MPA Alumna Named Executive Director For Apartment Association

The Greater Charlotte Apartment Association has named UNC Charlotte alumna Kim S. Graham as its new executive director.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Kim as our new executive director,” said Jennings Snider, president of the association’s board of directors and Chief Financial Officer with SYNCO Properties. “Kim is an outstanding fit for us, given her strong background in housing, public policy, community engagement and nonprofits. Her management and interpersonal skills are peerless.”

Graham earned a Master of Public Administration degree from UNC Charlotte and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Johnson C. Smith University. The Gerald G. Fox MPA Program is housed in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. She most recently served as senior vice president of outreach and fund development with The Housing Partnership, a Charlotte-based housing nonprofit corporation. She will assume her new position on December 1, replacing Ken Szymanski, who will retire at the end of 2018 concluding a 32-year tenure as GCAA’s executive director.

“I’m honored to have been selected by the board to lead this dynamic organization. I look forward to building on the foundation created by Ken, the professional staff, engaged board and members at the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association,” Graham said.

During her time with The Housing Partnership, Graham doubled the organization’s grant revenue while implementing place-based programs to protect seniors from tax lien foreclosure and expanded access to resources for neighborhood improvement projects. Graham’s experience also includes stints with United Way of Central Carolinas as its public policy manager and with the NC Parent Teachers Association as a regional program manager. Prior to that, Graham worked in the private sector for national and mid-market public accounting firms.

Graham has served on numerous boards including the NC Business and Education Technology Alliance, Johnson C. Smith University Trustees, Right Moves for Youth, City of Charlotte Neighborhood Matching Grants Program, Arts & Science Council Basic Operating Grants Panel and the Second Calvary Center for Community Development.

“This is an exciting day for the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association. Kim has the consensus-building tools, insight and resolve to ensure that we grow and stay relevant. Her skills and demeanor are such a good fit for the GCAA,” said Szymanski.