MHProNews received a statement from Cavco CEO and Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) Chairman Joe Stegmayer, announcing the departure of Thayer Long as MHI’s executive director. Per Stegmayer’s statement, “As announced today at the MHI Board Meeting in Phoenix, Thayer Long will be leaving MHI to pursue another opportunity. Over the next several weeks, we will be working with Thayer, the MHI leaders and our excellent staff on a smooth transition of Thayer’s duties. The MHI leadership will also begin the search for Thayer’s replacement. Rest assured, MHI has extremely capable and professional staff. They will continue to move the priorities of the association forward and will continue to serve our members well.” An MHI source stated Long would remain through October before departing. “This is what life is like in the association (world),” an MHI staffer said, who wished Long well while expressing confidence in the future. In a typical comment, MHI member/retailer Doug Gorman said, “I have admiration for Thayer. He stepped into the position at a time that was very challenging. Revenues were in decline. He rose to the occasion, stepped up to the plate and performed remarkably well…He probably saw something that was good for him, and he will succeed because he is hard working. I absolutely wish him well.” MHI PAC Chair, Rick Rand of Great Value Homes said, “Very happy for Thayer, he chose to make a career move. Thayer has been with the association for years, and has been a great asset, stepped up all the time in his duties with MHI. It was great to work with him. I am sorry to see him go, but that is the nature of this business. We can only wish him the very best.” A multi-decades veteran industry contacted MHProNews, speculating that Long’s departure was due to his seeing ‘the hand writing on the wall.’ When asked, Rand’s reply to that comment was, “We (MHI) are now in better financial shape than we have been in years, MHI is in a great position. As is the MHI PAC.” Rand pointed to the MHI leadership, saying “We need to remember to give credit to the executive committee; Joe Stegmayer, Don Glisson, Jr., Kevin Clayton, Nathan Smith and Ken Cashin, the immediate past chair.” “I talked to Thayer several times during his tenure at MHI. He was always professional, pleasant, and cooperative. We wish him and MHI well during this time of transition” said John Bostick of Sunshine Homes and MHARR Chairman. MHProNews will continue to bring you updates on this and related developments.
