How I Got Here: Lakisha A. Woods, CAE

Professional Development Associations Now September/October 2015

The current senior vice president and chief marketing officer at the National Association of Home Builders has come a long way since her first job as movie theatre cashier. Along the way she also ran a pageant and sold advertising.

Lakisha A. Woods, CAE
Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
National Association of Home Builders
Washington, DC

Lakisha Woods' career began almost 25 years ago when she worked as a cashier at the local movie theater in Fairbanks, Alaska. As the current CMO for the National Association of Home Builders, she says it's important to always look for new opportunities for product or service advancement in your association. She also shared this piece of advice: "If you enjoy the people you work with, you're more likely to enjoy the work you do. So find a way to incorporate excitement and joy in the everyday activities of your work." Here's a glimpse into her career path.


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A Working History

1990–1991: Movie theater cashier

1993–1997: Event director for the Ms. Petite and Miss Petite Teen Maryland and DC pageants

1996–1998: Account executive for TDI, selling outdoor, bus, and rail advertising

1998–2000: Director of product marketing at the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association

2001–2004: Executive director of marketing and e-business for Associated General Contractors of America

2004–Present: Senior vice president and chief marketing officer at the National Association of Home Builders