FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – On January 23, 2025, the Flagler Home Builders Association held their annual gala at the Hammock Dunes Club, installing the 2025 President, Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

2025 President: Robbie Barrick, Integrity Homes has served on the Flagler HBA Board of Directors since 2023 and has been a Flagler HBA member since 2021.

2025 Executive Committee. Photo: Flagler News Weekly

2025 Executive Committee: Vice President- Frank Whalen (East Coast Building Corp.), Secretary- Ruen Beane (Allied Restoration & Construction), Vice President of Committees- Kaleigh Rickard (SmartGuard Shutters), Treasurer- Donald O’Brien (Hayward Brown), Immediate Past President- Lisa Stewart (Southern Title), and Past Vice President of Committees- Wendy Barbosa (Fifth Third Bank).

2025 Board of Directors: Builder Directors. Photo: Flagler News Weekly

2025 Board of Directors: Builder Directors- Sam Bond (Ascent Homes), Jay Curbow (Blue Water Homes), Tali DeJesus (1621 Building & Remodeling), Walker Douglas (Douglas Property & Development), Scott Sowers (Cline Construction), David Whelan (Hulbert Homes) and Associate Directors- Richard Collins (Goosehead Insurance), Michelle James (Space Coast Credit Union), Debby McAlister (Gotcha Covered), Teresa Schwarzkopf (Anchor Electric), Anjanette Stevens (Southern Title), Joseph Wright (Quantum Electrical Contractors).

Life Directors serving on the Board: Tony Amaral Jr., Jim Gonce, Sandra McDermott, Luis Medeiros, Eric Phillips, Robbie Richmond, Charles Rinek, Budd Severino, Brad M Thomas, Roy Waldhauer, and Frank Whalen.

In addition to the installation of the leadership team, the following Awards were presented:

2024 Builder of the Year: Frank Whalen, East Coast Building Corp. Frank has served as the Flagler HBA’s President multiple times as well as on State committees. One of his accomplishments to date was starting the first Future Builders of America in Flagler over 20 years ago. Unfortunately, teachers retire and school administration changes and the program went by the wayside. In 2023, he began working alongside Matanzas High School to start their first Future Builders of America. They have already doubled their membership, competed at SEBC and have students on the path to employment upon graduation.

2024 Associate of the Year: Michelle James, Space Coast Credit Union. Michelle has embodied the saying, “you get out what you put in” when it comes to involvement in the Flagler HBA. She joined the Association in 2022 then stepped into leadership in 2024, offering an important perspective and being a champion for the building industry.

2024 New Member of the Year Award: Teresa Schwarzkopf, Anchor Electric. When Teresa and her husband Dan attended their first General Membership Meeting they immediately made connections and got involved. They’re strong advocates of our industry, training apprentices, doing business with members and combating unlicensed activity.

2024 Good Government Award: Donald O’Brien, Hayward Brown. Don has been a dedicated member of our community since 1990. He has a servant’s heart and that is evident in his willingness to volunteer, mentor and listen. He served for 8 years as Flagler County Commissioner. In this role, Don always did his research, listened to the constituents and groups who would be affected. His calm demeanor and intent to always do what was right for the community he served earned Donald this prestigious honor.

From left, Teresa Schwarzkopf, Annamaria Long, Frank Whalen, and Michelle James. Not pictured, Donald O’Brien. Photo: Danielle Anderson/Flagler News Weekly

Photos: Flagler News Weekly