Donors Do It Again in 2021

“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.

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.

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

Dara Nicholson Dara Nicholson is recognized for her service as the 1989 BOMA-Atlanta President. Read more at www.bomalegacy.org