Join us May 7-9 at the ONE Conference in Houston, Texas! 
The Texas Apartment Association (TAA) is proud to honor the exceptional individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to the rental housing industry through their dedication, leadership, and service. The TAA Professional Awards recognize and honor standout individuals, supplier partners, and properties that raise the bar in the Texas Rental Housing industry. These dedicated professionals lead with excellence, support their communities, and make a real impact in rental housing. Help us congratulate your 2025 TAA Professional Awards Winners!
Anita Marcino Assistant Manager of the Year Winner
Winner: Katherine Vasquez, CALP – Bohannen Development Corp., El Paso Apartment Association
Our 2025 winner, Katherine Vasquez, maintained a 39% closing ratio with an average of nine leases per month, while playing a key role in her community’s recognition as Best of El Paso Apartment Complex (2022-2024) and entry into the Business Hall of Fame (2024). Please join us in congratulating Assistant Community Manager at Avalon West in El Paso, TX, Katherine Vasquez from the El Paso Apartment Association!
Barbara MacManus Manager of the Year
Winner: Jonathan Sanchez, CAM, CAMT, CPO – LUMA Residential, Apartment Association of Greater Dallas
Our 2025 winner, Jonathan Sanchez, oversees a diverse community built in 1998 within a highly competitive market. In the past year, he maintained a 91% economic occupancy, reduced delinquency to 2.8%, and achieved a 13% increase in Net Operating Income (NOI), adding over $6.9 million in property value. Congratulations to Jonathan Sanchez, Property Manager at The Brazos Apartments in North Dallas from the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas.
Mary Williams Maintenance Professional of the Year
Winner: Chris Faddoul, CAMT, CPO – LUMA Residential, Apartment Association of Greater Dallas
Chris Faddoul, our 2025 winner, successfully completed 224 unit make-readies and averaged 241 completed work orders per month, all while focusing on budget adherence and cost-saving initiatives. His efforts led to a 2.35% reduction in operational expenses and a 16.4% improvement in vacancy days, with make-ready turnaround times reduced by two days. Congratulations to Chris Faddoul, Lead Service Manager at The Brazos in Dallas from the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas.
Rita Kirby Regional Manager of the Year
Tabatha Blunt, CAM – Greystar, San Antonio Apartment AssociationOur 2025 winner, Tabatha Blunt, oversees a diverse 1,754-unit portfolio across Class A+ to B- communities. In 2024, her properties achieved 93.54% physical occupancy, 94.66% economic occupancy, and a 13.93% employee turnover rate. Congratulations to Tabitha Blunt, Regional Manager with Greystar from the San Antonio Apartment Association.
Bob Ross Independent Owner of the Year
Allen Vaughn, IROP, CAM, CPO – Colony Creek Apartments LLC, Austin Apartment Association
Allen Vaughn, our 2025 winner, has led remarkable improvements in resident services, safety, and community engagement. Under his leadership, the property achieved 98% physical occupancy, 95% economic occupancy, and received prestigious awards including the Austin Apartment Association’s 2024 Independent Rental Owner of the Year and Community of the Year (50 Units & Under). Congratulations to Allen Vaughn, Independent Rental Owner of Colony Creek Apartments in North Central Austin from the Austin Apartment Association.
George Allen Association Executive of the Year
Casey Morgan – Houston Apartment AssociationOur 2025 winner, Casey Morgan, has over 12 years of association management experience, with nine years as a chief staff executive. As the first woman to lead the Houston Apartment Association in its 60-year history, she has driven significant growth, maintaining the association’s status as the largest apartment association in the country, representing over 724,000 units. Congratulations to Casey Morgan, Association Executive of the Houston Apartment Association.
Affordable Housing Community of the Year
Las Palmas Gardens – Prospera Housing Community Services, San Antonio Apartment Association
Las Palmas Gardens partners with organizations like UT Health, Austin Voices for Education & Youth, and Truist Bank, offering residents free language and literacy programs, banking access, and vital support services. In 2024, this community hosted over 182 events and classes, distributed 674 meals, and provided eviction prevention and rental assistance to dozens of families. Congratulations to Las Palmas Gardens in San Antonio from the San Antonio Apartment Association.
Mike Clark Supplier Partner Company of the Year
FSI Construction – Houston Apartment Association
FSI Construction has been a proud supporter and active member of local, state, and national apartment associations for over 25 years. Their leadership and dedication have earned them numerous recognitions, including Supplier of the Year, Go-Getter of the Year, and the TAA Olin Steele Lifetime Achievement Award. Congratulations to FSI Construction.
Olin Steele Lifetime Achievement Award
Leah Christian, CAS – Centex Construction, Apartment Association of Greater Dallas
Leah Christian is a 30-year veteran of the multifamily industry, recognized for her leadership, advocacy, and community service. Throughout her career, she has held influential roles at the local, state, and national levels, including co-chairing the 2021 TAA ONE Conference and leading initiatives such as the award-winning AAGD Read with Me program. Congratulations to Leah Christian, Regional Sales Manager at Centex Construction.
These awards celebrate the dedication and hard work of professionals who have made significant contributions to the rental housing industry. Their achievements set a benchmark for excellence and inspire others in the field. To learn more about the TAA Professional Awards, their history, this year’s winners, and past award winners, please visit our Awards Page.