JACKSONVILLE, FL - The First Coast Apartment Association (FCAA) board, in selecting a new leader cast a wide net and then, went with an insider.
Lindsey McClain was promoted to FCAA executive vice president following the retirement of Peggy Queen in March. McClain previously served two years as the association’s Associate Director.
Founded in 1979, the FCAA serves the apartment industry in Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Flagler, Putnam, and Nassau Counties.
Her biggest challenge, she said, will be to fill some very large shoes. Queen, who manned the helm at FCAA for 16 years, set a strong example by balancing high expectations with a sense of humor and an even temper, McClain said.
“Peggy saw something in me. I am honored she felt I would be able to take over for her, running the organization she loved,” McClain said.
McClain is a 10-year veteran of the apartment industry. In addition to directing FCAA’s Special Events, McClain has previously worked as a senior sales executive for Apartment Guide (now RentPath) in Jacksonville and as a leasing consultant for apartment communities in Orlando.
It’s a combination that has given her insights into the needs of both sides of FCAA’s membership -- apartment community professionals and their trade vendors.
FCAA provides networking, education and political advocacy for Northeast Florida’s multifamily industry. With a membership of 500 communities and vendors, it’s Florida’s fourth largest apartment association.
The group’s work can range from training members on ever-changing regulations, like the types of coolant allowed in HVAC systems, to lobbying on issues like tax reform to running Maintenance Mania, an annual event where members compete for bragging rights to the fastest toilet repair, fan installation or other maintenance tasks.
FCAA is also a place where people come together to lend insight into larger industry trends. Apartments enjoyed a strong rebound in the wake of the recession, and growth in Northeast Florida so far shows no signs of slowing. Last year the region absorbed about 5,000 new rental units and still hit record occupancy rates.
An expanding market lifts all boats. But apartment professionals can multiply the benefit by joining the association.
“Multifamily is a very relationship driven industry,” McClain said. “You’re not going to just send out a business proposal and get work. Networking events are a way for people to get to know you and to learn they can trust you to do what you say you’re going to do.”
Relationships were behind McClain’s own rise in the industry.
An Indiana native, McClain studied broadcast news in college, but decided she didn’t like the career. She took a job at Disney World, helping actors change into and out of their costumes behind the scenes.
When she was apartment hunting in Orlando, a leasing agent put her into a unit and then offered her a job. The career stuck.
“It was a great opportunity,” McClain said. “You are really helping people to find a place they can call home.”
Jobs led her from Orlando to Jacksonville, where she put down roots. When she’s not working, McClain enjoys running marathons, scuba diving off the Florida coast and travel to such far-flung destinations as Mexico, Italy and Greece. She and her husband are expecting their first child in July.
Joining McClain on staff at FCAA are two other newcomers.
Taylor Tucker replaces McClain as the Director of Special Events. Tucker previously worked as a leasing consultant for apartment management firm MAA and as director of Sales and Marketing for Comedy Zone
Crystal Verastegui is FCAA’s new Director of Education and Membership. She formerly worked as a regional leasing consultant, trainer and executive assistant for MAA.
FCAA’s mission is to promote, inform and serve the apartment industry through education, legislation, and professional networking. For more information, contact FCAA at (904) 292.1345, visit www.fcaaonline.com or e-mail info@fcaaonline.com