PLANO, Texas – The Texas Association of Builders (TAB) announced its 2026 Presidential Distinguished Service Awards at its Nov. 12 Board of Directors meeting at the Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center. The awards recognize members and local association partners whose leadership and service strengthen TAB and the Texas homebuilding industry. This year’s honorees helped shape housing policy, expanded opportunities for members to lead and connect, and supported events that bring the industry together.
2026 PRESIDENTIAL DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS RECIPIENTS
Frank Murphy, James Rodriguez, Hank Smith, Trey Summers, Cara Tackett and the Winstead law firm were recognized for bringing firsthand industry expertise to the legislative process through their testimony. They helped lawmakers understand how proposed legislation would affect builders, suppliers and Texas homeowners and advocated for policies that support housing affordability, job creation and economic growth.Â
Heather Laminack and Jeanne Conger helped expand Professional Women in Building (PWB) councils across Texas and broadened the state’s representation on the National Association of Home Builders’ PWB Council.Â
Scott Whisenant of StrucSure Home Warranty brought his distinctive voice and humor to the stage as emcee of the 2026 Star Awards.Â
The Heart of Texas Builders Association was honored for hosting the Texas Executive Officers Association’s August education conference in Waco and welcoming local association executives from across the state. Jeri Lynn Jones, the association’s executive officer, accepted the award on its behalf.Â
Leslie Schey of 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, a longtime TAB Life Director, was recognized for decades of volunteer service and 25 years of perfect attendance at TAB meetings. Schey holds memberships in multiple local associations in TAB’s Area 4 and has served on the Associates Committee, the Sunbelt Committee and the Professional Women in Building Council, among others.Â
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.