Misty’s career trajectory is a testament to the unexpected turns life can take, leading us to our true calling. After a decade in retail leadership, a chance encounter with a fellow motorcycle enthusiast led her to an opportunity in the multi-family sector. This transition marked the beginning of an enriching journey in real estate, where she leveraged her experiences and skills across various roles, culminating in her current position at Vesta. Her story highlights the importance of remaining open to new opportunities and the value of friendships and networks in professional growth. Misty approaches leadership with a commitment to inclusivity, empathy, and authenticity. She believes in understanding and valuing each team member’s unique journey, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. By sharing her own experiences, including the challenges and mistakes along the way, Misty encourages a transparent environment where learning from failures is not just accepted but celebrated. Her leadership philosophy underscores the significance of authenticity in building strong, cohesive teams. For young women aiming for leadership roles, Misty emphasizes the importance of self-confidence, assertiveness, and the cultivation of supportive networks. She advocates for speaking up, contributing actively, and utilizing assertive communication to ensure one’s ideas are heard and respected. Misty’s advice reflects her belief in the power of self-belief and the critical role of mentorship and peer support in overcoming challenges.
Misty is dedicated to empowering women in real estate, actively celebrating their achievements and fostering a network of support. She recognizes the impact of acknowledgment and encouragement in driving progress and building confidence among women in the industry. Through her actions, Misty exemplifies the importance of solidarity and mutual support in creating a more inclusive and equitable professional environment. Misty credits much of her leadership inspiration to the works of Brené Brown. She has a profound admiration for Brown’s exploration of courage, and leadership. Misty shares, “Anything by Brené Brown truly resonates with me. I love listening to her insights, diving into her books, and I’ve had the privilege of seeing her speak at a couple of conferences.”
Courtney Merritt’s career at Vesta is a true example of dedication, continuous growth, and leading by example. She joined the company as a Staff Accountant and, through hard work, determination, and a commitment to excellence, steadily advanced through the accounting department. Her journey from Staff Accountant to Executive Vice President of Accounting reflects both her expertise and her unwavering dedication to Vesta’s people, operations, and long-term success.
Throughout her career, Courtney has built a reputation for combining strategic financial leadership with a collaborative approach. She believes that strong accounting teams are built on trust, accountability, and open communication. By fostering an environment where team members feel supported and empowered to grow, she encourages continuous learning and professional development while maintaining the high standards that drive organizational success.
As Executive Vice President of Accounting, Courtney oversees the company’s financial operations with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and long-term stability. She works closely with leadership across the organization to ensure sound financial practices that support Vesta’s continued growth while developing processes that position the company for future success.
Courtney is passionate about mentoring the next generation of accounting professionals and believes that career growth comes from embracing new challenges, remaining adaptable, and never losing sight of the importance of integrity. Having advanced through nearly every level of the department herself, she understands the value of investing in people and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
Her leadership reflects Vesta’s commitment to excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement, making her an integral part of the company’s vision for the future.
Camille was drawn to real estate and specifically to human resources by a compelling desire to understand and nurture the human aspect within the workplace. Recognizing the profound impact that effective HR practices can have on employees and the success of the company, she embarked on the challenge of establishing Vesta’s first Human Resources department. Her mission was clear: to address workplace challenges, contribute strategically to the organization, and cultivate a positive culture that recognizes the unique needs of every individual.
At the heart of Camille’s leadership style is a deep-seated empathy and an unwavering commitment to understanding the perspectives of her team members. She fosters an environment where collaboration is not just encouraged but is a standard practice. With an open-door policy and a flexible mindset, Camille views challenges as opportunities for growth and insists on integrity and ethics in every decision made. Celebrating achievements, big or small, is crucial for her to maintain a motivated and positive workplace.
Camille’s advice to young women eyeing leadership roles is profound yet practical: cultivate confidence, be proactive in learning and networking, and never underestimate the power of mentorship and professional development. She stresses the importance of embracing challenges, advocating for oneself, and maintaining resilience. Communication and assertiveness, coupled with empathy, are key skills she believes every aspiring leader should develop.
Dedicated to empowering women, Camille has implemented several initiatives at Vesta to ensure a supportive and equitable environment. From professional development programs and paid maternity leave to training aimed at eliminating unconscious bias and discrimination, her efforts are designed to provide equal opportunities for all employees. By promoting gender diversity actively, Camille is not just talking the talk but walking the walk.
Camille credits her leadership approach to a mix of resources and experiences, including online courses, research articles from SHRM, networking opportunities, and insights from mentors. She highlights the value of continuous learning and the influence of diverse perspectives gained through professional development conferences and collaborations.
As we spotlight Camille’s achievements and contributions to Vesta Realty and beyond, her story stands as a beacon of inspiration for not only women in HR but for all professionals striving to make a meaningful impact in their industries. Her journey beautifully illustrates how leadership, when anchored in empathy, learning, and empowerment, can transform organizations and pave the way for future generations of women leaders.
Sarah’s career is built on the belief that the best marketing begins with understanding people. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Management, she entered the multifamily industry as a Leasing Professional in 2022, where she gained firsthand experience connecting with residents, understanding community operations, and learning what truly drives leasing success. That onsite experience became the foundation for her marketing career.
In 2024, Sarah joined Vesta as a Marketing Coordinator, combining her educational background with her industry knowledge to strengthen the company’s marketing initiatives. Her strategic mindset, creativity, and commitment to delivering meaningful results quickly made her an invaluable member of the team. In 2026, she was promoted to Director of Marketing, where she now leads the company’s marketing strategy, branding, digital presence, and communications across Vesta’s growing portfolio.
Sarah believes that successful leadership starts with open communication, self-confidence, and creating a sense of community wherever you are. She encourages collaboration, values every perspective, and strives to build an environment where team members feel empowered to share ideas, take initiative, and continue growing professionally. Her leadership style centers on transparency, accountability, and supporting others in reaching their full potential.
With a passion for both creativity and strategy, Sarah enjoys finding innovative ways to tell each community’s unique story while leveraging data and market insights to drive informed decisions. She believes that great marketing is about more than attracting residents—it’s about building lasting connections, strengthening communities, and supporting the success of onsite teams.
Sarah encourages aspiring leaders to trust their abilities, embrace opportunities outside their comfort zone, and never stop learning. She believes confidence is built through experience, resilience comes from overcoming challenges, and meaningful leadership is measured by the positive impact you have on the people around you. By fostering collaboration and cultivating strong relationships, Sarah continues to help shape a marketing team focused on innovation, growth, and excellence.
Wendi’s passion for property management has been the driving force behind a career defined by continuous learning, adaptability, and operational excellence. Throughout her career, she has gained experience across every facet of leasing operations, working with a wide variety of property management software systems while developing a deep understanding of what it takes to support successful communities. Her ability to embrace change, solve complex challenges, and lead with confidence has earned her a reputation as a trusted resource and respected leader.
When Wendi joined Vesta Realty in the summer of 2019, she brought with her an impressive foundation of industry expertise. Since then, she has continued to expand her knowledge, embrace new challenges, and strengthen her leadership skills. Her commitment to continuous growth and operational excellence earned her the opportunity to advance through the organization, ultimately being promoted to Director of Operations.
Wendi’s passion for property management has been the driving force behind a career defined by continuous learning, adaptability, and operational excellence. Throughout her career, she has gained experience across every facet of leasing operations, working with a wide variety of property management software systems while developing a deep understanding of what it takes to support successful communities. Known for her strong work ethic and hands-on approach, Wendi isn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves and tackle any challenge head-on. She believes success is earned through hard work, consistency, and a willingness to outwork the obstacles in front of you. Combined with her ability to embrace change, solve complex challenges, and lead with confidence, these qualities have earned her a reputation as a trusted resource and respected leader.
As Director of Operations, Wendi continues to play an instrumental role in shaping Vesta Realty’s operational excellence. Her decades of experience, dedication to continuous improvement, and commitment to supporting others serve as an inspiration to both current and future leaders. Her story demonstrates that lasting success is built through hard work, adaptability, and a genuine investment in the people and communities you serve.
