Builders group gets new executive officer
The Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association named Elisa McAlister as executive vice president and executive officer, succeeding Rusty Appleton, who resigned to return to political consulting.
The builders group, founded in 1943, represents thehome construction and remodeling industry through community events, member education, government affairs and lobbying.
McAlister has worked for the association since 2016, as senior director of operations and events and director of education and special events. Previously, she worked for the Greater
Oklahoma City Chamber and the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“I'm thrilled to lead the team at COHBA and continue our work as a trusted source and advocate for the new home construction industry in central Oklahoma,” she said. “This year has been an interesting, challenging year for everyone. Our industry has remained steady and I'm excited to work with our executive committee, board of directors, and membership as whole to continue that momentum.”
As executive officer, McAlister leads the dayto-day operations of the association, and represents it at local, state and national meetings. She alsocontinues managing the association's special events.
“We could not be more excited to have Elisa on board as our new executive officer," said Andrew
French, president of the Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association. "She has demonstrated over her years with COHBA that she runs a tight ship and is exactly the person we need to move our association forward.”
McAlister holds a bachelor's degree in public relations from Oklahoma State University.
Her predecessor, Gregory “Rusty” Appleton, held the position for five years. Previously, he was a field representative and a campaign manager forU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe and served as the Tulsa Republican's campaign manager. He left the builders group to become vice president of political operations for GR Pro, an Oklahoma City public affairs and advocacy firm.
Before Appleton, Terri Akers was executive director of the association from 1986 to 2014, and had worked for it since 1976.