Arlington, Va. | June 17, 2026 – The National Apartment Association (NAA) today announced the winners of the 2026 NAA Excellence Awards, sponsored by AppFolio, an annual program that recognizes excellence and leadership across the rental housing industry. This year’s award recipients were formally recognized today at a ceremony during Apartmentalize, NAA’s annual conference and exposition, held in New Orleans.
“It is a great honor to congratulate the 2026 NAA Excellence Awards winners who are incredible and accomplished leaders in the rental housing industry,” said NAA President and CEO Bob Pinnegar. “Across the nation, these individuals and organizations are truly dedicated to making a meaningful impact and are extremely deserving of this recognition.”
NAA’s Excellence Awards celebrate apartment communities, industry professionals and affiliated apartment associations that make unique and lasting contributions to the industry each year. Learn more about the program.
A full list of the 2026 NAA Excellence Awards winners is included below.
Greater Iowa Apartment Association
Affiliate of the Year (Mid-Size)
Greater Charlotte Apartment Association
Affiliate of the Year (State/Metro)
NHH Reed
New Hope Housing, Inc.
Affordable Community of the Year
Windsor Leesburg
Windsor Communities
Major Rehab Community of the Year
One Cardinal Way
Cordish Living
Large Community of the Year
The Alice
WinnResidential
Small Community of the Year
Rambler Atlanta
LV Collective Management
Student Community of the Year
Cavalry Family Housing
WinnResidential Military Housing Services
Military Community of the Year
Graphite Oakley
HILLS Properties
New Construction Community of the Year
Mill Creek Residential
#NAAGives
Tara Gerberich
BG Staffing
Supplier Sales Professional of the Year
Chadwell Supply
Supplier Company of the Year
Connected Communities Maintenance Apprenticeship Program
WinnResidential
Anthony V. Pusateri Apartment Career Promotion Award Comprehensive Program
Matthew Smith
HD Supply
National Supplier Council (NSC) Achievement Award
Charissa Martinez
Mountain States Properties
Emerging Leader of the Year
Marci French
HRG Asset Management LLC
Apartment Career & Education (ACE) Industry Practitioner of the Year
Royal American Management
Leading Organization in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Justin Jones
SmartRent
DEI Champion
Greystar
Innovative Operator of the Year
Robert Carroll
North Central Florida Apartment Association
Chris Christenson Association Executive of the Year
