HBA Staff Appreciation Week

Nov. 11-15, 2024

Executive Officers Council
Contact: Anna Gimeno
[email protected]
Director, Executive Officers Council
(202) 266-8595

Featured Shout-Outs and HBA Staff Highlights

members of goba

The Greater Orlando BA has held many successful events throughout the year (pictured). Several members of the BA submitted shout-outs recognizing EO Chassity Vega and her team Jane Ewing, Cherry Masih, Jessenia Lopez, Lee Steinhauer, Ricardo Rodriguez and Amanda Passwaters. “Their hard work, passion, and commitment to supporting our builders and the community truly make a difference. From organizing events to advocating for the construction industry, they go above and beyond every day.”

HBA staff appreciation

Members of The Greater Houston BA recognized their staff for their hard work and dedication to the association.

Rena Berg headshot

Nancy Ahlers, member of the Brookings (S.D.) Regional BA, submitted a shout-out about Rena Berg (pictured). “She took the job as EO when I retired. She came in guns blazing, taking the reins and ran with new ideas. She has done an awesome job with day-to-day operations, socials and events!”

EO with student members

Andrew Crane, EO of the HB&RA of Western MA (Chicopee, Mass.), is pictured here with trade school students. Crane’s staff submitted a shout-out to say how committed he is to growing membership, supporting members and workforce development efforts. His staff says he works to ensure each program and event benefits members.

Adrienne Fontenot and LHBA members

EO Dan Mills submitted a shout-out about Adrienne Fontenot, EO of the Louisiana HBA (LHBA). Adrienne has improved meetings, brought in new sponsors, spearheaded a regional Leadership Conference, and provided valuable professional development to both LHBA Senior Officers and local EOs, “She does all this and more with a smile and is always ready to help on a moment's notice.”

Kim Crawford headshot

Ron Weber, Board President, HBA of Hickory - Catawba Valley (N.C.) submitted a shout-out on behalf of his HBA about EO Kim Crawford (pictured). “We would like to express our heartfelt thanks for Kim’s unwavering commitment and dedicated service as EO. Her hard work and passion make a significant difference. We are truly grateful to have Kim on the team.”

Niki Groves and team

BA of Elkhart County (Ind.) staff member Jennifer Meier said EO Niki Groves (pictured) always wants to learn anything new that will help grow, streamline and invigorate the association. “I don't know anyone more enthusiastic and dedicated than Niki. It is an honor to work with her.”

Aaron Hovestadt

Sarah Foster, submitted a shout-out about Aaron Hovestadt, a staff member of the HBA of the Upper Peninsula (Marquette, Mich.). Aaron is a great leader, outstanding counterpart and collaborator. Foster also says he can rock a snuggy (pictured)!

Greg Lane at podium with microphone

Local HBA staff member, M. Lindsay Brown, said that Greg Lane’s “dedication and leadership have left a lasting mark on the culture of our industry in Washington State.” As EO of the BIA of Washington, “His intelligence and thoughtful approach have driven success and inspired countless others to engage and take action.”

Gisela Lopez and Sarah Avery headshots

Several members of the HBA of Winston Salem (N.C.) spoke highly of EO Gisela Lopez and staff member Sarah Avery. The members say, “Gisela has been an amazing leader for the HBA and Sarah is positive person and tremendous resource for our HBA. They are both extremely hard-working individuals and have led our association to a place of strength and success in our mission.” Gisela also submitted shout-out, commending Sarah’s positive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile for members.

HBA staff appreciation

EO leaders discussed the value of the Executive Officers Council with NAHB’s Third Vice Chairman, Bob Peterson, during the 2024 Fall Leadership Meeting in San Antonio.

HBA staff appreciation

EOs and HBA staff enjoy networking during Association Management Conference events.

HBA staff appreciation

EOs and HBA staff enjoy networking during Association Management Conference events.

HBA staff appreciation

EOs and HBA staff enjoy networking during Association Management Conference events.

Executive Officers and HBA staff work tirelessly to help their members, associations, and the Federation succeed. To recognize the staff’s ongoing contributions to the Federation, 2024 NAHB Chairman Carl Harris issued a proclamation announcing the inaugural HBA Staff Appreciation Week, Nov. 11-15, 2024. Throughout the week, join webinars, connect with peers, and share all the ways you are celebrating one another. Tag NAHB in social media posts and share the hashtags #HBAStaffWeek and #NAHBLocalLeaders.

Members and HBA staff continue recognizing their colleagues by submitting shout-outs to NAHB. View the notes of appreciation in the photo gallery above, in the testimonials slider at the bottom of the page or view all the shout-outs in this document.

Ideas on How to Celebrate

  1. Highlight your association staff by submitting a shout-out.
  2. Send thank-you cards to your association staff and celebrate them at an upcoming HBA event or download HBA Staff Appreciation Week notecards and a poster to recognize staff.
  3. Consider donating to the EOC Student Scholarship Fund. This fund assists children of EOs in pursuit of a college degree.
  4. Use the hashtags #HBAStaffWeek and #NAHBLocalLeaders on social media to help spread the word! Tag NAHB in your appreciation posts so we can share them with the larger Federation.
  5. Download HBA Staff Appreciation Week graphics you can use at your HBA and on social media: Banner 1 | Banner 2 | Banner 3
  6. Share recent wins, efforts and successes at your association with other members on NAHB Connect.

Join NAHB Leaders and Celebrate the Inaugural Week!

2024 NAHB Chairman Carl Harris, CEO Jim Tobin and EOC President Natalie Fryer encourages all members of the Federation to celebrate the week.

 

Schedule of Events

Monday,
Nov. 11
  • Network with peers on NAHB Connect about your leadership journey and lessons learned. Visit the NAHBNow blog for a kick-off announcement
  • Q&A with an EO
  • Join a 2025 Economic Forecast webinar with NAHB Chief Economist Rob Dietz at 2 p.m. ET. Registration is open.
  • View NAHB staff curated resources.
Tuesday,
Nov. 12
  • Network with peers on NAHB Connect about the best piece of advice you’ve received
  • Q&A with HBA Staff
  • Join a Post-Election Outlook webinar with NAHB Chief Lobbyist Lake Coulson at 2 p.m. ET. Registration is open.
  • View NAHB staff curated resources.
Wednesday, Nov. 13
  • Network with peers on NAHB Connect on mentorship and onboarding
  • Hear from our Fall Orientation attendees about their experience
  • Read the What’s Up Wednesday dedicated to HBA Staff Appreciation Week
  • Q&A with an EO
  • View NAHB staff curated resources.
Thursday,
Nov. 14
Friday,
Nov. 15
  • Network with peers on NAHB Connect about managing your work/life balance
  • Visit NAHBNow to read a post about the highlights of the week.
  • Q&A with an EO
  • View NAHB staff curated resources.
HBA Staff Appreciation Week Banner

Sponsored by:

Heartland red logo
Submit a Shout-Out!

Share a note of appreciation about an EO and/or an HBA staff member with NAHB, and it will be featured on this page.

“EO Roseann Freitas of the BIA of Hawaii has fostered a culture that embodies inclusiveness and collaboration among [the BIA’s] partners and the communities that make up this very diverse industry in Hawaii. She has led with grace and humility, and has allowed others to come and experience it for themselves.”

Dedra Hinano Nahinu, staff member, BIA of Hawaii

“Ryan Talbot has been with the Iron County HBA for three years and has worked tirelessly to make it better. Our parade of homes was the biggest and best to date! He makes the whole organization a better place and our admin Julie Holmes helps make this all possible.”

Benjamin Barlow, 1st Vice President, Iron County HBA (Cedar City, Utah)

“EO Lyn Ann is an integral part of the HBA of Northern Michigan. She is the behind the scenes AND the public face of our association. Every time we need something, she is there to assist. She cares about the members, and it shows. She is amazing!”

Tamara Weidlich, member, HBA of Northern Michigan (Petoskey, Mich.)

“Shout out to the Madison Area BA staff for an awesomely run HBA and great leadership.”

Ken Nelson, Board President-Elect, Madison Area (Wis.) BA

“Lauren Tucker and Debbie Perkins have been welcoming, helpful and kind since we joined  the HBA of Northwest Michigan. The team provides fun, creative and engaging events that help the industry. They also cultivate great relationships, so members are engaged. Thank you for all the hard work!”

Tamara Weidlich, member, HBA of Northwest Michigan (Traverse City, Mich.)

“The staff of the HBA of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties (N.C.) are the most hands-on, dedicated and passionate association staff. Not only do they organize every event, recruit new members, advocate for our businesses and the industry as a whole, but they do it with pure joy and a smile on their faces.”

Bennett Sterling, member, shout-out for Holly Fraccaro, Julie Carrow, Taylor England, Selina Day and Ian Scott

“The Utah Valley HBA (Vineyard, Utah) staff works tirelessly to put on countless events, the best parade of homes in the nation, and ensures the membership is involved with committees, service projects and community initiatives. Our great staff has dedicated themselves to offering an incredible organization that the members can be proud to be a part of.”

Nate Livingston, board member, shout-out for Steve Caldwell, Amber Hutchings, Anne Tucker, Wendy Fenton, Eileen Fisher and Lisa Flinders

“I would like to give Rachel Abbott, EO of the Cabot Area (Ark.) HBA, a shout out to let her know that she does not go unnoticed. On behalf of all of our members we would like to show appreciation of her dedication and hard work.”

John Howard, Board President, Cabot Area (Ark.) HBA

“Heather Raisanen, EO of The Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Maine, has taken on the full involvement of running the HBA and always looks for ways to promote the association and grow the membership. She is an absolute joy to work with!”

Kurt Clason, Immediate Past President, HBRA of Maine

“Brittany Ryzenga, EO of The Lakeshore HBA, is an amazing new leader for the association. She has kept and enhanced the strong programs and is looking at new ideas to make this association even better.”

John Bitely, member, Lakeshore HBA (Holland, Mich.)

“EO Keri O'Shea works extra hours every day promoting the BA of Central PA and celebrating our members. She does the work of two people, and we are amazed by her dedication and passion for our industry!”

Don O'Connell, member, BA of Central PA (State College, Pa.)

“Each staff member of the amazing the York BA team brings unique talents and an unwavering commitment to serving our members, supporting our mission, and strengthening the local building industry. Their success is our association’s success, and we’re grateful for their hard work and dedication every day!”

Joe Miller, Board President, shout-outs for Laurie Lourie, Tina Wilderman, Elizabeth Rice, Melissa Longenberger, and Katelynn Wright

“Katy Nelson and Jennifer Bonham move mountains for the membership at the Topeka Area BA. They plan and execute two major events every year in addition to several smaller events and member appreciation outings. Our association has the largest Spring home show in our area, and also does a Build My Future event that is continuing to grow each year!”

Patrick O'Kane, Chairman Elect, Topeka Area (Kan.) BA

“EO Sarah Lazzarotto works tirelessly on behalf of the Mat-Su HBA to coordinate events for our organization, whether it's for our membership or building our charitable funds to be able to give back. She constantly has new ideas to bring to the board of directors, is organized, helps us run our meetings and stay on track. We have a well-attended board meeting every month with a good culture. All our membership meetings are always sold out with great participation.”

Rebecca Gamble, Board President, Mat-Su HBA (Wasilla, Alaska)

“The HBA of Greenville team has done an amazing job growing the membership and value to the members. The team ensures there are a variety of events that cater to different interests. They are always willing to listen to our new ideas and support us. Overall, it's clear they are incredibly dedicated to providing members with an exceptional experience!”

Kristin Meyer, PWB member HBA of Greenville (S.C.), shout-outs for Taylor Lyles, Jenna Ramsey and Karen Crowder

“The Lake Norman HBA’s Best of the Lake Awards event was a great success. The committee worked almost all year planning and raising funds for the event! It could not have happened without EO Tracy Butler’s,  leadership and direction.”

Alma Jacobs, member, Lake Norman HBA (Mooresville, N.C.)

“Jen Schuster has done an outstanding job as EO of the HBA of Greater Charlotte. She created an opportunity for our builder members to come together by creating "Builder Games.” It was a great team building opportunity, everyone had a great time, and it  will grow to be one of the best events for the HBA.”

Alma Jacobs, member, shout-outs for Jen, Jean Farmer Orr and Yvonne Case

“Roanoke Regional HBA staff is absolutely amazing. They are upbeat and always creating fun. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of the association.”

Mallory a Cook, member, Roanoke (N.C.) Regional HBA