Chris Burns, CPM, CAPS, Senior Vice President at Willow Bridge Property Company, has officially started his term as 2026 Chair of the National Apartment Association’s (NAA) Board of Directors. He was formally installed at NAA’s annual Assembly of Delegates, held in Atlanta last November.

“It is truly the honor of a lifetime to serve as the National Apartment Association’s 2026 Chair,” said Burns. “This exciting chapter represents my lifelong commitment to fostering a stronger rental housing industry and leaving a meaningful impact on the residents and local communities that we’re so lucky to serve. I am excited to get started and use my experience to further NAA’s reach and impact, collaborating with such a talented team across the NAA network to yield results for an ever-changing industry.”

An industry veteran, Burns has more than 40 years of experience across all facets of rental housing. He joined Willow Bridge (then a division of Lincoln Property Company) in 1992 and today is responsible for all multifamily management operations and new business development throughout the eastern United States. A proven and accomplished leader, Chris represents a portfolio of over 120,000 units at Willow Bridge Property Company throughout his region.

“At a time where our industry is adapting to meet the needs of an evolving market, Chris’s experience will help steer rental housing in the right direction,” said NAA President and CEO Bob Pinnegar. “I’m grateful to welcome Chris as NAA’s 2026 Chair and am honored to work alongside him to make a difference in the year ahead.”

For years, Burns has been an active volunteer throughout NAA. He is a Past Chairman of the Florida, Georgia and Atlanta Apartment Associations and also previously served as a Regional Vice President for NAA. Burns’ industry service extends beyond NAA as he is also a member of the Institute of Real Estate Management and the Atlanta Board of Realtors.

Learn more about Chris’ outlook for the 2026 year here.

NAA’s 2026 leadership includes Chair Chris Burns, Willow Bridge Property Company, Atlanta, Ga.; Chair-Elect Jeannette Cox, Oddo Development, Lenexa, Kan.; Vice Chair Brian Chase, Landmark Property Services, Inc., Richmond, Va; Treasurer Mark Hurley, Highland Commercial Properties, San Antonio, Texas; Secretary Bonnie Smetzer, Asset Living, Melbourne, FL; and Immediate Past Chair Alan King, Berkshire Residential Investments, Alpharetta, Ga.