Her Story
About Anita
Anita Pearson has built a successful career in property management through determination, adaptability, and a genuine passion for helping people. Although she originally pursued healthcare, earning an Associate of Science in Medical Assisting from Liberty University in 2019 with plans to become a nurse, an unexpected opportunity changed her professional direction. With no prior experience in property management, she was given a chance by a broker who recognized her potential and encouraged her to take on increasing responsibility. What began as a role managing privatized housing quickly evolved into a rewarding career that she found both challenging and fulfilling. After entering the industry, Anita gained experience in income-based housing before transitioning to conventional multifamily communities in 2021. Along the way, she developed expertise in budget management, property operations, resident relations, and team leadership. Her career progression includes leadership positions with Hillpointe, First Communities, Asset Living, and most recently Cushman & Wakefield, where she currently serves as a Property Manager. She has complemented her hands-on experience with industry-specific certifications and professional development opportunities, including first-responder and trainer certifications, while remaining active as a member of the Coastal Georgia Apartment Association. At the heart of Anita’s professional philosophy is a commitment to honesty, loyalty, and transparency. She credits much of her growth to mentors who believed in her potential and to her willingness to accept constructive criticism and continuously learn. Passionate about working with people, she finds great satisfaction in helping individuals and families find a place to call home. Whether managing budgets, leading teams, or building relationships with residents, Anita approaches her work with a people-first mindset and a dedication to creating positive living experiences within the communities she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Anita
01What do you attribute your success to?
Honestly, I would have to attribute it to the people that gave me a chance, you know? I didn't have any experience in this industry, and I had a broker say, I want you to be my maintenance supervisor, and I was like, I don't know what I'm doing, what are you talking about? And within a month, she was like, nope, I want you to be my assistant manager, and I said, okay, well let's do this, you know? And it's a daily thing. I think if people could learn to accept constructive criticism, we can really get somewhere in this world.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
When I was getting ready to be a property manager, I had a property manager that said, always keep in mind in management that there's no real style to it, right? We are all different, so every single employee, every single team member is going to be different. So, you can't have a specific management style. You have to evaluate the people around you and understand that that's going to have to change on a daily basis, and that really has helped me in the different properties I've worked at, just to look at each individual and realize, like, you know, I can't treat my 52-year-old maintenance supervisor the same as I'm going to treat the 19-year-old groundsperson. Yeah, just definitely having an open mind.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be ready for the unexpected. Every day is different. Just to remember we're all different. We all have something we're going through on a daily basis, so I think compassion and empathy go a long way in any career field.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think in our field, the biggest challenge is the economy pricing. You know, you fear outpricing yourself and not getting those numbers where they're supposed to be. You know, you want to stay at your budgeted occupancy, and make sure that when those people come in the door, you're not just selling a product, you're selling yourself. And so it's important that, you know, no matter what is going on personally, that professionally, you're still projecting confidence and happiness, and all of these things. And it's kind of the same personally, really. You walk out into a world where everyone is struggling right now, and you just have to still try and be that faith that people rely on.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
honesty, loyalty, and transparency.
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