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May 4, 2026
Welcome to People and Properties, the Cohen-Esrey newsletter where we celebrate the successes of our team members and keep you informed about what is happening in the Cohen-Esrey world. If you have something you would like to share or an achievement that you would like to celebrate, please send it to Lee Harris at lharris@cohenesrey.com. If you are on a property, please print and distribute this newsletter to each member of your property team. You can also find People and Properties on KnowledgeNet. Click here to view previous editions.
SPECIAL EDITION
Cohen Esrey Annual Leadership Conference
April 21–23 | Argosy Casino & Hotel | Riverside, Missouri
Cohen-Esrey’s 2026 Annual Leadership Conference brought together team members from across the country for three days of learning, connection, and celebration at the Argosy Casino & Hotel.
The conference kicked off with a vendor fair, welcome reception, and Community Impact event. Wednesday featured a full agenda of sessions, including our keynote speaker, former COO, Mark Fletcher’s presentation on accountability, breakout trainings in human resources and accounting, a team-building exercise, and a leadership panel with executive team members. The day concluded with dinner and the Annual Awards Ceremony recognizing outstanding team members.
Thursday wrapped up with additional sessions focused on compliance, performance, operational excellence, and a panel discussion with our KV team leaders. The conference ended with closing remarks and an RM huddle.
Overall, the conference highlighted the strength, collaboration, and commitment that continue to drive Cohen-Esrey forward.
Registration
As attendees arrived on Tuesday, April 21st, they were warmly welcomed by the Human Resources team at the registration table, where they received a conference program, name tag, Cohen-Esrey–branded lunch box, and any award ribbons for which they had been nominated.
Vendor Fair
The vendor fair featured all of the vendors listed below and was designed to encourage property managers and regional managers to network and build potential partnerships. Attendees made their way around each table, leaving with valuable information and promotional goodies.
Welcome Reception
Attendees enjoyed a welcome reception prior to dinner and the Community Impact event, providing an opportunity to connect and mingle
Community Impact Event
Presented by: Jennifer Miller, Director of Human Resources, Marilee Scheid, Director of Learning & Development
Eric Kirk, Corporate Accounting Manager, Ryan Rupert, IT Infrastructure Manager
The Community Impact event kicked off with a brief speech delivered by Elizabeth Hall, Senior Director of Thriving Communities, who shared the mission and meaning behind the organization
Based in Olathe, Kansas, KIDS TLC provides a wide array of services for children as young as 2 years old, including outpatient individual and family therapy, respite care, psychiatric medical treatments, integrative autism services, and day services for up to 50 children. During the Community Impact event, team members worked together in group to create a collaborative poster using an assortment of materials that featured puzzle pieces with words of encouragement. All artwork created during this event will be displayed in the Lotus Hallway at the main campus.
For more information on this organization and all services provided, please explore the website here.
Accountability with Mark Fletcher
Presented by: Mark Fletcher, (Former Chief Operations Officer)
Former COO Mark Fletcher, delivered an engaging speech on accountability, using real-life examples and humor to connect with the audience. He emphasized the value of intentional one-on-one meetings with team members and going the extra mile to foster connection. His message focused on accountability, identifying patterns, asking thoughtful, open-ended questions, and digging deeper to understand the root of challenges. Above all, he reinforced that we are a people-first organization, driven by our purpose and core values— we empower people to thrive.
Human Resources Breakout Sessions
Presented by: Jennifer Miller, Director of Human Resources; Marilee Scheid, Director of Learning & Development; Gina Long, Human Resources Business Partner; Sara Antar, Payroll Administrator; Dee Armstrong, Recruiting Manager; Val Quezada, Recruiter; Franci Rabinowitz, Recruiter.
The Human Resources presentation featured four interactive mini sessions, giving participants the opportunity to dive into a variety of key HR topics such as hiring, employee relations, payroll, and leadership.
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The Right Fit: Hiring Through Values and Behaviorial Insight
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Navigating Difficult Employee Relations: Lessons from Real Life Case Studies
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Payroll Done Right: Accountability, Tips, and Tricks for Employees and Managers
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The 7 Traits of a People-First Leader: Leadership that Builds Stronger Teams
Accountability in Accounting
Presented by: Paige Bohling, Property Accounting Supervisor; Emily Tew, Property Accounting Assistant - Manager; Nicole Zoller, Accounts Payable Supervisor; David Garrett, Property Accounting Assistant.
The Accounting presentation focused on key topics including effectively using budgets as a management tool, maximizing meetings with accountants, understanding the importance of spend requests, and recognizing the purpose and value of variance reporting.
Team Building Exercise
Presented by: Morgan Gassert, Marketing & Ad Specialist; Maelin Seamons, Marketing Coordinator
This team-building activity was designed to foster meaningful connections among team members who don’t typically interact on a daily basis. A dice was rolled to select one of six conversation starters and three minutes were spent discussing each question. After each round, partners rotated and the process repeated for a few rounds—encouraging fresh conversations, new perspectives, and stronger team connections.
Financial Integrity: Proactive Delinquency Reduction
Presented by: Michele Rollo-Burns - Director of Leasing & Revenue
This presentation on Financial Integrity: Proactive Delinquency Reduction focused on strategies to identify, address, and prevent delinquency by equipping teams with tools to proactively manage accounts, improve communication with residents, and implement consistent, accountable processes
Couch Discussion:
Executive Leadership Team
The couch discussion was hosted by Lee Harris, President & Chief Executive Officer; Jeanette Jayne, Executive Vice President & Managing Director; Marcie Teenor, Chief Financial Officer; Jon Atlas, Managing Director - CEDG; Karen Crouch, Managing Director CEC; Matthew Von Ende, Managing Director - CEAI; John Hinman, Managing Director - Nexus 5; and Jennifer Miller, Director of Human Resources. Guided by pre-submitted questions from the field, attendees were able to gain new insights from the seasoned professionals through shared experiences, industry advice, and personal stories. Marilee Scheid, Director of Learning and Development, lead the discussion.
Cocktail Hour
Annual Award Ceremony
The Annual Award Ceremony celebrated team members who embodied our five Core Values: Commitment, Customer Fulfillment, Integrity, Team Member Fulfillment, and Community Impact. In addition, the ACE Awards for Outstanding Property Team of the Year and the Top NPS Property Awards recognized teams that achieved the highest resident satisfaction score
Core Value Awards
Ace Awards
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Commitment
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Customer Fulfillment
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Integrity
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Team Member Fulfillment
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Community Impact
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Ace Award < 50 Units
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Ace Award 51-100 Units
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Ace Award 101-200 units
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Ace Award 201+ Units
Top NPS Awards
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Top NPS Score < 50 Units
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Top NPS Score 51-120 Units
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Top NPS Score > 120 Units
Congratulations to all award winners!
Commitment Awards
Recipients of the Commitment award take responsibility for their roles and accountabilities and strive to surpass expectations, do what they say; follow through and take ownership for their actions, and contribute constructive input for our company when requested or when needed.
Nominees in black, winners in red:
Aaron Nickel
Aisha Robinson
Alanna Johnson
Alannia Maxie
Alejandro Estrada
Alisha Brooks
Amanda Trew
Annie Jett
Antonio Lisboa
Arley Hoskin
Ashley Giblin
Barbee King
Becky Rexach
Belinda Facundo
Bennie Gates
Breanna Schreier
Brent Phillips
Callie Vannier
Cara Beck
Carlos Martin
Cassie Colston
Cathy Everetts
Charlie Covington
Chris Keef
Christian Paniagua
Christina Walters
Courtney Bell
Courtney Templemire
Crystal McGruder
Cynthia Cobbins
DaiJanae Powell
Daniel Lott
David Catlett
Debbie Van Dyne
Dee Armstrong
Demetry Parker
Denise Holliday
Destiny Kraemer
Emily Tew
Eric Kirk
Franklyn Valerio Brito
Garrett Cook
Gerald Pineda
Gina Dickerson
Greg Steuber
Heather Sauerwein
Jade Leak
Jamina Beal
Jayme Deal
Jeff Tuter
Josh Buller
Josh LaValley
Joshua Maas
Jose Sauceda
Karri Landers
Kathleen Williams
Kavon Goodman
Kenneth Dumire
Kimberley Ruffino
Kimberly Espinoza
Kurt Parrett
Ladasia Milton
Laureen Woods
Lauren Cano
Levi Cook
Lindsey Norman
Lisa Melgoza
Lisa Paszkiewicz
Lisa Ralston
Lizzy Darby
Marilee Scheid
Michael Langford
Michele Kiehl
Michelle Drew
Nancy lewis
Naomi Sedberry
Nicole Foster Zoller
Noelle Wilson
Ophelia Eslinger
Rebecca Grimm
Robin Scaro
Robrelle Murray
Ryan Simmons
Samantha Jones
Sara Antar
Sheena Brackins
Sherry McGee
Shondel Sandborn
TJ Vetaw
Todd Umfleet
Tracy powers
Val Quezada Ibarra
Walker Stull
Jayme Deal accepting award for Aaron Nickel - Skyline Apartments
Jon Atlas accepting award for Greg Steuber - Cohen-Esrey Development Group
Kathleen Williams - Financial Services
Garrett Cook - Financial Services
Karri Landers - Marquette Hall
Accepting award for Lizzy Darby - Information Technology
Customer Fulfillment Awards
Recipients of the Customer Fulfillment award treat all customers equally and with respect, carefully listens to customers and goes out of the way to provide excellent service, and seeks out feedback from customers and responds in a timely manner.
Nominees in black, winners in red:
Alejandro Estrada
Anthoni Alexander
Araceli Lopez
Bennie Gates
Breanna Schreier
Cassie Colston
Charles Green
Courtney Bell
Cynthia Cobbins
Destiny Kraemer
Franklin Valerio brito
Gerald Pineda
Jade Leak
Josh LaValley
Karri Landers
Katie Reed
Kayla Oler
Kenneth Dumire
Kipp Keffel
Laureen Woods
Lisa Melgoza
Lisa Ralston
Michele Rollo-Burns
Nicole Foster Zoller
Petrika Done
Rebecca Roddy
Richard Donias
Ryan Simmons
Shalanda Corbett
Shanna Petty
Tim Netolicky
Todd Umfleet
Tracy Powers
Travarus Washington
Walker Stull
Zachary Wise
Courtney Bell - Clay Hall Residences
Cynthia Cobbins - Justin Place
Josh LaValley - Information Technology
Kipp Keffel - Cohen-Esrey Communities
Integrity Awards
Recipients of the Integrity award are open, honest and timely in all communication, speaks directly with people to resolve issues as they arise, and embraces our company’s Core Values and walks the talk so that associates can count on them.
Nominees in black, winners in red:
Aisha Robinson
Barbee King
Becky Trost
Belinda Facundo
Breanna Schreier
Cassie Colston
Charlie Kinnard
Cleva Richardson Donohue
Courtney Bell
Denise Holliday
Emily Tew
Eulalia Mendoza
Fidencio Gonzalez Morales
Gina Dickerson
Heather Sauerwein
Joel Jarvi
Josh LaValley
Karri Landers
Kenneth Dumire
Kylie Brunette
Lisa Paszkiewicz
Mary Drainer
Steven Bradford
Susan Belisle
Tisha Meacham
Autumn Johnson accepting award for Cleva Richardson Donohue - Maple Senior Residences
Karri Landers - Marquette Hall
Marcie Teenor accepting award for Emily Tew - Financial Services
Susan Belisle - Construction Technologies
Team Member Fulfillment Awards
Recipients of the Team Member Fulfillment award always looks for the good in others and speaks well of them, treats others with respect and help others succeed, and uses training opportunities and resources to their fullest in order to grow.
Nominees in black, winners in red:
Alanna Johnson
Alisha Brooks
Amanda Trew
Annie Jett
Antonio Lisboa
Barbee King
Ben Carpenter
Brenda Job
Brent Phillips
Callie Vannier
Cassie Colston
Cathy Everetts
Chris Keef
Christina Gadeken
Christina Walters
Claudia Ruiz
Courtney Bell
Crystal McGruder
DaiJanae Powell
Dana Colson
Dave Echols
David Catlett
David Garrett
Debbie Van Dyne
Dee Armstrong
Demetry Parker
Denise Holliday
Destiny Kraemer
Eric Kirk
Franci Rabinowitz
Garrett Cook
Gary Meacham
Gerald Pineda
Gina Dickerson
Gina Long
Heather Sauerwein
Jade Leak
Jalen Havel-Stephens
Jamina Beal
Jayme Deal
Jessica Bell
Jorgji Pazolli
Jose Sauceda
Josh LaValley
Karri Landers
Kathleen Williams
Katie Reed
Kenneth Dumire
Kevin Lewis
Kipp Keffel
Krysta Brandt
Laureen Woods
Levi Cook
Lisa Moore
Lisa Paszkiewicz
Lizzy Darby
Macaria Gonzales
Maelin Seamons
Marilee Scheid
Megan O’Connell
Michele Rollo-Burns
Morgan Gassert
Nancy Lewis
Naomi Sedberry
Nicole Foster Zoller
Noelle Wilson
Ophelia Eslinger
Paige Bohling
Pam Oakes
Pamela Weatherford
Petrika Done
Rebecca Grimm
Rendell McCovins
Rhianna Jones
Richard Donias
Robrelle Murray
Ryan Rupert
Ryan Simmons
Samantha Jones
Sara Antar
Saul Delgado
Shalanda Corbett
Sherry McGee
Shlonda Fields
Shondel Sandboron
Steven Bradford
Tisha Meacham
TJ Vetaw
Tracey Frashure
Tracy Powers
Val Quezada Ibarra
Walker Stull
Annie Jett - Windsor Court
Destiny Kraemer - Waverly Historic, Marshalltown Senior
Gina Long - Human Resources
Katie Reed - Nexus 5 Group
Noelle Wilson - Cohen-Esrey Communities
Community Impact Awards
Recipients of the Community Impact award are aware and relay the needs of the community to colleagues in order to identify opportunities for impact, makes an impact by participating and making decisions to enhance the community, and takes advantage of opportunities provided to serve in the community.
Nominees in black, winners in red:
Aisha Robinson
Breanna Schreier
Brian Weber
Cassie Colston
Christian Paniagua
Christina Walters
Courtney Bell
Destiny Kraemer
Jack Brenton
Jade Leak
Jessica Bell
Jose Marin
Jose Sauceda
Karri Landers
Kathleen Williams
Ladasia Milton
Lisa Melgoza
Ryan Rupert
Walker Stull
Aisha Robinson - Oneida Mill Lofts
Kathleen Williams - Financial Services
Ryan Rupert - Information Technology
The Pillar of the Community Award
The Pillar of the Community Award was created to recognize sustained excellence and extraordinary dedication to community impact over multiple years. After repeatedly earning our Community Impact Award, Cassie’s leadership, service, and lasting influence set a standard that deserved a higher level of recognition. This award represents the highest honor for Community Impact within our organization
Cassie Colston - Regional Vice President, Cohen-Esrey Communities
Ace Awards
Recognizes the Outstanding Property Team of the Year in all areas of property management.
< 50 Units
Childress Manor
Marquette Hall
Rankin Mills
The Launchpad
Waverly Historic
51-100 Units
Justin Place
Lewis Lofts
Windsor Court
Childress Manor - Tisha Meacham
Panorama Heights - Jade Leak
101-200 Units
201+ Units
Oneida Mills
Panorama Heights
Sunset Apartments
Brighton Creek
Elmhurst Terrace
Lewis Lofts - Denise Gonzalez
Brighton Creek - Laureen Woods
Top NPS Property Awards
Recognizes the team who achieves the highest NPS score from surveys in the following categories:
< 50 Units
#1 Top NPS:
Marquette Hall ~ 82.1
1st runner up:
Rankin Mills ~ 81.8
2nd runner up:
Clay Hall ~ 71.0
51-120 Units
#1 Top NPS
Pam Apartments ~ 97.6
1st Runner up:
Justin Place ~ 80.3
2nd Runner up:
Windsor Court ~ 79.3
> 120 Units
#1 Top NPS:
Falstaff Apartments ~ 66.7
1st Runner up:
Brighton Creek ~ 50.3
2nd Runner up:
Lofts at Ventura ~ 46.7
Marquette Hall - Karri Landers
Pam Apartments - Evangela Burse
Falstaff Apartments - Crystal McGruder
COP Authorities:
Consistency, Oversight & Processes
Presented by: David Catlett - Director of Compliance; Christina Walters, Regulatory Specialist
In this presentation, COP Authorities were presented as a framework for effective compliance leadership, highlighting accountability, consistency, and proactive oversight to drive successful program outcomes.
Process, People, Performance: The Accountability Loop
Presented by: Michele Rollo-Burns, Director of Leasing & Revenue, Arley Hoskin, Leasing Performance Strategist; and Chris Keef, Systems Product Supervisor.
This session focused on identifying leasing goals, implementing strategies and accountability practices.
Running Towards Results: Overcoming KPI Obstacles
Presented by: Kipp Keffel, Director of Training & Customer Fulfillment; Brent Phillips, Maintenance & Safety Director; David Catlett, Director of Compliance; Michele Rollo-Burns, Director of Leasing & Revenue; and Paige Bohling, Property Accounting Supervisor.
The session focused on breaking down barriers to KPI success and equipping teams with actionable strategies to improve performance. Property field teams posed real-world challenges and KV leaders provided practical, results-driven solutions.
NSPIRE Inspections and How to Prepare
Presented by: Brent Phillips, Maintenance & Safety Director; Ben Carpenter, Regional Vice-President; and Charlie Kinnard, Regional Manager.
This session covered the fundamentals of NSPIRE inspections, highlighting practical preparation tips, compliance expectations, and strategies to support successful outcomes.
More Pictures
A Big Thank You
A big thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the Annual Conference.
Special appreciation goes to Debbie Van Dyne, Executive Assistant and Office Manager and Noelle Wilson, CEC Executive Assistant—your hard work, dedication, and careful planning truly made a difference. We couldn’t have done it without you!!!
