MHProNews asked DJ Pendleton, the Executive Director for the Texas Manufactured Housing Association (TMHA), to comment about his being approached by MHI’s leadership to fill the role by the departing Thayer Long. “I was exceptionally flattered to be mentioned as a potential replacement for Thayer, especially after I saw the list of other names of incredibly capable, passionate people much smarter than myself. I am continuously challenged and have a long list of goals I have not yet achieved in Texas. For both personal and professional reasons, coupled with the tremendous support of my TMHA members, the best place for me is to continue to zealously advocate and protect our industry’s interests in Texas. I look forward to continue my participation with MHI and work to advance our industry’s collective national efforts.” Pendleton said. From the north side of the Red River, came this comment comment that echoed the praise of Pendleton’s work in the Long Horn State: “DJ would of been a great asset to MHI if he accepted the position. I’m being selfish, but I’m thankful he declined because Texas needs him! “ said Deanna Fields, Manufactured Housing Association of Oklahoma (MHAO) and recent winner of MHI’s State Association Executive of the Year. In response to a previous question about published and unpublished names considered for the interim/permanent MHI leadership role, MHI PAC Chair Rick Rand said, “There are some extremely qualified association execs. This is something that the MHI Executive Committee is obviously working on, and I’m confident they have or will explore all of the best candidates.” When asked about DJ Pendleton, multiple award winning MHI member Doug Gorman had this to say: “From what I have been able to observe from a neighboring state, DJ Pendleton has done an excellent job as the Executive Director of the Texas Manufactured Housing Association. I am sure that DJ would have carried those same leadership qualities with him to MHI had he chosen to accept that role in the industry.” Others have shared similar sentiments about DJ Pendleton’s strengths as a leader among Manufactured Housing Executives.
(Editor’s note: Friday, October 27th was Thayer Long’s last day at MHI. Please join us in wishing him all the best in his new career. Long is going to the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) as Executive Vice President, where he begins on Nov 1. Long previously worked for the National Association of Home Builders and American Chemical Society in Washington, DC.
There are hints from sources that a GM has been at MHI and an announcement is pending, but a different source with ties to MHI has denied this or that an announcement for a new/interim/permanent president for the Manufactured Housing Institute will come soon.)
