PROFILE
Leading with Heart: Katy Westfall, Camden Property Trust
How Did You First Get Started In Property Management?
I began my career in property management in two years ago after deciding to take a different direction from my original plan of pursuing a master ' s degree in marriage and family therapy. At the time, I was a resident and often found myself impressed by the onsite team.
One day, while reflecting on my future from my patio, I looked over at the leasing office and realized that the people there genuinely enjoyed both their work and the residents they served. I knew I wanted to be part of that. I joined Camden as a Leasing Consultant, and within a year was promoted to my current role as Sales Manager. It has been an incredibly rewarding journey so far.
How Has This Career Shaped You As A Person?
Property management has taught me to remain calm under pressure and lead with patience, empathy, and grace. I ' ve learned that you never truly know what someone may be facing, so I strive to make every interaction positive. The industry has also taught me to see challenges as opportunities for growth, extend grace to others and myself, and keep learning and moving forward.
Who Has Been A Mentor Or Major Influence In Your Career?
Many people have invested in my growth, but the greatest impact has come from my current leader, Erin Hernandez. She has challenged me to think bigger, step outside of my comfort zone, and have confidence in my abilities. Through her mentorship, I have learned how to develop and support a team, navigate complex situations, oversee vendor relationships, coach effectively, and improve sales results. She has also shown me how to deliver honest, constructive feedback, hold people accountable while building strong relationships, and understand that growth often happens outside your comfort zone.
What’ s One Misconception You ' d Like to Clear Up About Property Management?
One thing I wish more people understood about property management is how deeply we care about the people who call our communities home. At its core, this industry is about people. One of my favorite parts of my role is building relationships with residents and being someone they can turn to for support and connection. I keep the thank-you notes residents have given me at my desk— they remind me why I do what I do: to help create a community where people feel valued, supported, and proud to call home.
What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self When You Were First Starting Out?
The advice I would give would be to trust myself and embrace the learning process. I would remind myself to lean on others for support, remain open to feedback, and never stop learning. Most importantly, I would not be afraid to try new things or make mistakes. Some of the greatest opportunities for growth have come from stepping outside of my comfort zone and continuing to learn, ask for help, and move forward.
Do you have an interesting career story and would like to be considered for a future profile, email trends @ aamdhq. org
Joey Little
Zocalo Community Development
SNAPSHOTS
PERSON OF THE MONTH
Whether it ' s setting up for one of our biggest events, troubleshooting technology, or lending a hand behind the scenes, Joey Little is always ready to pitch in. During Maintenance Mania last April, he was instrumental in helping with event setup, from the HOME Room booth to the main stage screens and everything in between.
Joey is regular contributor at HOME Room meetings, bringing fresh ideas and thoughtful perspectives that help move our programs forward. He will be expanding his commitment to education even further by stepping into the classroom to teach Fair Housing for Maintenance Professionals.
Reliable, innovative, and always willing to help, Joey Little, the April Person of the Month makes a difference wherever he shows up.
Through Our Apartments Giving Back Program, AAMD will be donating $ 500 in Joey ' s name to a charity of his choice:
www. aamdhq. org TRENDS AUGUST 2026 | 9