HOALiving Celebrates Sixth Consecutive Best of State Award
Utah’s Premier Community Association Management Firm Honored with Best of State Award for Excellence, Innovation, and Community Impact
HOALiving has once again earned Utah’s prestigious Best of State award. This marks the company’s sixth consecutive year of awards in the event. The recognition—awarded in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026—underscores HOALiving’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the field.
The company celebrated at the Best of State Awards Gala held June 2nd, at the Salt Palace Convention Center Grand Ballroom in Salt Lake City. Eight HOALiving representatives attended the formal black-tie event, including Chief People & Culture Officer Jessika Reed and Chief Operating Officer Lara Valenzuela. The award was accepted on behalf of CEO Michael Johnson by his granddaughter, Sydnee, accompanied by her mother, Tori Payne. Tori is a Community Specialist with eight years of tenure at HOALiving.
Best of State Award: Recognition of Excellence
The Best of State Awards program evaluates nominees through a rigorous judging system. The criteria focuses on overall excellence and quality of services, creativity and differentiation from competitors, and contributions to improving quality of life in Utah communities. A volunteer panel of judges—selected from across the state and recommended by Utah Chambers of Commerce, industry associations, and mayors’ offices—reviewed and scored all applications.
“Being named Best of State for the sixth consecutive year is an incredible honor,” said Jessika Reed, Chief People & Culture Officer. “This recognition reflects the passion, commitment, and hard work our team brings every day. While we’re not perfect, we strive to build better communities through care, integrity, and purpose. Having our efforts recognized by an independent panel is both humbling and rewarding. It makes me incredibly proud to see HOALiving recognized alongside other inspiring leaders and impactful organizations in the community.”
Lara Valenzuela, Chief Operating Officer with 20 years of experience at HOALiving, emphasized the deeper meaning behind the award: “Winning the Best of State award for Community Association Management is both an honor and a reflection of the incredible people who have helped build our company over the past 27 years. This recognition belongs not only to our dedicated team members, whose professionalism, expertise, and commitment drive our success every day, but also to our clients, whose trust and partnership have made that success possible.”
“While it is exciting to attend the Best of State gala, celebrate together, and enjoy the recognition, what this award truly represents is something much more meaningful,” Valenzuela continued. “It is a reminder that we are making a positive difference for our clients, the communities we serve, and the people who trust us every day. The award is gratifying. However, the real reward is knowing that our work creates value and strengthens the communities we manage.”
A Celebration of Team Dedication
The evening proved memorable not only for the award but for the opportunity to celebrate as a team. Rachel Iverson, Director of Training and Development, reflected on the significance of the recognition. “The Best of State Gala is a shimmery, black-tie validation of what HOALiving employees already know. We provide the best, most comprehensive, highest quality community association management in the State of Utah. I appreciate the opportunity to represent the extraordinary efforts of my coworkers.”
Tori Payne, who attended the gala with her four-year-old daughter, Sydnee, highlighted the emotional resonance of the evening. “It is a joy to work for a company that succeeds in so many aspects. Best of State was a perfect way to celebrate our HOALiving community. Seeing Sydnee’s joy in accepting the medal for her Papa was my favorite part of the evening.”
The award and the gala experience impressed Cassidee Bohnet, a Community Manager who joined HOALiving in 2025. “I’m grateful to be part of a company that is always striving to lead and excel in our industry. One of the things I value most is the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop alongside talented people who are committed to being the best at what they do,” Bohnet said. “Receiving a Best of State award is a reflection of that dedication. It was an honor to represent the company at the gala and celebrate alongside other HOALiving employees.”
Heydi Jones, a Community Specialist in her first year with HOALiving, captured the inspiring atmosphere of the event. “Attending the Best of State event was truly an honor. It is inspiring being surrounded by so many talented individuals and organizations being recognized for their achievements. She said, “Seeing HOALiving receive recognition for the service we provide to our communities was especially meaningful. It was a wonderful evening celebrating excellence, success, and the positive impact these organizations have throughout our beautiful state.”
Looking Forward
With six consecutive Best of State awards, HOALiving continues to set the standard for community association management. The company’s sustained recognition demonstrates an organization-wide dedication to operational excellence and to fostering thriving communities where residents can flourish.
The Best of State Awards Gala recognized the state’s finest organizations across ten divisions. HOALiving’s medal joins an elite collection of awards earned through years of consistent achievement and innovation in community development.
