Kelly is president of Leon N. Weiner & Associates Inc., and has worked on single- and multifamily housing for decades.

Kelly said the association would work hard on behalf of members.

"Our focus this year will be to ensure that the housing market continues to strengthen," Kelly said. "We will fight to protect the mortgage interest deduction, the low-income housing tax credit and other vital housing tax provisions. We will work with the administration and members of Congress in a bipartisan manner to enact meaningful housing finance reform that includes a federal backstop to ensure sufficient mortgage liquidity for homeownership and rental housing opportunities. On the regulatory side, we will oppose unnecessary and burdensome regulations that harm home builders and consumers and seek major reforms in appraisal practices to ensure that appraisals accurately reflect true market values."

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell congratulated Kelly on the position.

"Kevin’s ascension to the top of this organization not only further affirms his leadership in advocating for home builders, but also in securing better housing opportunities for everyone," Markell said. "His commitment to affordable housing has made a difference for people in Delaware and his experience will serve him well as chairman of NAHB. I congratulate him on this honor."