia Foundation provides is also essential to its mission of helping professionals in their roles. Dara said that with the fast-paced nature of property management, research like this can help professionals stay up to date. She said that she hopes the foundation continues to provide research that advances the real estate industry. She is glad that her donations can help the foundation expand and grow to meet the needs of all the association’s members. Dara is passionate about giving back and has been happy to see the foundation develop and more foundation events come to fruition. She said that giving back also strengthens your sense of community. This is one of the many benefits of membership and involvement in BOMA Georgia. Participating in a group or event that is outside of work can help people feel connected with their team or other BOMA members. It gives you a purpose for meeting beyond business.
Dara Nicholson Dara Nicholson is recognized for her service as the 1989 BOMA-Atlanta President. Read more at www.bomalegacy.org
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FOUNDATION AND THE SOUTHERN REGION This past April, the BOMA Southern Region took on a whole new experience. While no one was a stranger to ZOOM and virtual learning, the concept of a digital conference was a brand new venture. At the 2021 BOMA Southern Region Conference on April 13-15, members from across the region joined in educational webinars, unique networking opportunities and the 2021 Southern Region TOBY Awards. The conference was developed by the BOMA Georgia Foundation and presented by Roof Partners. Speakers presented on trending topics such as asset management, decision-drivers for tenants returning to their properties and succession planning. Not only did participants enjoy the live sessions, but the 2021 SRC media partner CRE Insight Journal, hosted bonus content from the speakers as well.
Over three days, the BOMA Georgia Foundation and the Southern Region were able to facilitate meaningful conversations on the new challenges facing property professionals today. The Southern Region was also able to celebrate the best in operations and management at the 2021 TOBY Awards Ceremony. Ten properties won regionally and advanced to the BOMA International competition in October. The BOMA Georgia Foundation was proud to host such a successful and impactful event during a time of uncertainty. Each day was filled with innovative solutions to the challenge of distance, and attendees were able to connect in a whole new way from any location. This also resulted in the BOMA Georgia Foundation hosting three of the last four regional conferences. The Southern Region looks forward to next year’s conference in Tampa, FL on March 24-26. Find out more information at www.bomasrc22.org.
SRC SPONSORS
Diamond Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
TOBY Awards Sponsor
Media Partner Emerald Sponsors
Allied Universal Security Services Burke Painting Full Circle Restoration Paint Applicators SERVPRO Of Decatur
BOMA Family Donors
Enhanced Exposure Experience Sponsor
Conference Newsletter Sponsors Arborguard Engineered Restorations HighGrove Partners LAZ Parking The RMR Group
Post-TOBY Program Celebration, Presented by IMG Technologies Online Auction, Presented by SERVPRO of Decatur BOMA Family | 7
COMING IN TO THE INDUSTRY Not everyone would say that swimming with sharks is the typical training for a property manager, but Constance Hodges with Cousins Properties would say it was all part of her unique path. Now a property manager, Constance began her career as a college graduate with degrees in biology and Constance Towles Hodges studio art. After going Property Manager, Cousins Properties to medical school, exploring marine biology and becoming a scuba instructor, Constance started looking for a change. Constance’s family had always been involved in real estate. Her grandfather had helped build the Georgia Dome, and her father manages commercial properties, but Constance wanted to forge her own legacy in an industry that, to her, was brand new. After speaking with her family and a few close contacts, she discovered that, while she was leaving behind the excitement of sharks, there were more thrills to be had in commercial real estate. “It’s something that is always changing, and it is very difficult to get bored with. When I was done swimming with sharks, I jumped into commercial property management,” Constance said. Now that she had a new goal and a new industry, there was a the question of how to get the new job. After acquiring her real estate license, she spoke with some of her contacts who told her she needed to join BOMA Georgia. Before she even had her first job in commercial real estate, Constance began attending events and looking at classes. After enrolling in Property Management 101 on her own, she met Gabriel Eckert, who informed her of the work of BOMA Georgia Foundation. “He told me that if I ever wanted to attend an event that the foundation would support me and it was through those first few events that I met my future boss,” Constance said. Constance continued to stay involved. She took more classes and eventually achieved her RPA designation. She met new people that led her to her current position at Cousins Properties. She found a passion for an industry that wasn’t even on her radar. She fell in love with the people she met and this world she had joined. Constance said that she didn’t find commercial real estate, it found her. “Every class I take, every person I meet in BOMA is another reason I want to be in this industry,” Constance said.
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Now, Constance is a successful property manager with a portfolio containing award-winning buildings such as the Promenade in Midtown Atlanta. She has held leadership positions, won multiple TOBY awards at the local and regional level, was awarded the BOMA Georgia Property Manager of the Year award, and was even the chair of the Foundation Development Committee that gave her the start she needed in commercial real estate. “BOMA Georgia to me is family. It’s the people you know and trust. The people you go to when you have questions and the people you support and who support you. BOMA Georgia is all of that.” Constance continues to give back through time and donations to the BOMA Georgia Foundation. She believes that young and newer entrants into the industry should lean on the foundation for support in whatever their pursuit may be. This is because the instructors are a great resource and have true passion for their subject. Constance believes that every class is an opportunity to meet new people, learn a new skill and acquire the connections and knowledge needed to succeed in this business. Constance said she gives because it is a privilege to do so. “The BOMA Georgia Foundation helped me get that kickstart to my job. I believe in it whole heartedly. The opportunities I have received are a great example of how it can help others,” Constance said. Her advice to the next generation of property professionals is: don’t be shy. The people that Constance was able to meet through BOMA Georgia events, classes and foundation work were a key part of her success. She said that there are a lot of people in this industry that are more than willing to help, you just need to get out there and find them. When it comes to supporting the foundation, Constance believes that support can look a lot of different ways. Annual contributions are one, but Constance said there are more ways to support the cause beyond donations. She urged everyone to show their support through social media sharing, posting about different events and encouraging teams to take advantage of scholarship opportunities. The BOMA Georgia Foundation has been able to award over 500 scholarships. The hope is that each one of those enables a property professional to achieve more in their careers or even begin a new one. It is evident through the journey and success for Constance that these scholarships are making a true impact and creating the next generation of great leaders.
FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP SOCIETY There is a significant need for additional access to continuing education in the real estate industry. While corporate budgets for training and development are often constrained, the pace of change in real estate continues to accelerate. To effectively lead in this complex and changing environment, people need new opportunities to access and afford education. The BOMA Georgia Foundation provides this support through a scholarship program that has proven to advance careers and transform lives. However, this would not be possible without the generous support of foundation donors. Based on donor feedback, the foundation has created a new Leadership Society to recognize individuals and companies who have made a commitment to consistently support the foundation. Membership in this special society highlights a commitment to serve others and signifies a leadership role in advancing the real estate industry. Individuals and companies commit to making an annual tax-deductible donation over three years.
Billy Gray Gray Contracting
“I choose to give to the Foundation because I know some excellent people in BOMA who, without a scholarship, might not otherwise have the opportunity to take courses towards their professional designations. Everclear Enterprises gives because BOMA Georgia and its members have done so much for our company over the years and we appreciate the opportunity to give back. The Leadership Society allows both me and Everclear the opportunity to pledge our gifts over a three-year period, which helps with planning and budgeting. “
For more information about the Foundation Leadership Society, and to join, email BOMA Georgia Foundation CEO Gabriel Eckert at geckert@bomageorgia.org.
INDIVIDUAL ANNUAL CONTRIBUTORS
Emerging Professionals ($125) Casey Dixon Jacob Wilder Lauren Armistead Roni Page-Dowdy Sarah Francis
Jen Wright Everclear Enterprises
Diamond ($1,000) Billy Gray Gabriel Eckert Marie Worsham Mark Dukes
Diamond ($10,000)
Melody Frcek Orlando Ojeda Tiffany Wilson
CORPORATE ANNUAL CONTRIBUTORS
Sapphire ( $250) Aaron Moriarty Amanda Bare Amanda Madrid Andrea Allen Anita Scarborough Carla Moule Chonte’ Martin Constance Hodges Chris Allen Debi Gilbert Elaine Bare Emily M. White Ian Hughes
“In the time I have been a BOMA Georgia member, I have seen the constant benefits for my peers and colleagues that the resources from the Foundation provides. It has been a great honor to be the chair of the Leadership Society Task Force this year. The ability to donate my time in an effort to assist other BOMA Georgia members further their education has been extremely important to me. My company, Gray Contracting, is a Diamond Level Sponsor for the Leadership Society and I am also a Diamond Sponsor on a personal level. I will continue to be a sponsor year after year to this great cause.”
Jenifer Wright Jennifer H. Cooper Jessica Nix Jimi Broderick Judi Sponsel Kinsey Hinkson Laure Biel Laurie Harper Neschune Henry Russ Hazlewood Stacy Abbate Stephanie S. Scurlock Trent Patterson
Ruby ($1,750)
BCJ Building Services C.L. Burks Engineered Restoration Everclear Enterprises Landmark Landscapes Emerald ($5,000)
Emerald ($500) Brenden Welch Christine Bailey Dusty Muck Hal Moore
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Mark Gallman Natalie Tyler-Martin Russell Copeland Shawn Benjamin
*List current as of Dec. 8, 2021*
CORPORATE GIVING: ROOF PARTNERS Elaine saw BOMA Georgia and its members work through the economic recession of 2008 and now the COVID-19 pandemic. Both events drastically changed the economy and shook the commercial real estate industry. She said she was proud of the BOMA Georgia family for sticking together and helping each other through these events. She is glad that BOMA Georgia continued to innovate and provide all of its member the resources they needed no matter the sector.
Elaine Bare President/Owner, Roof Partners, LLC
A strong association is made up of all different types of people. In order to maintain that strength, the membership needs to engage, cultivate and tend to the seed planted by each member. Elaine Bare, owner of Roof Partners, has been working with BOMA for almost 50 years. She has seen the association grow and change to fit the needs of its membership and provide new resources. She watched the foundation be created and begin to create a support system for the industry. According to Elaine, this is the best BOMA Georgia has ever been, and it’s the members that keep that momentum going. “I am in a lot of organizations, but none of them compare to BOMA in terms of engaging both service providers and real estate professionals,” Elaine said. Elaine joined the roofing industry in the 1970s as a bookkeeper. As technology and desktops became mainstays, Elaine’s role changed, and she began to perform new duties and recruit new clients, so she turned to BOMA. In 2012, Elaine opened her own company, Roof Partners LLC, that she operates today. She has served on almost every committee in addition to being on the Foundation Board of Trustees. Elaine has made it a part of her mission to give back and support the industry that has supported her.
Being involved in the foundation has always been a big part of Elaine’s BOMA experience. She said that the addition of the foundation to BOMA Georgia was an exciting prospect. She is passionate about helping real estate professionals achieve their goals and be who they want to be. She appreciates her unique position to help make that happen through donations of time and financial contributions. “I think we should all partner together and try to make our community the best we can do. I think that’s the vision of BOMA,” Elaine said. Roof Partners and Elaine were able to make a significant impact with their presenting sponsorship of the BOMA Southern Region Conference in 2019 and 2021. Elaine said that it was an honor and a privilege to be involved with the event and that she wanted to make sure that the BOMA Georgia Foundation had the resources to do it right. As the presenting sponsor of the first digital conference in 2021, she said she was blown away by what was accomplished. She is proud that this conference is a representation of the city. “It tells a story to the whole nation about who we are and what kind of environment we have in Atlanta,” Elaine said. As a service partner, Elaine believes allied members have a unique role and ability to support the foundation and the education of commercial real estate professionals across the state. She said that service partners need to be willing to get involved and give back to the community and industry they are in. Not only can this help them meet new contacts and network, but it works towards an overall goal of creating a better industry.
“As a service provider, the best thing we can do is help the real estate community in the way we have the resources to do,” Elaine said.
“If they believe in the future of the real estate community, then they want people to be educated and be the best they can be,” Elaine said.
Elaine credits a lot of her success in the industry to BOMA Georgia and its ability to bring people together. She said serving on committees, especially the membership committee, allowed her to meet new people, new customers, and new contacts. It was a way for her to learn more about the industry and have discussions about the challenges she was facing in times of struggle or times of success.
Corporate giving makes a tremendous difference in the BOMA Georgia Foundation’s ability to achieve its mission. Not only does it allow more scholarships to be awarded, but it allows the foundation to provide research and create new solutions that meet the needs of commercial real estate professionals no matter the cause. It creates space and opportunity for adaptability and the foundation for new ideas. Elaine hopes that BOMA Georgia members stay engaged and continue to build up the organization to the best that it can be.
“It has been a gamechanger. There are so many facets, and you are able to meet people that you would have never met otherwise,” Elaine said.
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BOMA FAMILY NEWS BOMA ATLANTA/GEORGIA PAST PRESIDENTS Mark Dukes, Vice President of Asset Management with Physicians Realty Trust, was elected to serve as the 2021-22 BOMA International Chair and Chief Elected Officer. Mark is only the fifth BOMA Atlanta/ Georgia member to serve in this capacity. Mark has been a member of BOMA Georgia for 25 years and was named a BOMA Fellow by BOMA International in 2018. BOMA Georgia is very proud to have Mark serving in this role. Dara Nicholson retired from Jamestown after a 40-year career in commercial real estate. Dara is now splitting her time between Atlanta and Ft. Lauderdale. She is enjoying experiencing life with her family and plans to increase her volunteerism.
BOMA ATLANTA/GEORGIA MEMBERS Mark Gallman retired from Highwoods after 15 years of BOMA Georgia membership. He is now enjoying retirement and spending more time with family, his dogs and the great outdoors. He still volunteers with BOMA Georgia to teach and lend his knowledge to the next generation of building engineers.
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BOMA FRIENDS Erin Hall celebrated the birth of her third child, Campbell Hall, on July 18, 2021. Erin previously served as director of communications and advocacy as a member of the BOMA Georgia staff from 2008-2015 and currently serves as the product marketing expert and association enthusiast for Personify. Tierra Copeland started a new job in November 2021 as Events Manager at the Emory University School of Law. Tierra previously served in several events, professional development, and membership roles as a member of the BOMA Georgia staff from 2015 to 2020.
BOMA INTERNATIONAL Pat Areno, Senior Vice President with BOMA International, has announced her retirement after 31 years of service as a member of the BOMA International staff. Lisa Pratts, Managing Director of Standards and International Affairs with BOMA International, has announced her retirement from BOMA International.
ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION The BOMA Legacy website (www.BOMALegacy.org) will be relaunched in mid-January. The site highlights the history and accomplishments of BOMA Atlanta/ Georgia and features many of the people who have contributed to the success of BOMA and the real estate industry. If you have materials or information that could further build the site, contact Gabriel Eckert at 404-475-9980 or geckert@bomageorgia.org.
Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, BOMA Georgia has provided more than 150 webinars, videos, articles, and other resources to help real estate professionals navigate the pandemic - all complimentary. This year, BOMA Georgia also provided dozens of other webinars, in-person seminars, networking events, and other programs free for membership, producing more resources complimentary for members than any other real estate organization in Georgia. View a growing set of real estate resources at www.creinsightjournal.com. BOMA Georgia was one of only two organizations throughout the United States to be recognized in all three of the association management profession’s top three organizational awards programs this year, winning an American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Gold Circle Award for the transition from an in-person trade show to an “enhanced exposure experience;” earning an ASAE Power of Associations Award for the CRE Insight Journal website; and receiving two Association TRENDS Trendy Awards: one for the “enhanced exposure experience” trade show and another for a member care initiative.
CREATING EXPERIENCES, MAKING MEMORIES
Competitors in the Fall Foundation Tennis Outing, sponsored by The Surface Masters, enjoy a lively competition with fellow industry members on the tennis court. A good time was had by all at the Fall Foundation Outing sponsored by PM&A. Hold on to your popcorn!
Attendees of the BOMA Georgia Foundation Overdrive event at TopGolf Alpharetta enjoy networking during spirited competition at the annual golfing event. Overdrive was presented by SERVPRO of Decatur.
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Winners of the Fall Foundation Outing Tennis Tournament celebrate victory!