In April 2025, over 250 Guardian team members assembled for our annual Leadership Conference, embracing a Top Gun theme that emphasized high-performance leadership and camaraderie. The two-day event was packed with intensive training sessions, team bonding, and celebrations of our 2024 achievements.

Sharpening Skills in the Flight Academy

Guardian’s 2025 Leadership Conference wasn’t just a gathering—it was a tactical training mission. Participants reported for duty for specialized sessions designed to address the real-world challenges our operations teams face on the front lines.

From “Navigating the Skies of Competitive Leasing” to “Perfecting the Unit Turn Process,” each module was crafted to elevate performance and keep our teams agile and mission-ready. We also gained valuable insight from our peer panel, where seasoned team members shared real-world strategies, lessons learned, and boots-on-the-ground perspectives.

We were honored to welcome Keynote Speaker Jacob Brown, who delivered a powerful message on Failing Forward—transforming setbacks into jet fuel for personal and professional growth.

Our leadership team also took the stage to share strategic insights on leading with purpose and the impact of one degree of extra effort—proving that small shifts can change entire flight paths.

Strengthening Bonds in the Hangar

Beyond the classroom, the conference fostered team unity through portfolio dinners and activities. These moments allowed team members to connect, share experiences, and build stronger working relationships, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines Guardian.

Celebrating Our Top Guns

The conference culminated in our annual Awards Dinner and Ceremony, where we honored outstanding performances from 2024. Highlights included:

• Top Shop Recognitions: 73 team member were recognized, with 11 earning the "Top Shop All Star" status for receiving 3 or more perfect shop scores in 2024.
• Best in Class Resident Survey Winners: 13 communities were acknowledged for their recognition as Best in Class in Customer Experience by Ellis, a Grace Hill Company.
• Guardian Gold Awards: Peer-nominated awards celebrated individuals who went above and beyond. Nearly 250 submissions were reviewed to award the 18 Gold Award categories below.
• Years of Service Milestones: We recognized team members celebrating 5, 10, 20, 25, and 30 years with Guardian, honoring their dedication and commitment.

A list of awardees is outlined below. You can also relive the conference moments in our photo gallery at the bottom of the page.

Congratulations to our 2024 Guardian Gold winners!

• Torry Alexander, Francis + Clare - Rookie of the Year, Maintenance
• Baylee Gough, Fuller Station - Rookie of the Year, Property Management
• Erin Skube - Above & Beyond, Home Support
• Mark Taddicken, Jr. - Above & Beyond, Maintenance
• Shelly Arellano, Village East & College Corner - Above & Beyond, Property Management
• Sammie Musselman, Seven Acres, Slabtown Square & The Louisa - Chief Closer
• Park Avenue West, End of Summer Bash - Resident Event of the Year
• Kayla Jamieson - Property Support Person of the Year
• Gabby Lang - Rover of the Year, Management
• Aaron Riddle - Rover of the Year, Maintenance
• Jessica Swanson - Department Lead of the Year
• Robby Scevers, Rose Villa - Maintenance Tech of the Year, less than 100 units
• Steve Croy, Sunshine Park - Maintenance Tech of the Year, more than 100 units
• Kevin Reece, Seven Acres - Maintenance Lead of the Year
• Kassy Price, Windsor Square - ILF Leader of the Year
• Tyra Sabathia, Alberta Alive - Affordable Manager of the Year, less than 100 units
• Mary Trujillo, Tiller Terrace - Affordable Manager of the Year, more than 100 units
• Kristin Gomez, Park Avenue West - Conventional Manager of the Year

Additional Recognition

• Cypress Point - SOCi Award for Most Posts
• Kelly Paine - Portfolio Manager of the Year
• Davina Berger - Heart of Guardian Award

Years of Service

We were proud to also recognize the following individuals for meeting Years of Service milestones in 2024:

30 Years of Service

• Diane Pierce

25 Years of Service

• Donald Harkins

20 Years of Service

• Rebecca Seid

10 Years of Service

• Andrew Webb
• Kevin Webb
• Michele Yaklin
• Vanessa Tolentino

5 Years of Service

• Ashley Ingram
• Bella Contreras
• Conrad Abbott
• Cory Gallegos
• David Feo
• Kimberly Cuilla
• Lisa Simonson
• Luis Vazquez
• Margaret Stokes
• Michael Rushing
• Renee Stemper
• Robert Alegrete
• Shane Ralston
• Travis Jones
• Tyler Hazel

The 2025 Leadership Conference was more than an event; it was a testament to the skill, dedication, and unity of the Guardian team. As we look ahead, we carry forward the momentum, ready to tackle new challenges and reach new heights together.