The Texas Construction News staff writer
AUSTIN — The Texas Association of Builders (TAB) has announced its 2025 Presidential Distinguished Service Awards, recognizing members and local staff for outstanding commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and community impact.
The awards were presented at the TAB Board of Directors meeting on Nov. 5 at the Hyatt Regency Austin.
Ten members were honored for their role in shaping housing policy during the 89th Texas Legislative Session. According to the TAB announcement, Ray Adauto, Mike Dishberger, Bill Ellison, Zach Gavos, Ryan and Meredith Joyce, Jonathan Killebrew, David Lehde, Frank Murphy, Hank Smith, and Elizabeth York were recognized for testifying before legislative committees and meeting with state leaders.
Their “firsthand expertise helped lawmakers understand how proposed legislation would affect builders, suppliers, and homeowners,” the association stated.
Five committee chairs were also honored for their leadership and for uniting members on key priorities:
- Sam Mezayek, Government Relations Committee Chair
- Cara Tackett, Developers Council Chair
- Mindy Hamilton, Young Professional Council Chair
- James Rodriguez, Codes & Standards Committee Chair
- Kristal Casey, Associates Committee Chair
TAB also noted that Casey was instrumental in helping secure a $25,000 incentive from the City of Houston in recognition of TAB’s commitment to host the 2027 Sunbelt Builders Show™ in the city.
For community impact, Colby Duke was recognized for his response to severe flooding in the Texas Hill Country and Central Texas this summer. Duke mobilized three local associations—the Greater San Antonio, Greater New Braunfels, and Hill Country Builders Associations—to organize donations, supply drives, and community support for affected families.
Long-term contributions were also celebrated. James Rudnicki, Don Shelton, and Tyler Hood of Bush Rudnicki Shelton were honored for their work over three decades on the TAB Promulgated Form Contracts. The association credited their expertise with growing the system from a single document to a collection of more than 100 contracts that safeguard Texas builders.
TAB,, founded in 1946, represents nearly 10,000 members across 27 local associations.
