Meet the Outstanding NAHB Designees and Educator of the Year

NAHB has announced the winners of the 2020 NAHB Education Awards.

The NAHB Designees and Educator of the Year awards honor housing professionals who have displayed notable professionalism as NAHB designation holders and those who have excelled in teaching NAHB education courses.

“We commend these industry professionals who have taken the time and effort toward continuing their education in their respective fields and who have chosen to become approved to instruct others in the industry,” said NAHB Education Committee Chair Curt Kiriu, CAPS, CGR. “These accomplished individuals have proven that they are dedicated to improving their own craft, and also encourage others in the industry to do the same.”

The winners will be honored in a virtual ceremony this week in the Education Committee meeting, a part of NAHB’s 2021 Winter Leadership Meetings.

2020 Designees of the Year

Builder Designee of the Year

Joseph Irons, CAPS, CGP, CGR, GMB, GMR is the President and General Manager of Irons Brothers Construction, Inc. a design-build firm in Shoreline, Wash. A 21-year industry veteran, Irons believes in giving back to the building industry and plays an active role in the Master Builders Association of King & Snohomish Counties. He also is active in the state, local and national building and remodeling councils and committees. Irons is committed to continuing education and enjoys training fellow builders, architects, designers, OT/PTs and other professionals. He also is a published author and accredited educator in the state of Washington.

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) Designee of the Year

Chris Moore, CAPS, CGR founded Solid Rock Enterprises, Inc. in 2001 to provide quality building, remodeling, and consulting services in Roanoke Valley, Va. He is a believer in life-long learning and is passionate about education and improving his knowledge of the industry. With more than 34 years of industry experience, Moore believes that your house is your castle and when you make a choice to renovate, you should be able to choose a contractor who will have the experience to understand your unique needs and create the home of your dreams.

Remodeler Designee of the Year

Leo Lantz, CAPS, CGP, CGR, GMB, GMR is the owner of Leo Lantz Construction, Inc. in Glen Allen, Va. A 25-year industry veteran with a passion for remodeling and an eye for detail, he takes pride in delivering a home to a completely satisfied customer. Involved in all aspects of the remodeling industry and his community, Lantz believes in giving back by playing an active role in the HBA of Richmond. He has attained multiple industry designations and was named 2018 NAHB National Remodeler of the Year, which recognizes superior business management, exemplary NAHB involvement at all levels and outstanding contributions to the remodeling industry.

Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) Designee of the Year

Matthew Rayburn, HCCP is the Deputy Executive Director and Chief Real Estate Development Officer with Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHDCA) in Indianapolis. As part of the IHDCA’s executive team, he oversees the agency’s Real Estate Development department which handles allocations and compliance for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, Housing Choice Vouchers and other programs as well as planning and training for the Indiana Supportive Housing Institute and other supportive housing initiatives. A recognized expert in the industry, he has years of experience in affordable housing management, auditing and training.

2020 Educator of the Year

Steve Hoffacker, CAPS is the founder of Steve Hoffacker & Associates, LLC in West Palm Beach, Fla. As a widely respected aging-in-place, universal design, and visibility advocate, instructor, author and consultant, he has more than 30 years of industry experience. In 2007, he launched the Remodelers Council at his local HBA and began teaching the CAPS designation courses. Since then, he has enjoyed helping a variety of professionals attain their credentials to work more effectively with their aging-in-place clientele. Hoffacker also has served as a frequent resource on aging-in-place and universal design topics for journalists writing newspaper and magazine articles and for public presentations to both consumers and professionals.

For any questions about the NAHB Education Awards, please contact Crystal Y. Floyd.