Dawn Carpenter, CPM®
Hi. I’m 2025 IREM® President Dawn Carpenter, CPM®, from Staten Island, New York.
It’s an honor to lead this incredible organization that continues to inspire and elevate the real estate management profession.
I’m reminded of the journey that brought me here—in the late 1980s, I transitioned from banking to property management, thanks to a chance encounter with IREM Board of Directors Advisor Jesse Holland. That pivotal moment changed my life and led to a rewarding career that inspired me to start my family business, Dawning Real Estate, 25 years ago. It started with me, myself and I, and now my entire family works alongside me, working together, because we’ve learned that collaboration strengthens us.
This year, we’ll build on the foundation of past achievements, including the remarkable leadership of Immediate Past President Libby Ekre, CPM®. Libby’s dedication to the power of purpose has inspired us to take that mission further with transformative changes aimed at enhancing the member experience, expanding our global presence, and fostering innovation in education.
IREM’s on a path to making significant advancements. We’ve listened to our members, heard what they need from IREM membership, and learned how they want to use their volunteer time. An exciting outcome of this work is the introduction of PropertyCon, our new event focused on cutting-edge education and networking, which will debut in Boston this April. We’re also launching the IREM Leadership Forum, scheduled for November in Chicago, an event that streamlines our governance process so our volunteers can spend their time more efficiently.
These initiatives stem from listening to our members and responding to their needs with dynamic and forward-thinking solutions.
Globally, IREM’s footprint continues to grow. I’m thrilled to welcome the UAE as our newest chapter and to
strengthen alliances in Saudi Arabia and beyond. These partnerships underscore our commitment to being a truly global organization. Today, we have members in over 45 countries.
IREM is building out an updated headquarters office at 430 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago (The REALTOR Building), which will provide a versatile environment for our staff and volunteers while maintaining deep ties with our valued partner, the NAR. These offices are designed to maximize space, encourage team building and foster innovation.
In DEI, IREM continues to make progress. We talked the talk and now we’re walking the walk. I’ve always been a proud member of the LGBTQ community. Whatever your pronouns are, whatever you look like, whatever your culture or religion, you’re important to IREM because this is, and always will be, a safe place to call home.
Serving as IREM President is possible only with an army beside you and behind you, and I’m deeply grateful to the many people who’ve supported me along the way—from my family to my IREM colleagues, mentors, and the greater real estate management community. You inspire me to lead with purpose and optimism.
This year, let’s remember our collective strength lies in unity. Together, we’ll navigate challenges, embrace opportunities, and continue to elevate IREM as the leading voice in real estate management.
Thank you for your trust and partnership. Here’s to an incredible year ahead—because we truly are better together.