Arizona Multihousing Association Honors 2026 Tribute Award Winners
Arizona Multihousing Association Honors 2026 Tribute Award Winners
PHOENIX – The Arizona Multihousing Association, marking its 60th year, named the winners of the 2026 Tribute Awards sponsored by AMA & Cox Communities on August 7. The awards recognize the best people and companies in the state’s apartment and rental housing industry.
"Arizona's multihousing industry thrives because of the countless dedicated professionals who show up every day to contribute to something meaningful," said AMA Board Chair Michelle Sinclair, VP of Strategic Operations at The Wolff Company. "As we mark 60 years of the AMA, we're proud to celebrate the employees, property owners, developers, managers and more whose hard work creates community and ensures safe, welcoming homes for Arizonans to live."
The 34th annual Tribute Awards, held at the Phoenix Convention Center, was the culmination of a months-long process for the awards, including a record-breaking 1,242 nominations in 29 categories from 46 companies.
The AMA represents over 3,000 members across Arizona, who together account for more than 450,000 rental homes.
Arizona’s apartment industry employs more than 131,000 people, creating over $700 million in annual wages and a nearly $4 billion in economic impact each year.
"This year, as we celebrate the AMA's 60th anniversary, we're honored to spotlight the individuals and organizations driving Arizona's rental industry forward," said Courtney Gilstrap LeVinus, President and CEO of the AMA. "Our Tribute Award winners represent the very best of this field, working tirelessly to enhance daily life for the nearly 1 million Arizonans who call apartment communities home."
In addition, the Tribute Awards recognized Suzanne Gilstrap, who launched the Tribute Awards in 1992. Gilstrap served AMA in various capacities including executive director and chief lobbyist for three decades from 1989 to 2013.
The 2026 Tribute Award winners are:
- AMA Volunteer of the Year, Outside the Valley: Wendi Munsey, Bryten
- AMA Volunteer of the Year, Metro Phoenix: Christina Valencia, Chamberlin + Associates
- Assistant Manager of the Year: Calvin Witmer, Jr., Biltmore on the Lake, Asset Living
- Best Community Team of the Year, 1-199 Units: Hampton Edison, RangeWater Real Estate
- Best Community Team of the Year, 200-299 Units: The Core Scottsdale, Founders Property Management
- Best Community Team of the Year, 300+ Units: The Place at Silverbell Gateway, Founders Property Management
- Best Community Team of the Year, Outside the Valley: ENVii, Greystar Real Estate Partners
- Best Renovated Community of the Year: The Post at Fort Whipple Quarters, Gorman & Company
- Community Manager of the Year, 1-199 Units: Steve Austin, Sobremesa Villas, Bryten
- Community Manager of the Year, 200-299 Units: Tara Mettes, Ironwood at Happy Valley, Mission Rock Residential
- Community Manager of the Year, 300+ Units: Abel Ortiz, Sahara & Playa Palms, Chamberlin + Associates
- Community Manager of the Year, Outside the Valley: Jim Juvera, The Landmark, Asset Living
- Corporate Employee of the Year: Jacqueline Musto, Mark-Taylor Residential
- Developers Award for Best Community Design Affordable Community: Milagro on Oracle, Developed by City of Tucson and Gorman & Company
- Developers Award for Best Community Design Build to Rent: Yardly at Verrado, Developed by Yardly by Taylor Morrison
- Developers Award for Best Community Design Garden Style: Encantada La Estancia, Developed by HSL Construction Services
- Developers Award for Best Community Design Low/Mid Rise: Optima McDowell Mountain, Developed by Optima
- Housekeeper of the Year: Berenice Barcelo Gomez, Canyon Oaks, HSL Asset Management
- Housing Heroes: Portico Property Management
- Industry Partner of the Year, Outside the Valley: Lauren Furnas, Avalanche Security Solutions
- Industry Partner of the Year, Metro Phoenix: Rhonda Wooder, Chadwell Supply
- Leasing Consultant of the Year: Hallie Crandell, Havenly Superstition, Cushman and Wakefield
- Property Supervisor of the Year: Tiffany Mulkey, Avenue5 Residential
- Regional Service Supervisor of the Year: Miguel Silva, Mark-Taylor Residential
- Service Supervisor of the Year, 1-199 Units: Marcus Gabaldon, Bungalows on Village Way, RPM Living
- Service Supervisor of the Year, 200-299 Units: Terry Gatlin, Avilla Mystic, Bryten
- Service Supervisor of the Year, 300+ Units: James Mackey, Gila Springs, P.B. Bell
- Service Supervisor of the Year, Outside the Valley: Joseph Fioretto, Sparro, Greystar Real Estate Partners
- Service Technician of the Year: Bill Hill, Roadrunner on McDowell, Portico Property Management
About the Arizona Multihousing Association
Founded over 50 years ago, the Arizona Multihousing Association is the state’s leading advocate for the apartment industry. Representing over 450,000 rental housing units and 3,000 members, the AMA plays a critical role in legislative, legal, and regulatory matters. The AMA also offers educational programs, networking opportunities, and resources to promote high-quality, ethical rental housing across Arizona.
Learn more at azmultihousing.org