Debra Tantleff is founding principal of TANTUM
By Joshua Burd
Deb Tantleff’s newest role in the housing industry is anything but new.
Fresh off two terms as chair of the New Jersey Builders Association, the highly respected developer has taken the reins of the influential Builders Political Action Committee. And while the organizations are distinct and functionally different, it’s undoubtedly a natural transition to a role that hinges on relationships in Trenton and on raising funds to support pro-housing candidates.
Consider that Tantleff, having built for-sale and rental properties throughout the state, has worked with lawmakers in many of New Jersey’s 40 legislative districts. Those relationships became even more vital during her years as an NJBA officer and as the first person to chair the organization for two years, roles that centered on advocacy and raising the industry’s profile.
“Part of that was the brand recognition of the association, part of that was my … approach as a developer and understanding the importance of those legislative relationships,” said Tantleff, founding principal of Jersey City-based TANTUM. “So understanding those political nuances is something that I’ve been intimately involved with through my work as chair of NJBA.”
Tantleff, who succeeds Iron Ore Properties’ Josh Mann as BPAC’s chair, has already logged years of service as a trustee with the political fundraising arm and recently served as its vice chair. Importantly, she spearheaded the launch a decade ago of BPAC’s Summer Soiree, now the organization’s top fundraiser and a can’t-miss annual event for lawmakers from both parties.
“We’re still recovering from the Great Recession, but we’ve been on a growth trajectory for the last 10 years,” NJBA CEO Jeff Kolakowski said. “And that’s largely due to Deb’s leadership and influence — and her ability to bring new people into the fold, expand the profile of the PAC and make people appreciate how important it is to make sure the industry has pro-housing advocates in office.”
All of which has allowed the builders association and its affiliates to “be more on offense, as opposed to defense when it comes to policy,” Tantleff said, adding: “We are being sought out for our opinion and engagement on housing issues, as opposed to always having to be reactionary to a pending bill that might have very detrimental impacts on the industry.”
