Cavco CEO and Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) Chairman Joe Stegmayer’s exclusive statement to MHProNews.com last week sent the clear signal that no rapid appointment for a replacement to former MHI President Thayer Long should be expected. His message was underscored in a conference call with the Manufactured Housing Executive Committee (MHEC) members the next day. Some have lobbied for ‘favorite son’ candidates from their state or industry segment, which is not unwelcome by MHI’s leadership according to reports that they want to make the best possible selection. One person has boldly lobbied quite publicly for himself – with indirect/direct pushes from others in support – but that effort is opposed for sound reasons described by a senior, award winning, MHI member in an exclusive Industry Voices guest blog post. As one respected state executive told MHProNews, “Joe sees no reason to rush the decision, and I agree.” We expect to hear more from Chairman Stegmayer at the Louisville Show, where he plans an address during his appearance there, as well as planning to discuss the plans and progress in the search for a solid replacement for Thayer Long. Some industry observers are seeing this thoughtful pause in the search of Long’s replacement to lead MHI as a vote of confidence in the rest of the MHI staff, which has kept their ship of state running smoothly.
