Houston Building Owners and Managers Association (Houston BOMA) - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

The Houston Building Owners and Managers Association (Houston BOMA), established in 1934, stands as the premier commercial real estate association in the Houston area. Its core mission is to champion and advance the interests of the commercial real estate industry, with a strong emphasis on advocacy and the promotion of sustainable building practices. Houston BOMA serves as a vital resource for education, knowledge dissemination, and legislative representation for property management and commercial real estate professionals. The organization envisions itself as the recognized industry leader in legislative advocacy and professional development for a wide array of commercial real estate professionals within the Houston market, leveraging the collective strengths, talents, and leadership of its members to foster lasting value and relationships within the community.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Houston BOMA's main business objectives revolve around three pillars:
Legislative Representation: Actively engage in advocacy at local, state, and national levels to represent commercial real estate interests, focusing on critical issues such as property tax reform, energy efficiency, public safety, and building codes.
Professional Development: Deliver best-in-class educational opportunities through a diverse range of programs, including seminars, webinars, certificate courses, and designation programs, to elevate the professionalism and expertise of its members.
Knowledge Sharing and Networking: Facilitate valuable interactions and the exchange of industry insights through a variety of organized events and programs, fostering a strong professional community.
Sustainable Building Practices: Support and promote environmentally responsible building practices, including advocacy for voluntary programs that are incentivized through tax rebates or grants.

Specialization Areas

Houston BOMA specializes in:
Advocacy: Leading legislative and regulatory efforts on behalf of the commercial real estate sector.
Education and Training: Providing comprehensive professional development for commercial property professionals.
Networking and Community Building: Connecting industry professionals to foster collaboration and business growth.
Industry Standards and Best Practices: Promoting high standards in building management and operations, including sustainability.

Target Markets

Houston BOMA primarily targets:
Commercial real estate property management companies and their personnel.
Building owners and managers of office, industrial, retail, and mixed-use properties within the Houston metropolitan area.
Industry associates and service providers who support the commercial real estate sector.
Emerging professionals seeking career development in commercial real estate.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

Houston BOMA's financial operations are supported by a diverse set of revenue streams aimed at ensuring stability and funding its various initiatives.
Total Funds Raised to Date: While a specific cumulative figure for "total funds raised to date" is not provided, the organization consistently generates revenue through its annual funding mechanisms.
Detailed breakdown of recent funding rounds:
Membership Dues: The primary source of recurring revenue, with dues structured based on factors such as property management company portfolio size or building square footage.
Annual Partnerships and Event Sponsorships: Exclusive branding opportunities, event sponsorships, and discounts on programs for partners. These provide significant annual contributions.
Advertising Opportunities: Revenue generated through advertisements within BOMA publications and digital platforms.
BOMA Advocacy Committee Political Action Committee (BAC PAC): A dedicated PAC that raises funds to support political candidates aligned with the commercial real estate industry's interests. This funding directly impacts legislative advocacy efforts.
Houston BOMA Foundation: A 501(c)(3) charitable organization that secures funds specifically for career, leadership, and workforce development, industry research, and scholarships. This funding directly fuels educational and talent pipeline initiatives.
Fund Utilization: Funds are utilized to support legislative advocacy, develop and deliver educational programs, organize networking events, run association operations, and provide scholarships for workforce development. These investments directly contribute to the association's growth, influence, and the professional advancement of its members.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

Houston BOMA offers a robust suite of ongoing programs and initiatives as its core services:
Education Programs:
Description: A comprehensive array of learning opportunities designed to enhance professional skills and knowledge.
Development Stage: Fully operational and continuously updated.
Target Market/Condition: Commercial real estate professionals seeking continuing education, career advancement, and industry certifications.
Expected Timeline: Offered year-round with varying schedules for courses and webinars.
Key Features and Benefits: Includes BOMI designation and certificate courses, Property Tax 101 seminars, and webinars on relevant topics like architectural barriers. These programs provide accredited learning and practical skills.
Networking Events:
Description: A series of recurring events designed to connect members, foster relationships, and facilitate business opportunities.
Development Stage: Regularly scheduled and well-established.
Target Market/Condition: All Houston BOMA members and industry associates looking to expand their professional network.
Expected Timeline: Occur throughout the year on a consistent basis.
Key Features and Benefits: Includes Membership Meetings, Business Exchanges, New Member Mixers, and social gatherings such as the BOMA BBQ Cook-Off and Women in BOMA events, providing diverse platforms for interaction.
Advocacy Initiatives:
Description: Active representation of commercial real estate interests in legislative and regulatory discussions at various governmental levels.
Development Stage: Ongoing and responsive to current legislative and regulatory landscapes.
Target Market/Condition: The entire commercial real estate industry in Houston, addressing issues that impact property owners, managers, and tenants.
Expected Timeline: Continuous engagement as policy issues arise and evolve.
Key Features and Benefits: Direct engagement with policymakers on issues like building codes, property tax reform, and energy efficiency. Publishing position statements on streamlined government, practical code development, sustainable environments, and quality of life policies.
Awards and Recognition Programs:
Description: Annual programs celebrating excellence in building management and operations, and recognizing outstanding member contributions.
Development Stage: Annually conducted and highly anticipated.
Target Market/Condition: Buildings managed by Houston BOMA members and individual members demonstrating exceptional service.
Expected Timeline: Culminates with the Annual Awards Extravaganza.
Key Features and Benefits: Includes The Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) awards, a prestigious benchmark for building management, and Member of the Year awards to honor individual achievements.
Workforce Development:
Description: Programs and scholarships designed to cultivate talent and leadership within the commercial real estate industry.
Development Stage: Ongoing initiatives through the Houston BOMA Foundation.
Target Market/Condition: Current and aspiring commercial real estate professionals, particularly those seeking career and leadership advancement.
Expected Timeline: Scholarship applications and leadership programs run on annual cycles.
Key Features and Benefits: Offers scholarships and educational offerings through the Houston BOMA Foundation, alongside leadership development programs like Leadership Lyceum.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

Houston BOMA leverages a combination of off-the-shelf and standard industry technologies to support its operations and member services.
Core Platforms and Technologies:
Novi AMS: An online association management system used for comprehensive membership and account access, event registration, and invoicing. This serves as the central hub for member interactions and administrative functions.
Proprietary Developments: While specific proprietary software details are not provided, the organization's tailored content and internal processes for advocacy and education constitute unique operational frameworks.
Scientific Methodologies: Not directly applicable as an association, but their data collection for market insights, compensation, and operating expenses utilizes research methodologies.
Technical Capabilities:
Online Service Provider Directory: A digital platform connecting members with a curated list of vendors and service providers within the industry.
Online Conferencing and Learning Management Tools: Utilized for delivering webinars and other virtual educational offerings, indicating strong capabilities in remote learning and engagement.
Social Media Management Tools: Employed to maintain an active digital footprint across various social media platforms.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Staff Leadership:
Bradley Elliott, MBA, CAE, IOM: CEO
Professional Background: Holds an MBA, is a Certified Association Executive (CAE), and accredited as an Institute Organizational Management (IOM).
Key Contributions: Responsible for overarching advocacy efforts and strategic direction.
Elisa Barnes, CAE: Vice President of Operations
Professional Background: A Certified Association Executive (CAE).
Key Contributions: Oversees billing, payments, volunteer opportunities, committee management, and the coordination of the TOBY and annual awards program.
Shannon Acosta, CAE: Director of Communications and Marketing
Professional Background: A Certified Association Executive (CAE).
Key Contributions: Manages marketing strategies, advertising initiatives, public relations, industry research, and the career center.
Victoria Ferrell, CMP: Manager of Events and Sponsorships
Professional Background: A Certified Meeting Professional (CMP).
Key Contributions: Focuses on the planning and execution of social events and securing sponsorship opportunities.
Janie Shallow, M. Ed.: Manager of Education and Member Services
Professional Background: Holds a Master of Education (M. Ed.) degree.
Key Contributions: Oversees BOMI designation and education programs, and manages membership applications for specific categories.
Sandee Haines: Foundation and Office Coordinator
Key Contributions: Manages the operations and initiatives of the Houston BOMA Foundation.
Laura M. Diaz: Marketing and Media Coordinator
Key Contributions: Responsible for the website content, social media presence, and event photography.
Haley Siebert: Membership and Events Coordinator
Key Contributions: Manages membership services, event registration, and account access for members.

Board of Directors (2026 Officers and Directors inducted December 2025):
Natali Juarbe, CPM: President
Professional Background: General Manager, Granite Properties. A Certified Property Manager (CPM).
Tiffany McSwain, RPA: Past President
Professional Background: General Manager, 800 Capitol Street. Holds a Real Property Administrator (RPA) designation.
Heather McMillon: Vice President
Professional Background: General Manager, 1200 Smith Street.
Renee Boutelle: Vice President of Finance
Professional Background: Vice President of Real Estate Management, NexCore Properties.
Justin Hippler, SMT, SMA: Engineer Representative
Professional Background: Chief Engineer, 9811 Katy Freeway. Holds Systems Maintenance Technician (SMT) and Systems Maintenance Administrator (SMA) designations.
Derek Montz, CPM, CCIM: Emerging Professional Representative
Professional Background: Vice President, 1000 Main Street. Possesses Certified Property Manager (CPM) and Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designations.
Drew Riley: Allied Representative
Professional Background: President, WINPARK.
Chris Ball: Director
Professional Background: Associate Vice President/Sr. Property Manager, 9950 Woodloch Forest Drive.
Miranda Cartwright: Director
Professional Background: General Manager, 2245 Texas Drive.
Shannon Davenport: Director
Professional Background: Senior Property Manager, 2800 Post Oak Boulevard.
Justin Jones, CPM: Director
Professional Background: Senior Real Estate Manager, 1300 Post Oak Boulevard. A Certified Property Manager (CPM).
Cindy Niles, CPM: Director
Professional Background: Director, 800 Bering Drive. A Certified Property Manager (CPM).
Connie O'Murray, RPA, CSM, LEED AP, BOMA Fellow: National Director, Medical Real Estate, JLL. Director.
Professional Background: Holds Real Property Administrator (RPA), Certified Shopping Center Manager (CSM), and LEED AP designations, and is a BOMA Fellow.
Cliff Parker: Director
Professional Background: Director of Property Management, 808 Travis Street.

Houston BOMA Foundation Board of Trustees (2026 Officers inducted December 2025):
Roger Ritter, RPA: Chair
* Professional Background: Senior Property Manager, M-M Properties. Holds a Real Property Administrator (RPA) designation.