Thayer Long, the Manufactured Housing Institute's departing president, draws Industry's attention

Oct. 26, 2011 - PRLog -- The surprise announcement that Thayer Long, president of the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI), will be leaving at the end of October surprised most industry members and observers.  Long drew praise from many corporate and association leaders, including Joe Stegmayer, CEO of Cavco Industries and Chairman of MHI's Executive Committee.

“Thayer Long has done a fine job for MHI over the years and especially as he advanced to the president’s position.  He managed fiscal affairs with sound diligence and provided excellent leadership for the staff.  In addition Thayer represented the industry in a professional, knowledgeable way that reflected well on all of us.  We will miss his positive attitude and attentiveness to the membership.” Stegmayer said.

Stegmayer was not alone in his praise for Long's work.  “It was truly a pleasure to work with Thayer. When you discussed a topic with Thayer you not only felt that he was listening, but that he understood the problem and would attempt to find a solution. We will miss working with him and wish him the best of success in his new venture.” said Leigh J. Abrams, Chairman, Drew Industries.

A respected manufactured home land lease community operator also expressed gratitude for Long's service. “Thayer has spent the last 3 years moving MHI as well as the entire industry in the right direction.  His understanding of housing issues will be missed but he has developed a staff that will do a great job with those same issues in his absence.” said Nathan Smith, Owner of SSK Communities.

Long's departure naturally raised questions about possible replacements.  Unofficial word from sources close to MHI and the Executive Committee told MHProNews that at least 15 candidates have been  or are being considered.

Among the names initially mentioned included:

Jody Anderson, long time Texas manufactured home retailer;

Jim Ayote, the respected executive director at the Florida Manufactured Housing;

Susan Brenton executive director of the Arizona Manufactured Housing Community Association and long time Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee member;

Doug Gorman, MHI's most award winning retailer in the U.S. and also a long time Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee member, who chairs the Great Southwest Home Show in Tulsa;

Rick Rand, Chairman of MHI's PAC, principal at Great Value Homes, long time respected land lease community portfolio operator and board member at the Wisconsin Housing Alliance.

More recent names that have surfaced as possible replacements to Long can be found at this link;

http://www.mhmarketingsalesmanagement.com/blogs/daily-bus...

and more comments by industry professionals regarding Thayer Long's service to Manufactured Housing can be found:

http://www.mhmarketingsalesmanagement.com/blogs/tonykovac...

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