Atlanta Apartment Association (AAA), the multifamily housing trade association for the Metro Atlanta area, has announced the election of Melissa White as 2024 chair of AAA’s board of directors. White is the first black female chair in the association’s 49-year history. She will lead the 25-person Board of Directors, in addition to chairing the Executive Committee.

In White’s current role as the Managing Director at Perennial Properties, she works closely with the construction and development team, regional managers, onsite leadership and local municipalities; oversees Perennial Properties’ processes and technological capabilities; and helps to manage risk and liability for the company. She has more than two decades of experience in the multifamily industry, has been an active member of AAA since 2012, and has previously served on the Membership, Education and Executive committees and helped to establish the Association’s DEI committee.

“While the apartment industry in Atlanta continues to experience complex challenges, including escalating insurance costs, rampant application fraud, and the ongoing eviction backlog, we are excited about the knowledge and perspective Melissa brings and confident in her ability to lead our Association, as we work with state and local leaders to tackle these challenges on behalf of our members,” said Jim Fowler, president of AAA.

White will lead the Association and its members through key initiatives that are part of the organization’s strategic plan implemented in 2021.  

“2024 is poised to be a year where AAA and our members can thrive utilizing strategic planning, operational efficiency, and a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion,” said White.

These strategic initiatives include increasing engagement in government affairs; capitalizing on technology to broaden the association’s reach and improve the member experience; enhancing member engagement through innovative communications and proactive outreach; and evaluating current programs and events to ensure that they are relevant to the members of the future.