FWAA Leadership Lyceum – The Great Eight
FWAA’s Lyceum sets the standard for trade association leadership development programs. Established in 2005, the Lyceum continues to be a center for innovation and leadership excellence for industry. This year’s class includes five owner/operator executives and three supplier partners.
As FWAA’s 2024 Lyceum Chair, I have been honored and humbled to get to know eight current industry leaders and future FWAA leaders: John Brandes, Maintenance Supply Solutions; Molly Hernandez, WAK; Adam Keck, HD Supply; Gina Kostansek, Madera; Katy Polanco, Olympus; Stephanie Rusnak, BH; Kristen Vick, Stowe’s Independent Services; and Brent Weast, CEC.
I had the privilege of spending three days with Adam, Brent, Gina, John, Katy, Kristen, Molly, and Stephanie exploring non-profit basics, community service, and advocacy. These amazing folks are the future leaders of FWAA, TAA, and NAA. The Lyceum group is truly the best of the best.
They leaned in, shared their wisdom, and gleaned information about themselves, our association, our community, and our local government. They each took the Gallup Leadership survey and learned their shared and individual leadership traits. They immersed themselves in all things non-profit, including Robert’s Rules, board governance, and programs. FWAA’s Director of Marketing and Communications, along with Beth Owens, CEO of Brandera, discussed the importance of branding to for-profit and non-profit leaders. FWAA Past President and Lyceum Class of 2017 Cayce Coon, Madera Residential, had a “real talk” with Adam, Brent, Gina, John, Katy, Kristin, Molly, and Stephanie about the benefits of FWAA involvement and balancing personal, professional, and association responsibilities.
From fostering animals to serving their church, Adam, Brent, Gina, John, Katy, Kristen, Molly, and Stephanie discussed their commitment to community service. FWAA President and Lyceum Class of 2019 Brian Downer, CEC, shared his perspective on leadership, community service, and FWAA participation. The Lyceum class joined in celebrating the volunteer service of individuals who had given their time to support the Community Enrichment Center.
This elite eight engaged with Tarrant County thought leader Maggie Allen about housing, education, transportation, childcare, and other barriers faced by low-income citizens, renters, and multifamily industry employees. They heard firsthand advocacy experiences from FWAA current and past Government Affairs Committee chairs April Royal (Lyceum, 2019) and Nicole Zaitoon (Lyceum, 2021). April and Nicole shared their personal advocacy experiences at the state, local, and national levels and how their involvement profoundly impacted the multifamily industry. FWAA Director of Government Affairs Perry Pillow shared The Art and Science of FWAA Advocacy (paint brushes, math problems, and show and tell).
Adam, Brent, Gina, John, Katy, Kristen, Molly, and Stephanie join a prestigious group of 118 industry leaders that have graduated from FWAA’s Leadership Lyceum since its inception in 2005. FWAA Lyceum graduates include 14 FWAA Presidents (4 of these from the 2006 Lyceum class), including the entire FWAA executive Committee; two TAA Presidents; two NAA Region 6 Vice Presidents; and three presidents of other TAA local associations.
Special thanks to Lawrence Case with Capital Tow for being the 2024 FWAA Lyceum Sponsor. Big shout out to 2024 Lyceum Selection Committee members Kyle Gambrell, April Royal, Sarah Turner, and Nicole Zaitoon. Thanks to FWAA staff members Mindy Barnes, Ed Blinn, Gregory Ann Goldrick, and Perry Pillow for their efforts to make the Lyceum the very best.
FWAA’s future is bright. The glow of humble, innovative leadership that Adam, Brent, Gina, John, Katy, Kristin, Molly, and Stephanie will shine on FWAA will light the path for future leaders to follow.
Jamie Woody, Trinity Residential, and 2024 FWAA Leadership Lyceum Chair.
