Draper and Kramer's Kelli Stuart Receives IREM Chicago CPM Excellence Award

CHICAGO — Draper and Kramer, a national full-service real estate firm, announced May 26 that Kelli Stuart, CPM, ARM, general manager and assistant vice president, received the 2026 Certified Property Manager (CPM) Excellence Award from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) Chicago chapter. The award was presented at IREM Chicago's annual Premier Awards on May 8 at Chicago's Drake Hotel.

About the CPM Excellence Award

The CPM Excellence Award recognizes a local professional holding IREM's CPM certification who has demonstrated excellence in their role. Award criteria include advancing the real estate management profession, providing a high level of service, demonstrating leadership and a commitment to community service, and engaging with IREM.

The CPM designation is described by IREM as an elite, globally recognized professional certification that identifies senior-level managers trained to oversee any asset class — including commercial, residential, and mixed-use portfolios — with a focus on maximizing property value and financial return.

Stuart's Role and Portfolio at Draper and Kramer

Stuart has been with Draper and Kramer for 14 years and brings more than 17 years of experience in the real estate industry. During her tenure, she has served in several roles, including property manager and leasing director. She currently oversees three properties in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood: 1350–1360 Lake Shore Drive, 61 Banks Street, and 1420 Lake Shore Drive. She is also an Illinois Licensed Real Estate Broker.

Julie Stevlingson, senior vice president and director of management services at Draper and Kramer, highlighted the breadth of Stuart's current assignments in a statement accompanying the announcement.

"In her time with Draper and Kramer, Kelli has shown time and again her skill at consistently delivering an exceptional residential experience and top asset performance regardless of the size or location of the property — a level of versatility that is a hallmark of those holding the CPM designation," Stevlingson said. "In fact, the three properties she currently manages happen to include one of the largest and two of the highest-end boutique properties in Draper and Kramer's Chicago portfolio, and she seamlessly tailors her approach to each to ensure success in terms of resident satisfaction as well as bottom line. This recognition from IREM only confirms what Kelli's residents and colleagues already know about her skill, dedication and excellence as a management professional."

Stuart is also an active member of IREM, where her involvement includes overseeing the Industry Partners committee.

About Draper and Kramer, Incorporated

Founded in 1893, Draper and Kramer, Incorporated is a family-owned, privately held real estate services firm headquartered in Chicago with a national reach. The company describes itself as a trusted financial and property services provider with a deep commitment to people, excellence, service, and integrity spanning more than 125 years. Its decades-long heritage has evolved to encompass expertise in residential and commercial development, acquisition, property management and leasing, and debt and equity financing for commercial properties. The firm serves a diverse group of real estate investors across the U.S., including corporations, private and institutional owners and users of real estate, government agencies, and foundations.

For more information, visit www.draperandkramer.com.

Sources: Draper and Kramer, Incorporated — May 26, 2026