Lewis Realty Associates Inc. of Surf City has announced Ed McKenna as vice president.

McKenna started with the firm in 2011, after more than 30 years in the real estate industry, officials said. 

"McKenna fast became a top producing agent of the firm in a very tough market as a result of the financial crisis and housing industry collapse. McKenna was identified by several banks who held foreclosed properties and assisted them in liquidating hundreds of their assets which aided in the repair of the local real estate market," stated the release.

In 2014, Lewis Realty Associates completed the acquisition of another Topsail Island real estate company, Bryson and Associates Inc., stated the release. At the time, McKenna was appointed to head Lewis Realty’s sales department.

McKenna has since recruited top agents and grown the department, officials said.

McKenna has also served three terms as president of Topsail Island Association of Realtors. He received the Realtor of the Year Award in 2012.