2026 Annual Awards Recipients Honored at HBA Annual Meeting
The Home Builders Association of Metro Denver held the 2026 Annual Meeting on Thursday. October 29th at DCSD Legacy Campus. The ceremonies were emceed by HBA CEO Ted Leighty. It was a celebratory evening as Sara Dieringer of Cardel Homes Toll Brothers. The HBA also presented the highly coveted awards for Associate of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Advocate of the Year, and Home Builder of the Year.
Sara Dieringer, President of the HBA began the night by thanking the generous HBA members who sponsored the event: HBA Organizational Partners Wings Credit Union, Pella Windows & Doors of Denver & Northern Colorado, Fusion Sign & Design, Top Rail Fence, One Call Rentals, and Builders FirstSource. Annual Meeting Diamond Sponsor: Dandelion Energy. Event sponsors Empire Drafting and Design, HR Green, Koelbel & Company, Redland, Saddleback Design, Snavely Forest Products, Sound Capital, Specialty Appliance, StrucSure Home Warranty, Taylor Morrison of Colorado, Toll Brothers, Tri Pointe Homes, and Westlake Royal Building Products as before sharing her perspective on the year in review.
As the evening proceeded, a whole-hearted thank you and applause were given to the serving 2026 HBA Board Members. Nominating Committee Chair and Immediate Past President Jason Brown then took attendees through the Board of Directors nominating process, announced the 12 elected builder/developer members that were elected to serve on the 2027 HBA Board of Directors, and called for ratification of the vote.
With that, Sara Dieringer administered the 2027 HBA presidential oath for Reggie Carveth and presented him with the customary gavel. Carveth then took over with the installation of the 2027 Board of Directors, and provided his inaugural remarks.
After the induction of the board, HBA CEO, Ted Leighty presented the 2026 Awards for Associate, Volunteer, Advocate, and Home Builder of the Year:
2026 Associate of the Year: Erin Hurley
This individual has spent 2026 embodying what Associate Member of the Year is meant to recognize: dedicated, hands-on service that strengthens both the Association and the broader community it serves.
As All Council Leadership for the HBA, this individual has served as a vital connection across the Association’s councils. They have led and prepared Council Board agendas, Executive Committee and Board of Directors reports, and personally managed three simultaneous council leadership transitions, carefully coordinating communications to honor departing leaders while welcoming successors and building momentum for the year ahead.
When a council leadership role transitioned to a new chair, the nominee developed a comprehensive leadership launch that included welcome communications, networking event promotion, a membership survey, and support for a community project providing a dedicated space for mothers and children at a local family shelter. This effort included a ribbon-cutting celebration in partnership with a community nonprofit, along with support for other council initiatives.
The nominee’s earlier service as a council chair reflects a sustained, multi-year commitment to the Association’s leadership pipeline and the development of future leaders.
Their community impact extends well beyond council governance. They have been an advocate for HomeAid Colorado since 2017, supporting projects that serve individuals and families in need. Their recent volunteer involvement has included the Tall Tales Ranch ribbon cutting, BeyondHome support in Arvada, and Mountain States Children's Home Cottage #6 with PWB in 2022.
The nominee also serves on the planning committee for Builders For Babies, always a volunteer day-off lead at the event, amplifying a cause that directly serves families in need - and one that makes a meaningful difference in the community.
What distinguishes this individual is not any single initiative but the consistency behind all of them: a genuine gratitude for this community and a belief that leadership means making others successful. Whether preparing a board report, mentoring an emerging professional, or supporting a community celebration, this individual shows up prepared, generous, and fully invested in the HBA’s mission.
For their substantial contributions to council governance, long-standing community service, and the exemplary spirit they bring to every endeavor, Erin Hurley is a deserving candidate for Associate Member of the Year.
It’s our honor to recognize this year’s Associate of the Year… Erin Hurley, Builders Design.
2026 Volunteer of the Year: Jessica Pappas
As a fellow council leader, I have had a front-row view of this member’s leadership this year, and their impact on the council and the Association has been remarkable. As the 2026 Chair of the Professional Women in Building Council dedicated to supporting women in the building industry, this individual led with energy, steadiness, and heart.
The nominee led the council in producing a successful women's conference that brought together women from across the industry to learn, connect, and grow. The event reflected the council’s mission and the strength of the community they have helped build.
Increasing Engagement - this nominee brought new energy to her council, strengthening participation and deepening connections among members. Under her leadership, the council continued to grow as a welcoming community for women across every part of the building industry.
Leading Through Change with Poise - This year, the nominee navigated significant changes within the council’s executive committee and leadership succession process. She handled each transition with grace, leaned in to support their team, and kept the council focused and moving forward.
The nominee is a passionate advocate for supporting and elevating women in the building industry. They give generously of their time and talent, and the council is stronger because of their leadership.
In addition to their council leadership, the nominee has committed to serving as an ambassador for the HBA’s membership efforts beginning in 2027, demonstrating a continued dedication to strengthening the Association and welcoming new members.
We are proud to nominate Jessica Pappas for this recognition.
Please join me in congratulating our 2026 HBA Volunteer of the Year… Jessica Pappas, of HomeSphere!
2026 Home Builder of the Year: Dana Keller
I am honored to nominate an outstanding member of the home building community for Home Builder Member of the Year. Through this individual’s leadership, their company made one of the most significant commitments to the 2026 Denver Parade of Homes in recent memory. Their participation went well beyond a standard entry. It expanded the Parade’s reach, introduced a new format, and strengthened the event’s value for the HBA and the Home Builders Foundation.
Extending the Parade to the Mountains - Three model homes in a mountain community were brought into the Parade’s mountain showcase, expanding the event beyond the Denver metro area. The nominee also worked with Grand County's home builders association and successfully recruited 3 fellow builders to participate as well, introducing the HBA of Metro Denver to a new audience of potential buyers and industry partners.
Investing in and Launching the Parade of Homes Designer Challenge - Two identical townhomes were entered by this builder for the Parade’s first head-to-head design competition. Each home featured its own distinct design vision, and visitors voted for their favorite. This innovative format brought fresh energy and engagement to the event.
The nominee worked tirelessly to promote the Parade through media appearances, press releases, and other outreach efforts, raising visibility, encouraging participation, and driving ticket sales. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Home Builders Foundation. Working within a tight timeline, the nominee helped bring every element together to ensure everything was ready for opening day.
This individual’s commitment to the Association extends beyond the Parade. They stepped up to lead The Sales & Marketing Council ahead of their official term as Chair, providing steady leadership during a time of transition and helping position the council for a strong year ahead.
Throughout it all, this individual has led with dedication, kindness, and grace. Their vision and generosity elevated the Parade of Homes and strengthened the Association, demonstrating what is possible when a builder fully invests in the HBA. This nominee represents the very best of our industry, and I am proud to recommend them for this recognition.
It is my honor and pleasure to announce Dana Keller of Koebel & Company as the 2026 Builder of the Year.
2026 Advocate of the Year: Dan Galasso
For the past 10 years, this year’s Advocate of the Year has been a dedicated champion for the home building industry and an invaluable contributor to the HBA of Metro Denver. Through his many years of service as Chair of the Regulated Utilities Committee, a board member of the Metro Housing Coalition, and, for the past three years, Chair of the Government Affairs Committee, this individual has helped lead some of the HBA’s most impactful advocacy efforts.
Under his leadership, the HBA has helped repeal fire sprinkler mandates in Erie and Commerce City, secure a 40% reduction in impact fees in Commerce City, and implement a tiered water fee structure in Castle Rock. These and many other accomplishments have helped deliver more than $31 million in savings for Metro Denver builders over the past 12 months alone.
His commitment to the industry goes well beyond his professional responsibilities. Through countless hours of service, collaborative leadership, and a steadfast dedication to advancing the interests of home builders, he has helped deliver meaningful results for our members, our association and aspiring homeowners and communities across the Denver Metro Area.
It is our privilege to recognize an individual whose leadership and advocacy have made such a lasting impact on our industry.
Please join me in congratulating the HBA of Metro Denver’s 2026 Advocate of the Year… Dan Galasso, Vice President of Land Acquisition at Tri Pointe Homes!
Congratulations to the 2026 Annual Awards Recipients!