CMM president Christopher Amato assumes leadership of the New Jersey Builders Association

Association represents builders, advancing education and housing affordability

Holmdel, NJ — The New Jersey Builders Association (NJBA) announced that Christopher Amato was installed as Chair of the New Jersey Builders Association at its January 7th Board of Directors meeting held at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ.

Christopher Amato is the president and CEO of CMM, Inc., a business started by his mother and father in 1983 which produces high-end custom homes and multi-family developments on the Jersey Shore and prides itself on delivering an unparalleled homeownership experience through its comprehensive service model: site selection, design, build, and maintenance.

NJBA is a housing industry trade association representing builders, developers, remodelers, subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, architects, consultants, and other professionals dedicated to meeting the housing needs of all New Jersey residents. NJBA serves as a resource for its members through continuing education and advocacy, and its members strive for a stronger, greener, and more affordable housing market throughout the state.

NJBA CEO Jeff Kolakowski stated, “Chris Amato brings a rare combination of hands-on construction experience, business leadership, and deep institutional knowledge of NJBA to the role of Chair. 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.”

New Jersey continues to face a severe housing supply crisis, driving prices and rents to historic highs and limiting opportunities for residents across all income levels and generations. Addressing these challenges remains a central priority for NJBA, which continues to advocate for policies that expand housing production, streamline regulatory processes, modernize approval processes, and encourage both market-rate and affordable housing development.

In his remarks following his installation, Chair Amato emphasized the importance of aligning policy with the operational realities faced by builders and developers.

“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.”

Installed alongside Chair Amato were NJBA’s 2026 elected officers:

• 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 & Company Accounting Firm

In addition to being a highly active member in the homebuilding associations at the national and state level, and formerly serving as president of the Shore Builders Association of Central NJ, Amato is committed to supporting his community through organizations like Rescue Ridge, the Manasquan Surf Team, HOPE Sheds Light, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Amato graduated from the University of Southern Maine in 2003 with a degree in Communications and is leading the development of New Jersey’s first St. Jude Dream Home.

Amato lives in Wall Township with his wife, Kristin, the stepmother to his children Anica (13) and Maylin (10).