Dr. Lesli Gooch is chief executive officer of the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI), where she leads the nation’s largest trade association representing all segments of the manufactured housing industry. Through her leadership, MHI has expanded its advocacy efforts, strengthened industry visibility and advanced policies designed to increase access to affordable homeownership through manufactured housing.
Over the past year, Gooch played a leading role in advocacy efforts surrounding the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, supporting provisions related to financing, zoning, construction standards and housing supply. She also worked closely with federal agencies and policymakers on initiatives designed to modernize regulations and expand opportunities for manufactured housing as a solution to the nation’s housing affordability challenges.
Gooch helped lead collaboration between MHI and HUD on the 2025 Innovating Housing Showcase, which featured manufactured homes on the National Mall and provided policymakers with firsthand exposure to modern manufactured housing. She has also expanded MHI’s state-level advocacy efforts, working with lawmakers and housing stakeholders to support legislation affecting manufactured housing communities and homeownership opportunities.
Under her leadership, MHI has experienced continued membership growth and increased engagement across the industry. She also launched the Industry Guardians program to strengthen grassroots advocacy and support policy efforts nationwide. Through her work with policymakers, regulators and industry leaders, Gooch continues to advance awareness of manufactured housing’s role in addressing housing supply challenges while supporting innovation, affordability and homeownership opportunities for consumers across the country.
Name:
Lesli Gooch
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
Company Name:
Manufactured Housing Institute
