Piedmont Triad – The Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition (TREBIC) has named a new President to succeed Marlene Sanford, who is stepping out of that role after 22 years at the helm. TREBIC’s new President will be Jon Lowder, who has served as the Executive Director of the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association (PTAA) since 2009.

“For the 22 years of its existence TREBIC has been fortunate to have the benefit of Marlene’s leadership, mentorship and expertise, all of which have greatly impacted the Piedmont Triad, the state of North Carolina and particularly the Real Estate and Construction Industry,” said Brian Hall, chairman of the TREBIC Board of Directors. “We’re excited to have Jon assume this key leadership role at a time when TREBIC’s members will be called on as vital contributors to the Triad’s economic growth.”

Lowder said he looks forward to the challenges and opportunity of taking on the leadership of TREBIC and picking up where Sanford left off. “Marlene has done an incredible job building and leading TREBIC over the last 22 years. I’m very excited for the opportunity to take what she has built and work with TREBIC’s volunteer leaders, members, and staff to continue providing the land use expertise that TREBIC is known for and will be critical as the Triad enters an era of rapid economic and population growth.”

Sanford pointed out that PTAA is a Founding Member of TREBIC, has been an unwavering Lead Association Investor for our entire 22+ years, and Jon has been an active and valued member of the TREBIC team for the past 12 of those. “Jon is well-known, respected and such a great guy. His selection sets us up for smooth transition and continued success.”

During Lowder’s 12 years at PTAA the organization’s membership of apartment development, ownership and management companies grew by 65%, from 48,000 apartment units under management to 75,000 units. He expanded PTAA’s government affairs efforts beyond TREBIC’S footprint to offer representation across PTAA’s full 12 county region, often partnering with TREBIC to advocate for effective rental housing policies at the local and state level. In 2014 he was named the Chris Christensen Association Executive of the Year by the National Apartment Association. Currently he serves on Winston-Salem’s Affordable Housing Coalition and is the chairman of Guilford County's Ending Homelessness. He is an active supporter of Second Harvest Food Bank of NWNC and is a member, and past president, of Crescent Rotary Club in Greensboro.

TREBIC and Sanford have won twelve local, regional, state and national awards for excellence in government affairs from both industry and the community.

“I’m very confident that with Jon’s leadership TREBIC will continue as a strong coalition of top industry professionals advocating for responsible development, sustainable growth, and vibrant communities,” Hall said. “We will continue to be a positive partner with the community, actively participating in finding solutions to difficult community problems while preserving constitutionally protected private property rights.”

For more information contact: Brian Hall, TREBIC Chairman
Director of Development at Samet Corporation
336-544-2600, bhall@SametCorp.com