Tobin takes the helm from longtime CEO Jerry Howard, who has retired after more than three decades with the association.
By Dianne M. Pogoda
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has named James W. Tobin III as its new president and chief executive officer. Tobin, most recently EVP of Government Affairs and chief lobbyist, succeeds CEO Jerry Howard, who has retired after more than 30 years with NAHB.
“NAHB is a complex organization, but that’s because our industry is complex and touches so many different things,” Tobin said in a recent interview with ProBuilder. “I want to make sure we continue to deliver on the advocacy work we do, and that the advocacy team continues to be a great machine for the industry. It’s a great privilege for me, as a longtime staff member who worked my way up through the ranks, to now lead this great team.
Tobin assumed his new role on June 1. He joined NAHB in 1998 as vice president for federal relations. In 2011, he became chief lobbyist, directing advocacy efforts at the federal, state and local levels, as well as political activities for the association and its political action committee, BUILD-PAC. Prior to NAHB, he worked as a senior legislative aide to former U.S. Representatives Frank Riggs (R-CA) and Gary Franks (R-CT).
“We’ve known Jim Tobin for many years,” said Bill Darcy, NKBA CEO. “He has been a great advocate for the housing industry and all its facets, from construction to tax policy and environmental issues. We congratulate him on his appointment and look forward to continuing our successful collaboration on Design & Construction Week (DCW) under his stewardship of NAHB.”
Howard, an attorney, served as NAHB’s CEO for 22 years. He joined the Washington, DC-based organization in 1988 as tax counsel and subsequently served in several roles, including chief lobbyist, before being named EVP and CEO in 2001.
“We have had a longstanding, productive relationship with Jerry Howard, with whom we initiated the co-location of KBIS and NAHB’s IBS show to form DCW in 2014,” Darcy added. “We wish Jerry all the best in his retirement.”
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