Special thanks to the following Executives who have agreed to serve on this year’s Executive Training Panel:
Kitty Callaghan, CPM
VP Marketing & Training
Wasatch Property Management
Kitty Callaghan is currently responsible for leasing and marketing activities at Wasatch Premier Communities with over 16,000 units in 67 multifamily residential communities throughout the western United States. Additionally, she spearheads Wasatch’s team development and training programs for more than 500 associates. Her extensive development background and experience in a multitude of markets allows her to successfully create and implement innovative marketing plans for new product, stabilized communities and properties undergoing renovation. Her expertise includes market research, product repositioning, branding, multimedia advertising and online marketing strategies. Kitty has over 20 years of marketing and education experience, specializing in marketing, training and communications. Her excellent presentation, communication and interpersonal skills have made her a sought after speaker and facilitator. Her ability to think creatively and generate fresh ideas in today’s ever changing market makes her a true asset to the multifamily industry. Kitty started her career in the trenches as a leasing agent, and worked her way through management, winning awards in marketing, management and training throughout her career. Kitty’s awards include: Marketing Team of the Year, South Coast Apartment Association GEMMS Awards – March 2007; Property Supervisor of the Year, San Diego County Apartment Association Mark of Excellence Awards – November 2000; and Regional Supervisor of the Year 1999 and 2000 Fairfield Properties, LP. She’s a Past Board Member & Chair of Education Committee, San Diego County Apartment Association; and an Instructor for NALP and CAM programs through NAA. Her drive, determination and belief of constant never ending improvement provides critical thinking that questions the status quo and develops break-through marketing and training programs that drive revenue and create continued success for her team.
Anissa Faus
National Training Manger
Fairfield Residential
Anissa Faus is the National Training Manager for Fairfield Residential with expertise in social media, apartment internet marketing, coaching, leadership, motivation, outreach marketing, consultative selling and customer service. She is a passionate, social media-savvy leader responsible for developing innovative training strategy, curriculum and resources with a proven track record in crafting and delivering engaging, high quality trainings. Anissa’s specialties also include public speaking, interpersonal communication training, and leadership development.
Tara Furiani
Director of Training & Marketing
The Sterling Group
Tara Furiani, Director of Training & Marketing for The Sterling Group, started her career in property management in 1998. She’s worked on-site in virtually every position as well as in Regional Manager and Training Consultant roles. In 2005, Tara was hand selected to work with the largest international training organization in the world, Dale Carnegie Training. After honing her learning & development skills with DCT, Tara came back to her first love, multifamily housing and joined The Sterling group as their Director of Training and Marketing in 2010. In addition to several certifications, Tara holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA. Tara’s motivating spirit, knowledge, and passion for both multifamily housing & education are evident in her writing as a featured blogger for the National Apartment Association and frequent blogger on multifamilyinsiders.com. To learn more about Tara, visit her website at www.tarafuriani.com. To connect directly with Tara, email her at tfuriani@tarafuriani.com or by phone at 615.521.3024.
Elaine Jeppesen
Director of Training and Production
Hawthorne Residential Partners
Elaine Jeppesen joined Hawthorne Residential Partners in October of 2011 as the Director of Training and Production. With 17 years of property management experience, Elaine has extensive knowledge in lease up properties, new development, and held a Vice President position responsible for the development and implementation of training materials for over 3000 employees. Earlier in her career she was utilized as a trouble-shooter to help under performing properties and continually proved herself to be one of the top ranked sales people in her company. In addition to this Elaine was responsible for organizing 2 annual conferences with an overall attendance of over 600 employees. Currently Elaine’s main focus is on producing effective, interactive, self-paced learning modules for her company.
Desiree Starr
National Marketing and Education Director
Cambridge Management Services
Desiree Starr is the National Marketing and Education Director for Cambridge Management Services. She is responsible for overseeing all the leasing and marketing activities for over 5600 units in Florida, Texas, Virginia, New York and Minnesota. Desiree also oversees all training and development programs for the company and launched “Cambridge University” in 2011. In addition, she writes and implements marketing plans for both lease-up and stabilized properties to maximize performance. She brings not only new and innovative ideas, but provides consistency through the portfolio. Desiree has an amazing ability to lead and motivate others while keeping her focus on the bottom line goal. She has a passion and innate gift for training and developing others. Desiree has received awards of recognition such as Volunteer of the Year for Apartment Association of Greater Orlando and the Jason D. Keene Award of Excellence for Apartment Association of Greater Orlando. She is a Board Member & Chair of Education Committee, Apartment Association of Greater Orlando; NAAEI Faculty; an Instructor for NALP and CAM programs through NAA; and develops and instructs classes at AAGO on leadership, leasing, marketing, social media, and resident retention.
Pat Wiley
Vice President of Education
WestCorp Management Group
Pat Wiley is Vice President of Education for WestCorp Management Group and responsible for the continuing education and development of over 1000 associates. The training she conducts varies from leasing techniques, fair housing laws and leadership development to web based accounting and operations software. Pat has her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and is a speaker/instructor for various Dallas, Ft. Worth and state wide apartment associations. Her main love is training and watching others grow in their careers. During her 30 year career in property management, she has received various awards including her company’s 2002 and 2006 Most Valuable Player, induction into AAGD’s (Apartment Association of Greater Dallas) Legends of Education, and named as the first recipient of her company’s Executive Award of Excellence. She is on the board of directors of The Apartment Association of Tarrant County, the Board of Directors for the Texas Apartment Association and a 2011 Lyceum graduate. Pat is proud of being an advanced instructor for the National Apartment Association Education Institute. She also delights in teaching a ladies’ Bible study at 1st Baptist Church of Richardson, where she has been an active member since 1996.