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The FUTUREist Awards

Celebrating Leaders Who Create Brighter Futures

Submissions are now closed — thank you to everyone who nominated a standout leader or business. We're honored to recognize the real estate professionals shaping a brighter future for their communities.

Stay tuned for the announcement of this year's FUTUREists — live at the FUTURE Conference in San Diego, October 13–15.

Recognizing Real Estate Innovators

AppFolio believes that real estate management professionals can have a profound impact on their communities and we want to celebrate the work they do to make their world a better place. Entries are now open for the following 2026 FUTUREist Awards.

FUTUREist in Community

Recognizes those who have a meaningful impact on their communities and create a place where everyone belongs.

FUTUREist in Housing

Recognizes those who focus on the long-term goal of creating equitable housing opportunities for all residents.

FUTUREist in Leadership

Recognizes leaders whose actions create a lasting legacy of positive change, both in their company and the community.

FUTUREist Award innovators

Meet the 2026 FUTUREist Committee

Our FUTUREist Committee Members are experienced professionals celebrated for their contributions to community impact, inspiring leadership, and industry transformation.

Lauren Barth
Lauren Barth Director of Marketing and Sales, Fairlawn
Donna Smith
Donna Smith President of Real Estate Management, Enclave
Brandon Morett
Brandon Morett Chief Operating Officer, Atlas Management
Chelsea Busnardo
Chelsea Busnardo Owner, Do Good Property Management
Kathleen Danilchick
Kathleen Danilchick CFO, Atlas Real Estate

Meaningful Work, Rewarded

With an emphasis on driving impact in rental housing communities and beyond, the FUTUREist Award Packages include a generous donation to a nonprofit of your choice plus opportunities to share your achievement, insight, and expertise with the broader real estate community. One winner and three runner ups are awarded, per category.

Winner Package

  • $15,000 donation to the nonprofit of your choice
  • Two complimentary tickets to FUTURE
  • Professional video shoot to showcase your achievement

Runner Up Package

  • $5,000 donation to the nonprofit of your choice
  • 50% off 2 FUTURE tickets
  • Features on our post-event website

Selection Criteria

  1. Must be a current AppFolio customer.
  2. Must be in property management and/or investment management.
  3. Must be in attendance at FUTURE 2026.
  4. Cannot be a 2025 FUTUREist Winner.