NAHB looks forward to new leadership in 2016

There was more than dazzling booth displays and the bright lights of Vegas to take note of at the International Builders' Show last week.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) also announced the election of four new senior officers, as well as the retirement of chief economist David Crowe.

Effective March 18, Crowe will be succeeded by Robert Dietz, PhD and NAHB VP for tax and market analysis.

"Our members have relied on Dr. Crowe for his insightful analysis during a very rocky time in the home building industry," said NAHB CEO Jerry Howard. "His skill and his clear eye were invaluable as our builders and remodelers did their own strategic planning to make it through the economic downturn. National decision-makers and reporters have always counted on Dr. Crowe to discuss what's behind the numbers in a way that was both understandable and approachable."

Stepping in as chairman of the board this year is Ed Brady, a Bloomington, Illinois-based builder and developer with more than 25 years of experience in the industry. He is president of Brady Homes, one of the longest-standing home building firms in central Illinois.

Additionally, Granger MacDonald, a Kerrville, Texas-based builder and CEO of the MacDonald Companies, was elected as the 2016 first vice chairman of the board.

Randy Noel, a Louisiana-based custom home builder and president of Reve Inc., was elected as second vice chairman, and Greg Ugalde was named third vice chairman. Ugalde is president and chief legal officer of Torrington, Connecticut-based T&M Building Co.

2015 NAHB Chairman Tom Woods, from Blue Springs, Mo., remains on the leadership ladder as immediate past chairman.

NAHB CEO Jerry Howard remains in his Washington, D.C. position, having served as CEO and executive VP since February 2011.

"Our focus in this critical election year is to ensure that housing remains an important national priority," said Brady. "NAHB will work with congressional leaders on both sides of the political aisle and the eventual Democratic and Republican presidential nominees to promote policies that encourage homeownership and affordable rental opportunities for all Americans."

The NAHB operates more than 800 affiliated state and local home builders associations and has more than 140,000 members across the country.