WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — Steve Gallagher, Vice President of Intergovernmental Affairs for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), passed away after a medical emergency on Nov. 1.
“Steve was respected on both sides of the aisle by policymakers from city governments to the White House,” said NAHB Chief Executive Officer Jerry Howard. “While he was instrumental in making NAHB’s state and local government affairs shop a cornerstone of our advocacy efforts, there was so much more to Steve. His kindness, good nature and enthusiasm permeated our organization. His infectious laugh and quick wit made him a pleasure to be around.”
During his 11-year tenure at NAHB, Steve played a leading role in expanding the association’s grassroots outreach to keep housing issues at the forefront at the local, state and national levels. He worked closely with leaders at scores of local home builders associations across the nation to help them build relationships with their local officials to create a pro-housing environment for their members.
The upcoming election marks the first time in NAHB’s 74-year history that the association has officially endorsed candidates for Congress, and Steve played a pivotal role in the process.
“Steve was on the front lines, working with state and local HBAs to coordinate announcing the endorsements in the home districts so that the candidates could receive maximum exposure,” said NAHB Senior Vice President and Chief Lobbyist Jim Tobin.
“His dedication, professionalism and political acumen were an example to all who knew him,” Tobin added. “A day won’t go by that I won’t miss him.”
Earlier this year, Steve also led the efforts to roll out NAHB’s Defender of Housing awards, which recognize courageous federal legislators who have demonstrated strong support for housing.
In addition, Steve acted as the chief NAHB liaison working with leaders from the Republican and Democratic governors associations, the National Association of Counties and the U.S. Conference of Mayors to champion career training and promote homeownership and rental housing opportunities for all Americans.
Prior to joining NAHB, Steve worked as the assistant vice president at the Commercial Real Estate Development Association. He had also served as a consultant to the American Institute of Architects, as manager of government relations at Owens Corning and on the staff of former Sen. Bob Kasten of Wisconsin.
Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Melissa, and his two children, Penelope and Liam
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Elizabeth Thompson
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