From the Chairman Greetings To All

Greetings To All!

by Tracey Crowe

I am immensely grateful to God for such a time as this. I am proud to announce that I am the first African American woman Board Chair in the 53-year history of the Greater Nashville Apartment Association. This chairmanship is a testament to keep pushing…stay positive and always give 100%.

It’s an honor and privilege to share this Chairmanship! Stephanie Burns and Chari Lewis, you two women are incredible. You have inspired, challenged, kept me motivated, and made my journey to this stage possible. Thank you so much.

The Greater Nashville Apartment Association has made an impact on my professional development. During the last 21 years, I have gone from a Leasing Consultant, Assistant Manager, Community Manager and to date Regional Property Manager with Lion Real Estate. GNAA has stretched, challenged and helped me to grow in ways you could not imagine. It was during this time I fell in love with the business. If you declare your career path, align yourself with good people and a solid organization like the GNAA, you can do anything you put your mind to. It was not easy, let me tell you, but I trusted the process and stayed the course.

I joined the Gala Committee in 2014 because I felt it best suited my personality and skillset. Who doesn’t want to party? I realized quickly that it was not about throwing a party. It was about creating new relationships, learning, growing with people of all different backgrounds. I learned more of how to develop my leadership style and understand how a business is to be developed and run successfully. Ladies and gentlemen, it ignited a new passion I would not have discovered if I had not joined a committee.

Learning the processes of marketing, sales, budgeting, training, and coaching were all aspects of this role that I took back to my properties and shared with my teams. I decided I would encourage all my employees to get involved, continue their education, and empower them to become our future leaders. I went to my employer and asked for a budget to develop my employees with regards to investing in their talents. I was given a budget. My office and maintenance teams were able to get certifications and attend educational classes that proved to be beneficial to their performance on site. I am elated that I aided in their development.

My life changed when I was elected to the Board in 2016. I learned how to be a better communicator and effective leader. I was able to raise and empower leaders. The GNAA is your source for continuing to find your career path and becoming tomorrow’s leaders. Therefore, I ask you to please get involved with our organization. It would be the best ride of your life.

Over my tenure in this field, I have learned a lot of skills and enhanced my talents. During my term as Chair I ask you to commit to doing the following: Attend a luncheon, go to a networking event, or volunteer to be on one of our committees. I ask that you visit our new website. Sign up for an education class today! Now that we can come back together, let’s shift our energy. Let’s all get involved.

This leads me to my initiative for 2022!

When everyone is included, everyone wins.

– jesse jackson

I am proud to announce: The Greater Nashville Apartment Association Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee!

continued on p. 16