Thirteen NAHB member leaders from across the country recently came to Washington, D.C., to discuss industry issues with government officials and learn more about the inner workings of the Federation.

The emerging HBA leaders — all of whom are currently serving in volunteer leadership roles at their state or local HBA — gathered in the nation’s capital as part of NAHB’s Spring Leadership Orientation.

“The orientation was very impactful for me, and it was definitely time well spent!” said Matthew Reibenstein, president of the Greater Houston Builders Association. “I was able to connect with other leaders around the country and create relationships, which is what this organization is all about.”

The spring cohort attended various training sessions at the National Housing Center alongside NAHB Chairman Carl Harris and NAHB Immediate Past Chairman Alicia Huey. The programming comprised sessions designed to support the members in their volunteer leadership roles, while also providing information on programs and resources that are available to them as they help lead their HBA.

“I learned quite a bit about the NAHB operations and how they really support our industry, both behind and scenes and out in the public,” said Reibenstein. “It was not only helpful for me personally, but more importantly, it taught me a lot of things that I can take back to my local association to help us grow even stronger.”

As part of the programming, the members also had the opportunity to visit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at the U.S. Department of Labor. There they met with Scott Ketcham, OSHA’s director of directorate of construction, who discussed the latest issues on construction safety that will impact the home building industry in the near future. He also shared ways in which OSHA can work with industry leaders to promote safe and healthy jobsites.

NAHB hosts two such leadership orientations each year in an effort to continually bolster the Federation’s up-and-coming leaders. Learn more about the NAHB Leadership Orientation.