Kansas Builder Elected Second Vice Chairman of NAHB

Carl Harris, a Wichita, Kan.-based small volume spec and custom home builder with more than 40 years of experience in the home building, remodeling and light commercial construction industry, today was elected as the 2022 Second Vice Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) during the association’s Winter Leadership Meetings.

Co-founder and president of the Carl Harris Co., Inc and managing partner of Harris Homes, Harris has built homes in many communities around the state of Kansas.

“Tackling building material supply chain constraints that are delaying projects and putting upward pressure on home prices will be a top priority in 2022,” said Harris. “We will also work with policymakers to reduce burdensome regulations that harm housing affordability and urge Congress to enact comprehensive housing finance reform to ensure that single-family and multifamily housing credit remains readily available and affordable.”

Harris has been active in the NAHB leadership structure at the local, state and national levels throughout his career. A Senior Life Delegate, he has served in leadership for over 20 years. Harris has served as NAHB State Representative for Kansas and as a chairman of several influential NAHB committees and councils, including the Federal Government Affairs Committee, the State and Local Government Affairs Committee, the Construction Safety and Health Committee, the Commercial Builders Council, and BUILD-PAC, the association’s political action committee.

Harris is a former president of the Kansas Building Industry Association and has chaired several of the state HBA’s committees, councils and task forces. His local association, the Wichita Area Builders Association (WABA), awarded him the Cornerstone Award for his outstanding work in the industry and community. He also served as president of WABA.

Actively involved in his local community, Harris served eight years on the Newton City Commission and was elected mayor of Newton twice, from 1996-1997 and 2000-2001. He served more than 15 years as a Newton/North Newton Planning Commissioner and on the Newton/Harvey County Airport Commission. He also served on the Newton Board of Codes, Standards and Appeals and as Newton Public Building Commissioner.

As an Eagle Scout, Harris wanted to give back to the Boys Scouts of America, serving as a Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, District Chairman and Council Program Chairman, and he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for volunteerism and leadership.

Harris and his wife of 37 years, Lori, enjoy working together in their business and serving their community. They have one son, Christian Harris, who they also build with.

NAHB’s newly elected senior officers serve on a multi-year leadership ladder. Harris will become chairman of NAHB’s Board of Directors in 2024.