HBA Welcomes New Board President Chris Ragland
Chris Ragland, HBA Board President
The HBA Inaugural Celebration, December 4, will welcome 2014 President Chris Ragland as the HBA’s 69th Board leader and she is prepared to take the helm after more than ten years in home building. “For the past decade we have had good times, uncertain times, cautious times and now improving times for the building industry and association,” said Chris. “All the while our HBA has continued its good work in governmental affairs, educational programs, market information to our members, and networking between builders and associates during these trying times.”
Chris brings a wealth experience to this leadership role starting with being the co-owner of Homes by Chris, LLC based in Liberty, Missouri that she started with her husband, Roy, in 2003. Prior to becoming a home builder, Chris worked professionally in business promotions and public relations for Sealright Packaging and in scientific communications for Aventis Pharmaceuticals. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri, Columbia with a degree in economics and earned a master’s degree in business administration from Rockhurst University. She has put all these proficiencies together to become an award winning home builder having participated in the Parade of Homes contests and winning 30 out of 33 entries.
Since becoming an HBA member in 2004, Chris has volunteered on a range of committees including nominating, governmental affairs, by laws, and as Chair of the North Council. In addition, she has served on the board of directors and on the executive committee as secretary/treasurer and vice president. At the National Association of Home Builders, Chris is a Builder 20 Trustee and Board member.
“It has been an honor serving on your board, committees and the executive committee and I will continue to be dedicated to all of you this coming year,” said Chris. As she looks at this year she has identified five priority areas including government affairs, educational programs, market information for members, networking among builders and associates, and finally the HBA will remain diligent about fighting unnecessary building codes and burdensome regulations.
In addition, Chris looks forward to bringing more industry professionals to the HBA. “Let’s make a commitment this coming year to increase our membership so that all builders and associates can benefit from what our association has to offer,” she said. “If all of us can bring just one more builder member and one more associate member to be part of the HBA we will be stronger as we face the challenges of the future. “