Executive Moves in Homebuilding

Michael Sumichrast, former chief economist of the NAHB, died of respiratory failure recently in Potomac, Md., at the age of 86. A Washington Post obituary called Sumichrast one of the most quoted people in the housing industry for more than 20 years, saying Sumichrast's name appeared in the Post 182 times since 1977, 150 times in The New York Times and 635 times in reports of the Associated Press. He retired from NAHB in 1986.

Maggie Toro, former president of the Orlando division of Melbourne, Fla.-based giant Mercedes Homes, has been promoted to regional specialist. In Toro's place, Cristina Quintana, formerly Orlando regional vice president of sales and marketing, is the new Orlando division president. Paul Schoettelkotte, formerly vice president of sales in Mercedes' Tampa Bay division, takes over as Orlando division vice president of sales and marketing.

Newport Beach, Calif.-based Giant John Laing Homes, a subsidiary of Dubai-based developer Emaar Properties, has promoted Tim Jones to president of its Inland Empire division. Jones has been part of that division since 2002, previously serving as vice president of land development. Prior to joining Laing, Jones spent two years with Lewis Operating Corp., where he managed the development of several master-planned communities. He has also worked in land development for KB Home.

Melbourne, Fla.-based Holiday Builders has named Richard Fadil its new CFO. He will report to president Kim Shelpman. Most recently, Fadil ran the Orlando, Fla., division of Morrison Homes, before that firm's merger with Taylor Woodrow.

Kimball Hill Homes founder and chairman David K. Hill, 65, has relinquished the CEO title in the Rolling Meadows, Ill.-based giant to Kenneth Love, 53, former vice-chairman, president and co-chief operating officer. Hill has been battling back from skin cancer since January, and a recent filing with the federal Securities and Exchange Commission says Hill will "remain actively involved."

Boston-based United Site Services, a provider of portable restroom services, temporary fencing, power and storage for building sites, has named Kevin Bruce president and CEO, replacing Terry Bellora, who will stay with the firm during the transition in leadership. USS was purchased by New York-based DLJ Merchant Banking Partners in June 2006. Bruce previously served as CEO of Strategic Equipment and Supply Corp. in the food service industry.

Ronald E. Fenn is the new president and COO of Orlando, Fla.-based giant Park Square Homes. For the past 11 years, Fenn has been president of RD&C Management, a Central Florida community developer and builder that worked closely with Park Square. Fenn also spent 17 years with Ryan Homes, where he rose to regional vice president.

Bensalem, Pa.-based Orleans Homebuilders has appointed Mark D. Weaver vice president and controller. He was previously vice president and corporate controller for Agere Systems, a $1.6 billion global semiconductor manufacturer. He will report to Garry P. Herdler, executive vice president and CFO.