John A. Courson is the new president and CEO of the Home Builders Institute (HBI), the non-profit workforce development arm of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Previously, Courson served as the president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Courson will be replacing longtime HBI president and CEO Frederick Humphreys, who is retiring after 11 years. “HBI will benefit tremendously from having a leader with John’s outstanding credentials at the helm,” said Donald Pratt, 2011 chairman of the HBI board of trustees. “His solid understanding of non-profit associations, entrepreneurial spirit, expertise in strategic planning and passion for the housing industry will be incredible assets for HBI. John’s skills will help to further HBI’s 40-plus-year mission to prepare youth and adults for careers in the residential construction industry.”
Courson’s initial priorities at HBI will be to identify new revenue streams and create new programs that build on HBI’s core competencies, such as training, mentoring, curriculum development and job placement services.
“John Courson is the right man for the job,” said Bob Nielsen, NAHB chairman. “He’s a recognized and respected force in the building industry who has the talent and energy required to bring HBI to the next level of success. These characteristics are especially important at a time when major changes are occurring in the marketplace with regard to the availability of government funding opportunities and other evolving conditions.”
“I look forward to the opportunity to help HBI successfully meet the challenges that it faces in the current and future marketplace,” said Courson. “I can’t think of a more important goal than ensuring that this highly respected organization continues to thrive and grow while preparing tomorrow’s workforce to meet the needs of an increasingly sophisticated and quality-driven home building industry.”
