National Multifamily Housing Council Names Julie Smith as 2026-2028 Chair

Washington, D.C. — January 30, 2026 — The National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) elected Julie Smith, Chief Administrative Officer and Operating Partner at Bozzuto, to serve a two-year term as the Council’s chair at its 2026 annual meeting.

NMHC is the leading trade association representing the nation’s apartment industry, bringing together owners, developers, and managers to advance responsible housing policy and promote innovation across the multifamily sector.

“I am honored to assume this leadership role in NMHC, one the nation’s most important housing associations. As I begin my term as Chair, the focus of my energy will be defined by innovation, transparency and conviction,” said Smith. “We are building upon decades of a steadfast and unwavering commitment to quality rental housing by our members, resulting in a record of sustained residential excellence. And we are doing so at a time when housing has never been more important. For our industry and for our country, this is a pivotal moment. We will do our best to ensure the public understands and values the essential role multifamily housing plays in meeting the nation’s need for high-quality, environmentally efficient, and affordable homes.”

“I couldn’t be more excited for Julie Smith to become NMHC Chair,” said NMHC President Sharon Wilson Géno. “Having had the chance to work with Julie now for years, I know she is the Chair we need as we meet real challenges but also embrace opportunities. Julie’s hands-on experience as a rental housing provider makes her incredibly effective at talking to policymakers about housing solutions that will really work for housers and renters alike. Now is the time to capitalize on the attention being paid to housing by driving home effective policy proposals and working to evolve the perception of rental housing providers among the general public, renters and voters.”

Smith joined Bozzuto in 1989 and provides enterprise-wide leadership across Marketing, Communications, Human Resources, and Technology, helping guide the company’s strategy, culture, and national expansion.

 

The full slate of officers for 2026-2028 is:

• Chair: Julie Smith, Chief Administrative Officer and Operating Partner at The Bozzuto Group, Baltimore, Md.
• Vice Chair: Laurie Baker, Chief Operating Officer of Camden Property Trust, Houston, Tx.
• Treasurer: Antonio Marquez, Principal and Managing Partner of Comunidad Partners, Austin, Tx.
• Secretary: Gregory Bates, President and CEO of GID, Boston, Ma.
• President: Sharon Wilson Géno, NMHC, Washington, D.C.
• Immediate Past Chair: James H. Schloemer, Chief Executive Officer of Continental Properties Company, Milwaukee, Wis.

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About Bozzuto

Bozzuto is an experience-focused real estate company distinguished by its innovative developments, dedicated customer service, and top-rated workplace culture. With award-winning expertise in homebuilding, multifamily development, construction, and management, Bozzuto is devoted to delivering extraordinary experiences for those they serve.

Since its founding in 1988, Bozzuto has developed, acquired, and built more than 62,000 homes and apartments. Celebrating 37 years of creating sanctuary, Bozzuto currently manages 130,000 apartments and 4 million square feet of retail space across the U.S. For more information, visit Bozzuto.com.