​MetroPlains Management proudly took center stage last night, December 11, 2024, at the Greater Red River Apartment Association (GRRAA) awards banquet held at Golf Addictions in Fargo, ND. The event brought together approximately 128 attendees to celebrate excellence in the multifamily housing industry, and we’re thrilled to share our big wins with you!
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MetroPlains Management Named "General Member of the Year"
In recognition of our unwavering commitment to the multifamily housing community, MetroPlains Management was honored with the prestigious "General Member of the Year" award. This accolade reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team in providing exceptional service and fostering meaningful relationships with residents and partners alike.

Bobby Kiefert Wins "Marketing & Innovation of the Year"
Our very own Bobby Kiefert was celebrated for his outstanding contributions, earning the "Marketing & Innovation of the Year" award. Bobby’s creativity and forward-thinking strategies have consistently propelled MetroPlains Management’s marketing efforts to new heights. His work exemplifies the innovation and passion we value so deeply.

Honoring Our Nominees
We’d also like to recognize two incredible team members, Sarah Bennett (Human Resources & Payroll Manager) and Karla Heinrich (Executive Administrative Assistant), who were among the nominees representing MetroPlains Management at the banquet. While they didn’t take home awards this time, their contributions and dedication make them champions in our hearts every single day.

A Night to Celebrate
Tammy Burtness, our President/CEO, shared her thoughts on the evening: "This recognition reflects the dedication and excellence of our entire team. I couldn’t be prouder of the hard work and innovative spirit that drives MetroPlains Management forward every day."

The GRRAA awards banquet was an unforgettable evening filled with camaraderie, inspiration, and recognition of the incredible work being done in the industry. We are immensely proud of our team and grateful for the acknowledgment of our efforts.
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Congratulations to all the nominees and winners who make the multifamily housing industry thrive. Here’s to continuing to set new benchmarks and achieving even greater success in the coming year!

MetroPlains Management is pleased to announce the promotion of Kari Holmstrom to Vice President of Operations. Kari joined the company three years ago and has since been known as the “fixer” from remote training with staff during the height of COVID, to assisting with problematic properties, to overcoming challenges in difficult lease-ups. Kari has frequently been recognized for pulling together teams to solve an issue and helping individuals succeed. She has a passion for mentoring site staff to develop into leadership roles, taking daily opportunities to coach her teams. Kari is certified by the National Affordable Housing Board as a Housing Credit Certified Professional, HCCP, as well as a Certified Section 8 Specialist.
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Kari has over 18 years of affordable property management experience in positions such as Director of Compliance to Executive Director. Her knowledge and experience is extensive, spanning from operations, maintenance, staff training and development, compliance, policy development and implementation. Kari believes in strategic goal setting and uses financial analysis to reach the goals of our owners as well as support those populations we serve.

MetroPlains Management is pleased to announce the promotion of Jim Rokusek to Vice President. Jim joined the company two years ago and has implemented maintenance protocols which have improved property operations and customer service. Jim’s background in maintenance, technology and leadership gives him an overall understanding of how to maximize profit and return on investment over the longer term of the physical asset. Jim has over 30 years in the maintenance field, both in the military and private sector. Tammy Burtness, President of MetroPlains Management, said “Jim’s leadership skills are exceptional, and with his extensive knowledge of maintenance operations, I’m confident MetroPlains Management is well-positioned to continue our outstanding growth and development.”

James Rokusek oversees both the maintenance and capital improvements operations of approximately 5,500 apartment homes and 550,000 Sq Feet of commercial space located in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, and Oklahoma.  Mr. Rokusek also assists the company in many different technical aspects of insurance related claims throughout the company.  Jim has over 30 years of maintenance experience with 15 of those years’ experience in the apartment housing industry.  Jim also has an active role in the company’s safety council.

Jim is a Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) as designated by the National Apartment Association and holds certifications from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for CFC/HCFC Refrigerant Handlers and Lead Based Paint Renovator.  Mr. Rokusek possess a Class 2C Minnesota State Boiler Engineer License.  Jim also has an Associates of Applied Science degree in Electrical and Mechanical Applications.

MetroPlains Management, a property management company in its 35th year, currently manages 5,500 units throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Kansas and Oklahoma.

FARGO, ND - Tammy Burtness of MetroPlains Management has been elected president of the executive committee for the Council for Affordable and Rural Housing (CARH), the nation’s premier association for affordable rental housing professions.
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CARH members regularly represent the needs of the rural housing industry to Congressional Offices, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Treasury.

“I look forward to assisting CARH in the continued education of the need for affordable rental housing in rural America, and to inform the federal government on the challenges of both affordable rural housing renters and property owners,” said Burtness

Burtness has over 25 years of experience in the affordable housing industry. She is currently the president of MetroPlains Management, overseeing both the financial and physical operations of the organization. Burtness has been an active member of CARH for several years, advocating affordable housing issues with the organization.  

Burtness has also held positions as president of the Lake Region Apartment Association, and North Dakota Apartment Association and Rocky Affordable Housing Management Association board members.  

MetroPlains Management specializes in multi-family property management, development, asset management, and property rehabilitation. Through its property management division, the company oversees 5,800 housing units in five states - North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Kansas, and Oklahoma.