15 Minutes with 2023 AAFW-NEI President David Lamb
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to David Lamb - (773) 499-8980; email - dlamb@tmo.com
I recently sat down with David and we were discussing 2023 and the plan of action for the AAFW-NEI. Here’s more about David and where he would like to lead the Association in the next two years. - Peggy Meyer
How and why did you initially become involved in the AAFW-NEI and choose to become involved in the Board?
I originally became involved with the apartment association through the management company I was working with when I moved back to Fort Wayne in 2013. I started by attending the breakfast connections and through that involvement became interested in participating in the “extra” opportunities the association offers. I joined the then “community outreach committee” and had awesome experiences with collection drives and other charity work for the association. I served on that committee a few years and when the opportunity to join the board was presented to me by a sitting board member at the time, I decided that it was a logical next step in my journey so I ran and was elected to the honor of serving the association.
What Do You See as the Biggest Obstacle That the AAFW-NEI Faces in 2023 & beyond?
One of the biggest obstacles that we face as an association is participation. We have members who attend very few events that the association offers. These events are intended to provide education and networking opportunities to our members and I think that it is important for anyone looking to gain value out of their membership to attend is many of the events as they can. These events and classes provide important information and perspective that we may not gain otherwise in our day to day operations.
What Have You Gained from being an AAFW-NEI Member?
Being an AAFW-NEI member has given me a wide range of experiences and education. From the education courses that I have attended to learn about important issues affecting the industry, to the certifications I have gained to further my qualifications, to the enjoyable networking activities that have given me industry perspective and created positive relationships with other industry professionals. There is a wide range of benefits to be gained from an AAFW-NEI membership.
What is the Best Advice You Would Give Someone That is Interested in Being on the AAFW-NEI Board of Directors?
My best advice to someone wanting to be on the board is to attend networking events and monthly meetings. Through these types of events you will have the opportunity to speak with a wide range of members and get familiar with the staff and board members. This familiarity will lead to further opportunities.
What Do You Want People Outside of the AAFW-NEI to Know About Our Organization?
I would like the public to know more about our organization in general. I think that many don’t understand that we are an organization that supports
and advocates for the apartment industry in NE Indiana. Nor do they know that we provide great educational opportunities for not just our members but non-members can also attend. I would also really like the public to know that we are always looking for quality associate members to add to our list of providers.
What New Program or Direction would you like to see the AAFW-NEI offer?
I would like to see us offer more soft skills and communications training. I think that there are opportunities for all of us, regular and associate members, to be better communicators. A wide range of offerings are available on these topics that would be helpful to our membership if interest is expressed.
3 Words that describe the AAFW-NEI? - Vigilant. Forthcoming. Adaptable
4 Words that describe you best? - Intentional. Conscientious. Empathic. Outdoorsy.
What is something no one would guess about you?
I was an avid marching band kid all 4 years of High School. I played the baritone and we ranked 5th in our division at State championships my Senior year.