2025 AAWNC Board Nomination Bios
AAWNC Board Nomination Information
Board nominees were asked to provide a short bio and answer the following five (5) questions.
- Why do you want to serve on the board?
- What are your 2026 goals for the association?
- What is your professional background in the apartment industry?
AAWNC board of director's serve a two-year term.
The election will take place on November 5, 2025 at the annual meeting – meeting details.
Voting and Electing the Board
During the membership meeting, members vote for three new members to serve on AAWNC's board of directors. The 2026 AAWNC board of directors will be comprised of five newly elected members and four previously elected. Board Positions will be determined by the board at the first meeting.
- All votes must be cast in person at the annual meeting. Please register to join us on November 5, 2025.
- A quorum of 10% of the membership must be at the meeting for the vote to be valid.
- Companies and organizations are members, each member has only one vote.
- A maximum of three supplier members can be elected to the board of directors.
- Votes will be conducted by secret ballot – unless there is only one nomination for a position.
- Proxies must include a written statement authorizing the proxy and completed ballot.
Attending the meeting is free and members do not need to remain for the meeting after voting.
2026 Nominees: Vote for Five
Board Owner/Operator Nominee
- Tahliah Chelette - Westmont Commons
Board Supplier Nominee
- Katy Duncan - Loebsack & Brownlee PLLC
Tahliah Chelette - Board Owner/Operator Nominee
BIO: My name is Tahliah Chelette I work at Westmont Commons. Originally from a background in Art History and shaped by a love for travel, I moved to Asheville in 2020—just three months before the world shut down. After years in the food industry, I found my way into housing in 2023 thanks to our very own Madam President, Bethany Lykins. I was a manager and social media lead at Fahrenheit Pizza in South Asheville, a role I loved so much that I briefly returned to it before finding my way back to housing this year. Though I work in Asheville, I’ve called Canton home since 2022. Outside of work, I’m usually in my garden or living my best river life—paddleboarding the Pigeon, strolling the Riverwalk, or soaking up the sun on the rocks. I’m passionate about people, community, and creating spaces that feel like home.
Why do you want to serve on the Board?
I’m passionate about providing quality, affordable housing with compassion and authenticity—values I’ve embraced since starting in housing in 2023. After stepping away briefly, I returned with a deeper understanding of where I truly thrive: in older, well-loved communities where I can connect personally with residents and make a real difference. My heart lies in creating welcoming, community-focused spaces that feel like home. I believe being on the board of the WNC Apartment Association will allow me to extend that impact—sharing ideas, supporting others in the industry, and helping shape a more resident-friendly future for North Carolina.
What are your goals for the Association next year?
If given the opportunity to serve on the AAWNC Board, I want to help others in the industry reconnect with the passion behind what we do—not just providing housing, but creating a true sense of home. We’re often the first point of contact someone has with Western North Carolina, and that moment matters.
In today’s world, which can often feel overwhelming or impersonal, I believe it's more important than ever to lead with empathy and compassion. Home should be a safe, welcoming space, and we play a vital role in making that possible. I also hope to bring more local life and personality into the often corporate-feeling world of housing. While professionalism is crucial, so is remembering the human side of our work. By bridging that gap, we can create communities where both residents and industry professionals feel more connected and valued. Additionally, I would advocate for greater language inclusion in our leasing practices. While Fair Housing ensures everyone has a fair opportunity to lease, our current standardized North Carolina lease is only available in English. This presents a real barrier in a region where thousands of residents speak other languages—particularly Spanish, but also Chinese, French, Arabic, and many more. Western North Carolina is more diverse than many realize, and we must reflect that in how we communicate with our residents. Offering leases in multiple languages is not just good practice—it’s a meaningful step toward equity and access for all.
What is your professional background in the apartment industry?
I started working in housing with Hawthorne as a leasing agent in 2022. I did leave briefly for about a year and have just recently come back into housing in June of this year. I am the Assistant Community manager at Westmont Commons, a Greystar community.
Katy Duncan - Board Supplier Nominee
BIO: Katy Duncan is a paralegal with Loebsack & Brownlee, PLLC, supporting the firm’s South Carolina operations. She currently serves as AAWNC's Supplier Council Co-Chair and serves on two NAA Committees. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, live music, and spending time with her family.
Why do you want to serve on the Board?
I’ve seen firsthand how AAWNC strengthens our industry by connecting professionals and promoting a true sense of community. Serving on the Board would give me the opportunity to help continue that momentum. I want to help drive initiatives that make membership more engaging and valuable.
What are your goals for the Association next year?
My focus is on member engagement. I’d like to help:
- Strengthen communication between committees and members to encourage consistent participation.
- Support community outreach efforts that highlight the apartment industry’s positive local impact.
I believe the stronger our connections, the stronger our association. That’s the foundation I want to help build on.
What is your professional background in the apartment industry?
Before joining Loebsack & Brownlee I spent over a decade in property management. In my current role I work directly with property managers and owners across the state, assisting with the evictions process. This dual perspective, both operational and legal, gives me a unique perspective in this industry.
Thank you again for the opportunity to serve and contribute. I look forward to supporting AAWNC’s continued growth and impact in 2026.