Jeff Kolakowski has over 25 years of experience in government relations, public policy, advocacy, and public affairs. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Builders Association (NJBA), the state's leading trade association representing the residential construction industry. In this role, he oversees the association's governance, operations, advocacy initiatives, and member engagement efforts. NJBA's members include residential and mixed-use builders, developers, remodelers, subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, architects, consultants, attorneys, and other professionals involved in the planning, development, construction, and improvement of housing throughout New Jersey.

As CEO, Jeff leads the association's advocacy efforts on a broad range of legislative, regulatory, and public policy issues, including housing, land use, redevelopment, economic development, environmental regulation, utility infrastructure, and building codes and standards. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively with elected officials, state agencies, industry stakeholders, and advocacy organizations to advance policies affecting housing affordability, economic growth, and community development in New Jersey. He is a frequent participant in legislative hearings, regulatory proceedings, and public policy discussions concerning housing and development issues throughout the state.

Prior to joining NJBA, Jeff held several positions with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and spent more than eight years serving as Chief of Staff to a member of the New Jersey General Assembly. He has also been involved in political campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels.

Jeff earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The College of New Jersey and a Master of Public Affairs and Politics from the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. He lives in Chesterfield, New Jersey, with his wife and two children and is an active member of his community.