FWAA History

During the past 50-plus years, FWAA has grown to include over 1,800 members supporting residents living in nearly 250,000 apartment homes spread throughout our 9-county region.

The Apartment Association was born in August 1967 out of the collective interests of a small but visionary group of multi-housing owners and managers. During the past 50-plus years, AATC/FWAA has grown to include over 1,800 members providing management and related services supporting residents living in nearly 250,000 apartment homes spread throughout our 9-county region in north-central Texas. We have become known throughout the state and across the nation as an industry leader providing exceptional professional education curricula, effective advocacy initiatives, concise communications mediums, and unique business networking opportunities designed to support and encourage our members.

In August 1967, the association recorded its first collaboration with official minutes noting the charter members in attendance: Del Barron, Bob Woody, Buster Kirkpatrick, Wes Alston, Bub Fleet, Gene Mitchell, Opal Perry, and Warren McKeever. The first official business meeting was held at the Green Oaks Inn in January 1968, where Bub Fleet was elected as AATC’s first President. Also elected were John Maddux as Vice President, Buster Kirkpatrick as Second Vice President, and Bob Woody as Treasurer, with Mrs. Steve Hankins appointed as the association’s first Secretary.

FWAA’s office has been located in five different locations over the years, with our current home established in Hurst in 2022. The association’s first membership newsletter, Apartment Highlights and Sidelight, was a one-page commentary first published in March 1968. In August 1978, Apartment Management Newline became the primary communication tool, later renamed Dimensions Magazine in July 1995. In 2018, FWAA transitioned to a fully digital format with Dimensions Online, continuing our commitment to evolving with the times.

Over the years, a distinguished group of DFW multi-housing leaders has served as the association’s chief elected officers—several of whom have gone on to leadership roles at the state and national levels. Alongside these property owner and management leaders, our supplier partners have been essential to the association’s success, contributing through the Product and Services Council (PSC), which represents the interests of nearly 400 supplier partners.

Finally, our dedicated CEO and professional staff complete FWAA’s exceptional leadership team—providing the daily guidance, stability, and inspiration that help our members and the association continue to thrive.

Chief Elected Officers – FWAA Presidents

Product and Service Council – Advisory Board Chairs

FWAA’s Texas Apartment Association Presidents

FWAA’s National Apartment Association Chairmen of the Board

FWAA’s Chief Executive Officers

Perry Pillow, 2025 – 
Kevin Pellegrino, 2022 – 2025
John Mitchell, 1992 – 2021
June Bass, 1979 – 1991
Linda Pellett, 1979
Leslie Bears, 1978 – 1979
Mrs. Steve Hankins, 1967 – 1977