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After an extensive search process over the previous couple months, HBA CEO Dave Nielsen is pleased to announce the hiring of Ryan Makinster as HBA’s new Director of Policy and Government Affairs. The process included interviews with a candidate review committee comprised of HBA member leaders, including HBA Past President Kelly Ritz, past Government Affairs Committee Chair Jamie Howsley, current Government Affairs Committee Chair Garrett Stephenson, current Political Action Committee Chair and Government Affairs Committee Vice-Chair Mackenzie Davis, and HBA Board Officer Andrew Tull. This group unanimously recommended Ryan as the top candidate. Ryan has a great policy and political background at local and state levels, strong knowledge and experience representing home building industry issues, and a solid understanding of working within an association environment. He also is passionate about the forward-thinking approach to working on issues and with partners in our region that will fit well with the direction we’ve charted and run effectively over the last several years. Most recently, Ryan served for three years as the Government Affairs Director for the Building Industry Association of Clark County. Prior to that, Ryan’s experience includes fifteen years working in Alaska. While there, his background includes political campaign work, serving in various staff roles within the state legislature, running two small associations and lobbying on their behalf, and a position as the Communications Director for the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation. When he is not attending local council and commission meetings, or meeting new members, Ryan enjoys spending time outdoors in the beautiful NW and relearning what makes this place so special and unique. He is also a notorious foodie who likes to take advantage of the cutting-edge Portland restaurant scene. As part of his commitment to the community and an integral part of his professional life, he often volunteers for non-profit organizations and events. Most recently, he competed as a “celebrity chef” in a “Chopped” style cooking competition to support Rotary of Three Creeks in Clark County. Ryan’s first day was April 14th and he has hit the ground running. If you would like to send Ryan a welcome note, or if you are interested in learning more about HBA’s housing policy and advocacy work, political action committee, Government Affairs Committee, or Portland Building and Urban Development Council, please reach out to Ryan at ryanm@hbapdx.org or Roseann Johnson, HBA Assistant Director of Government Affairs at roseannj@hbapdx.org.