The PBA Board of Directors met for the Summer 2025 meeting on July 25 at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort. Turnout for the event was fantastic with many first-time attendees.
President Dean Hilliard presided over the meeting with special guest NAHB CEO and President Jim Tobin offering remarks to members. Mr. Tobin spoke about the challenges facing the residential housing industry and how NAHB is working with the Trump administration in the quest for affordable housing.
He acknowledged the first six months of 2025 have been difficult with the prospects of tariffs and the immigration situation has been a problem for the housing industry. Tobin predicts the second half of the year to be a better time and hopefully the interest rates will be lowered.
Government Affairs Chair Jim Rumbaugh shared two requests for the Board to approve funds to retain the PBA UCC Consultant and to update the model home contract. Both were unanimously approved.
The GA staff and committee are continuing to monitor upcoming bills that impact the home building industry.
Mark McNaughton, PaCAH Chair, accepted checks from the Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, the Home Builders Association of Berks County, and the Building Industry Association of Lancaster County. He reminded everyone that there will be a PaCAH event at the Fall meeting in Hershey.
Nominating Chair Tom McCosby reported the Nominating Committee considered the nomination of Greg Harris of the HBA of Metropolitan Harrisburg, as President-elect.
In addition, the following were nominated for 2026:
- Darrell Adams, Lebanon County BA – Vice President
- Heather Dieckmann, BA of Metro Pittsburgh – Associate Vice President*
- Richard Clawson, Indiana-Armstrong BA – Treasurer *
The position of Secretary is still open.
*The Associate Vice President and Treasurer positions are two-year terms. The current officers are currently in the first year of their office.
NAHB Officers nominated for 2026 are:
- Andrew Kaye, HBA of Bucks & Montgomery Counties – NAHB State Representative
- Jon Sukonik, HBA of Bucks & Montgomery Counties – Builder Delegate
- Holly DiLeo, HBA of NEPA and Pocono BA – Associate Delegate
Jim Brown, PBA Awards Chair, announced the winners of the annual awards. For a complete list of winners, please click HERE.
President Hilliard presented the financial reports and noted that the auditors gave PBA a clean audit as well as for BSI and PaCAH.
Membership Chair Darrell Adams provided an update on member numbers and reported that PBA is contacting other states where successes are being posted to ask how they are achieving it.
Chris Warren, Endorsed Trade Program Director, shared an update on the Emerging Professional Member program and some proposals to help locals develop programs. Details on these programs will be reviewed at the Fall Regional meetings.
Kert Sloan, Past President Chair, proposed the addition of the Chair of the Past Presidents Committee as a voting member of the Executive Committee. This will go through the regional meetings in the Fall.
Andrew Kaye, NAHB State Representative, gave a report on national membership and economic conditions impacting the industry. He also provided an update on BUILD PAC contributions urging members to help offset Pennsylvania’s shortfall by donating. If every member of PBA were to donate $20, the two-year goal would be met.
Jim Eichenlaub, Vice President of the Executive Officers Council, urged locals to send their executive officers to AMC this year. There is travel money available from PBA. He noted that EOC President Ashley Fickel recently arranged for a statewide discount on a management software program. Eichenlaub also recognized the following EOs for their years of service:
- Chuck Hamilton, Lehigh Valley BA (retired) – 30 Years
- Kay Brown, Schuylkill BA – 25 Years
- Deb Kleckner, Carbon BA – 25 Years
- Amy Kunselman, Lawrence BA – 25 Years
- Donna Sommerville, Franklin County BA – 10 Years
- Karen Martin, HBA of NEPA – 5 Years
He also welcomed new Executive Officers Stacy Nimas, Lehigh Valley BA; Dustin Noel, Mercer BA; and Vincent Speer, Fayette County BA.
Finally, he asked the group to remember Judy Vrabel, EO for Fayette County who passed away earlier this year.
President Dean Hilliard acknowledged changes made at PBA and assured members that the Senior Officers are seeking input from all members, Executive Officers, and PAB staff for the replacement of the PBA CEO.
The Board also passed a motion on terminology changes for the Student Chapter Alumni to reflect the Emerging Professional Membership as stated by NAHB.
The next meeting will be held October 18 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.