![Add a heading](https://www.hbat.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Add-a-heading-e1619638494287-600x245.png)
Jim Tobin, Government Affairs & Chief Lobbyist
![Jim Tobin](https://www.hbat.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Jim-Tobin-150x150.png)
James W. Tobin III is Executive Vice President for Government Affairs and Chief Lobbyist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Jim is responsible for directing the federal, state and local lobbying, as well as political activities for NAHB. In addition to his lobbying responsibilities, Jim guides the activities of the association’s political action committee, BUILD-PAC, and the grassroots network. Jim’s past policy experience has concentrated on tax policy and environmental policy.
Jim joined NAHB in 1998, and before becoming NAHB’s Chief Lobbyist, Jim was NAHB’s Vice President for Federal Relations. Prior to NAHB, Jim was Senior Legislative Assistant to former-U.S. Representative Frank Riggs (CA) and former-U.S. Representative Gary Franks (CT).
Jim holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Connecticut. He resides in Falls Church, Virginia, with his wife and their two children.
Ruthanne Hanlon, PPG National Color & Design Manager
![Ruthanne Hanlon](https://www.hbat.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Ruthanne-Hanlon-150x150.png)
What are buyers looking for and why? Ruthanne will discuss color & design trends for new home construction. The presentation focuses on color and design trends, as researched and identified by PPG’s international team of color experts and specialists in North America, Europe, and Asia, in the areas of architecture, automotive, consumer products and aerospace. The presentation will also include design trends specific to new home construction along with the influencers of the forecasted trends. The world we live in, the shifts in demographics, the impact of nature and the advancements in technology all play a part in shaping trends and the spaces we wish to create for ourselves.