Will Cooper, Jr., President and CEO of WNC, has been appointed Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) BUILD-PAC, a bipartisan political action committee focused on supporting candidates who advocate for housing and business interests. This appointment comes as the industry gears up for significant political engagement during a pivotal election cycle. The announcement was made on March 2, 2026, following Cooper’s installation at the 2026 International Builders’ Show held in Orlando, Florida, on February 18.
Cooper expressed his gratitude for this role, emphasizing the importance of political involvement in shaping housing policies. “I am honored to be installed as the 2026 Chairman of BUILD-PAC, one of the most influential political organizations in housing,” he stated. His extensive experience as a BUILD-PAC Trustee for over a decade positions him well to lead the committee, which plays a crucial role in advancing the home building industry’s advocacy priorities on Capitol Hill.
As Chairman, Cooper will oversee the BUILD-PAC Board of Trustees, which consists of more than 100 members from various states across the United States. His leadership will focus on providing strategic direction for the committee and fostering engagement among NAHB members, industry stakeholders, and federal policymakers.
In addition to his responsibilities with BUILD-PAC, Cooper serves as the President and CEO of WNC, where he oversees the company’s overall business strategy. WNC has a strong reputation in the affordable housing sector, having acquired over $21.5 billion in properties since its founding in 1971. The company has successfully created and preserved more than 120,000 housing units in 49 states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands.
Furthermore, Cooper is involved with subsidiary Community Preservation Partners, affiliate Preservation Equity Fund Advisors, and the Cooper Housing Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing homelessness in America. His appointment as BUILD-PAC Chairman is expected to bolster these efforts, reinforcing the committee’s position as a key advocate for the home building community.
Cooper’s term as Chairman will extend until the next International Builders Show in 2027. As he embarks on this leadership role, his commitment to engaging the industry in the political process is clear. “Elections matter and have a lasting impact on housing policy and home building,” he concluded, underscoring the need for proactive involvement in shaping the future of housing.
