(Washington, D.C.) — The Real Estate Technology & Transformation Center (RETTC) today announced the OPTECH 2026 co-chairs: Jason Gherardini, Senior Vice President of Technology at Sares-Regis Group; Janine Jovanovic, Chief Executive Officer of LeaseLock (also sitting RETTC Tech Vice Chair); and Whitney Kidd, Senior Vice President of Innovation and Technology at Preiss.
Together, these leaders bring a powerful combination of expertise across operations, technology, business strategy, and innovation. As conference co-chairs, they will help shape a bold, forward-looking OPTECH 2026, driving the conversations, ideas, and solutions redefining performance across real estate.
“OPTECH has always been where leaders come to explore what’s next,” said Jovanovic. “I’m honored to serve as co-chair and help create an experience that sparks new thinking, accelerates innovation, optimizes our businesses, and brings multifamily leaders together to move the sector forward.”
“Technology is transforming every aspect of how we operate and serve residents,” said Gherardini. “OPTECH 2026 is an opportunity to elevate the strategies and solutions delivering real impact and to connect the leaders making it happen across multifamily.”
“OPTECH continues to be a catalyst for progress across real estate technology,” added Kidd. “I look forward to shaping a program that highlights emerging solutions, shares practical insights, and equips leaders to navigate change with confidence.”
“Jason, Janine, and Whitney bring exceptional leadership and a clear vision for where real estate tech and modern operations are headed,” said RETTC Executive Director Kevin Donnelly. “Their combined expertise will help deliver an OPTECH experience that reflects the pace of innovation, the opportunity ahead, and the need for business reimagined.”
Under their leadership, OPTECH 2026 will deliver dynamic content, high-impact networking, and actionable insights designed to help attendees drive performance, enhance the resident experience, and lead in an increasingly digital world. As the premier convening for senior-level operations and technology leaders in multifamily, OPTECH will continue to bring together the people and ideas shaping the future of real estate.
View Janine, Jason, and Whitney’s headshots and bios.
About RETTC
RETTC is strategically aligned with the National Multifamily Housing Council and is the premier platform focused on the intersection of technology and real estate. We bring leaders together from both sectors, leveraging their collective expertise to drive innovation and help solve America’s rental housing challenges.
About OPTECH
For over 25 years, OPTECH has been the place where real estate leaders come to discover what’s next—connecting cutting-edge tech with the people and strategies driving real industry change. Exclusively open to RETTC members, OPTECH is where bold ideas become business strategy. It’s not just about exploring what’s possible—it’s about making it work for your portfolio, your teams, and your residents.