The Multifamily Innovation Advisory Council, a members-only group that assists multifamily owners and operators vet new technologies, today announced appointing 365Connect CEO Kerry W. Kirby as Chair of Technology Initiatives.
The recently launched group, which represents approximately 1.5 million apartment units, says that Kirby’s appointment provides members with valuable insight towards navigating new technology in the real estate and proptech industries.
“Kerry lives on the leading-edge of what’s next in our industry, and relentlessly pushes technological limits to solve numerous challenges many of our operators face today,” stated Patrick Antrim, Chairman of the Multifamily Innovation Advisory Council, in a press release.
“He will provide invaluable insight to our members, assist in identifying opportunities, and navigate disruptive technologies in the real estate landscape,” Antrim said.
The Multifamily Innovation Advisory Council (MIAC) says that its members are made up of leaders across the industry, including NMHC Top 50 companies, housing operators, and boutique community developers, and says that the council is on track to represent over three million units by the end of 2022.
It says membership provides access to this diverse group and enables the exchange of ideas related to cutting-edge technology deployment, stating that members are, “void of any vendor influences and sales pitches to allow them to freely think through challenges they are having in deploying technologies.”
Council members also meet annually in-person at the organization’s Multifamily Innovation Summit.
In addition to serving as CEO of 365Connect, a marketing, leasing and sales automation proptech, Kirby also serves as advisory board member of national nonprofit Rainbow, which provides affordable housing programs across the U.S.
“What an honor to contribute to this highly esteemed group of multifamily leaders that are working to overcome challenges and positively impact their operations. With over 43 million Americans calling a rental apartment their home, it is our goal to meet shifting consumer expectations, reimagine the role of our workforce, and analyze the way next-generation renters can be accommodated through the power of technology,” Kirby said.
In other recent proptech news, Fello secured a $25 million mix of debt and equity for its agent-led iBuyer platform. Allume and Renu also announced commissioning the first shared multifamily solar energy system in the U.S.