BOMA Greater Phoenix, the industry group that advances the commercial real estate industry through advocacy, influence, and knowledge, has named Farrell Quinlan as its new Executive Director.
Quinlan formerly served as State Director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business association. While at NFIB he authored landmark legislation reversing “drive-by” trial-lawyer abuse of the Americans With Disabilities Act; and created legal protections for independent contractor employment relationships through a declaration of independent business status (DIBS) process.
Quinlan replaces Tim Lawless, who left BOMA Greater Phoenix in February to become President at Commercial Real-estate Executives for Economic Development (CREED).
“I’m excited to bring Farrell and his lengthy experience in running successful trade associations to BOMA Phoenix,” said BOMA Greater Phoenix President Robert Vincent, RPA, Cordia Capital Management. “He also brings a strong sense of public policy and advocacy that will strengthen BOMA Phoenix’s presence at the Capitol. We are honored that he is at the helm as we venture into another successful year in 2020.”
Quinlan helped make Arizona the first state to require its regulators to offer an opportunity to correct rule violations before issuing a citation or fine. From 1997 to 2007 he served as a vice president for policy development, communications and marketing at the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
In 2012, Quinlan received the prestigious Leader of the Year in Public Policy Award in economic development from the Arizona Capitol Times. His government relations firm, In the Arena Public Affairs, was recognized in 2007 as one of the top 20 lobbying firms in Arizona by the Phoenix Business Journal.
“I’m humbled and honored to be entrusted by the BOMA Greater Phoenix Board of Directors to be Executive Director during this extraordinarily dynamic time for Arizona commercial real estate,” Quinlan said. “I’m excited to get to work serving our members and advocating for the commercial real estate industry.
“This legislative session, BOMA Greater Phoenix is committed to helping secure further business property tax relief that will make Arizona more competitive in attracting new development and job creation,” Quinlan said.
According to the BOMA 2020 Office Market Study, the office sector is a significant economic engine for both Metro Phoenix and the state of Arizona. The office sector contributes $2.4 billion to the state economy and $769 million in salaries and income by the 18,400 local jobs created by the industry.
Quinlan has served on Workforce Arizona Council, the board of directors of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce; Gov. Doug Ducey’s Gubernatorial Transition Team; Chandler’s Economic Development Advisory Board; and was appointed by then-Governor Janet Napolitano to the commission that developed the design of the U.S. Mint’s 2008 Arizona quarter.
A native of Vermont, he earned a bachelor degree in political communication from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Quinlan is a resident of Chandler.
