Hancock Builders Announces Leadership Transition: Founder Greg Hancock Passes the Torch to CEO Kelly Whiteley

Longtime Arizona Homebuilding Leader Enters New Era of Growth and Innovation

Hancock Builders, a longtime leader in Arizona homebuilding, today announced a pivotal leadership transition. Founder Greg Hancock will transition from CEO into the role of Chairman, while Kelly Whiteley (formerly Kelly Ward), a seasoned executive and one of the few women leading a major residential construction firm in the Southwest, has been named Chief Executive Officer.

Founded in 1976, Hancock Builders has shaped Arizona’s residential landscape for nearly five decades, delivering more than 25,000 homes and 5,000 build-for-rent units across the Valley. The company was recently recognized as the Valley’s No. 1 build-for-rent contractor by AZBEX. Under Hancock’s leadership, the firm became known for its quality, loyalty, and long-standing partnerships with brokers and subcontractors.

Hancock’s leadership cemented the company’s role as a cornerstone of Arizona’s residential landscape. His leadership style, marked by loyalty, integrity, and long-term relationships with real estate brokers and subcontractors, has fostered a highly experienced team. This includes his son, DJ Hancock, Vice President of Construction, who has led land development and construction field operations for the past five years, as well as senior staff members Janine Long (COO), Marianne Laupp (CFO), Bobbi Johnson VP of Land Development, Dan Cauble VP of Purchasing, and Steve Kunzweiler VP of Forward Planning, who together have more than 50 years of combined service.

“Leading Hancock Builders has been the honor of a lifetime,” Hancock said. “I will continue to focus on my passion for land acquisition. This company has always been about building quality, affordable housing for the Arizona community. I am proud of the legacy we’ve created, and equally proud to see Kelly and DJ carry it forward with the integrity, intelligence, and leadership our team and clients deserve.”

A fifth-generation Arizonan, Whiteley brings more than 15 years of experience in multi-family housing and construction. As the founder of MDU Technology Consultants and a longtime operations executive, she has already played a key role in guiding Hancock Builders through a strategic evolution, expanding its footprint into rental housing and next-generation build-for-rent communities.

Under Whiteley’s leadership, Hancock Builders will continue developing a portfolio of thoughtfully designed for-rent communities, as well as expanding into for-sale and commercial contracting.

“Stepping into this role is both an incredible responsibility and a privilege,” Whiteley said. “I’ve long admired what Greg built — not just in terms of homes, but in setting a standard for quality and community impact. As we move into this next chapter, we’re committed to honoring that legacy while continuing to push forward with innovation, sustainability and smart design for how people live today.”

Hancock has also been deeply committed to philanthropy, contributing nearly $600,000 to local nonprofits since 2023, including Tunnel to Towers, Phoenix Children’s Foundation, Boulder Crest Foundation, Arizona Animal Welfare League, All Sports Foundation, St. Mary’s Food Bank and many more. Hancock’s legacy of philanthropy will be carried into the next generation of Hancock Builders, with ongoing contributions to the local community.

For more information, visit www.hancock-az.com.