Homebuilder, city council member balances business, life and politics

A second-generation home-builder from Point Pleasant, W.Va., knows how to balance business, family and politics.

Sandra J. Dunn serves as the first vice president of the National Association of Home Builders, a 235,000 member organization. She also owns and operates her own business, B.J. Builders, Inc., while remaining involved in politics and staying dedicated to her family.

B.J. Builders, Inc. was founded by Dunn's father more than 50 years ago and specializes in single-family, entry-level homes. She has held various leadership positions in the National Association of Home Builders, including chairmanships and involvement in six major committees.

She has served as the national vice president in 1988, 1989, 2000 and 2001, was named national representative of the year in 1998 and achieved the status of senior life director. This year, she is in line to become the national president.

Following in her father's footsteps, who chaired the Republican Party in Mason County for over 40 years, Sandra has also taken to politics, serving on her city council for four years.

She was also elected president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Charleston in 1987, rose to the state president of the association in 1991 and 1992 and received the Henry E. King award, the highest honor given to a builder, in 1997.

When it comes to family, Dunn is a mother of four and grandmother to five.

"I am the proud mother of four, the first pregnancy being a set of triplets, followed two-and-a-half years later with another beautiful daughter," Dunn said.

When she's not busy with her company, elected positions or family, Dunn loves to cook and read Danielle Steele novels.