San Diego Building Industry Association names longtime Faulconer aide as new CEO

The local building industry has appointed Aimee Faucett, who served as chief of staff for former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, as its chief executive.

Building Industry Association heads are typically one of the main advocates for more home construction in San Diego County, showing up frequently at government meetings, writing editorials and overseeing a variety of pro-housing efforts.

Faucett replaces Lori Holt Pfeiler, the former Escondido mayor and head of the local Habitat for Humanity, who held the role for four years. She took over for Borre Winckel, who was a frequent media presence in his 13 years in the role.

Pfeiler took a more behind-the-scenes approach compared to her predecessor, but it remains to be seen how Faucett, who starts Dec. 15, approaches the CEO position. She said in an email that she will be focused on making sure the organization leads coalitions to counter anti-housing campaigns, as well as educate leaders and the public about the real costs and challenges of homebuilding.

“While small but loud opposition attempts to block new homes,” Faucett wrote in an email, “we’re going to ensure there’s a strong, united voice fighting for doing the right thing. We will be unapologetic and unwavering as we work to create homes that San Diegans are counting on.”

Faucett recently worked on the unsuccessful attempt to elect Faulconer to the Board of Supervisors. Her campaign consulting business is called Agenda Setting and often appears in local elections.

A 1996 graduate of San Diego State University, Faucett has been active in local politics almost ever since. She was a deputy chief of staff for San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and was the chief operating officer of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Chris Cate, the CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, said Faucett was a great pick because she has a lot of connections, experience managing organizations and a strong knowledge of how government works.

“She definitely commands a room,” he said.