Since 1998, James W. Tobin III has been part of the NAHB, and, on June 1, he will take the helm as CEO of the association's 140,000 members and over 200 staff members.
In his current role as executive vice president of government affairs and chief lobbyist, Tobin has directed federal, state, and local lobbying and other political activities.
“Jim brings more than 20 years of experience in the housing industry to the post. His proven track record of success in leading NAHB’s federal legislative advocacy makes him uniquely qualified to lead our association in the years ahead,” says NAHB chairman Alicia Huey, a custom home builder and developer from Birmingham, Alabama. “In addition to his other duties as CEO, Jim’s extensive background in government affairs will be instrumental in advocating for NAHB’s members and the housing industry."
Prior to his role of chief lobbyist, Tobin was NAHB’s vice president for federal relations. His appointment to CEO follows an extensive search by the NAHB CEO search committee. Tobin will succeed CEO Jerry Howard, who is leaving the NAHB after more than 30 years.
Greg Ugalde, chairman of the NAHB CEO search committee and NAHB past chairman, says, "Our nationwide CEO search started with over 200 impressive candidates and was conducted by our committee representing all five regions in our Federation, including the single-family builders, multifamily builders, remodelers, associates, executive officers, Build PAC, Young Professionals, Professional Women in Building, and past and present leaders throughout the Federation, and, most importantly, we represented a cross-section of our very dedicated membership and staff. At the end of our extensive process and deliberations, this committee recommended Jim Tobin to the board of directors for approval."
The board ratified the committee’s selection May 3. Tobin’s appointment is welcomed news for the association and its members. NAHB past chairman Chuck Fowke notes, “I have worked with Jim as our chief lobbyist at NAHB for many years. As chairman of NAHB, I was honored to see firsthand how he and his team were dedicated to our housing policy successes. Jim has always been a professional and well versed on housing issues at every level. He will be a great asset to NAHB as our CEO, and he will continue to grow our reputation and culture as the voice for housing in Washington, D.C., and across the nation.”
To be based at NAHB’s headquarters in D.C., Tobin will be a member of the association’s national leadership team, which includes the senior officers of the board, who are elected annually by the leadership council. Immediate past chairman Jerry Konter shares, “I’m excited about the selection of Jim Tobin to fill the role of President/CEO of the NAHB. In my previous roles as chairman of the state and local government affairs committee, federal government affairs committee, and Build PAC trustee, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Jim and view firsthand his leadership style and accomplishments."
Konter continues, "Jim has the experience, the enthusiasm, and the vision to lead our association into the future while being relevant to our current membership and creating the pathway for the next generation of our industry. I look forward to continuing the work of protecting the American dream of home ownership with Jim leading our extraordinary staff.”
Tobin also will return to sharing housing and NAHB developments on the podcast, Housing Developments, that he previously hosted with Howard. Tobin will be joined by Paul Lopez, NAHB senior vice president of communications and public affairs.
“I’m honored to have been selected as CEO of this outstanding organization," Tobin says. "The work that our members do is incredibly important and has a huge impact in every community across this country. I look forward to representing our staff and members in advocating for the future of the housing industry.”
