The national Self Storage Association (SSA) has named Timothy J. Dietz as its chief operating officer (COO) effective immediately. Dietz joined the SSA in 2004 and has filled various executive functions, most recently overseeing the organization’s lobbying activities as senior vice president of government relations. In his new role, he’ll be responsible for additional executive responsibilities while managing advocacy duties for the SSA and its 5,500 members, according to news release.

SSA President and CEO Michael T. Scanlon Jr., who previously announced his intent to retire in September, said the organizational adjustments will ensure continuity of administrative coordination during the transition process.

"I have had the opportunity to work with Tim for many years, and as I look toward retirement this fall, I know for sure that he is prepared to take on additional responsibilities that will take the SSA to the next level," Scanlon said. "As COO, Tim will become more involved in the association's decision-making process and interactions with the board of directors. He has done great work in managing our communications activities and leading our many lobbying successes in states throughout the country."

Prior to joining the SSA, Dietz held government-relations and communications roles for various national organizations, including chief lobbyist for MACTEC Inc., a Colorado-based environmental-remediation government contractor, and management of investor relations for Metrocall Inc., an Alexandria, Va.-based paging company. A graduate of George Mason University graduate, Dietz completed his certified association executive designation through the Center for Association Leadership in Washington, D.C., in 2011.

“I look forward to working closely with Mike and the entire SSA team as we continue to provide our members with a superb association experience,” Dietz said.

Founded in 1975, the SSA is a not-for-profit trade organization for the self-storage industry and the registered lobbying organization before the U.S. Congress and federal agencies. The association’s headquarters is in Alexandria, Va.