In 2015 SCA (NSW) added to the wealth of talent on its Board with the appointment of Reena Van Aalst as Vice-President of the Strata Manager (Licensed) Chapter. With 26 years of management experience, 15 of that in strata, it’s not difficult to see why joining the Board was a natural progression for her.
In her day-to-day life till recently, Reena was the General Manager of Portfolio Management and Licensee-in-Charge of Dynamic Property Services. That changed with her appointment as Associate Director of PICA, a role she will fulfil concurrently with her own strata management consultancy. Not to put a good woman down whilst juggling these balls in the air, she has also been appointed as chairperson and non-executive director of a pharmacy franchise company. She is also on the steering committee of Women in Strata. But that’s not where her story started. Reena holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Sydney University) and recently graduated with a Masters in Professional Accounting (UTS). She also holds a Diploma in Business Management (Real Estate Management).
Reena is not really new to the Board, from 2004 to 2006 she was Senior Vice President of the then Institute of Strata Title Management. She decided to run again last year to apply her skills, experience and academic achievements for the benefit of SCA (NSW) and its members, to assist its development and ensure its continued relevance.
When asked what her biggest achievement in strata was, Reena quickly and proudly said it was being named SCA (NSW) Strata Manager of the Year in 2011 and 2012. And it’s no wonder that she won when her career passion is twofold – the advocacy of strata management being recognised as a profession and encouraging women to gain positions of influence in the strata sector.
For those wanting a career in strata Reena’s advice is that strata management is a great career for anyone who enjoys the challenges of learning, dealing with people and problems as well as being able to adapt to varying situations and demands without notice.
As for the new legislation, Reena’s view is it is the beginning, not the end, of an important journey. It is vital to continue interaction with government and stakeholders to maximise and build on our achievements so far.