Tom Simplot, will step down from his position as president and CEO for the Arizona Multihousing Association this Friday.

After a nine-year tenure as the head of AMA, the longtime Phoenix resident will follow a new job opportunity in Washington D.C. working for a federal agency.

Courtney Gilstrap LeVinus, owner and co-founder of Capitol Consulting, will take over as interim president and CEO and assume all responsibilities until a new replacement is selected.

For nearly 20 years, LeVinus has worked with the AMA leading their advocacy team at the federal, state and local levels. During that time, she worked to protect the interests of ethical rental housing providers in legislative, regulatory and legal matters throughout Arizona to enhance the rental housing industry with quality and affordable housing opportunities without undue government regulations.

Simplot said, “Courtney is uniquely qualified to lead AMA and the industry in this transition period and during this time of explosive growth for the market.”

AMA’s Board of Directors is meeting this week to finalize a search firm for finding Simplot’s replacement.

“Courtney has been instrumental in the expansion and success of the Association for nearly two decades. Thanks to her efforts, we have been able to curtail unnecessary regulation and educate leaders around the state about the benefits and economic impact of the multifamily industry,” said Amy Smith Montoya, managing partner of Bella Investment Group and chair of AMA’s Board of Directors.

Smith noted Simplot’s exceptional contributions to the Association as well, “Under Tom’s leadership, the Arizona Multihousing Association has become stronger than ever. Our membership has grown in number, we are financially stable, and our industry’s level of impact on the state-wide community through supporting programs such as Raising a Reader, New Horizons and UMOM is something we never dreamed we could do.”

LeVinus, born and raised in Arizona, has a degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance and a minor in Speech Communication from Texas Christian University. “I’m thrilled to accept this appointment and have the opportunity to serve an incredibly talented and committed Board of Directors. My career has focused on housing and the apartment industry, and this is an opportunity to further our efforts as the market grows,” said LeVinus.