The Policy Advisory Board of the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies convened its first meeting of 2013 recently in Washington, DC under the leadership of its recently appointed Chairman, Michael H. Thaman, Chairman and CEO of Owens Corning.  

“Mike will be a fantastic leader for the Policy Advisory Board,” said Eric Belsky, managing director of the Joint Center.  “He brings a deep knowledge of the building materials sector, strong commitment to advancing housing as a national policy priority, and keen interest in expanding our understanding of the challenge and promise of sustainability along with the economic and demographic trends that will shape future demand.”

Owens Corning, a Fortune 500 company for 58 years, is a leading global producer of residential and commercial building materials, glass fiber reinforcements, and engineered materials for composite systems.  A graduate of Princeton University, Mr. Thaman joined the company in 1992 and held a variety of leadership positions, including Chief Financial Officer, President of the Exterior Systems Business, and President of the Engineered Pipe Systems Business.

“I’m honored to step into the Chairman position,” said Thaman.  As a longstanding member of the Policy Advisory Board, I’ve always respected the Joint Center’s research and its relevance to leaders in both the public and private sectors. I’m looking forward to being involved on this new level.”

The Joint Center also appointed Jeffrey Mezger the board’s new vice chair. Mezger is the President and Chief Executive Officer of KB Home.