Voting closes October 31, 2025.

New Mexico Home Builders Association
ELECTION OF 2026 OFFICERS

Your Vote for the 2026 Officers of your New Mexico Home Builders Association

NMHBA Officers & Board Members represent Your Voice and are Your Partners in the work to impact Housing Policy, Legislation, and Solutions to Challenges for the Home Building and Construction Industry.

Be a Voter! Casting your Ballot sends an encouraging message of support to the industry leaders who donate a TON of time during the year advocating on behalf of all members and the needs of your businesses.

The New Mexico Home Builders Association (NMHBA) represents thousands of builders, developers, and industry professionals just like you across the state. Founded in 1959, our mission, led by a small board and staff, is to advocate and work toward policies that promote safe, sustainable, and affordable housing opportunities for all New Mexicans. We are a driving force in the state’s economy and your trusted resource for housing solutions.

Jim French President
Jim French is the Vice President/ Purchasing for French Brothers Homes.  A lifelong resident of Alamogordo, Jim started in residential home building in 1978.  He served as the President of the Building Contractors Association of Otero County in 2006 and was a member of the 2005 NMHBA Board of Directors.Jim has always been active in the community, serving in many capacities.  He supported his kids as their Little League baseball coach and was very active in the high school Sports Boosters Club.  Board directorships include the Chamber of Commerce, Committee of Fifty and MainGate United.  He also served on the Alamogordo School Board for 8 years.  His passions are spending time with his wife Robin, 4 children and 4 grandkids, golf, flying, and home building.

DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT: The President is the Chief Officer of the Association and presides at its meetings and those of the Board of Directors. Between meetings the President has the authority to represent the Association and act in its name, subject only to its declared policies.  The President appoints all committees and performs all other duties usual to such office.  The President's term of office is for one year, after the President has usually served one year each as Secretary-Treasurer and 1st Vice President/President-Elect.
Joshua Shultz, Zachary & Sons Homes
Josh Shultz is the Vice President of Zachary & Sons Homes and is tasked with the day-to-day operations.  From coordinating with sub-contractors, vendors, architects, and homeowners, Josh is involved on every level of the company and home building process. Josh has a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban and Environmental Planning from Arizona State University, graduating in 2011.  The family structure of Zachary and Sons is integral to Josh and the company.  Approaching each project as a family has allowed them to train and be successful in completing luxury custom homes. Josh loves spending time with his family, hiking in the mountains, and skiing at Ski Santa Fe in the winter.

DUTIES OF THE 1st VP/PRESIDENT-ELECT: The 1st VP/President-Elect performs the duties of the President in the President’s absence and any other duties as prescribed by the President. The 1st VP/President-Elect serves on the Board of Directors. The First Vice President becomes the President the following year.
Diana Lucero, VP Commercial Relationship Manager, UMB Bank

Diana Lucero currently serving as the NMHBA Associate V.P., she is also a member of the Government Affairs Committee and the Finance Committee. Diana is active with her Local – HBA of Central New Mexico – currently serving on their Board of Directors as Advisory Board Member. She is also on the Golf Committee, Parade of Homes Committee, and the Bowling Fundraising Committee. She is very involved at the National level. She is the NM State Rep, Past National Associate Chair (NAC), Past Associate Committee Chair/Executive Committee Member, Past NAHBR Business Associates Chair, Past Remodelers Council Trustee, sat on the CGB Board of Governors and sits on the NAHB’s Board of Directors (Life Director), Leadership Council, Conventions & Meetings Committee, Membership Committee (2nd Vice-Chair) and NAHB BUILD-PAC Board of Trustees.

She has earned Certified Aging in Place Specialist, Certified Green Professional and Certified Graduate Associate designations through NAHB.

Diana sits on the Board of the NM Mortgage Lenders Association and the CNM Accounting and Finance Advisory Committee. She continues to be active and participates in many community events and loves spending time with her grandchildren.

DUTIES OF THE ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT: The Associate Vice President represents the interests of the Associate members. The Associate Vice President serves on the Board of Directors.
JP Rael, Westway HomesJP Rael is the Vice President of Operations and Sales Manager at Westway Homes.  With more than 30 years of sales and leadership experience—spanning the ski industry, medical sales, and real estate—and over 20 years dedicated to new home construction, JP Rael brings deep industry expertise and operational insight to his role.  At Westway Homes, he leads strategic growth, emphasizes quality craftsmanship, and champions energy-efficient building through initiatives like the Eco Series. An alumnus of the University of California, Los Angeles, JP has served on the HBA of CNM Board of Directors for six years and currently is their 2025 President.  He believes in building not just homes, but relationships and community. Outside of work, JP enjoys coaching basketball.  Family is at the heart of everything JP does.  Teresa, his wife of 33 years, and their daughter Ryann are his greatest sources of inspiration and support, reminding him daily of the purpose behind his work and the importance of building lasting legacies.

DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY-TREASURER: The Secretary-Treasurer is responsible for overseeing the keeping of written record of all of the official proceedings of the Association. The Secretary-Treasurer has general charge of the financial affairs of the Association and renders a periodic financial statement to the Board of Directors as required. The Secretary-Treasurer succeeds the 1st VP/President-Elect and eventually the President.
CAPTCHA image

To register your vote, your electronic ballot must be submitted by October 31, 2025

Votes are anonymous.

For questions or comments, please contact Melanie Lawton at NMHBA. 505-344-7072.