Mark Knorringa is a long time leader in Riverside's homebuilding and community development industry. For over 35 years, he has been directly involved in land-use planning, overseeing the construction of master-planned communities and serving two terms as President of the Riverside County Building Industry Association (BIA). Mr. Knorringa also served as Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the Southern California BIA.

Immediately prior to taking the position of Executive Officer of the BIA, Mr. Knorringa was the Director of Development for Oak Valley Partners. In that capacity, he managed all phases of the Oak Valley Project, including entitlements, annexations, environmental review, development, construction and property sales.

Mr. Knorringa is considered to be one of the Inland Empire's leading experts in real estate, land-use and community development. His real estate expertise includes oversight of large-scale master planned community infrastructure installation; entitlement and development of several all-suite hotel projects; development of approximately one hundred single family homes and construction of three mobile home parks for public and private entities.

Mr. Knorringa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Chapman College.

Bill Blankenship joined the team of BIA-Riverside County Chapter as Director of Governmental Affairs in March of 2000. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to the position of Deputy Director. Bill's duties include overseeing the Riverside Chapter's governmental affairs which consist of Chapter involvement in election issues throughout Riverside County, leads both the targeting and recruiting efforts in various elections in Western Riverside County, monitors the governmental issues in the various municipalities of Western Riverside County, directs the Legislative Affairs Committee which meets on a monthly basis and plays an integral role in day to day office operations.

Bill's combination of education and extensive experience in the legislative affairs area include being both the District Director and Campaign Manager for Congressman Gary Miller. Bill also served as the Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Gary Miller. Other activities include the position of Field Representative for California State Senator Cathie Wright and Assemblyman Paul Woodruff. In addition, Bill has worked in numerous political campaigns and has served as Field Director for Cathie Wright for Lieutenant Governor, Campaign Manager for Paul Woodruff for Assembly and Voter Outreach Director for the Riverside and San Bernardino County Republican Party.

He resides in Redlands with his wife Tonja, his daughter Caroline and their Chocolate Labrador, Libby. He is a cycling enthusiast, antique collector and enjoys shooting trap and skeet. Bill has his A.A. Degree/Liberal Arts from Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa and also attended the University of California, Riverside

As Director of Governmental Affairs Tommy Thompson works with the BIA Governmental Affairs team to advocate for pro-homeownership policies throughout Western Riverside County.  Tommy is well acquainted with government and politics in Riverside County. Prior to receiving his bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Utah; he served an internship in Washington D.C. with the Hinckley Institute of Politics. He also holds an Associate's Degree in Business from BYU-Idaho.

Upon graduation from the University of Utah, Tommy and his wife moved back to California to work for the California State Legislature as a field representative.  After several years working for the Legislature, he moved from the public sector to the private sector working for Miles Property Preservation as Vice President. Here he worked with mortgage companies nationwide preserving and maintaining foreclosed properties for resale.  

In 2008, he was elected to a four year term as a member of the Board of Trustee for the Nuview Union School District.  Paramount to all his accomplishments is the establishment of his family. Tommy and his wife Ember are about to celebrate their ninth anniversary and have four children.

Michelle Kruse comes to the BIA with over 10 years professional sales and marketing experience. For the past six years Michelle has worked in the building industry as a sales counselor – most recently for DR Horton. Michelle has been active in the Sales and Marketing Council for the Desert Chapter and has been the recipient of their quarterly sales award several times. She also took advantage of the many classes offered by the NAHB and earned her Certified New Home Sales Professional certificate early in her career.

Prior to joining the homebuilding industry, Michelle attended California State University at Fullerton where she majored in Communications. After graduation, Michelle moved to the Riverside area and worked as the Director of Sales and Marketing for a national retail and manufacturing company. Michelle brings a great deal of passion and enthusiasm to this position. Michelle currently lives in San Jacinto with her husband, Brandon, and their two rescued American pit bull terriers, Smokey and Bandit. Michelle is a Certified Personal Trainer and Clinical Exercise Specialist and enjoys sharing her knowledge of heath and fitness with others. She is an avid runner and cyclist and has completed several marathons and triathlons. She also enjoys kickboxing, yoga, and cooking.

Brenda Le serves as the Director of Programs for the Building Industry Association, Riverside County Chapter. She comes with a thirteen year background in Event Planning, Floral Design and Event Decorating combined with eight years of Management and Supervisory experience. For the past 6 years, Brenda has worked in the financial sector of the building industry. During her time with AmTrust Bank, Brenda was an active member of both the BIA-Riverside and BIA-Baldy View Chapters. She volunteered from 2004-2008 on the Golf Committee and Installation Committee for BIA-Riverside. Brenda also served as a Board Member for the Women's Council, Riverside Division. In 2008, Brenda was named the Event Chair of the RC Women's Council until her employment began at BIA-Riverside in June 2008.

Michelle Peterson first came to the BIA Riverside County Chapter in June 2000 where she served as the Sign Program Assistant. In 2002 she was promoted to the position of Financial Administrator. Michelleís position is one of great importance to the BIA. Her duties include the entire handling of the Chapterís finances which consist of monthly preparations of financial statements, creating and managing budgets and maintaining the accounts receivable. She also continues to assist in the daily duties of running the Chapterís very successful sign program. In 2002, Michelle graduated from Cal State University of San Bernardino with a Bachelorís of Arts degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. In her spare time, she is actively involved in her church and its ministries as well as spending time with her family and friends. Michelle and her husband Daniel live in Hemet with their dog Daphne.

:: Jennifer Baumgartner

Jennifer joined the Riverside County BIA in April of 2007 as the Executive Assistant. Before joining the BIA, Jennifer worked for 6 years at Shea Homes in the Design Studio. Jennifer also has her Residential Interior Design Certificate and enjoys using her creativity whenever possible. Her present duties at BIA/RC include assisting Mark and Bill in the office, maintaining the BIA House and planning the Board of Directors and Legislative Affairs Committee meetings. Jennifer resides in Chino Hills with her daughters Cameron and Chloe. In her spare time Jennifer enjoys spending quality time with her children, and decorating.

Ray Hill worked on the House restoration project through his previous employer. Then, in December of 2005, Ray joined the BIA as the full time custodian at the BIA House. Ray has been married to his wife Donna, for 41 years. They currently live in Riverside where they enjoy spending time with their 2 adult children and 6 grandchildren. In his spare time, Ray also enjoys hiking and camping.