Inspiring Conversations. Practical Solutions. Lasting Momentum.
A few weeks after the 2026 CHAM Asset Management Conference, we’re still reflecting on the conversations, connections, and shared commitment that made this year’s conference our biggest yet, bringing together 750 affordable housing professionals from across the country.
Our Opening Plenary, The Moment We’re In, featuring Greta Harris of the Better Housing Coalition and Karla Henderson of Project for Pride in Living , set the tone for the week. Their candid conversation challenged attendees to embrace leadership in uncertain times and reaffirmed that courage, collaboration, and community remain essential to preserving affordable housing.
Throughout the conference, attendees explored today’s most pressing topics, from preserving aging portfolios and navigating insurance challenges to organizational resilience, emerging technologies, and long-term preservation strategies. We also made room for some fun with our interactive CHAM Survivor: Navigating a Property Through Sudden Operational Shifts where we had challenges on strategy, teamwork, and plenty of friendly competition, making it one of the most talked-about experiences of the week.
As one longtime attendee shared:
“I have been attending CHAM for the past 7 years, and even though I have been in the affordable housing industry for several decades, I learn something new at each conference. We bring a large group of our staff, and I can say that they love it! They say it’s the most informative conference they attend.”
We closed the week with Leadership Resilience: Nobody Warned You About the Descent, featuring Michele Stowe of Skyrocket Coaching and Katherine Flemming of EAH, who reminded us that true leadership is defined not when the path is easy, but when we continue moving forward through uncertainty with purpose, resilience and a plan.
The momentum didn’t end in Denver. In our survey 81% of attendees plan to implement what they learned, 76% gained practical tools and best practices they can apply immediately, and 70% reported increasing their knowledge of asset management. Those results reinforce why CHAM exists, to bring affordable housing professionals together to learn, collaborate, and lead the future of asset management.
Take a look back at some of our favorite moments from Denver and check out our conference photo gallery here and our recap video below.
CHAM Awards and Recognitions
Micky Diggs Asset Manager of the Year: Antonio Rodriguez
CHAM proudly recognized Antonio Rodriguez, Senior Asset Manager at Madison Park Development Corporation, as the 2026 Micky Diggs Asset Manager of the Year.
Antonio exemplifies what it means to lead with expertise, integrity, and heart. Through his work managing affordable housing portfolios and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of asset managers, including as one of CHAM’s own instructors through AMS+, he continues to strengthen our industry and inspire those around him.
Huge congratulations to Antonio, we’re excited to see your career continue to flourish.
Asset Management Organization of the Year:
Housing Development Center
Affordable housing owners across Oregon and Washington are facing real headwinds right now. The region needed a strong policy voice and technical expertise on the ground to bring resources for stabilizing at-risk portfolios. HDC stepped up, becoming an advocate for owners and managers navigating difficult financial dynamics in their existing portfolios. One thing we find especially inspiring about HDC’s work: they provide access to non-profits who do not have enough scale in their own portfolio to hire an asset management staff. Join us in congratulating HDC for their incredible work!
The Original CHAMster Award: Julia Pierson
This year’s conference was especially meaningful as we celebrated the remarkable leadership and lasting legacy of Julia Pierson, who is retiring after six years as CHAM’s Executive Director.
During the conference, Julia was surprised by the CHAM Team with the inaugural Original CHAMster Award, recognizing her “for proving that being a true CHAMster means leading with vision, serving with heart, and always putting the mission and people first.” It was a fitting tribute to someone who has inspired so many across our industry.
Reflecting on the conference, Julia shared:
“This was the largest CHAM Conference ever. I couldn’t help but feel hopeful. Affordable housing faces enormous challenges, but I also saw hundreds of people committed to learning, sharing ideas, and helping one another preserve and strengthen affordable housing.”
Julia, thank you for your leadership, enjoy the adventures ahead in your well-earned retirement
Cheers to Jeff Connolly
Cheers to
Jeff Connolly
We also want to thank Jeff Connolly, President of Enterprise Community Asset Management for his years of dedicated service and leadership as CHAM’s Board Treasurer. Jeff’s steadfast vision, financial stewardship, and support of CHAM have made a lasting impact on our organization.
We are deeply grateful for all he has contributed and wish him continued success in the years ahead.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
