WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 4, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — The National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) hired Lisa Costello as Vice President of Political Affairs and promoted Jim Lapides and Sarah Yaussi to Vice President of Strategic Communications and Vice President of Industry Communications, respectively.
Costello’s primary responsibilities will encompass managing the NMHC PAC. She brings more than 20 years of experience developing and executing strategic political activities, including the last 13 years at the American Hotel & Lodging Association, most recently as Vice President of Government Affairs. She started her career on Capitol Hill working for her hometown Member of Congress before holding positions at the Independent Insurance Agents of America and the U.S. Telecom Association. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and Criminal Justice from the University of New Hampshire.
“Lisa brings a wealth of experience to the Council in fundraising, advocacy and political mobilization,” said NMHC President Doug Bibby. “The NMHC PAC has grown exponentially over the past several years, and we’re looking forward to continuing that success with Lisa’s expertise and track record.”
Lapides oversees the Council’s external communications programs, including media outreach, advertising, branding and digital operations, as well as communications strategy for the NMHC and National Apartment Association (NAA) Joint Legislative Program. Before joining NMHC, he held positions at the American Society of Landscape Architects, National Association of Home Builders and FleishmanHillard. His work has earned awards and recognition from PR News, Webby Awards, Washington Business Journal, ASAE and others. He holds a B.A. in English and Communication from Denison University and a Masters in Communications from Johns Hopkins University.
“Jim is the driving force behind two of the largest and most successful initiatives that we have ever put forth, the joint NMHC/NAA ‘Apartments. We Live Here.’ campaign and the new NMHC brand,” said Bibby.
Yaussi leads the Council’s multi-platform editorial coverage, publications and communications to NMHC’s membership. An award-winning business journalist, she uses her extensive housing and finance background to enhance NMHC’s communications in print and digital media. Yaussi previously served as editor of Big Builder magazine, a Hanley Wood publication for senior executives at the largest public and private home builders. Yaussi holds B.A. in English (Phi Beta Kappa) from Colgate University and a Masters in Journalism from Syracuse University.
“From overhauling the Council’s editorial content to spearheading new newsletters, Sarah has brought new creativity to the Council’s communications – significantly increasing the quality of the information we provide about the multifamily industry to all our key constituencies,” said Bibby.
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Based in Washington, D.C., the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) is the leadership of the trillion-dollar apartment industry. We bring together the prominent apartment owners, managers and developers who help create thriving communities by providing apartment homes for 35 million Americans. NMHC provides a forum for insight, advocacy and action that enables both members and the communities they help build to thrive. For more information, contact NMHC at 202/974-2300, e-mail the Council at 
Contact: Jim Lapides, 202/974-2360, 
