Leonard named IREM’s 2015 Professional Woman of the Year

Trish Leonard with her 2015 Professional Woman of the Year award.

Boston, MA Trish Leonard, senior vice president of Housing Management Resources, Inc. (HMR) was named IREM’s 2015 Professional Woman of the Year in recognition of her significant outstanding commitment to the advancement of women in the real estate industry and her contributions to IREM. Leonard was honored at IREM Boston’s 2015 Holiday Celebration Party.

She earned this prestigious award through her dedication to delivering professional property management in the affordable housing sector throughout the 35 years of her distinguished career. Currently as the senior vice president of HMR, Leonard has implemented systems to track and respond quickly and consistently to property needs across a diverse geographic area. As a result-oriented professional Leonard possesses vast experience creating and preparing reports for owners and investors on property and portfolio performance to ensure the delivery of positive benefits to the investors.

At HMR, Leonard is responsible for coordinating the transformation of deteriorated properties to vital, sustainable communities after renovation by implementing transparent reporting and maintenance systems. She has also worked closely with Housing Authorities on HOPE VI properties and site based management. Her commitment to this work is evidenced by the volunteer work she does to develop and promote affordable sober housing options.

HMR’s mission statement reflects Leonard’s philosophy that people are a company’s most valuable asset by providing each team member with an environment that promotes professional development and rewards both individual and team accomplishments. HMR is transparent in all aspects of operations and is committed to providing training, mentorship and the latest technology available to encourage employees’ professional success.

“Leonard always emphasizes that reinforcing our corporate culture is key,” said Nataliya Versace, human resource director for HMR, “and she finds every opportunity to promote our core values and reward people demonstrating them. Quarterly all employees are encouraged to nominate others who exemplify HMR’s core values of integrity, respect, enthusiasm, accountability, commitment, and harmony for I REACH awards and recognition.”

Leonard has mentored and promoted many of her colleagues and assisted them in becoming true professionals in the industry. “IREM has been an important part of my professional life. It has given me the tools to be successful in this business,” said Leonard. “From the 101 course with Judy Weber and Irma Schretter at Keystone Apartments in 1992, to the ‘Train the Trainer’ program in Chicago last year, I have met and maintained relationships with many women who have become mentors and roles models to me and others and continue to provide growth opportunities for me both personally and professionally.”

Leonard follows her mentors’ footsteps and conducts trainings to provide education covering all aspects of real estate, both within a corporate environment and with outside client groups. Internally, Leonard leads multiple seminars at HMR’s annual Property Management Conference, and conducts regional annual financial review trainings throughout the portfolio. Leonard has led educational seminars for the past two years at MREMA on best practices and regulatory compliance.

Her credentials and professional experience include C17P status in Spectrum tax credit training, Nan McKay PHM certificate in Public Housing, Certified Occupancy Specialist certificate from NCHM. She earned her CPM designation from IREM in 2007. and has regularly been a speaker at the annual Spectrum LIHTC Symposium.

“Property management gives us the opportunity to create something great – to make a real difference,” Leonard explained. “There is a deep satisfaction in providing homes and creating a base for people to stabilize and flourish. This industry has helped many people gain the skills and confidence to join the workforce and to build meaningful productive lives.”

As Leonard looks into 2016, she will work with the Boston Chapter of IREM, continuing to mentor young professionals in the industry, coaching them on reaching their professional goals and guiding them on their path to success.