Chris Amato, pictured at a Spring Lake construction site in 2020, is CEO and president of CMM Custom Homes in Wall Township. — Photo by Aaron Houston for Real Estate NJ
By Joshua Burd
The New Jersey Builders Association has installed Christopher Amato as its new chair, a key post for the influential trade association and its critical advocacy and education platform.
Amato, who was sworn in at the group’s Jan. 7 board meeting at Bell Works in Holmdel, is CEO and president of the high-end custom home and multifamily development business known as CMM Inc. He succeeds Debra Tantleff, leading a newly elected board of officers that also includes:
- Vice Chair: John Kirkenir, Alliance Homes
- Treasurer: Kristi Veri, Cleanscape Construction
- Secretary: James Pittenger, Pittenger Builders
- Associate Vice Chair: Thomas Trautner, Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC
- Second Associate Vice Chair: Christopher Cowan, Wiss
“Chris Amato brings a rare combination of hands-on construction experience, business leadership and deep institutional knowledge of NJBA to the role of chair,” said Jeff Kolakowski, the organization’s CEO. “Having worked in every facet of a family-owned building company, Chris understands both the operational realities facing builders and the policy challenges that affect housing affordability statewide. I look forward to working closely with him as NJBA continues to advocate for smart, balanced solutions to New Jersey’s housing shortage.”
NJBA, which hosts the popular Atlantic Builders Convention every March, represents builders, developers, remodelers, subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, architects, consultants and other professionals involved in New Jersey’s housing industry. Its focus on behalf of members includes continuing education and advocacy in pursuit of what it described as a stronger, greener and more affordable housing market throughout the state.
The association noted that Amato leads the business started by his parents in 1983, providing a comprehensive model that comprises site selection, design, build and maintenance. CMM has been a fixture in the Jersey Shore region, with Amato having served as a former president of the Shore Builders Association of Central New Jersey.
He’ll now lead NJBA’s board as it continues to grapple with the state’s severe housing supply and affordability crisis and advocates for policies that expand production, streamline regulatory processes, modernize approval processes and encourage both market-rate and affordable development.
“I am honored to serve as chair of NJBA at such a critical moment for housing in New Jersey,” Amato said. “Our industry is ready to deliver the homes New Jersey families need, but meaningful progress requires collaboration, regulatory certainty and a shared commitment to affordability. I look forward to working with our members, policymakers and partners to advance solutions that strengthen communities and expand housing opportunity statewide.”
Amato, a Wall Township resident and University of Southern Maine graduate, is leading the development of New Jersey’s first St. Jude Dream Home, NJBA said. The Wall Township resident also supports organizations like Rescue Ridge, the Manasquan Surf Team, HOPE Sheds Light and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
