This episode of The Associated hits all the right notes: professional, personal, and even musical! Our guest, Kelli Lea, the President of NAAEI and Senior Regional Manager with Greystar, brings over 20 years of multifamily experience and a passion for education, leadership, and giving back to the multifamily industry.

We dive into:

• The evolution from a “career path” to a “career lattice”
• How volunteering can ignite your leadership journey
• A little karaoke fun (because great leaders know how to have a good time!)
• Kelli's challenge to listeners: There’s someone more nervous than you so jump in anyway.

This episode is packed with leadership lessons, association volunteering insights, and even a little karaoke talk you won’t want to miss.

Guest Bio:

Kelli Lea is a tenured Multifamily leader, with over 20 years experience across a diverse portfolio of assets.  Kelli served as President of the Triangle Apartment Association in 2020 and 2021, and currently serves as President of National Apartment Association's Education Institute.   She is a graduate of TAA, AANC, and NAA’s Leadership Lyceum and holds her CAM designation.   She also holds her NC Broker’s license, is a member of the NAAEI Faculty, and was recognized as one of the Triangle Business Journals’ “40 under 40” class of 2021. 

Connect with Kelli on LinkedIn HERE.

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Hit subscribe and get ready for a fresh take on the apartment association world! 

Bryan Holladay on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-holladay-10003219

Todd Whitlow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/todd-whitlow-b7800529

CLTPR Management on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cltpr-management

CLTPR Management Website: www.cltprmanagement.com

The Associated Podcast: www.cltprmanagement.com/pod

Brownlee, Whitlow, & Praet Website: https://bwpf-law.com

From fee transparency to grassroots victories, this episode of The Associated takes you straight into the heart of National Apartment Association’s advocacy efforts, recorded live from Denver at the RHALS Conference.

Our guests, Nicole Upano and Jim Wilson, two leaders driving housing policy and political engagement at the national level, break down what’s happening now and what’s on the horizon. They talk about finding their way into politics, the evolution of NAA’s advocacy, the important relationship with affiliates, and why PAC engagement is more critical than ever.

We also dive into:

• Fee transparency legislation heating up
• How PAC money is really spent
• Policy opportunities with a new administration
• Awards that prove the power of data-driven grassroots campaigns
• What the future looks like for federal housing policy

Listeners will walk away with insider knowledge, practical ways to engage, and a deeper appreciation for the work happening to protect and grow the multifamily industry.

Guest Bio:

As AVP of Housing Policy & Regulatory Affairs at the National Apartment Association (NAA), Nicole Upano works with NAA leadership to set the association’s federal priorities and leads its federal regulatory advocacy. She also serves as NAA’s lead spokesperson on housing policy and manages a team that supports the industry’s advocacy with policy research, analysis and insights. Nicole calls Indiana home, earning a B.A. from Indiana University in Political Science and Studio Art.

Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn HERE.

Jim is currently NAA's AVP for Political Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement, where he oversees NAA's PAC, grassroots programs and relationships with external stakeholder groups like the National League of Cities and US Conference of Mayors. He was born and raised in Brooklyn NY and attended Georgetown University for undergrad and the University of Pittsburgh for his Masters' and Doctorate. Jim lives in Arlington VA with his wife, 2 children and dog.

Connect with Jim on LinkedIn HERE.

CONNECT WITH US!

Hit subscribe and get ready for a fresh take on the apartment association world! 

Bryan Holladay on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-holladay-10003219

Todd Whitlow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/todd-whitlow-b7800529

CLTPR Management on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cltpr-management

Brownlee Whitlow & Praet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brownleewhitlowpraet

CLTPR Management Website: www.cltprmanagement.com

The Associated Podcast: www.cltprmanagement.com/pod

Brownlee Whitlow & Praet Website: https://bwpf-law.com/

This episode proves one thing loud and clear: greatness in multifamily isn’t built alone, it’s built together.

Our third guest, Angi Pusateri Downey, National Strategic Account Manager with CORT Furniture Rental and a nationally recognized leader in the apartment association space, brings a powerful blend of experience, heart, and strategy to the mic.

Tune in as we unpack:

• How apartment associations can better support suppliers partners.
• Why now is the time to define your brand and amplify your strengths.
• What is the NAA National Supplier Council and who should join.
• How the multifamily industry offers a place for every talent and every voice.

If you’ve ever wondered how to plug in, level up, or give back, this episode is your sign to lean in and lead boldly.

Guest Bio:

Angi Pusateri Downey, a nationally recognized leader in the multifamily housing industry with a career spanning both property management and supplier services. She’s served on numerous state and local apartment association boards and has held national leadership roles, including former Chair of the NAA National Supplier Council and NAA Supplier Lifetime Achievement Award Winner.  

Angi’s passion for the industry runs deep—she’s a second-generation pro whose father, Tony Pusateri, was a former Chairman of NAA, Hall of Fame inductee, and founding member of NAAEI. Her husband, Kirk Downey, is also an industry icon, sought after speaker, former Chair of the National Suppliers council and also a recipient of the NAA Supplier Lifetime Achievement Award.

But Angi’s tremendous impact stands on its own—she’s a connector, mentor, and strategic voice who brings decades of insight and a passionate legacy of service to everything she does

Connect with Angi on LinkedIn HERE.

CONNECT WITH US!

Hit subscribe and get ready for a fresh take on the apartment association world! 

Bryan Holladay on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-holladay-10003219

Todd Whitlow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/todd-whitlow-b7800529

CLTPR Management on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cltpr-management

CLTPR Management Website: www.cltprmanagement.com

The Associated Podcast: www.cltprmanagement.com/pod

We catch up with a craft beer-loving, AI-using Executive Director who knows a thing or two about leading through change. From championing advocacy to launching middle school outreach, he’s doing apartment association things differently—and it’s working. In this episode of The Associated, we talk with the Executive Director of the Bay Area Apartment Association, Russ Webb, who's redefining what association leadership looks like in 2025 and beyond.

We dive into:

• Advocacy and protecting the multifamily industry.
• Past Presidents still having a role to play.
• Engaging with students as early as middle school.
• Pandemic-era pivots that led to record-breaking growth and member engagement.
• What's outdated in association management and bold ideas to adapt.

This conversation is a must listen for anyone ready to challenge the status quo, embrace innovation, and build a stronger, more connected multifamily future.

Guest Bio:

Russ Webb is a craft beer and M&M's lover from Georgia who loves to travel. He does some speaking, juggling, magic with a black belt in sarcasm. He's also an iPad junkie.

A native of Atlanta (okay, technically Mableton, GA), Russ attended the University of Georgia & Georgia State University before embarking on a career in the hospitality business working for an international airline, a cruise line, a travel company and a convention center…not to mention a stint as a professional high diver! 

After 9 years in hospitality he made the switch to association management in 1998 and is currently serving as the Executive Director of the Bay Area Apartment Association covering the most beautiful part of Florida. 

Russ teaches classes about how to make your mobile device the most productive tool ever and loves blowing people away with fun tips/tricks and amazing apps. Russ also has a passion for customer service & social media, and showing companies how to make the most of their online presence by embracing the opportunity to interact with your customers and prospective customers in a fun way. Russ honestly believes that every day is a GREAT day and his enthusiasm, optimism (and sarcasm) will help you laugh and learn at the same time.

Connect with Russ on LinkedIn HERE.

CONNECT WITH US!

Hit subscribe and get ready for a fresh take on the apartment association world! 

Bryan Holladay on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-holladay-10003219

Todd Whitlow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/todd-whitlow-b7800529

CLTPR Management on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cltpr-management

CLTPR Management Website: www.cltprmanagement.com

The Associated Podcast: www.cltprmanagement.com/pod

In this episode of The Associated, Bryan Holladay and Todd Whitlow invite their first guest, the amazing Elizabeth Riley, Senior VP at The Liberty Group, and a true powerhouse in the multifamily industry. With over 20 years of experience, she’s seen it all—from onsite operations to strategic supplier partnerships.

We dive into:

• How she transitioned from operator to supplier without missing a beat.
• Why apartment association involvement isn’t just good for business—it’s vital for the multifamily industry’s future.
• How supplier relationships have shifted from transactional to real connections.
• Her weekly glitter-card ritual (yes, really) and how small moments spark big connections.
• Why all voices matter—no matter your title or tenure.
• Plus: A rapid-fire lightning round full of fun facts, laughs, and surprising answers like jazz hands.

Whether you’re brand new to multifamily or a seasoned pro, this episode will leave you inspired to show up, get involved, and lead with heart.

Guest Bio:

Elizabeth Riley is the Senior Vice President at The Liberty Group, where she’s spent the last several years supporting teams, building relationships, and helping connect great people to great opportunities. With over 20 years in the multifamily industry, she’s passionate about giving back and staying actively involved with local, state, and national apartment associations. Elizabeth believes in leading with heart, showing up for her team, and finding joy in the work we do every day. Outside of the office, she’s a proud mom, youth sports coach, and someone who’s always cheering others on. Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn HERE.

CONNECT WITH US!

Hit subscribe and get ready for a fresh take on the apartment association world! 

Bryan Holladay on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-holladay-10003219

Todd Whitlow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/todd-whitlow-b7800529

CLTPR Management on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cltpr-management

CLTPR Management Website: www.cltprmanagement.com

The Associated Podcast: www.cltprmanagement.com/pod

What happens when two seasoned apartment association members turn their post-event bar chats into a podcast? The Associated is born! 

In this inaugural episode, our two co-hosts, Bryan and Todd, sit down with a guest interviewer, Betsy Cunningham, to share why they’re launching this podcast, what listeners can expect, and why apartment associations are at a turning point. With declining volunteer engagement and old-school methods losing effectiveness, they’re here to dig into what’s next for the multifamily industry and the apartment association world. Expect bold discussions, expert industry guests, and plenty of laughs along the way!

Tune in if you’re a member of your local, state, or national apartment association who’s ever asked, “Why are we still doing it this way?”

Hit subscribe and get ready for a fresh take on the apartment association world! 

CONNECT WITH US!

Bryan Holladay on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-holladay-10003219

Todd Whitlow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/todd-whitlow-b7800529

CLTPR Management on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cltpr-management

CLTPR Management Website: www.cltprmanagement.com

The Associated Podcast: www.cltprmanagement.com/pod

Welcome to "The Associated"! The go-to podcast for apartment associations and the multifamily industry! Produced by CLTPR Management and hosted by Bryan Holladay and Todd Whitlow, our show is dedicated to exploring all facets of the apartment association world. Whether you’re an association pro, a multifamily operator, or just looking for insider insights, we’ve got you covered.

In this monthly podcast, we'll have real talk about what's working, what's not, and what's changing in apartment associations. We'll talk about industry updates, public policy, education, events, and more. Get ready for a mix of multifamily expert guests, bold conversations, and plenty of laughs.

If you're ready to shake things up in the apartment association world, hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and be the first to hear our new episodes.

Connect with us!

Bryan Holladay on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-holladay-10003219

Todd Whitlow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/todd-whitlow-b7800529

CLTPR Management on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cltpr-management

CLTPR Management Website: www.cltprmanagement.com

The Associated Podcast: www.cltprmanagement.com/pod