Where is she now? How Brianna Drisdale turned opportunity into impact
By
When IREM® first spoke with Brianna Drisdale in 2022, she was just beginning her journey in property management. Today, she manages a portfolio of retail properties, leads major redevelopment initiatives, and is helping prepare the next generation of industry professionals.
Over the past four years she’s pursued every opportunity to learn, lead, and grow, building a career that has advanced quickly while also creating opportunities for others along the way. IREM has played a pivotal role in helping her build the skills, confidence, and professional network she needs to succeed.
That commitment to professional development has translated into significant career growth. Brianna moved from managing an enclosed shopping mall to overseeing open-air retail centers for NewQuest Properties, earned her ACoM® certification in 2023, and became deeply involved in the IREM Houston Chapter's Future Leader Program. After participating in the program herself, she returned to serve as co-chair in 2024 and chair in 2025, helping drive record sponsorship support and expand opportunities for emerging professionals.
Her accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. Brianna has been nominated for both Property Manager of the Year and Emerging Leader honors from REDnews, a leading commercial real estate trade publication in Texas, and she continues to contribute to her community through volunteer efforts in Houston's Third Ward. Yet, when asked what she is most proud of, she points to something simpler: her enthusiasm for the profession.
"I genuinely love what I do," Brianna said. "I'm excited to get up and do it every day." That passion has helped her earn the trust of colleagues and leadership at NewQuest, where she’s been given increasing responsibility and autonomy early in her career.
Brianna credits much of her professional foundation to IREM. Throughout her career she’s been able to draw upon the education, networking, and professional development opportunities she found through the organization. She describes IREM as a key reason she was able to establish credibility so quickly in the industry.
"Being able to draw back to the education that I've received through IREM and the networking opportunities, I definitely think they can tell I'm competent," she said. "I give all of that to IREM and all the foundation that it established for me."
As her career has progressed, Brianna has become equally passionate about helping others find their footing in property management. She believes mentorship is more important than ever as companies increasingly recruit talented professionals from outside traditional property management backgrounds. While technical skills can be taught, she says professional growth depends just as much on developing communication and relationship-building skills, and by building confidence in your capabilities.
That perspective was reinforced through her work with the Future Leader Program. Brianna saw firsthand how mentoring, guidance, and structured development can help young professionals thrive. She believes creating a supportive environment where emerging leaders can ask questions, make mistakes, and learn is essential to personal career growth, and to sustaining the industry's future.
Today, Brianna manages approximately 11 shopping centers while working on several ambitious projects across the Houston area. Among them are a retail destination that hosts community-focused night markets, a revitalization effort aimed at reimagining an aging commercial district, and a new 65-acre development where she’s working to create a space that reflects the character of the community and encourages people to gather, connect, and make memories. What excites her most is the opportunity to create spaces that bring people together and leave lasting impressions.
Looking back, Brianna's rise has been remarkable. In just a few years, she’s gone from a young professional finding her place in the business to a respected property manager helping shape the future of her company, her community, and the profession itself. Her journey also reflects the impact that education, mentorship, and professional support network like IREM can have on a career.
For aspiring property managers, her advice is straightforward: invest in your education, get involved, build relationships, and make the most of every opportunity IREM provides. It's a formula that worked for her, and one that continues to open doors as she builds the next chapter of an already impressive career.
