Chip Ahlswede Named Vice President of External Affairs

The Apartment Association of Orange County announced today the hiring of Chip Ahlswede as its Vice President of External Affairs. Chip was brought on board in September to manage the day-to-day operations of the association’s government affairs program, on an interim basis, while a search was conducted to fill the staff position held previously by Bill Christiansen. It became evident, however, through his outstanding work and representation of AAOC during its high stakes rent control and just cause eviction battle in Santa Ana this fall, that Chip was the right person - at the right time - to fill the position on a permanent basis.

In his new role as Vice President of External Affairs, Chip will direct the association's government affairs, advocacy, and communications efforts, and engage with elected officials, community leaders and influencers, organizations, real estate industry interests, the business community, and others to build and maintain support for the association and its efforts. He will also guide other association strategic initiatives.

Chip previously served as CEO of the Greater Los Angeles Association of REALTORS® and brings to AAOC more than 20 years of advocacy and trade association experience, having worked with many local, state, regional, national, and international organizations during that time. He looks forward to working on behalf of AAOC membership, keeping them apprised of emerging issues and engaged in the advocacy and defense of their interests and that of the rental-housing industry. Chip can be reached at (714) 245-9500 and chip@aaoc.com.