— from Judy Whiting for OPAL —

Manager of the Year, Jeremy King, was recently honored at the state convention of the Washington Affordable Housing Management Association. In the photo with him are (left to right) DeAnn Hartman, AHMA and ARHC Executive Director, Jeremy King, and Jennifer Wood, AHMA President.

Manager of the Year, Jeremy King, was recently honored at the state convention of the Washington Affordable Housing Management Association. In the photo with him are (left to right) DeAnn Hartman, AHMA and ARHC Executive Director, Jeremy King, and Jennifer Wood, AHMA President.

Jeremy King, who manages both the Orcas Longhouse and Lavender Hollow apartments, was recognized as 2015 manager of the year at the annual Washington Affordable Housing Management Convention, April 28-29 in Tacoma. Commended for his professionalism, pro-activeness and attention to residents and ongoing maintenance, he was one of seven managers recognized statewide.

King, who works for Ad-West Realty Services, Inc., has been the full-time manager of the 22-unit Lavender Hollow family apartments for seven years, and the 16-unit Orcas Longhouse senior apartments for five years.

“Jeremy constantly goes above and beyond what is expected in taking care of the residents, keeping the properties in top-notch condition and maintaining their excellent reputation in the community,” said Warren Westad, owner of Ad-West.

When OPAL Community Land Trust bought Lavender Hollow in 2011, King worked closely with OPAL staff, contractors and residents during the nearly year long, $900,000 renovation that followed. He has also been instrumental in many handicapped accessibility projects, including installation of sidewalk ramps at entranceways to both properties.

“Jeremy makes sure each resident feels appreciated, respected and taken care of,” said Westad. “He has everyone’s best interest at heart.”

Ad-West Realty Services, Inc., manages 85 conventional and affordable apartment communities, including USDA-Rural Development, Tax Credit and HUD properties, primarily in Washington State.

Incorporated in 1989, OPAL serves 132 rental and ownership Orcas Island households and continues to accept applications from people who are not able to purchase a house in the traditional market. For more information, go to: www.opalclt.org or call (360) 376-3191.