Sara Dieringer Installed as 2026 Home Builders Association Board President

Sara Dieringer of Cardel Homes, was installed as 2026 HBA Board President at the HBA Annual Meeting on October 23rd. Below are her inaugural remarks:

"It’s truly an honor to be standing here before you tonight. I’m incredibly proud, and maybe a little nervous, to accept the position of Board President for 2026.

I know this role comes with great responsibility, a lot of meetings, and most scary, a microphone. So here we are!

First, I want to thank Jason Brown for his steady and thoughtful leadership this past year.

Jason, your calm guidance helped the board come together to create a strong three-year Strategic Plan, an incredible milestone that sets the stage for the HBA’s future. You’ve been a steady hand and a clear voice, and we’re all better for it.

I’ve had the privilege of following in your footsteps before when I took over as Membership Chair years ago, and I’m proud to follow you once again. You’ve laid a clear and solid path, one that’s not only easy to continue but inspiring to build upon. Thank you for your dedication, your vision, and your unwavering commitment to our organization.

Three years ago, when Randy Carpenter asked me to join the HBA board leadership ladder, I said yes, but I’ll admit, I had a moment of hesitation. And not just because I knew it would eventually mean standing up here and giving a speech in front of all of you!

I was only a year into my role as Division President at Cardel Homes, and I expected to feel out of place among a board full of seasoned professionals.

But what I found was something entirely different.

I found a group of humble, hands-on leaders, people rolling up their sleeves, working together to make a real impact. A group that advocates for homebuilders, collaborates for the greater good, and steps up without hesitation.

Whether it’s judging a high school construction skills competition, leading an HBF project, or speaking on behalf of the HBA at the Capitol or with public officials, this group shows up. And they don’t just show up, they bring energy, ideas, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Through my role on the board, along with experience chairing the Membership Committee, the Parade of Homes Committee, and serving on the Professional Women in Building board, one thing has become very clear: the strength of the HBA staff. Their dedication, professionalism, and inspired vision are the backbone of everything we do.

Ted, working closely with you over the past few years has been no exception. Your leadership and support have made a lasting impact, and I’m truly grateful.

This year, I’m focused on bringing our Strategic Plan to life. It’s built around growing our membership, strengthening our advocacy efforts, and educating the public on the issues that impact our ability to provide housing for all. With the challenges we’re facing in today’s market, one of the most important steps will be creating new, sustainable income sources to keep our organization strong for years to come.

I’m also very passionate about workforce development. As a parent, I’ve seen how powerful it is when a young person finds their path. I’ll never forget a day at the pool when my son, instead of swimming, spent the whole afternoon at the chain link fence, watching a crew build a school.

He was completely captivated.

That moment reminded me how important it is to create opportunities for kids like him, kids who are drawn to the trades, who see possibility in a pile of lumber and a blueprint.

This year, I want to help open more doors for the next generation and make sure our industry continues to thrive. Because someone has to build the future, and we want to make sure they’re ready, supported, and proud to be part of this industry.

I’m truly honored to take on this role, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. We have challenges to face, yes, but we also have incredible people, a strong plan, and a shared commitment to making a difference.

Thank you for your trust and support. I’m looking forward to working alongside each of you, continuing the great work already underway, and helping shape a future we can all be proud of.

Thank you!"