VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA: The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) Hampton Roads Virginia Chapter 39 held its Industry Partner Appreciation Night/Annual Installation and Awards dinner on December 6, 2016 at the Town Center City Club in Virginia Beach.

Emceed by Shira Ali, senior property manager of the Tyson Corner office of Divaris Property Management Corp and 2016 IREM Hampton Roads Chapter president, the room was in exceptional seasonal spirit. The agenda included a look back at 2016’s chapter accomplishments, special remarks by Region 3 vice president Katherine Shiplett, a nod to 2017 by newly installed president Jae A. Roe, general manager, Town Center of Virginia Beach. Presentation of proceeds of $2,500 each from this year’s charity golf tournament were made to Blankets for the Homeless and Transitions Family Violence Services, and door prizes galore.

Highlighting the awards portion of the evening, the chapter’s best and brightest were honored with accolades, presented to: Jae Roe as Certified Property Manager (CPM®) of the Year, and elected IREM Chapter President for 2017; and Joann Gaskins, Senior Property Manager of Divaris Property Management Corp, was honored with CPM® Candidate of the Year, awarded Anthony W. Smith Scholarship, and elected IREM Vice President of Communications for 2017.

Recipients of the chapter’s Anthony W. Smith Scholarship — promoting the attainment of IREM certifications and designations to further their career development — were DPMC’s Joann Gaskins and Christina Montgomery of Lawson Realty Corp. These individuals give of their time and themselves to further the principals of their organization. They prescribe to the high standards of excellence and performance. The awards acknowledge the hard work in their communities, jobs and their commitment to educate themselves in real estate management.

“I was shocked, to tell you the truth,” Gaskins said, “I never get awards so I didn’t think about it, but it’s a pretty prestigious honor in our organization. This is only the second year I’ve been on the board as VP of Communications.”

Additional awards are given to those who exemplify the high ethical standards of IREM®. Very special congratulations also are extended to these chapter winners:

• Johnnie W. Joyner Industry Partner of the Year – Beck Roofing Corp.
• Sharon Hamilton-Taylor ARM of the Year – Melony Allsopp, Newport News Redevelopment & Housing Authority.
• Accredited Commercial Manager (ACoM) of the Year-Juliana Corbett, Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer
•  Traci Mizell was installed as new Accredited Residential Manager (ARM)
• Susan Glancy as new Certified Property Manager.

Finally, Vera McPherson installed 2017’s Chapter Officers and Executive Council:

• President, Jae A. Roe (who was also past president in 2013);
•  Immediate Past President, Shira Ali;
• Vice President of Programs, Carl Williamson;
• Vice President of Communications, Joann Gaskins;
• Vice President of Membership, Juliana Corbett;
• Vice President of Finance, Todd F. Taylor;
• Shira Ali, Vice President Advisory;
• Christina Montgomery, AMO Committee;
• Wilnette Wiley, Community Service Committee;
• Matthew Shafer, Legislative Committee;
• Melony T. Allsopp, Scholarship Committee;
• Melody Almonte, IREM Young Professionals/Diversity Committee;
• Juliana Corbett, Industry Partners Committee;
• Roby Blankenship, Industry Partner Liaison.

Special thanks go to the evening’s generous sponsors: Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer, Divaris Property Management Corp, The Lawson Companies, Newport News Redevelopment & Housing Authority and Palms Associates.

IREM Company Overview
Founded in 1960, IREM® has been helping professionals advance their careers and become industry leaders in real estate management by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and likelihood to succeed for over 60 years. As the nation’s leading resource in real estate management, we provide training, information, research, analysis, and practical advice for professionals managing all types of income-producing real estate at all career levels. Our services are designed to support our members’ commitment to maximizing the value of the real estate entrusted to them and to safeguarding the people who live, work, and shop in the properties they manage.