Past Leaders
A Legacy Of Leadership
Honoring the Leaders Who Helped Build GCBX
Since its founding in 1952, the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange has been shaped by the vision, leadership, and dedication of members who chose to serve something greater than their own businesses.
Through changing markets, economic cycles, industry challenges, and decades of regional growth, these volunteer leaders helped guide the organization forward. They strengthened relationships across the commercial construction industry, championed advocacy efforts, fostered collaboration among members, and helped build the culture of service that continues to define GCBX today.
Their leadership extended beyond board meetings and titles. They invested their time, shared their expertise, mentored future leaders, and worked to ensure that GCBX remained a trusted resource and respected voice for the industry.
The success and strength of GCBX today are a direct reflection of the commitment, vision, and leadership of those who came before us. We proudly recognize and thank the individuals whose service helped build the foundation upon which future generations continue to grow.
Past Presidents & Chairmen
Paul Beall (1953–1954)
J.W. Harvey (1955–1956)
T.T. Watson (1957, 1961–1962)
John Burgstiner (1958–1960)
Alfred M. Rappaport (1962)
Warren Beall (1963, 1964–1966, 1971)
Glen Phelps (1967)
Joseph Dimodica (1968–1969)
Russell A. Currin, Jr. (1970)
William J. Scheb (1972)
John Sheffield (1973)
William D. Halfacre (1974)
Ron A. Royal (1975)
Glenn D. Walters (1976)
Dudley E. Collins (1977)
Albert L. Conyers (1978, 1988)
John M. Neel (1979)
Bill Dove (1980)
David Rosser (1981)
John A. Brannen (1982)
Ronald Kauffman (1983)
Jerry Stenski (1984)
Al Smith (1985)
Eric Ortloff (1986)
Jeff Knuckles (1987)
Leighton Hunter (1989)
William A. Ross, Jr. (1990)
Fred M. Starling (1991)
Tim Hensey (1992)
Joe Aycock (1993)
Steve Anderson (1994)
Billy Franklin, Jr. (1995)
Richard A. Stehle (1996–1997)
Robert L. "Bob" Howard (1998)
J. Michael Bell, P.E. (1999)
Donald F. McDonough (2000)
Stephen Thompson, Esq. (2001)
Brian Hennesey (2002)
Thomas R. Walter, AIA (2003)
Jack Cox (2004)
Gregory M. Burkhart (2005)
Alan P. Zirkelbach (2006)
Mark Anderson (2007)
Doug Sutter (2008)
Jeff Charlotte (2009)
Bill Jarvis (2010)
Lemuel Sharp III (2011)
Darrell Turner (2012)
Jason Swift (2013)
Russ Bobbitt (2014)
Mary Forristall (2015)
Paul Stehle (2016)
Kevin Hicks (2017)
Brian Leaver (2018)
David Karins (2019)
Mike Bennett (2020–2021)
Mark Freeman (2022)
Chuck Jacobson (2023)
Brett Raymaker (2024)
Burt Whitenight (2025)
Past Executive Leadership
Behind every successful organization are leaders who provide stability, vision, and continuity. Throughout its history, GCBX has been fortunate to benefit from dedicated Executive Directors who worked alongside volunteer leaders to strengthen the organization, support its members, and help guide the commercial construction industry throughout our region.
Executive Director | 2009–2024
For more than sixteen years, Mary Dougherty served as the heart of the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange, guiding the organization with purpose, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to its mission.
Her leadership strengthened not only GCBX but the broader commercial construction community throughout the region. Through her deep understanding of the industry, dedication to member service, and ability to build meaningful relationships, Mary helped foster collaboration among business leaders, industry professionals, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
Working alongside numerous Board Chairs and volunteer leaders, Mary provided continuity, institutional knowledge, and steady leadership during a period of growth and change. Her efforts helped advance the interests of the industry, strengthen the organization, and reinforce the culture of service and connection that continues to define GCBX today.
The Gulf Coast Builders Exchange is grateful for Mary's years of service and the lasting impact she made on the organization, its members, and the commercial construction industry.