Fischer Homes has appointed new leadership for its Raleigh division, the newest market of operation for the No. 31 company on the 2025 Builder 100 list. In addition, the company named a president for its newly established South region and appointed new market presidents to support growth in its northern Kentucky and Louisville divisions.Â
The new leadership appointments include:
- Jason Finch as president of Fischer Homes’ South region, encompassing the builder’s divisions in Raleigh; Atlanta; Louisville, Kentucky; Panama City Beach, Florida; and northern Kentucky
- Steve Whaley as market president for Fischer Homes’ Raleigh division
- David Bracht as market president for the builder’s Louisville divisionÂ
- Gemma Maxwell as market president for the northern Kentucky division
Raleigh Expansion Plans
Fischer Homes announced plans to enter the Raleigh market in 2024 and appointed James Mitchell as vice president of land acquisition for the division last July. As market president, Steve Whaley has been tasked with spearheading the builder’s organic growth in the No. 14 market on Zonda’s 2025 Local Leaders list.Â
“Raleigh is a natural next step for Fischer Homes. The region has shown steady economic growth for decades and ranks among the top U.S. markets for job creation—fueling strong demand for new housing,” Whaley tells BUILDER. “The Triangle region offers a rare mix—it’s a state capital, a rising tech center, and home to some of the nation’s top universities. It’s strong infrastructure, high quality of life, and mild climate make it a magnet for talent and a leading destination for retirees.”
Whaley most recently served as Fischer Homes’ senior vice president of corporate strategy. He joined the builder in 2012, holding roles of increasing responsibility, including corporate marketing manager and director of marketing. He has also held leadership roles at Perfetti Van Melle and Procter & Gamble.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to bring a range of experiences to my role at Fischer Homes, both from within the homebuilding industry and from outside it,” he says. “My roles have taught me the power of disciplined strategic planning, data-informed decision making, and the importance of aligning teams around a common vision.”
Fischer Homes currently controls more than 1,200 homesite across the Raleigh region. Most of the builder’s land positions are located in Wake County, with additional sites in Johnston, Harnett, and Orange counties. Development is already underway on Fischer Homes’ first North Carolina community—Watson at Flowers Plantation in Clayton—which is expected to begin construction later this summer.
Divisional Realignment
As part of the leadership appointments, Jason Finch will now oversee Fischer Homes’ newly established South region, which covers markets in North Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, and Florida.
“This opportunity reflects the collective efforts of an exceptional team, and I remain committed to leading with integrity, strategic vision, and a continued focus on delivering quality homes,” Finch says.
Finch joined Fischer Homes in 2013 as a sales manager before advancing to division manager and then market president in the northern Kentucky division. Under his leadership, the division was recognized as Fischer Homes’ division of the year in 2018, 2019, and 2023.
“For me, [the new role] is about following our playbook to deliver an exceptional customer experience, finding land in the right location, and delivering thoughtfully designed homes and communities,” Finch tells BUILDER. “We have amazing teams in place in these regions, and I look forward to working with them to continue growing our business in such dynamic locations—applying many of the insights I’ve gained and the strategies we’ve implemented here in our home market [of northern Kentucky].”
Kentucky and Louisville Divisions
Gemma Maxwell will succeed Finch as the market president of Fischer Homes’ northern Kentucky division. She joined the company in 2015 as a sales associate and has also served as a corporate strategic manager, land acquisition manager, and vice president of land acquisition.
“My background in sales, strategic marketing, land acquisition, and most recently, leading land efforts across multiple regions has equipped me to support and guide an already strong and thriving team,” she tells BUILDER. “It’s an honor to step into a leadership role in the region where Fischer Homes was founded in 1980, and I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.”
David Bracht, the recently appointed market president in Louisville, is new to the Fischer Homes team, bringing over 34 years of industry experience. He has held senior leadership roles with PulteGroup, Lennar, Oakwood Homes, Drees Homes, and Richmond American Homes.
“Fischer Homes has been a company I’ve admired for many years, so it’s a privilege to now be a part of its continued growth in the Louisville market,” Bracht says. “Louisville presents a tremendous opportunity, with its strong job market, vibrant community, and affordability that makes homeownership accessible.”Fischer Homes closed 3,019 homes in 2024 and has new home communities in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, and Florida. The builder’s parent company, Fischer Group, recently announced plans to relocate its corporate headquarters to Covington, Kentucky.
