4 Standout Members Recognized with Associate Member Awards

The Associates of Excellence Awards honor Associate members for their remarkable contributions to the housing industry at the local, state and national levels in the following categories:

• Associate of the Year
• Bill Polley Advocate of BUILD-PAC
• One to Watch

The Associates of Excellence Awards also recognize a Builder member for his or her partnership with Associate members through the Builders Engaging Associate Members (BEAM) Award. This year’s winner is Alan Van Why, president of Noble Knights Construction Service, and a member of the HBA of Greater Knoxville.

"It is critical that members see the value of the network of professionals they have joined by increasing their revenue from other members," Van Why noted. "I began a mission in 2018 to use only HBA Associate members in every aspect of my projects."

Van Why added that one of the values of membership is the collective advocacy efforts of the association. The Bill Polley Advocate of BUILD-PAC Award recognizes an Associate member for his or her dedication to BUILD-PAC advocacy and efforts to increase Associate members' understanding of the importance of and engagement in BUILD-PAC. This year’s recipient is Billy Ray of Capital Concrete.

"He stresses to Associates, as well as Builders, that it is important to support BUILD-PAC so we can further our cause to provide housing without burdensome regulations," shared Vicky Bratton, executive director of the HBA of Jackson (Mich.).

Another Associate member who went above and beyond to secure the interests of builders is the 2019 Associate of the Year, Michael LeCorgne. LeCorgne has played an active role at all levels of the Federation, including serving as NAHB Associate National Area Chair (NAC) and achieving the status of Life Director in 2019.

His expertise in the home warranty field has also been invaluable to NAHB members in his home state of Louisiana and beyond.

"Mike's book of business entails sharing his expertise in the home warranty business with thousands of developers and builders," shared Jon Luther, CEO of HBA of Greater New Orleans. "Not only does Mike save builders hard-earned revenues with quality, proven products, it's his ability to be innovative in creating new warranty and insurance products that truly sets him apart from his peers."

Rachel Williams received the One to Watch award, which honors exemplary young professionals in the home building industry. "Rachel’s accomplishments thus far in the Association come from a results-drive, passionate person who is truly an outstanding member, as well as an outstanding individual," noted DeFord Walker of Southern Heritage Construction, 2019 president of the HBA of Jackson.

In addition to her One to Watch award, she has also been recognized by the HBA of Jackson with its 2019 Rising Star Award.

Congratulations to the 2019 Associates of Excellence Award winners, who were recognized at the International Builders’ Show last month. Visit nahb.org to see a full list of winners and nominees.