IRVINE, CA - The California Apartment Association has named Tommy Thompson executive director of its South Coast Division, bringing to the state’s most respected voice for the multi-family industry a leader with an extensive background in government affairs and advocating for the business community.
Thompson, who assumed the post in early May, has built a successful career interfacing with local, state and federal government officials on a variety of topics and issues. He is well connected throughout Southern California as a specialist in governmental relations, public affairs, education policy and community relations.
In his new position, Thompson assumes responsibility for all CAA operations within the South Coast region, which includes Orange County and the cities of Long Beach and Signal Hill. He’ll mainly focus on advocating for the rental housing industry within the halls of local government.
“The CAA South Coast Board of Directors and I are very pleased to have Tommy serve as our chief staff officer and represent the interests of the apartment industry before the numerous local governmental boards, councils and commissions throughout Orange County,” said Melinda Graham, chairwoman of the South Coast Board of Directors.
Added Tom Bannon, chief executive officer for CAA: “Tommy is no stranger to the nexus between public policy and business, and we are delighted to have a leader who has such a strong, first-hand understanding of local government lead us as we move forward.”
Before joining CAA South Coast, Thompson spent more than six years as director of government affairs for the Building Industry Association of Southern California’s Riverside County Chapter. In that position, he advocated for pro-homeownership policies in Riverside County and was active in maintaining a favorable business climate and protecting the homebuilding industry from unnecessary financial and regulatory restrictions, saving the industry more than $50 million in reduced impact fees.
Also in his BIA post, Thompson frequently interfaced with local government agencies including city councils, school boards and special districts, and he also helped develop and track industry-related legislation on both the state and federal levels.
Thompson also has served as vice president of Miles Property Preservation & Development, a position in which he created working relationships with mortgage companies throughout the United States to satisfy their property preservation, development and rehabilitation needs.
In the early 2000s, he also was a field representative in the California Assembly, where he advised Sen. Ray Haynes and provided recommendations on district policy. Thompson also analyzed legislation and issues relating to infrastructure, real estate, school facilities and water conveyance, and communicated with legislative committees and administration, and reviewed legislation proposals.
“Tommy also brings to CAA South Coast a first-hand understanding of local government,” said Graham, referring to his tenure as president of the Nuview Union School District Board of Trustees during a four-year term starting in 2008.
Prior to earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Utah, Thompson served an internship in Washington D.C. with the Hinckley Institute of Politics. He also holds an associate’s degree in business from BYU-Idaho. In his spare time, Thompson is active in the Boy Scouts of America and other community-based organizations, and loves spending time with his family, reading books and gardening.
About the California Apartment Association (CAA)
The California Apartment Association (CAA) is the nation’s largest statewide trade association representing owners, investors, developers, managers and suppliers of apartment communities. Since 1941, CAA has been dedicated to protecting its members’ investments through political advocacy in the halls of state and local government, assisting them to comply with new laws and regulations through knowledge and information and educating members on emerging trends, legal issues, risk management and best business practices.
California’s most successful property management companies, developers, real estate investment trusts, and thousands of individual independent apartment owners belong to CAA. With more than 17,000 members, representing more than 50,000 owners and industry professionals, CAA is the most respected voice of the multi-family industry in the state.