New Jersey Builders Association

Kolakowski is the CEO of the New Jersey Builders Association – the leading trade group for the homebuilding industry. In that role, he oversees day-to-day operations as well as government relations and advocacy efforts in a range of policy areas, including land use, redevelopment, economic development, utility infrastructure, environmental matters and building codes.

He’s also been proactive and intimately involved in helping to enact a host of policies that affect the availability and affordability of housing. Chartered in 1947 and incorporated in 1948, NJBA’s membership includes residential and mixed-use builders, developers, remodelers, subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, lawyers, architects, consultants and other professionals. In addition to advocating for all types of housing opportunities – from entry level to luxury and mixed-use development – NJBA provides educational, promotional and networking opportunities for the professionals who make their living in the construction industry.

Kolakowski, who joined the Holmdel-based association in 2011 as director of government affairs, has more than two decades of experience in government relations, advocacy, policy development and public affairs. He began his career as an aide and then chief of staff to a New Jersey state legislator, before going on to serve in the executive branch with several positions at the Department of Labor & Workforce Development.