The state’s politically powerful developers have a new advocate in chief.

The Colorado Association of Homebuilders announced Tuesday that Ted Leighty will become the statewide group’s next CEO. Leighty, currently vice president of government affairs for the Colorado Association of REALTORS, will start Nov. 1.

From the association’s announcement to the press:

“The entire statewide homebuilding community is fortunate to have Ted as the association’s new CEO,” said Bruce Rau of Oakwood Homes, the current board chairman for the CAHB. “Over the past decade, Ted has established himself as a leading association executive, government relations and communications specialist, and spokesman for the housing industry. With Ted’s leadership, homebuilders across Colorado will have an experienced and respected voice to represent our members and their customers at the state level.”

Leighty replaces Scott Smith, who has led the association for the past three years and is returning to the private sector.

Said Leighty, also quoted in the announcement:

“My professional experience, and my passion, is protecting property rights and promoting the American Dream of home ownership. I look forward to working with our members, industry partners and policymakers to continue to advocate for these pillars of economic prosperity.”

The association bills itself as, “… the unified voice of the Colorado home building industry,” and includes 10 local home builders associations across the state with a statewide membership of nearly 2,000.

The association is a political heavy-hitter at the Capitol and has played an instrumental role in forging a broad range of legislation over the years, including efforts to reform construction liability laws.