As it gathered for a final time in 2024, the PDCA Texas Chapter descended on Houston's Spindletap Brewery on Tuesday, Nov. 12, for an evening of networking, recapping an active and productive year, and forming the 2025 leadership team.

(L-R) Thatcher, Verble

Following social time, President Condon Verble and Vice President Mickey Thatcher welcomed the attendees and addressed several Chapter business items which included a report on the recent, successful golf tournament and an introduction of  new initiatives that Chapter intends to roll out in 2025 through the appointments of two additional, Board level positions. Keep reading to meet the new appointees. They also indicated that 2025 would include another golf tournament in Mont Belviue, a lunch & learn educational event, and aspirational visits to the offices/shops of two members, one vendor and one supplier. The visits ideally would include a tour and member meeting; the Chapter is accepting facility proposals for this new program.

 

(L-R) Brodnax, Leal

Topping the business agenda at the meeting was electing two new officers. Per the Chapter bylaws, the seats of Secretary and Treasurer open up every two years, and outgoing Secretary Mike Leal (pictured, right) and Treasurer Derek Brodnax (pictured, left) are finishing the second year of their term. Both gentleman gave some parting remarks, including their gratitude to all Chapter members for supporting the organization that was remade just three years ago. They were an integral part of the 2021 formation of the original Board and have worked tirelessly to grow the Chapter in the years since. Members enthusiastically applauded the two gentleman for the advancements they helped facilitate.

President Verble indicated that two individuals had been nominated to fill the two openings on the executive leadership team, and he called for a vote for Treasurer. Erica Ferens was the nominee and she garnered unanimous support of the voters. The business development director at JD Fields & Co. assumes the new position and begins a two year term in January. She offered a few remarks about her new role. Next, the members were presented a nominee for Secretary; Jene Adler from Orion Marine Group. She too quickly won the voters' support and will serve in that role for two years. She also briefly introduced herself and conveyed her commitment to assisting the Chapter in this capacity.

Ferens

Adler

Knight

Burns

The two, newly introduced Board appointments were for Planning Committee Director, which will be filled by Matthew Knight of Aggregate Technologies, Inc. He took a couple minutes to share his vision for growing the Chapter footprint and engaging new support in the regional piling community. Also, John Burns from PACO Construction Equipment was named the Scholarship Committee Director. He spoke for a few moments to outline his approach giving back to the industry through a scholarship program which he and the leadership believe is critical to the strength and longevity for the organization.  Watch this space, PDCA publications, and your inbox for forthcoming announcements on PDCA Texas Chapter news and events.

Scenes from the Texas Chapter meeting on November 12, 2024: