NAHB’s Longtime Housing Finance Legend, David Ledford, Retires

After nearly four decades of service, David Ledford, NAHB executive vice president for Housing Finance and Regulatory Affairs, retired on May 7.

“Over the years, Dave’s expertise, judgment and guidance has proved invaluable not only to me, but to NAHB members who have been and remain deeply involved in a host of housing finance and regulatory issues of critical importance to our industry,” said NAHB CEO Jerry Howard. “But above all else, Dave is a great friend. While he will be sorely missed by the NAHB family, we wish him well for a happy and healthy retirement.”

Well respected by his colleagues, industry peers and members of NAHB, Ledford was dedicated to advancing innovated housing initiatives, reducing the regulatory burden on housing, and ensuring an efficient and safe housing finance system. Known for his quick wit and wealth of knowledge, NAHB members, staff and housing policy makers looked to Ledford for his guidance and expertise in developing housing policies that provided more homeownership and rental opportunities for families across the country.

Over the last several years, Ledford oversaw all aspects of NAHB’s regulatory advocacy by directing policy analysis, development and implementation for housing finance, environmental, land development, labor safety and health, and construction codes and standards issues. He also dealt extensively with government agencies, Congress and other organizations on regulatory matters that affect housing.

Ledford joined NAHB’s Housing Finance Department in January 1985 as director of Capital Market Analysis, and over the ensuing years, he held a variety of management positions of increasing responsibility.

Upon Ledford’s retirement, NAHB’s Jessica Lynch, VP Housing Finance, now leads the Housing Finance group; and Susan Asmus, SVP Regulatory Affairs, leads the Regulatory Affairs group.