Tobin To Succeed Howard as NAHB CEO – NMP Skip to main content

Tobin To Succeed Howard as NAHB CEO

May 16, 2023

Jerry Howard retiring after 22 years leading the association.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing the housing industry, has named James W. Tobin III as its new president and CEO, effective June 1.

James Tobin III
James W. Tobin III

Tobin, currently executive vice president and chief lobbyist at NAHB, will succeed Gerald M. "Jerry" Howard, who is retiring after 22 years as CEO and more than 30 years with the association. 

Tobin was selected following an extensive search process conducted by the CEO Executive Search Committee of the NAHB Board of Directors. The board voted May 3 to appoint Tobin to lead the 140,000-member association.

“After a comprehensive search process and transition plan, we feel very confident that we have selected the best person to represent NAHB and serve as a key voice of the housing industry,” said NAHB Chairman Alicia Huey, a custom home builder and developer from Birmingham, Ala. “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.”

Tobin joined NAHB in 1998. As EVP of government affairs and chief lobbyist he directed the association’s lobbying efforts at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as its political activities. He also guided the activities of the association’s political action committee, BUILD-PAC, and grassroots network. 

Before becoming NAHB’s chief lobbyist, Tobin was vice president for federal relations. Before joining NAHB, he was senior legislative assistant to former U.S. Representative Frank Riggs, R-Calif., and former U.S. Representative Gary Franks, R-Conn.

“I’m honored to have been selected as CEO of this outstanding organization,” Tobin said. “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.”

Tobin will be based at NAHB’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., where he will lead the association’s staff of more than 200. The CEO is also part of NAHB’s national leadership team which includes the senior officers of the board, who are elected annually by the Leadership Council.

About the author
David Krechevsky was an editor at NMP.
Published
May 16, 2023
Certainty Home Lending Adds Tom Sherman as SVP in Texas

The 29-year mortgage veteran joins the Rate subsidiary to serve borrowers across Dallas-Fort Worth and East Texas

Nov 11, 2026
Longbridge Promotes Melissa Macerato To President, Chief Commercial Officer

Longtime executive takes on expanded leadership role as lender grows its home equity offerings for older homeowners

Nov 10, 2026
MaxClass Names Carrie Read Director of Compliance

Read brings more than 20 years of experience in lending operations, risk management, and regulatory compliance to the education provider

Nov 09, 2026
West Capital Hires Better's Scott Davis to Lead Consumer-Direct Expansion

Former Better sales executive brings roughly 50 LOs to West Cap's growing retail division

Nov 09, 2026
Down Payment Resource's Angel Romero Takes MISMO Tech Leadership Role

Romero brings lender and housing finance agency experience to industry discussions on technology standards and down payment assistance

Nov 05, 2026
Newrez Taps Former Rocket Servicing Chief To Lead $879B Portfolio

Jay Jones takes charge as Newrez prepares for a multiyear technology migration involving more than 4 million homeowners

Nov 04, 2026