Rex Gambrell Honored For Unflappable Leadership Through Tough Times
If you’ ve ever had the chance to work with Rex Gambrell, you know one thing for sure— he’ s unflappable. Through market downturns, legislative battles, and even the day-to-day pressures of leadership, Rex kept his cool. And somehow, he always managed to make people laugh while doing it.
Rex’ s contributions to AAMD, CAA, and NAA stretch far and wide. During his tenure as the NAA Region VIII Vice President, he became a powerful advocate in D. C., helping defeat a rent control bill and negotiating meaningful revisions to habitability legislation. In addition to serving as AAMD President in 2008-2009, he made an impact in other areas of AAMD as well. Rex has served as Chair of the Economic Conference and June Awards, was a reliable supporter of the
AAMD Alliance, and was instrumental in founding the Education Advisory Council.
But it wasn’ t just the wins that made Rex stand out— it was how he achieved them. He led with integrity, professionalism, and an understated humor that snuck up on you. His parody of The Apprentice during his outgoing president video remains a favorite memory for many.
Rex joins the Hall of Fame not just for what he did, but for how he made people feel while doing it: confident, supported, and occasionally caught off guard by a perfectly timed joke.
Congratulations, Rex— you earned this!
-Jennifer Nessett
28 | TRENDS AUGUST 2025 www. aamdhq. org