AHBA Welcomes New CEO

Only Alaskans understand certain parts of life in the Last Frontier, like how to execute the Kenai flip, function as fashion and why it’s a crime to sit inside on a sunny summer day. Alaska’s building industry is also unique. Understanding how it operates is not something easily translated by artificial intelligence or understood by newcomers. 

When the Anchorage Home Builders Association needed new leadership, the board knew the only fit would be an Alaskan, someone who is acutely aware of the struggles and successes of life on the Last Frontier. 

“We’re excited to welcome Lisa Huffman as our new CEO. She’s a lifelong Alaskan who cares deeply about our community. From working as a principal in our education system to serving on the board of an Alaska Native corporation, Lisa is a strong leader who will guide the Anchorage Home Builders Association into the future,” says Skyler Quinn, president of the AHBA board of directors. 

Huffman has deep roots in Alaska. As a born-and-raised Alaskan, she is an enrolled member of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe and a shareholder of Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI), where she currently serves on the board of directors. Huffman brings three decades of leadership experience to AHBA. Her career spans education, governance, real estate, business operations and community engagement. Her background brings a collaborative and solutions-focused approach to AHBA. 

“Alaska is a big state but we’re a small community. It’s our job to look out for each other and helping our neighbors have access to housing should be a priority,” Huffman says. “AHBA increases housing opportunities, supports workforce development and promotes a strong and sustainable building industry, and that’s something that I’m excited to be a part of.” 

Huffman comes to AHBA from Huffman Properties, a company that focuses on real estate investment, redevelopment and housing solutions throughout Alaska. Through her work with homeowners, contractors, investors, lenders and community partners, she developed firsthand insight into the opportunities and challenges facing Alaska’s housing and construction industries.

AHBA Inteim CEO, Shannon Gallagher, is stepping back into the role as director of operations. She’ll continue her hard work managing AHBA’s events and projects like the Home and Garden Show, Parade of Homes, Shoebox Program and more. 

Together, AHBA will continue to be a voice for the building industry. By strengthening member engagement, advancing workforce development and helping address Alaska’s housing challenges through collaboration and advocacy, AHBA is building a bright future for Alaskans.