Meet the Inaugural 2026 ASPIRE Rising Leader Cohort
At Multifamily NW, we know the future of our industry depends on the people who are stepping up today.
That's why we're thrilled to introduce the inaugural 2026 ASPIRE Rising Leader Cohort, a new program designed to recognize, connect, and develop emerging leaders from across Oregon and Southwest Washington's multifamily housing industry.
This year's cohort includes 31 outstanding professionals representing property management companies, supplier partners, maintenance teams, operations leaders, accounting professionals, marketers, and future executives. Nominated by their organizations for their leadership potential, commitment to excellence, and positive impact on their teams and communities, these individuals embody the future of our industry.
Throughout the coming year, cohort members will participate in networking opportunities, leadership development experiences, industry education, and special recognition programs through Multifamily NW's ASPIRE initiative.
A Cohort Representing the Full Multifamily Industry
One of the most exciting aspects of this inaugural class is the breadth of experience and career paths represented.
The 2026 cohort includes:
- Leasing professionals beginning their leadership journeys
- Maintenance technicians and supervisors leading operational excellence
- Community managers creating exceptional resident experiences
- Business, accounting, marketing, and administrative professionals supporting organizational success
- Regional and portfolio leaders preparing for executive-level opportunities
- Supplier partner representatives making a difference through industry partnerships
Together, they represent more than a dozen Multifamily NW member companies, including Avenue5 Residential, Atlas Management, Mission Rock Residential, CRMG, Greystar, Mill Creek Residential, Olympus Property, Princeton Property Management, PURE Property Management, Residential Property Management, SMI Property Management, FINNMARK Property Services, Pilina, Neighborly Ventures, Octopus R&R, and others.
Congratulations to the 2026 ASPIRE Rising Leader Cohort
Accounting/Finance
- Maria Haskins, Atlas Management LLC
Maintenance
- Stephen St. Denis, Avenue5 Residential
- Jeprey Garcia, Mission Rock Residential
- Jared Gonzales, Neighborly Ventures
- Evan Bennett, Avenue5 Residential
- Joshua Dehtan, Olympus Property
- Dominic Ramon, SMI Property Management
Office/Leasing
- Emely Lozano, Atlas Management LLC
- Alejandro Casteneda, Pilina
- Manny Lopez, Jr., Pilina
- Jasmine Dorrell, Mission Rock Residential
- Krissy Dugger, Avenue5 Residential
- Shannon Pugh, Residential Property Management, INC
- Danielle Paulson, Residential Property Management, INC
- Shelby Hutchinson, Greystar
- Cheyenne Bresson, Princeton Property Management
- Frank Kassebaum, Princeton Property Management
- Cobie Yamaguchi, Olympus Property
- Sean Grady, PURE Property Management of Oregon
- Velizar Ionikov, PURE Property Management of Oregon
- Liesa Clary, Carla Properties, Ltd.
- Ivan Diaz, Carla Properties, Ltd.
- Zachary Green, Mill Creek Residential
- Kallista Levesque, Mill Creek Residential
Regional/Leadership
- Ashlie Kulpinski, Avenue5 Residential
- Chris Carter, CRMG
- Michael Sohi, Greystar
- Kevin Dadik, CRMG
Vendor/Partner
- Austin Hunter, FINNMARK Property Services
- Katie Martini, FINNMARK Property Services
- Maya Weeks, Octopus Project Management
What Happens Next?
The cohort officially launches with a Kick-Off Mixer on June 4, where participants will begin building relationships with fellow rising leaders from across the region.
Over the next year, cohort members will receive access to:
- Leadership-focused networking events
- Professional development opportunities
- Special recognition at Multifamily NW events
- Discounts on select programs and educational offerings
- Opportunities to engage with established industry leaders and mentors
In addition, cohort members will be eligible for consideration for the new ASPIRE Rising Leader of the Year Award, which will be presented at the 2026 ACE Awards.
Investing in the Future
As we reviewed this year's nominations, a common theme emerged: initiative, service, accountability, collaboration, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.
These individuals are not only succeeding in their current roles; they are already influencing their teams, improving their organizations, and helping shape the future of rental housing.
Please join us in congratulating the members of the inaugural 2026 ASPIRE Rising Leader Cohort. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and supporting their continued growth throughout the coming year.
