The work of Leading Builders of America is conducted through a collaboration between subject matter experts who work for member companies and the LBA professional staff.
Our professional staff combines strong policy analysis and advocacy skills with a deep understanding of the housing industry.
Ken Gear
Ken is an attorney primarily responsible for federal government relations for Leading Builders of America. In this capacity, he recently helped lead successful lobbying campaigns for the Fix House First Coalition and the Homes for America Alliance.
Prior to joining LBA he served as Vice President, Government Affairs for Pulte Homes where he managed Pulte’s outreach to Congress and federal agencies as well as state legislators in 27 states. In this role, he also served as Chairman of the High Production Home Builders Council, Government Affairs Committee which managed industry-wide lobbying efforts for some of the largest home builders in the country. Prior to joining the homebuilding industry, Ken represented the auto manufacturing industry and a national retailer.
Phil Crone
Phil Crone joined the LBA staff in 2023 following seventeen years with the Dallas Builders Association where he served as Director of Government Affairs and then Executive Officer. In both capacities, Phil was responsible for the association’s political, legislative and regulatory activity and other Dallas BA initiatives.
Phil works closely with LBA members to advance housing-centric policy and political priorities in key states and directs the LBA’s advocacy activities related to building codes and standards.
Phil has a Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a Juris Doctorate from Southern Methodist University.