Kansas Builder Elected First 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 2023 first vice chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) during the association’s International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.

Co-founder and Vice 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.

"This year we will work with the Biden administration and new Congress to address America’s housing affordability crisis by fixing building material supply chain disruptions and opposing unnecessary regulations associated with land development and residential construction that needlessly raise housing costs," said Harris. "We will also urge Congress to enact comprehensive housing finance reform to ensure that creditworthy home buyers have access to affordable home loans."

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 the WABA.

Actively involved in his local community, Harris served eight years on the Newton City Commission and was elected mayor of Newton twice, from 1996-97 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 39 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.