NCHBA ……Working for you!

The next 14 issues of the North Carolina BUILDER will highlight one NCHBA staff.  Our goal is to better inform you who we are and how we can help you in your everyday business.

Above: Susie Thompson, Director of Membership Services, with Cal Ripken.

Thompson was born in New Bern, NC and moved to Raleigh, NC when her dad was relocated with his position at the Department of Education.  After High School she attended the Harbargers Business School and the Raleigh School of Data Processing.  She had worked for the general assembly full time from 1977 – 1985 as the assistant Senate Principle Clerk and currently still works there on the weekends as a receptionist and tour guide. 

In 1985 she worked for Southern Strategies, Inc., a political consulting firm, and then went to work at Blue Cross/Blue Shield in 1995 as the coordinator in the government affairs department. As a North Raleigh native the commute to Chapel Hill became cumbersome without the I-540 access so she accepted the position as governmental affairs administrative assistant for the North Carolina Home Builders Association in 1997. In 2001 Thompson made the switch to Director of Membership Services and is the liaison between the state and local associations. Among her many job functions, Thompson is also the coordinator of the annual STARS Awards gala celebration, which continues to grow and is held every year in conjunction with the 21st Century Building Expo & Conference. Thompson also travels to local associations to talk about membership, benefits, and many other aspects of the state association. In 2005, Thompson traveled thousands of miles to visit local associations.

“The best part of my job is working with the members of this association.  It is a joy to work for people who appreciate what you do for them – which in return makes you want to do a good job for them,” states Thompson. 

Thompson has two grown children, and lives in a family who loves college sports and the conflict of the love of two basketball teams – Duke & NC State.  Her daughter, Michelle, is the Director of Compliance in the athletic department at NC State but her son, David, is a die-hard Duke fan – so Thompson roots for both teams to create a happy medium. Thompson is also a huge Cal Ripken fan and would travel to Baltimore, MD, to see the Orioles play before he retired.

In her spare time Thompson can be found on a cruise ship with her mother, who is her cruising buddy, or on Oak Island, NC, where her mother currently lives – and where Thompson plans to retire someday.  She also enjoys gardening and remodeling. 

Thompson welcomes the opportunity to visit your local association and can be reached at 1.800.662.7129 ext.405 or via email: .