October 27, 2026

From Community to Capitol: AHEPA Senior Living Property Managers Gather in Nation’s Capital

AHEPA Senior Living brought its annual Property Manager Conference to Washington, D.C., for the first time during the week of Sept. 28, 2026, under the theme, “From Community to Capitol: Leading the Way in Senior Living.”

At AHEPA Senior Living, investing in our property management professionals is an important part of fulfilling our mission. We strive to keep our teams informed about the latest industry trends, policies and best practices while equipping them with the knowledge, resources and connections they need to succeed. Providing opportunities for professional development, collaboration and direct access to industry leaders and policymakers is part of what sets AHEPA Senior Living apart.

This year’s conference reflected that commitment, bringing together property management professionals, board officers and corporate leadership for a week of education, advocacy, collaboration and recognition.

From Community to Capitol

A highlight of the conference was a day on Capitol Hill, Sept. 29, where attendees engaged with members of Congress and congressional staff to raise awareness about the importance of affordable housing for older adults and the federal programs that support it. The experience also provided an opportunity to learn firsthand about the federal policymaking process and how decisions made in Washington affect the communities they serve.

During the week, AHEPA Senior Living engaged with eight members of Congress: Sens. Todd Young of Indiana, Ron Wyden of Oregon, Katie Britt of Alabama, Jack Reed of Rhode Island, Jon Husted of Ohio, Ashley Moody of Florida and Raphael Warnock of Georgia, and Rep. Joe Wilson, who represents Columbia, S.C., in addition to staff from nearly 30 congressional offices. These lawmakers serve on committees central to AHEPA Senior Living’s mission, including the Senate Committees on Appropriations; Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; and Finance, as well as the Senate Special Committee on Aging.

During an interactive fireside chat that included a Q&A session, attendees also heard from Fred Moore, a professional staff member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, chaired by Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina.

For our property management professionals, these engagements offered an opportunity to bring their firsthand experiences from the communities they serve to Capitol Hill, share the challenges facing affordable senior housing and help policymakers better understand the needs of older adults with limited incomes. Attendees also invited lawmakers and congressional staff to visit AHEPA Senior Living communities, creating opportunities to continue those conversations and demonstrate the impact of affordable senior housing in person. These interactions reinforced the important role our property management professionals play in informing conversations about the future of affordable senior housing.

Knowledge, Access and Professional Development

The conference also provided attendees with direct access to six representatives of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), based at HUD’s headquarters in northern Virginia, including officials responsible for overseeing the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program and programs that support the preservation of existing Section 202 communities.

Jules Bilowich, vice president of housing policy at LeadingAge, and Toni Harris, CPM, a seasoned affordable multifamily property management consultant, provided insights into advocacy, HUD regulations, property management and leadership styles. Corporate partners, AHEPA Senior Living board officers, led by Chairman and Acting CEO Ike Gulas, and members of the corporate leadership team also addressed organizational priorities and operational best practices.

Interactive question-and-answer sessions encouraged meaningful dialogue, providing attendees with opportunities to share feedback, offer input and exchange ideas directly with industry experts and organizational leadership.

Together, these educational opportunities strengthened the knowledge, expertise and connections our property management professionals brought back to their communities and the residents they serve.

Celebrating Our People

The week culminated with AHEPA Senior Living’s annual Awards Dinner, themed “Red, White & Blue” in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. The evening celebrated employee service milestones and outstanding achievements in property management, recognizing the dedication and professionalism of individuals who help make AHEPA Senior Living communities places where older adults can live with dignity, independence and a sense of belonging.

To our property management professionals, thank you for your commitment, compassion and hard work. We hope you left Washington feeling informed, inspired and appreciated.

From our communities to the halls of Congress, AHEPA Senior Living remains committed to empowering our professionals, strengthening our communities and advancing affordable housing for older adults.