Investing in Leadership Today Strengthens Our Communities Tomorrow
A Message from IAA Board Chair, Sandy Carmin
One of the things that has always made IAA special is our shared commitment to developing the people who make this industry so strong. Education and professional development have long been at the heart of that mission, and I wanted to take a moment to highlight a few meaningful opportunities coming up this spring.
Beginning April 23, we’re excited to launch this year’s SAL Leadership Series. This program is designed for anyone in a leadership role—property managers, maintenance supervisors, regional managers and more. Led by Dr. Pamela Carrington Rotto, the series includes five virtual, interactive learning sessions and concludes with an in-person capstone class.
This program was created for professionals who are ready to deepen their understanding of our industry, expand their leadership abilities and build strong connections with peers. Whether you’re supporting emerging leaders or investing in long-standing team members, SAL offers a well-rounded, growth-centered experience that equips individuals to lead with confidence and purpose.
This year’s session topics include:
• Unlocking the Power of Multipliers with Emotional Intelligence
• Leading With Vision and Values
• Mastering Time for Strategic Leadership
• The Power of Delegation: Empowering Your Team for Success
• Coaching for Growth: Developing and Retaining Top Talent
At IAA, we believe strong leaders build strong teams, and strong teams create thriving, vibrant communities. When we invest in people, we all benefit: operations improve, resident satisfaction increases, teams stay longer and workplace culture becomes healthier and more resilient.
Along with leadership development, I also want to highlight an important operational training opportunity: the Certified Pool Operator (CPO) course. With new Marion County Public Health Department requirements taking effect March 1, 2026, properties with a community pool must have either a CPO on staff or work with a registered service provider. To help members prepare, IAA is offering two CPO courses in 2026, with the next class taking place April 29–30. For many communities, having an in-house CPO is the simplest path to compliance, and this training ensures your team is ready.
I also want to spotlight a program that plays an important role in supporting our industry: IAA’s Scholarship Program. Thanks to the generosity of members who want to give back, IAA offers scholarships for leadership and credential programs throughout the year. These awards are competitive, with priority given to applicants whose companies may not have funds for professional development and those who have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing their careers in the multifamily housing industry.
Investing in education is an investment in our people and in the long-term success of the communities we serve. I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities and continue growing with us as we work together to elevate our industry.