IRVINE, CA-As GlobeSt.com reported last week, the California Apartment Association has named Tommy Thompson executive director of its South Coast Division, bringing to the organization a leader with an extensive background in government affairs. Thompson tells GlobeSt.com that he is looking forward to helping take CAA South Coast to the next level in advocacy and membership growth.

“CAA South Coast represents some of the largest rental-property owners and managers in Orange County,” says Thompson. “Our members own and/or manage over 100,000 units spread throughout Orange County, Signal Hill and Long Beach. CAA South Coast is the premiere voice for rental-property owners. We will continue to successfully advocate for issues that impact our industry.”

Membership growth is a key element to the organizations success, Thompson adds. “We have set forth goals and strategies to increase our membership and provide them important benefits for the success of their companies.”

Now is the right time for Thompson to join the CAA—South Coast because “as the economy works its way back from a slumber, businesses are seeking ways to revamp and expand. CAA South Coast gives businesses the opportunity to grow within the rental-property industry. We offer excellent networking opportunities to our industry partners and a full-service governmental-affairs team.”

The apartment sector has recovered fastest of all the real estate sectors, but new development didn't keep pace with population growth during the recession, Thompson adds. “Simply put, we need more housing opportunities. The good news is we're finally seeing some new development, which will help relieve some of the pressure. We hope to see even more multifamily companies work with their communities to provide needed housing in the coming months and year.”