Mar 5, 2026

Continental Reflects on a Successful 2026 Leadership Conference Focused on Ownership, Impact, and Connection

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Last week, Continental held its annual Leadership Conference, a three-day event designed to equip community leaders with the tools, insights, and strategies to drive excellence across the organization. Hosted at the Aloft Chicago O’Hare in Rosemont, IL, the conference brought together Community Managers, Operations leaders, and strategic partners to collaborate, share best practices, and align on key priorities for the year ahead.

This year’s theme, Own the Impact, reinforced the responsibility every leader has to take ownership of decisions, behaviors, and results, as well as the ripple effect leadership creates across teams, communities, and the customer experience. The week focused on strengthening leadership fundamentals, deepening cross-functional partnerships, and delivering practical takeaways leaders can bring back to their teams.

The conference opened with remarks from Continental’s Executive Vice President of Operations & Chief Legal Officer, Paul Seifert, and Vice President of Revenue Management, Marcie Bissell. Throughout the week, sessions reinforced what it means to lead with intention. Leaders participated in hands-on workshops designed to build confidence in financial ownership, strengthen team development, and revisit core leadership practices that drive results. From interactive simulations to peer discussion, each session emphasized actionable tools and next steps.

Connection and celebration were also central to the experience. The conference included a networking session that strengthened relationships across the portfolio. Later, attendees gathered for dinner, karaoke, and the annual awards celebration, which recognized outstanding performance and commitment throughout 2025. Meet our award winners below!

Community Manager of the Year

Devin O'Barr, Springs at St. Charles

The Community Manager role is one of the most critical positions within our organization. Community Managers lead teams, shape the customer experience, and ensure communities remain well-maintained and financially strong. Devin O’Barr exemplifies what it means to be “Better Than Ever Before.” Throughout 2025, Devin leaned into new opportunities, actively sought feedback, and embraced challenges with curiosity and resilience. His steady leadership and commitment to continuous improvement helped drive strong operational performance and a consistent resident experience, even during periods of change.

"What a privilege it was to represent my team and share the stage with these impactful leaders and many others at this week's Leadership Conference.

We as leaders are in this position for a reason. Our goal is to use our position to advance our team members and bring them to new heights, taking them to places that they didn't know they could go.

The strategic slogan for 2026 is 'Own the Impact,' a phrase that serves as a rally cry in our journey to lead curiously, decide confidently and above all empower those around us."

Congratulations, Devin!

Community of the Year

Springs at Laurens Road

Springs at Laurens Road demonstrated excellence across the full operational picture, delivering high customer satisfaction, strong financial performance, and key operational results. The team’s ownership mindset, adaptability, and willingness to support others across the portfolio reflect Continental’s values in action. They consistently drove outcomes while leading with the behaviors that define what great looks like at Continental. Our residents say it best, with one sharing:

“I recently moved in as an older person who hasn't lived in an apartment since her 20s. Thankfully all the staff have gone beyond the call of duty to make my living circumstances as effortless as possible.”

Congratulations to the Springs at Laurens Road team: Dannielle Kratzer, Katie Edwards, Shawn Knapp, Joseph Mancuso, and Patrick Proulx.

Springs at Hibiscus Crossing

Springs at Hibiscus Crossing exemplified a true One Team mentality by combining strong collaboration with exceptional performance. Throughout 2025, the team consistently elevated results while investing in people, creating an environment where team members could grow, stretch, and step into new opportunities. Their ability to raise the bar, even in a challenging market, highlights what is possible when teamwork and accountability come together.

Congratulations to the Springs at Hibiscus Crossing team: Kelsey Ricard, Josh Dalton, Zoe Greer, Ricardo Lanza, Maximo Martinez, and Taylor Texidor.

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award recognizes individuals who consistently exceed expectations while demonstrating strong growth, initiative, and leadership potential. Rising Stars deliver superior service, maintain high standards, step up to support others, and embody a true One Team mindset.

Sergio Ruiz, Springs at Westgate

Sergio has made an impact through ownership, energy, and a genuine commitment to service. From supporting sister communities to maintaining exceptional resident satisfaction, Sergio consistently steps up wherever help is needed. 2025 proved to be a year of growth and success with a well-earned promotion to Service Supervisor. Sergio's development, initiative, and team-first mindset signal a bright leadership future ahead. Congratulations, Sergio!

Lyndie Crimmins, Springs at Bettendorf & Authentix Bettendorf

Lyndie’s influence is felt through both results and relationships. Known for her dependability and flexibility in a fast-moving environment, she approaches every challenge with positivity, professionalism, and care. Lyndie is also a natural mentor who invests in others, shares knowledge, and helps teammates grow into their own success. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to growth built over more than a decade of learning, perseverance, and dedication.

"I am truly honored to receive the Rising Star Award and grateful for the recognition. I’m proud to work for a company that has helped me grow both professionally and personally, and I look forward to continuing this journey with such an inspiring team."

Congratulations, Lyndie!

Steve Heldenbrand Award

The Steve Heldenbrand Award honors the legacy of Steve Heldenbrand, whose impact was defined not just by results, but by how he showed up for people every day. Known for his kindness, empathy, and commitment to residents and teammates, Steve set a standard this award is meant to carry forward. It recognizes those who lead with heart, put others first, and leave a lasting impression.

Joe Faber, Springs at Willowbrooke & Springs at Lake Elmo

Joe exemplifies Steve's legacy through his balance of empathy and operational excellence. His willingness to support teams across multiple communities, mentor others, and lead with integrity has made a meaningful difference well beyond his day-to-day responsibilities. Joe’s influence extends beyond Continental. He actively partners with the local Housing Association, participates in trainings and conferences, maintains CRMT credentials, and contributes thought leadership at the state level. His advocacy has been recognized through multiple industry features, including authorship of Maintenance with Dignity. Most recently, Joe was honored with the 2025 Multisite Supervisor of the Year award, a testament to the respect he has earned across the industry.

"I am honored to win the Steve Heldenbrand award. Steve represents the impact we can make on site, so I see this as a reflection of the dedication our team has for our residents, and for Continental."

Congratulations, Joe!

The conference concluded with an energizing keynote from Sam Glenn, who challenged leaders to reflect on the impact they have on their teams, their communities, and one another. His closing message reinforced the importance of leading with intention, optimism, and personal accountability, sending leaders home motivated to put the week’s insights into action.

The 2026 Leadership Conference reaffirmed Continental’s commitment to developing leaders, strengthening collaboration, and building consistent, growth-focused experiences across the portfolio. With renewed energy and a shared sense of ownership, leaders left ready to make an impact in the year ahead.