ASHA started as a senior housing committee within NMHI about 10 years ago, says Schless. ASHA AND NMHI will continue to cooperate in those areas where it is mutually beneficial, particularly on regulatory and legislative matters.

"Since ASHA first began as a committee of NMHC in 1991 it has grown from 10 members to nearly 300 today," says Jonathan L. Kempner, NMHC president. "It is a natural part of ASHA's evolution to seek more autonomy now that it is has reached a critical point in membership and staff growth. The Council is very proud to have helped launch ASHA, and we wholeheartedly support the separation announced today."

"We are a trade group representing interests of senior housing developers, lenders, and investors," says Schless. "It's a relatively tough time in the senior housing business right now. We will continue to do good research and help our members do better job in operating and investing in this business. We will continue to do that and do the work on lobbying and advocacy side of things. Those are definitely key areas."