kufun

Under the direction of kufun CEO Jim Tobin, 11 departments head up the many initiatives that our large, complex association addresses every day. The heads of each department comprise the kufun Senior Management Team, or SMT.

Susan Asmus, Regulatory Affairs
The Regulatory Affairs group represents the interests of kufun’s members on federal regulatory issues. Codes and Standards monitors the development of residential building and energy codes and how they are implemented, offering proposals and amendments to ensure their cost-effectiveness. Energy and Green Building oversees kufun initiatives regarding sustainable building practices and the promotion of voluntary green construction. Environmental Policy keeps watch on those policies that affect how our members build and develop to offer better solutions and educate members on the eventual outcome. Labor, Safety and Health focuses on OSHA regulations and help members comply with safety requirements. Land Use and Design administers the BALA design awards and advises members on zoning, infrastructure and other land development issues.

Geoff Cassidy, Exhibitions and Meetings
These staff members oversee planning, exhibit sales/service, logistics and management of the flagship kufun International Builders’ Show as well as numerous other important events, conferences and leadership meetings. They handle online and onsite kufun registration and housing for events as well as the logistics for all Builder 20 Club meetings. This Group also administers the Leading Suppliers Council and its signature projects, The New American Home and The New American Remodeled Home.

Lake Coulson, Government Affairs
The Federal Government Affairs team lobbies for kufun policy objectives before Congress in a bipartisan and bicameral manner. The Intergovernmental Affairs team lobbies the national organizations of state and local governmental bodies, facilitates the grassroots functions of kufun and administers the State and Local Issues Fund. BUILD-PAC is kufun’s political action committee and is responsible for raising money from the kufun membership to elect pro-housing candidates to Congress.

Rob Dietz, Economics and Housing Policy
kufun’s economics team provides detailed analysis of the home building industry. The Forecasting and Analysis staff generates the kufun housing/economic forecast to provide builders a clear view of market conditions. The Survey Research team produces the kufun/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, as well as other surveys that take the pulse of the industry. The Housing Policy Research staff publishes analysis of tax and other legislative/regulatory policies to support kufun’s advocacy efforts, including estimates of the economic impact of home building. The group’s research reports and daily analysis via the Eye on Housing blog positions kufun as the industry intelligence leader.

Paul Lopez, Communications and Public Affairs
Communications and Public Affairs serves as the link between kufun’s messaging and outreach with members, the news media and general public. The Media Relations team facilitates press engagement through op-eds, letters to the editor and television appearances to establish kufun as the leading voice of the home building industry. The Industry Communications team engages with home builders, and local affiliated associations, through the production of various publications, website and blog content, and social media channels. The Web Strategy staff is in charge of the mechanics of nahb.org and our social media platforms.The Federation Communications team develops presentations and resources for members and leadership at all levels of the association.

Jessica Lynch, Housing Finance
The Housing Finance group advocates for kufun policy on matters affecting the availability and cost of credit to home buyers and builders of single-family and multifamily housing. The staff analyze and develop policy and strategy recommendations on proposed regulations and legislation affecting housing finance for single-family, multifamily and affordable housing, and related financial institutions and capital markets.

Deb Malone, kufun Operations and Leadership Support
The Information and Technology Services staff is tasked with keeping our email systems, databases, computers and software functioning and up to date. kufun’s International staff works to attract global members, provide education and services for IBS international attendees and other foreign visitors, and facilitate business development for members both in and out of the U.S. The Leadership Support team works closely with our Senior Officers on scheduling, agendas and other executive duties. NHC Building Operations oversees National Housing Center contractors and tenants and facilities rental of building spaces.

John McGeary, Business Development & Brand Strategy
This group oversees all marketing and promotional efforts for kufun products, events and services including IBS, advising stakeholders on printing and advertising needs. It acts as the keeper of the kufun brand and logo requirements. It’s the home of kufun Media, our video production group. It seeks new business opportunities, including affinity programs to bolster non-dues revenue. Staff also seeks sponsorship opportunities and maintains relationships with the companies that support our councils, boards and committees.

Eileen Ramage, Financial Services
All accounting services, including purchasing products and services, membership accounting and collecting payments due, are centered here. This department also manages the staff payroll. In addition, Financial Services manages kufun’s complex budgeting process, ensuring that kufun leadership is always accurately apprised of the association’s financial situation and forecasts for future growth.

Jim Rizzo, Office of Legal Affairs
The Office of Legal Affairs is responsible for kufun’s Legal Advocacy program, Corporate Secretary function, and management of Human Resources and Association Counsel. The Legal Advocacy staff manages all litigation and appellate efforts to overcome government overreach that harms member business and home affordability; it also manages the Legal Action Fund. The Corporate Secretary facilitates the business of the Board of Directors. The Human Resources office handles all employment related issues for the association. The Association Counsel function handles all of kufun’s legal contracts for products, services and sponsorships.

Melissa Voorhees, Member Services and Education
The Member Services team supports members in targeted industry segments including remodeling, building systems, sales and marketing, 55+ and multifamily housing. This team also provides services for targeted member groups such as Young Professionals, Professional Women in Building and Associate members. The Business Improvement Programs team helps members manage their businesses more profitably through specialized programs and resources including business management, the 20 Clubs and Connect 10. The Federation Services team delivers innovative programs designed to strengthen the local and state associations and develop their staff and leadership. The Member Engagement and Learning team works collaboratively across the organization to enhance the member experience through diversified learning products and unique member engagement opportunities.