■BIA President Mike Prandini is retiring after 19 years in the post.

■Madera County EDC Executive Director Darren Rose will take over BIA’s top spot.

■The BIA works with local agencies on behalf of builders and contractors.

After 19 years, the president of the Building Industry Association of Fresno Madera Counties, Mike Prandini, is retiring to enjoy time with his family.

Prandini, 78, first told the BIA a year ago that he planned to retire in 2024, he said.

Darren Rose, who is the executive director of the Madera County Economic Development Corp., will take over for Prandini. Prandini said it would take a few months for the transition.

“We are thrilled to welcome Darren Rose to the BIA team,” said BIA board chairman Zach Gomes. “His leadership skills, industry knowledge, and strategic vision make him the perfect fit to lead our association into the future.”

BIA Works to Keep Housing Prices Low: Prandini

Prandini has only had three jobs in his lifetime, he said. He served 33 years with the city of Clovis , finishing up there as finance director. Before that, he worked as an accountant.

With the BIA, Prandini said the effort to combat higher fees, regulations, restrictions, and other hurdles has largely remained the same. While impact or development fees may seem complex and affect only builders, Prandini said these issues filter down to raise home prices.

“The more fees the builders pay, they don’t pay those out of pocket, that’s all built into the price of the home,” Prandini said.

Even issues as seemingly mundane as what kind of curb is required can affect the cost of building a neighborhood.

Darius Assemi, president/CEO of Granville Homes and publisher of GV Wire, praised Prandini’s service to the industry and efforts to keep new homes affordable in the region.

“We will miss him tremendously and he has benefitted the BIA incredibly over the last two decades,” Assemi said. “I’m also very excited to hear that Darren Rose, who has incredible knowledge, enthusiasm, energy, and wisdom, is filling in his shoes.”

Rose’s Previous Work Translates Well

Rose has spent the last 18 months in his position at the EDC. While recruiting new businesses can sometimes take years to accomplish, In-N-Out Burger and Smart & Final came to Madera County during his tenure.

He also helped several businesses expand their footprint in Madera County.

The work at the EDC will transfer over well to the BIA, Rose said.

With the EDC, he advocated for or against policies affecting development at local agencies and governments. Now he will work more directly with private businesses, including contractors and developers.