[BIASC] – Southern California’s largest homebuilding trade association has named veteran planning and government affairs professional David W. Shepherd as its new CEO. Shepherd, 46, will begin his duties with the Building Industry Association of Southern California on April 2.

In making the announcement, BIASC President Bob Yoder said Shepherd brings a wide range of experience to the post.

“Dave has a strong commitment to our industry and possesses a rare combination of experience that we believe make him the ideal candidate to lead our Association in the years to come,” said Yoder, who also is a Division President for Shea Homes.

“He understands our industry, has been a volunteer leader with the BIA and has an extensive background in government. These experiences will serve him well at BIASC and I look forward to working closely with him to help our region’s homebuilding industry continue to rebound from its worst crisis since World War II.”

Currently, Shepherd is Manager of Land Use Planning for Orange County, where he was responsible for planning for major developments as well as regional coordination with other jurisdictions.

Prior to that, he was a consultant for government agencies on development policy matters and Director of Forward Planning and Government Affairs for KB Home’s Coastal Division. While working for KB, he served in several leadership roles for the BIA, including Vice President for Public Affairs for BIASC’s Riverside County Chapter.

Earlier in his career, he directed intergovernmental and legislative affairs for the Riverside County Transportation Commission and San Bernardino Associated Governments and before that worked for two state legislators.

Shepherd said he was excited to return to the homebuilding industry.

“I look forward to working with our Board, staff, members, and regional and local governments to promote homebuilding, and assist Southern California’s economic recovery,” Shepherd noted.  “Building homes and apartments creates jobs, boosts the economy and provides cities and counties with much-needed revenues.”

He earned a master’s degree in public policy administration from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in political science and public service from the University of California, Davis. He and his wife, Karen, have three children – Riley, Kyle and Abbey – and live in Oceanside.

BIASC is a non-profit trade association representing nearly 1,000 member companies in the housing industry, construction trades, and affiliated businesses throughout Southern California. Along with its four chapters – Los Angeles/Ventura, Orange County, Riverside County and Baldy View – it advocates on behalf of the homebuilding industry throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, southeast Kern, Orange, Riverside, Imperial and San Bernardino counties.Visit our Website at www.biasc.org.