AUSTIN, Texas – At the Texas Association of Builders Board of Directors meeting on November 5 at the Hyatt Regency Austin, TAB announced Presidential Distinguished Service Awards recognizing members and local association staff whose leadership and service strengthen both the association and the homebuilding industry. The 2025 honorees exemplify outstanding commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and community impact.
2025 PRESIDENTIAL DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS RECIPIENTS
During the 89th Texas Legislative Session, Ray Adauto, Mike Dishberger, Bill Ellison, Zach Gavos, Ryan and Meredith Joyce, Jonathan Killebrew, David Lehde, Frank Murphy, Hank Smith, and Elizabeth York played a critical role in shaping housing policy by testifying before legislative committees and meeting with state leaders. Their firsthand expertise helped lawmakers understand how proposed legislation would affect builders, suppliers, and homeowners, ensuring that TAB remained a trusted voice in the policymaking process.
TAB’s committee chairs also stood out for their leadership and insight. Sam Mezayek, Government Relations Committee Chair; Cara Tackett, Developers Council Chair; Mindy Hamilton, Young Professional Council Chair; James Rodriguez, Codes & Standards Committee Chair; and Kristal Casey, Associates Committee Chair, each united their members around key priorities and represented TAB with professionalism before the Legislature. Kristal also helped secure a $25,000 incentive from the City of Houston in recognition of TAB’s commitment to host the 2027 Sunbelt Builders Show™ there.
When severe flooding hit the Texas Hill Country and Central Texas this summer, Colby Duke immediately mobilized the three HBAs he serves—the Greater San Antonio, Greater New Braunfels, and Hill Country Builders Associations—to provide relief to affected families. Within hours, he organized donations, supply drives, and community support efforts that continue to help Texans recover today.
For over three decades, James Rudnicki, along with Don Shelton and Tyler Hood of Bush Rudnicki Shelton, has contributed to the success of the TAB Promulgated Form Contracts—one of the most valuable business tools available to builders. What began as a single document has grown into a collection of more than 100 contracts that safeguard Texas builders and their businesses, thanks to their continued dedication and expertise.
These honorees embody TAB’s mission to protect housing affordability, promote sound public policy, and strengthen the communities we serve. Their initiative, service, and leadership continue to set the standard for excellence in the Texas homebuilding industry.
About the Texas Association of Builders: Founded in 1946, the Texas Association of Builders is an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders and has 27 local home builders associations across Texas. With a membership of nearly 10,000 representing over 758,000 jobs and more than $71.5 billion annually in the Texas economy, TAB plays a crucial role in providing housing for Texans. For more information about the Texas Association of Builders, visit www.TexasBuilders.org.