The Housing and Building Association (HBA) of Colorado Springs today announced that Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Renee Zentz will become the full-time President of Careers in Construction Colorado (CICC). For over six years Zentz has held two titles: CEO of HBA and President of CICC. She is excited for the opportunity to now focus solely on CICC. The transition will take place over the next six months, and she will assist the HBA executive team in its search for a new leader.
“I have had the honor of leading the HBA for 22 years and over that time, our association and members have helped shape the housing and economic landscape of our region,” Zentz said. “One of the most amazing programs started by the HBA is Careers in Construction Colorado, founded in 2015. It will be a huge honor to continue serving this association and industry by putting my full attention into shaping the future of our industry’s workforce through this innovative, life-changing program.”
As the state’s premier workforce development program, and the largest program of its type in the country, CICC now operates in more than 80 high schools across Colorado. CICC connects students with real-world, career-ready learning experiences that result in hands-on careers. CICC is a nonprofit organization started by the Colorado Springs HBA and Associated General Contractors of Colorado and has been joined by many other local homebuilding and trade associations.
Like most initiatives at the HBA, CICC began as a collaborative, volunteer-driven solution to a challenge facing the community. In this case, the construction industry was dealing with a severe lack of trained, skilled workers – while at the same time, students were asking for more career-focused, career-connected educational opportunities. CICC is a true partnership between the education system and the construction industry. It is a model that has won multiple awards and is recognized nationally. In this partnership, schools provide the location and instruction and CICC provides industry-recognized curriculum, materials, certifications and funding, along with career exploration opportunities and pathways to employment.
“Renee has set clear direction and culture at the HBA,” said HBA Board of Directors Chair Thomas Garmong. “Our industry, members and association leads through active, selfless participation in the process, whether that’s volunteering technical expertise and time, or donating money or other resources. We make investments in our community, help shape public policy, and most importantly, provide housing to meet the needs of our growing economy and community.”
For over two decades, under the leadership of Zentz, the HBA has successfully addressed major issues facing the Colorado Springs community, including working with local governments to rebuild after the devastating wildfires and floods of 2012-2013. Colorado Springs stood out as a national example of a community that worked together to rebuild following two years of disasters. As a part of that effort, the HBA worked collaboratively with local governments, fire officials and others, to be better prepared in the event of future fires.
Other significant HBA efforts included rebounding from the 2008 recession that directly impacted homebuilding and the local economy, and navigating the myriad challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. The HBA has been a part of proactive, community-driven initiatives that helped shape our region’s future—from repairing and maintaining roads and infrastructure, storing and delivering water resources, strengthening local schools, and caring for our fellow community members.
“One thing that has become a hallmark of the HBA is our members’ dedication to making Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region stronger,” said Zentz. “We have done that through a spirit of collaboration and volunteerism. We continue to work hard to give back to our community—while at the same time staying true to our core mission of promoting policies that allow for the production of safe and attainable housing in El Paso County. I am not leaving; I am dedicating the next chapter of my life to a new generation of men and women who will make a career out of building our great city and state.”
“We wish Renee the best in her new journey with CICC. We are comforted by the fact she will not be far away and will continue to guide and support the HBA over the next several months,” Garmong concluded. “Our search for the next HBA leader is already underway and we are confident this change will produce the leadership to guide our industry and community in the years to come.”
