BIRMINGHAM, AL (REIT Media) May 15, 2008 - Colonial Properties Trust (NYSE: CLP), a multifamily real estate investment trust (REIT) with commercial development and management capabilities, today announced Dana J. Hansen, a 25-year senior retail and commercial development executive, has been appointed to fill the position of Senior Vice President, Retail Leasing, for the company.

Hansen brings an impressive and extensive background to Colonial Properties Trust. Starting his career with The Jacobs Group, Hansen later went on to work with Urban Retail Properties (Chicago), handling regional mall leasing and consulting in Saudi Arabia. He then joined Poag & McEwen in 1997, playing an integral role in their nationwide launch of open-air centers throughout the United States. More recently, Hansen was the Executive Vice President of Leasing with Trademark Property Company, where he directed all leasing functions on approximately 2 million square feet of open-air regional shopping centers.

William A. Leitner III, Executive Vice President of Retail Development for Colonial Properties Trust, commented, “Dana is nationally recognized in our industry. He will significantly amplify Colonial’s leasing efforts within our existing portfolio and our current development pipeline as well as offering leasing services through third party consulting.”

Hansen attended Brigham Young University, where he earned both Bachelor and Master Degrees and graduated Cum Laude. Hansen is married with five children.

Colonial Properties Trust is a multifamily real estate investment trust that creates additional value for its shareholders by managing commercial assets through joint venture partnerships and pursuing development opportunities. As of March 31, 2008, the company owned or managed 38,822 apartment units, 16.2 million square feet of office space and 8.1 million square feet of retail shopping space located in key Sunbelt states from Virginia to Nevada. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., Colonial Properties Trust is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CLP and is included in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.colonialprop.com.

Colonial Properties Trust
Jennifer M. Wright, 205-250-8782